Strong testimony to the value of the educational work among the negroes is found in _Harpers' Weekly_ for February 10th. In an able editorial on "Negro Education," we find the following: "The storm and stress period of the South is still upon it. The curse of slavery has not yet been removed. But it is clear that the schools are sending the light into the dark places, and that everything that shuts off or reduces the brilliancy of the light is inimical not only to the negro, but to the whites themselves, to the South, and to the whole country." No truer word than this could be spoken. The education of the negro is not a question of sectional or local importance alone. It is fundamental to the safety and development of our country. There are in the Southern public schools 27,445 teachers employed in teaching negroes. Twenty-six per cent. of the average attendance of school children in the Southern States, including the District of Columbia, are negroes. The total enrollment of the blacks constitute, however, only 52 per cent. of the children of that race of school age. This fact again emphasizes the necessity of such schools as the American Missionary Association plants among these black people. The high grade and exceptional character of these schools are certainly worthy of commendation. The report of our commissioners based upon facts personally and independently gathered by each will present the conditions as they are. The years of heroic and sacrificial service on the part of a body of missionaries and teachers, unsurpassed in any field, are bringing their legitimate and noble fruitage. * * * * * FIFTY-FOURTH ANNUAL MEETING. Springfield, Mass., has set the doors of its hospitality wide open in its welcome to the Fifty-fourth Annual Meeting of the American Missionary Association. This city occupies an ideal position for such a convention. It is the center of many railroad lines, both steam and electric. A large population are resident in the towns and cities and countryside, easily accessible through these lines of transportation. It is so located geographically that many of our most populous states are within easy distance. Add to this the cordial enthusiasm of the churches and citizens who invite the Association, and we have every element of a great and inspiring meeting. Already committees are organized and arrangements are being perfected for this meeting. Full particulars will be given in a future number of the MISSIONARY, and in our Congregational papers. Rev. Philip S. Moxom, D.D., Springfield, Mass., is the chairman of the general committee, and will receive and pass over to the proper sub-committee any correspondence which may reach him. * * * * * TILLOTSON COLLEGE, AUSTIN, TEXAS. M. R. GAINES, PRESIDENT. [Illustration: ALLEN HALL, TILLOTSON COLLEGE]