The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-01-24
EDUCATION AMONG THE NEGROES.

Progress in Industrial Arts at the Atlanta
University.
Atlanta Constitution.
On q recent visit there saw a class of thirty
negro boys hard at work at carpenters benches
Under the tuition Of Professor Tucker they were
learning the theory and use of wood working
tools. Professor Tucker said: 1--WE do not aim
to make accomplished mechanics. Weteach the
science rather than the art of carpentering
When these boys are through any one of them
can make a door, table, a staircase in a neat
and workmanke manner. When he gets
through the iron working shop he will be able to
make bolt or horse shoe. In short, if he wants
to become mechanic he will have fair ground
work to start on. If they become farmers they
will find their practical training very useful"
Ali the repairs and building about the grounds
are done by the students who thus get practical
training If any desire to become mechanics. n
special course will be given them. In another
room there were negro girls engaged in sewing
cutting and fitting dresses under a competent
teacher. In other rooms there were cooking
classes, taught by excellent teachers. They
were being made skillful in every department of
housekeeping. Under Mr.. Sessions who has
raised unexampled crops, the boys are given les
sons in practical agriculture. 1T is strange"
said Mr.. Sessions "how few men there are who
know how to do simple thing as planting
beans correctly The boys here make good
crops. They have lessons in every kind of
planting. Separate patches and separate crops
are assigned to them and a sharp competition
results" OF course this practical education is
incidental as yet to the regular university
course. But it is growing 1t is evidence, too.
of an earnest desire on the part of the
faculty to find the true and right path out of the
problem with the solution of which they are
charged. Atlanta is the central point of the ex-
pertinent of higher education for the negro race.
Nearly $500 900 of Northern money has been
spent here in buying grounds and erecting build
ings and thousands spent annually in main
tanning them 1t is fortunate that the chief
factor in this work is III such capable and con-
sentative hands as those of Professor Chase.
Close inquiry among the professors indicates that
there is no differences in capacity between the
blacks and the mulattoes 1--WE have watched
that very closely" said Professor Bumstead,
land often we think we have established
theory Suddenly it is met with exceptions that
overturn it completely Professor Tucker, who
is in charge OF the Industrial department.. says:
IL find the boys quick to learn when pattern is
given them, but slow. as a rule, to design or
originate Among the students was a native
African boy of perhaps nneteen-quiet, and
slow motioned. He is noted for his fervor in the
prayer-meetings, his aptness in Biblical quota
tons, and the fertility of his potato patch. Mr..
S. NJ Inman, who was of the party looking over
the university said: II am satisfied our public
schools should have just such industrial depart
ments as we see here. The demand of the day
is practical education-that educates the hand
and body, as it educates the mind If the school
board would consent to try such an annex to the
public school. think fine equipment could be
had without cost to the city"