s forebodings.

The job is done, and well done, and with so much expedition that in
sixty days after the fire they were moving into the reconstructed and
improved building. Every one who has had any hand in the work has seemed
personally interested and anxious to expedite the work, from the
architect and lumber dealer to the commonest laborer.

* * * * *

Superintendent Hall writes:

Testimony as to the working power and will of the Negro is to be had on
all sides whenever a person speaks honestly.

A professional gentleman in Andersonville operates five large
plantations without any white overseer except himself, and is making
money from the land. He states his principle to be: "I make a short,
clear contract with the Negroes and do _exactly_ what I promise, and I
require the same execution of their side of the bargain. _And I pay them
just what I agree to pay them._ They work six days every week. I give
them a chance to attend a funeral or church service if they keep up the
work."

A prominent contractor, builder and brick-maker in Thomasville, Ga.,
employs from one hundred to three hundred Negroes constantly in all
branches of his business. He says: "They are a patient, reliable class
of workers. If a man will be fair with them and do as he agrees, he will
never have trouble. They are not cranky as some white workmen. They do
the finest part of mason's and carpenter's work well."

These two men are native Southerners, whose parents were large slave
owners.

Fault is found with the Negro on the coast line, wherever the turpentine
business exists, because he will not work on the plantations. The
turpentine work with its "boxing," "scraping," "gathering" and
"distilling," is all piece-work, paid in cash. The Negroes are among the
trees before daylight and work till dark. By so doing they earn 75c.,
$1.00 or $1.25 per day. The plantations pay "rations"--a peck of common
meal and four pounds of bacon per week, and 35c. to 50c. per day, the
latter mostly in promises.

A lady in New Orleans who keeps a popular boarding house for tourists
said, when Straight University was mentioned, "Just as soon as a colored
girl goes to school she is good for nothing afterward. She won't work.
I've lost several bright, likely girls that way." Inquiry shows that the
lady pays five dollars per month and requires the help to sleep at home.
A constant demand is made on our Normal Department for teache