New-York tribune., 1871-07-06
TIE FREEDMEN OF MISSOURI
NOTES OF THEIR PROGREss-sCHOoLS, LECTURE
ROOMS, AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
MATERIAL PROSPERITY.

NOTES OF THEIR PROGREss-sCHOOLS, LECTURE
ROOMS AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
MATERIAL PROSPERITY.
ST. LOUIS. June 23.-The number of Freed
men in the state Of Missouri is according to the last Cen
sus 1895 In 1860 there about 1900; will be
seen that the increase has been small OF this pOpua-
ton about 10000 reside in st. Louis County engaged for
the most part trades OF the residue considerable
number have become and ters of land while
others either from necessity or choice are employed as
servants in families and on farms.
In the larger and cities of the State the coored
men have shown individuality. and making rapid
progress in education, wealth, and moral development.
In the agricultural districts however their progress in
knowledge and wealth is slow Some still cling to their
old masters with a childke fondness and scarcely
seem to realize at they free to and come and TO
act and think for themselves. But few schools have
thus far been established in these districts The land
holders, who Shareholders, are still Demo
Gratis and will only allow schools TO be established in
their midst when they compelled to do so by law
The public school fund OF Missouri is ample and the
imposed by law is sufficient to TO give good schools to all
the children In the state both white and black But as
the execution of the law depends upon the people who
vote 1t takes long time in portions of the State
for these to make NJ their minds whether not they
will vote to build a school house and open a school,
In New-Madrid County, year ago. the colored
people built a schoolhouse 1t the first that had
ever been built in the county. The money was raised
principally by private subscription, hut the means TO
carry the school furnished by the Superntend
ent of Public Schools from the Public School Fund The
school had not been in operation than weeks
before the jealous spirit OF our Democracy aroused
ana one night the schOOl-house burned to the
ground. In other counties similar outrages were
committed year ago; but so far as l can
learn they are becoming fewer each month, the
opponents of cOlored schools becoming more recon.
ciled to the new order of things as time At
Jefferson City the colOred citizens have just completed
fine building, at expense Of $4,000 for the use of
the Lincoln Institute. This institution chartered by
act OF the Legislature four years and is designed to
be hrst-class collegiate school. Already fifty or
partment for young ladies has many scholars. II has
also preparatory department. Its principal is Prof.
ants. While writing Of schools am reminded that the
first school for coloed pupils OF any Importance in this
city taught by the Hon. Hiram r. Revels U. g. Sem
atOr from Mississippi during the years 1856 and 1851 The
school numbered $50 pupils and each scholar paid 81 per
have been established during the past Is months in
s. JOSEPH Kansas City Chiicothe Springfield Sedaa
Weston Boonville, Columbia, and 50 Charles
In the City Of ST. Louis the Board of Public Schools
have built during the past two years six schoolhOuses
for colored children, and have established eight or ten
Evening schools for the education OF young men, have
also been established under the same auspices These
schools free ALL A large number Of men, Of all
ages, studying nightly. 1t is not unusual sight
now TO see men OF 80 and 40 years OF age going TO the
even In manhood the rudiments OF an education which
was denied them In boyhOod Emancipation did much
for the eOOred men, but they have done much for them
selves Emancipation the bugle sound, calling them
10 rise from the ignorance and barbarsm OF Slavery and
become They have Obeyed the CALL and every day
brings witness that they In earnest in the attain
ment OF intelligent citizenship. / have before me
the charter OF .the Cooperative Hall Association, or
ganizaton created for the purpose OF hudnga hall for
public meetings and lectures and for library and mu-
scum. The enterprise Is in progress and viii succeed.
The building viii cost $4,000 when completed. The Ma
tiOnal Freedman's Savings and Trust Company has
branch in this city conducted by cOlOred rneh, Willis ~
Brent cashee W, Brooks, assistant cashier. During
.he mont! Of MaG aT 1 ha i xasT Te5s
sl5OeOO The dep0sitdfe are exclusively coored
IL pride with them ~ their earnings,
and make their deposits large possible. One Of the
most enterprsng BARRIERS in the city told me- Yesterday
that 1866 he had saved from his earnngsbetween
$4,000 $4,000 Before that period he made much
money in the length OF time, but did not save IT,
There object IN saving money In old Slavery
times" said he. "You couldn't be anybody II you had
money"
Freedom excites ambition and the desire TO he some
body aud 20 take part D the affairs OF government
citizen promotes Industry aud eg0lQwy. VIII al lAe