The characteristics of the student are changing somewhat from the former days.  Pupils are pushing into the more advanced grades earlier in years.  They have not the memories of slavery as had the generations before them—­only the traditions of it, and certain of its influences—­for influences do not die when institutions pass away.  There is not, for example, much old-fashioned Puritanism stalking about in New York in these days, but considerable of Puritan influence is alive and is just now contributing to the hopefulness of the times and the interests of municipal reform and even of the State government.  Influences continue, and it will take time for those of slavery or the effect on both races to pass away.

One may not particularize among so many schools and churches as were in the path of my visitation, and one must generalize if he will keep within limits.  For ten years now it has been my privilege to study the South as a personal observer, not only in schools and churches and not only on the regular routes of travel, but in the bypaths of rural life and in talks with all classes and conditions of men of every shade of color.  I may, therefore, be permitted to generalize.

First, it is often said that those who live among evils best understand them and know how to meet them.  This is a fallacy.  The missionaries in China knew better what was for the good of China than did the Emperor himself.  There are people in the United States, also, who could give some good points to the new Emperor of Russia, and if he would take them and use them it would be for the advantage of that country.  It is true that impressions are not facts, and one cannot run over a fashionable route of travel holding converse with some hospitable Southern host and return with much more than impressions.  Such are likely to speak with more confidence than knowledge, but, on the other hand, one who confines himself to a single locality in the South and to the local facts is more likely to have his views lean to inclination than to truth.  One’s opinion ought to be estimated by his information.  I have known an otherwise intelligent citizen of New Orleans to be ignorant of the existence of Straight University with its 500 students and its noble accomplishment.  A citizen of New York in this case could give the citizen of New Orleans some information about the South.

Secondly, the negroes are gaining.  Never were the schools better in their entire range in different States, the studies more exacting, the purpose on the part of students for mastery in their work more resolute.  Never was there manifested a more self-reliant spirit.  The people are having a hard time just now; many are poorer than ever before, but the negroes are gaining, inch by inch.  There are millions in schools and unreached millions yet who could not read a word in the New Testament if they had one; but the gain is seen in many ways; in schools, in churches, in homes, and in the improved quality and character of the newspapers edited by colored men, as also in their increased numbers.  The schools under the direction and superintendence of colored teachers are gaining in standing and worthiness.