churches, and as we recall the loss by fire of three buildings in 1876, and the subsequent use of the church and our present carpenter shop for school-rooms, we dwell with gratitude upon the ministrations of friends in past years, and especially upon that visit of Mr. Ballard, which resulted in these handsome buildings.  It was thought that our new brick school-house, with seven school-rooms, one recitation-room, and office, would furnish accommodations to all pupils for several years to come.  But already, just one year from its dedication, it is found necessary to open an additional school-room in an adjacent building.  The enrollment for this year is five hundred and eighty-four.  An unusual number of young men and women from neighboring counties, are availing themselves of the opportunities here offered to acquire an education.

[Illustration:  BALLARD NORMAL SCHOOL AND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, MACON, GA]

[Illustration:  INTERIOR OF BALLARD INDUSTRIAL BUILDING, MACON, GA.]

We have large classes in sewing and carpentry, and small classes in printing and wood-carving.  Classes in cooking will be organized as soon as the industrial kitchen is fitted up.

Several students are working and earning their entire board and tuition.  Many more are earning half of their board by working for the institution, and paying the remainder, four dollars per month, from money earned last summer.  We are obliged to refuse many applicants, who would be glad to work for half of their board.  Any of our friends desiring a “good investment” of benevolence can be supplied with particulars by applying to us.

* * * * *

CHRISTIAN NEGRO LEADERS.

We conscientiously believe that educated Christian Negroes are to be the safe and trusted leaders of their people in the crisis which is coming in the South.  Their wisdom and Christian character will counterbalance the rash and reckless impulses of others of their race, and instead, therefore, of its being unwise to educate the Negro, as some Southern white people believe, the Christian education of these colored people will be the sheet anchor of safety to both whites and blacks in the South.  As a specimen of the counsel given by the influential Christian Negro, we clip the following from the Christian Recorder of Philadelphia, the organ of the African Methodist Episcopal Church: 

While we believe in all men being courageous, we encourage none to be rash.  We are at the mercy of a powerful class.  It is always best to remember this and apply the ounce of preventive to save the fifteen ounces of cure.  Our brethren must be very careful in respect to the position taken on all subjects.  Take no position from which you are likely to be forced to your disadvantage.  In all writing and speaking forget not that discretion is the bitter part of valor.

We append, as germane to the subject, the following piece of sensible advice given by Rev. J.C.  Price of Salisbury, N.C., to his brethren: