The pupils have, as a rule, worked
well, and in many cases the progress has been very marked. While we
are not completely satisfied with the results, yet there has been
very much to encourage our labors. The Lord has been merciful in
keeping the workers in good health, and there has been no death and
but few cases of sickness among the pupils.

The last week was taken up with examinations, both oral and written,
and in perfecting arrangements for the anxiously looked-for event
among our people, the closing exhibition.

Such a clamoring for tickets one never heard. Of course, not
one-fourth asked for could be issued, for lack of room; but, as far
as possible, the parents were admitted. Although a thunder-storm,
lasting about an hour, came up just as the doors were opened, the
people continued to pour in until the hall was as full as an egg,
upwards of 500 finding seats.

The programme, which was a long and varied one, was carried out
without any drawback whatever, thanks to the untiring efforts of the
teachers and of Mr. and Mrs. Dodge, who all planned so well to make
it a success. For three and one-half hours the audience gave the
closest attention, and the comments since have been very flattering.
Several, including some Northerners, have declared it to be the best
exhibition they ever attended.

It would tire you to read the entire programme, so I will mention and
describe briefly only a few of the pieces, though all were as
creditably rendered as if it were a white school, with the singing
perhaps better. The pupils, without exception, acquitted themselves
nobly, and their neat appearance was worthy of special mention.

You would have been pleasantly entertained had you witnessed the
Missionary Colloquy, in which 20 girls, some taken from each
department of the school, took part. First came a girl bearing the
American flag and representing America, who spoke, and was then
followed by another girl with a Bible, representing Christianity.
Next came singly nine girls in costume, each to represent a heathen
nation, and making an earnest plea for the Gospel. Then followed a
band of nine little American missionary workers, each stepping to the
front and telling how she had earned her money which she was about to
give to the noble cause. After dropping her gift in a basket held by
"America," she repeated these words: "O happy, happy child am I, to
serve the Lord of earth and sky;" then taking her place, another came