Texas was said to have good public-schools, and it was my plan to try the “Lone Star State.”  I was working to secure means to pay the fare, but father failed in being paid promptly, and this forced me to borrow money for the purpose.  Many tried to discourage me in my plan as it was what is sometimes termed as a “wild goose chase.”  I remarked, though, that if no schools could be found, there were other things to be done—­cotton to be picked; wagons to be driven; and ditches to be dug.  So the work-clothes were not forgotten when my trunk was packed.

On September 30, 1886, I arrived in Henderson, a stranger to all save one, and with a very small purse.  Then commenced my trials.  I was in my twenty-first year, but had a young appearance, and the trustees of most schools objected to me for that reason.  I walked many miles in search of work, and it was not till the middle of November that my first school opened.

Owing money for schooling, for fare to this State, and for board after coming here, caused me to start far below the surface in pecuniary matters.  As I had made large plans, that was quite discouraging.

The school proceeded nicely and a Sabbath-school was organized in connection.  The latter was quite small, though there was a large attendance in the day school.  At the close of school, March 23, 1887, all expressed a willingness for me to teach the next session, but there was a trouble ahead which changed their views.  The question of prohibition was to be decided by the people in August.  I am sorry to say the majority of our people were on the wrong side.  But most of the teachers and preachers fought with an untiring energy against the saloons.  For this act of ours, many refused to give us work.  Some even sneered at the “prohib. teachers,” as we walked along the streets.  Those were days of discouragement as our labor seemed to be in vain.

My summer’s work lasted only a month, and being an independent school the returns were quite small, $6.00 only.  Having to aid my parents, and a two months’ sickness, caused me to be below the surface again at the opening of my school, November 14.  This work continued for six months.  A Sabbath-school was organized; and, unlike the previous year, outnumbered the daily attendance.

It has been said that it is better to turn up something than to wait for something to turn up.  So I bought a small outfit for making photographs.  It is incomplete, but enough to get an idea of the art.  After looking at some of my work, our county Judge was heard to say.  “That’s a good picture for that nigger.”  My summer school was nine miles away, and I came here every Friday evening, that I might practice at my new trade.  To save the hire and feed of a horse, I always walked here and back.  The way at times seems dark, but I take courage from the fact that roads to success must lead through hardships.

The Chinese.

Review Of The Year.