students for the year has numbered 725 in all grades. More than 200 of these have studied in the normal department. They are thus fitting themselves for teaching among their people in the public and private schools of the state.

The graduating class of 1900 consisted of twenty. Dr. LeMoyne, of Washington, Pa., after whom the institute is named, gave the ground and the buildings and the original outlay. The American Missionary Association has maintained the work during these twenty-nine years. The Alumni Association of the institute has contributed generously in proportion to their means to the work at the school. The Alumni have been much interested in the development of the industrial department, and have contributed for that purpose. Woodworking, cooking and nursing classes will be conducted in the school next year, offering still larger opportunities for the training of these young people for a larger and more useful life-work.

The closing exercises of Whittier High School were held in the Congregational Church, on the 18th of May. This school is situated in the Highlands of North Carolina. It reaches the young people of a considerable area, and is an influence for large good among them. Among the speeches or essays presented at the closing exercises, was one entitled: "The South, Her Strength and Weakness." It is a hopeful sign that the young men of the South, who are to be the leaders in their section, are seriously considering these problems. In the "New South," a large element of strength and progress will come from the educated young men of the Highlands. They are somewhat slow to be moved, but are strong, steadfast and courageous in the defense of that which they believe to be right, when they do move.

In one of our schools among the American Highlanders a young mountaineer, then scarcely out of his teens, applied for membership. When asked what funds he had to support him in his proposed study, he replied: "Only fifty cents." He had dependent upon him two sisters, a brother and his mother. It seemed rather limited capital for such an undertaking. He went to work, however, cutting logs, built a log-cabin, moved into it with his family, and with an eagerness that can scarcely be appreciated by those who have had larger opportunities, went to his study in the schoolroom. It is not necessary to say that such grit and devotion won for him success. He has fitted himself for Christian instruction among his people, and is rapidly becoming a leader. This young man, however, is not an individual but a type of hundreds of such Highland lads and lassies who are struggling with great self-sacrifice for an education in our American Missionary Association schools.

The graduating class from Williamsburg Academy, Kentucky, numbers three. They are all from the State of Kentucky, but from different counties. The mountain people only are represented. One contemplates the study of medicine next fall. One expects to teach. The other, a young lady, will probably remain at home for a time. All are Christians and in active Christian work.

This school, among the Highlanders, has closed a most successful year. The following item comes from the principal: "The young men have held a mid-week prayer meeting twice each week during the month. These meetings were well attended, and much interest was manifested. At our last mid-week service, before the closing of the school, our little church was well filled, and a large number took part in the service. The topic for the evening was 'Some of the benefits I have received during the school year in Grand View.' The meeting was exceptionally impressive. Many of these students have, during the year, taken Christ into their hearts and lives, and this, after all, we feel is the 'one thing needful.'"

Through the courtesy of the Moderator, the manual of this conference has been presented to the editor of the Missionary. It contains the constitution and by-laws, and a brief historical sketch of this group of churches in Georgia. It is an interesting document. Among other things, it illustrates the desire of these churches to have an educated and upright ministry. Article XII of their constitution reads, in part, as follows: "Congregationalists have always believed in a Godly and educated ministry. To meet the wants of local conditions, a three years' course of study shall be provided for in the by-laws, for all who are not graduates of normal, college preparatory or college classes.... The by-laws shall provide a four years' course of conference study, leading up to the printed certificate. Any person holding a printed certificate shall be addressed as Reverend, preach without annual examination, on condition of good behavior, and may be ordained if called by a church to be its pastor.... Ordained preachers coming to us from bodies having a lower standard shall pursue our four years' course of study and pass annual examinations, if they are under fifty years of age."

This is certainly an earnest and systematic effort on the part of our brethren of these churches to establish higher educational and ethical standards on the part of the ministers in that state. The benefit will accrue not only to our Congregational Churches, but to all others in the state.

INDIAN PROGRESS.

On May 26th there was a high wind over the prairie. It hindered the carpenter who was trying to frame the bell-tower of the new chapel. The chapel stands aloft in the center of the Ree Indian settlement. It is a shining mark, seen in the June sunlight, for miles up and down the Missouri bench lands. The prairie around it is dotted with Indian homes. The winds could not stop the building nor overturn it. Other work the wind did finish. That was the overthrow of the old heathen place of worship which stood a little more than a mile away from the new Christian chapel. Neglected for several years, it had been gradually disintegrating till the wind threw down the remains of the ruin.

The Ree Christian Indians are now looking with satisfaction at the chapel which their own work has helped to build. It is the center of a new religious and social order. It illustrates, also, the co-operative work of the Women's Home Missionary Association, Church-Building Society and the American Missionary Association. All of these had a helping hand in the building.

It takes all that all can do together to provide new and better things for the Indian as their hold of and faith in the old pass away.

The Fort Berthold Indians have recently become voters. The coming fall elections are important; consequently the caucuses held this spring were of some moment. In the county convention eleven delegates out of twenty-six were Indians. They might have a deciding vote of considerable consequence.

There was an effort to control the ignorant part of the community for private interests. The better educated young men, however, were alive to their duty and opportunity, and many of the older ones were sensible enough to put forward the younger and better informed to represent them. The consequence was that when the delegates arrived at the county seat they were found to be an intelligent and well-dressed company, who could understand what was going on. Two of them went from the county to the Fargo state