arns, dwelling houses and 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 encou