The Cleveland leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1865-1865, 1865-08-10
AMERICAN INSTIUUrEO OF INSTRUC.
TiOS.


The American Institute of instruction
held its second session to-day. There are
present at least one thousand guests from
abroad, mostly from the Northern States
| of whom two thirds are ladies.
B g. Northrup was re elected President
The question discussed to-day was,
What duties does the return of peace bring
to the friends of education, especially in
reference to freedmen
Speeches were made by Rsv. Mr.. Stris-
by aud Rev. Mr.. Abbott, of New York
Prof. Hart, of Philadelphia; PIof. E. B.
Bassett, colored, of Philadelphia; Bishop
Smith, of Kentucky; Mr.. Wood, of lii
nOis; Prof. Thatcher, of Yale, and Prof.
Zschos, Of ARdCver.
Mr.. Abbott said he had letters from Gov
ernors holden and BrownlOw urging the
missionary work in the North to establish
public schools in Tennessee and North Car
olinR.
Prof. Bassett urged cooperation with the
blacks 10 accomplish the object. Freedmen
would have more confidence in negroes rs
teachers.
A letter from General Howard was read,
of which the following is portion;
L am particularly rejoiced st the pro.
posed discussion Of the subject relative TO
the education Of American freedmen. My
purpose is to aid the work of education by
every means of encouragement that are or
may come within my power as COmmis-
sioner of Freedmen and Refugees. l will
have the general superintendence of the
work in the States where have assistant
commissioners, and have already provided,
when possible, that teachers shall have
quarters and fuel, and they are permitted
to have army rstioDs, the purchase OF
which lessons the cost of board one-hRlf.
When the blacks have received money or
wages enough they will feed as many
teachers IS benevolent agencies may send
them-so they promise. Then, send teachers
and organize ss many schools IS possible.
The difficulties will be from the opposition
Of blind prejudiee or real ignorance. Some
men will shut their Plantations IS far IS
must meet them Che sPrs II msslon ans
aries. My agents are instructed to give
full protection to schools They will
always have power to call for military
aid, but ! am much induced
to use ever and all other mediums
before calling for military force. We
must do what we can to overcome preju-
dice and opposition, by carrying with us
the spirit of Christ into every nook and
corner of the South-rejoice over every
foot of ground gained, and never be dis
coursged at contumely or failure. The
whites need much real effort in their be,
half. l scarcely ever found q white child
that could read, in passing through Geor-
gis and South Carolina.
L. e H. ko,,,,lorE
agencies is really move In the right di-
rection. 1t will hsrmonize and encourage
the efforts of those whose hearts are long
ing for a successful fultilment of the prom
ise of this wonderful revolution. Work
and schools go hand in hand when free
labor is well regulated and properly set
tied as will soon bs the case with large
influx of loyal immigration, and a pur-
chase or rental of land by freedmen,
more or less extended. Schools and
churches will spring in existence
and thrive. More than 100000 people,
old and young, in the insurrectionsry States,
have learned to read in the last three years.
Soldiers of regiments and the schools estsb-
lished all over those States attest to th9
energy put forth. With the Government,
loyal christians, and negroes on one side,
working night and day, what will be the
effects of few blind guides on the other,
butto demonstrate with increasing emphasis
the wiekedness and folly of shutting out
light aud truth. It is for the interest OF
the South to cooperate with US, and God
grant her SONS and daughters wisdom TO do
so before He sflicts them further.
Very truly yours,
D. o. HOWARD,
Msjor General.
Governor Andrew will speak tomorrow.