The Republican journal., 1916-01-20

At the time of my visit there were over
1000 pupils, 1876 of them Indians from
ten States and territories. An Acad-
emic department, with a corps of able
teachers, gives thorough instruction in
all the English branches. Manual train
ing is given all the boys. Those who
show decided preference for trades re-
ceive thorough instructions in the trades
school, where systematic course carries
them through all the several depart
ments. Those wishing to fit themselves
for teaching enter the Normal depart
ment after graduating from the Acade-
mic course and receive instruct ton in the
methods Of teaching and practice in the
primary schools, kindergarten and gym
nasium. The school is nationally known
as the Hampton Normal and Industrial
Institute Tor Negro and Indian students. :"
On our arrival we entered the main hall,
which comprises the school rooms, print
ing office and boys dormitories. 1t is a
handsome building in the form OF Greek
cross, three stories in height, construct
ed of brick manufactured on the farm.
A large portion of the labor was furnish
ed by the students. After registering our
names, under the guidance of a fine
looking young student, we start on a
tour of inspection. We are first shown
the fine library and reading room, with
| about 5000 volumes, many of the lead
ing newspapers and periodicals of the
day. A forty-page magazine. 1.-The
Southern Workman" edited and printed
by the students, is issued monthly. Our
attention was then called to some beauti-
full pieces of furniture, made by the stu
dents. Sideboards, book cases, hall seats
and many others, all of fine design and
finished work manship. A beautiful chap
ell, entirely the work of the students, was
considered the handsomest church edifice
in the South.
The girls industrial room and sewing
and tailoring department were particu-
larly interesting. Here was done all
the mending of garments and the max
ing of the students uniforms.
The boys are formed into battalion
and receive military training from a
cadet commander, assisted by United
States officer from Fortress Monroe.
But now we hear music from fine brass
band of sixteen pieces, all students,
which announced their dinner hour, and
preceded by the band the students form
into line and march in military precision
to the dining hall. After they enter,
visitors accompanied by guide are per-
mitted to enter, and | was glad of the
opportunity to see them all together.
At the sound of an electric bell the
students, all standing, with their hands
on their chairs, sang a simple hymn of
thanks which was very impressive, their
melodious voices in perfect unison.
Then, seating themselves, they did am
pie justice to the dinner, which had a
most attractive appearance.
The dining hall was very large and
many long tables extended across the
room. Every alternate table was an
Indian one and one could but be impress
ed with the bright, intelligent faces of
the students, the Indians particularly.
Their erect, commanding bearings and
keen, forceful faces, and some of them
really handsome, gave the impression
one had more capital to work on with an
Indian than negro. In department and
good manners there was nothing to be
desired.
1t requires 100000 year for running
expenses. The U. S. Government pro-
vides $40, 900, the State of Virginia. $1O,-
600, rentals and investments, $40, 600.
The balance, $50, ZOO, is contributed by
friends of the cause, chiefly in annual
scholarships of $40 each. The grounds
are handsomely laid out and content
ment and happiness are everywhere VS.
ible.
The statistics here given will not COM
pare correctly with the facts of the pres
ent day, l presume. as this visit was
made and these notes penned several
years ago.