The first Annual Meeting of the Woman’s Missionary Union of the Central South Association, held in Nashville, Tennessee, April 5, was in all respects encouraging.  One of the peculiar features of these Southern Unions is that the State Association is always likely to meet at a school centre, as in this case at Nashville, Tennessee, and the older students thus are enthused and stimulated to missionary purpose and activity, whether in the ordinary experiences of church life at home, or as special missionaries.

There was a good representation of auxiliaries, and encouraging word of new ones soon to be received.  The interest in the meeting was intense, and the reports from the different societies showed a deep and heartfelt sympathy with the cause of missions.  It was very interesting to note how anxiously some of those who represent a people burdened with poverty, planned for the work of the coming year, taking for their field—­the world.  Considering that this Union is only a year old, its growth seems remarkable.

The question is sometimes asked, whether the Mountain girls appreciate the opportunity of education that is now afforded them.  We reply by giving extracts from the letter of a pupil obliged to leave school.  The letter was written to a school-mate, and is but one of many instances of the kind.

“MY DEAREST FRIEND:—­I would have written sooner, but I thought I might get a chance to go to school, and that is why I have delayed so long.  It is impossible for me to go now, the boys are preparing ’for to make a crap,’ and I can see how much they are needed at home.  We have but one horse, and I cannot go alone.  Oh! how glad I would be to see my teacher.  I know I shall never be able to reward her for her kindness to me, but the Lord will reward her.  I never have met the people who were so kind to me as those people.  I still have a desire to get an education; sometimes I think I will not get to go to school any more, but where there is a will, there is a way, and I know I have a good will.  My sisters all married before they were twenty.  I am twenty-two now.  I want an education more than I want to marry.  My folks tell me I have enough education, but I think I know better than they.  To be sure, I can read and write a little, but that don’t satisfy me, I have a hope yet that I may still get higher, that is if the Lord is willing.  We cannot do anything unless the Lord is willing and will help us.  Give my love to all the girls.  Please write and tell me about the school.  Remember me in your prayers.

Your true friend, ——­ ——.”

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OUR YOUNG FOLKS.