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This announcement was received with great enthusiasm, which was prolonged for several minutes, and the most intense excitement prevailed.  An address was then given by John H. Washburn, Esq., Chairman of the Executive Committee, after which Rev. Dr. Mears made an address, which was followed by the singing of the Doxology with great fervor and emphasis.

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Remarks by Mr. John H. Washburn.

Mr. President.—­The last few years have been remarkable in gifts and legacies.  Some have endowed colleges and universities; some, as in this case, have been for the benefit of a peculiar race, but no one in his own lifetime has ever selected a benevolent association as beneficiary, and endowed it with such a munificent gift as Daniel Hand has bestowed upon the American Missionary Association.  He was, it seems to me, wise in choosing this course.  Others have seen fit to put their funds in the hands of trustees organized and incorporated to hold the trust.  He might have done that, but what would have been the gain over the present plan?  Those trustees must have availed themselves, as the trustees of the Peabody Fund and the trustees of the Slater Fund are compelled to do, of existing organizations for knowing the needs of the people; where and how the money can be used to the best advantage.  Mr. Hand availed himself of an organization ready to his hand, one whose agents are better qualified to judge of the needs of the people, the plans to be pursued, the work to be done, than any other organization in this country.

Now the first thought of the executive officers and committee in receiving this magnificent gift is gratitude to God, who put it into the heart of this man to entrust to us such great means of usefulness for the people for which we labor.  But there is a second thought; is this gift to be a blessing to us or a curse?  That depends upon our constituents, the men and women personally, and on the churches, not on the officers of the Association.  How do you, the individual givers to this Association, regard this gift?  Every special gift to such organizations as this, whether it be for special endowment or to establish special schools, implies more money, an increase of contribution.  Gifts for new buildings, gifts for establishing new plant are apt to be an embarrassment unless the individuals will respond with increased donations.  Now this fund which is given us, while the terms are liberal, is limited in its scope,—­it is strictly for the education of the colored youth in the Southern States of America.  Not one dollar of this can be used for general work, not one dollar for the Indian, or for our Mountain Work; strictly limited in its use, we need in consequence even more money than before.  We are endowed with this great gift, but we may not be able to use it efficiently if there is a lack of supplementary contributions, and for that reason we make a new and strong appeal for them.