Your committee rejoice that the day of small things, in our work in this field, is already becoming the day of larger things, with a wide outlook into a permanent and brighter future.  In two normal schools, two academies, five common schools and twenty churches the few loaves and fishes seem to be at hand.  “But what are they among so many?” We are grateful for the enlargement which the past year has disclosed, for the new church and school building, find the rapidly advancing dormitory and boarding hall at Pleasant Hill, Tenn., and for the slightly increased accommodations in the Grand View Normal Institute, but we see clearly that enlargement only necessitates greater enlargement.  The meagreness of the supply renders the destitution more manifest.  The little which has been done, and well done, only gives louder voice to the demand to do.

One of the most encouraging features of the work, and one which we believe should be particularly emphasized, is the possibility of its comparatively speedy self-support, if it be pushed forward rapidly.  It is a work which must be done to-day, and it can be done because these people, even in their poverty, will do their part.  This is abundantly shown, not only by their disposition regarding it, but also by their deeds in its behalf.

The influence of the work among the mountain whites upon the general Southern work of the Association should be carefully recognized.  Here is a vantage point which can be carried, and which must be carried for the success of our great campaign in the South.  To neglect this present duty is to be culpable regarding the future of the Association’s activity.  Problems of caste and questions bound up with them, can, at least in part, be settled in this field.  Those needed concrete illustrations, which will tend most powerfully toward their general settlement, can here be furnished.  We do not believe that the conquest of the West is of more importance to our Home Mission work than is the conquest of these Southern highlands to that of the A.M.A.  It is our opinion, therefore, that there should be in this department steady and rapid advance, and that it should no longer be tided along.

We fear that the facts regarding the peculiar character of this mountain work are not sufficiently known, and that its bearing upon the general work of the Association is not adequately realized.

We feel that a special examination of this field may wisely be commended to those who would devise liberal things with a view to special gifts for institutions of learning.  The church and the school, the missionary and the teacher must go together into this territory.  Who will place a Christian college among the mountain whites?

We give thanks for the spared life of a trusty and consecrated worker in this field.  With the earnest prayer for means to send and employ them, let there be joined the petition for many workers possessed of a like spirit of earnestness and fidelity.