and official statistics in some portions of the South show that the
percentage of illiteracy is steadily increasing. In Louisiana, for
instance, in the last eight years--_i.e._, from 1880 to 1888--the
number of illiterate voters increased from 102,933 to 126,938,
changing the relative percentage from 52.3 per cent. who could read
and write, and 47.7 per cent. who could not read and write--in
1880--to 49.2 per cent. who can read and write and 50.8 per cent. who
cannot read and write in 1888. During that period, of the new white
voters a majority were illiterate (7.502 : 7.609); of the new negro
voters ten out of eleven were illiterate (1.588 : 16.387). Facts such
as these call for great enlargement in the direction of common school
education, and the number of teachers; make imperative demands upon
State Governments; and lead many to appeal to the National Government
for relief. They certainly justify the efforts of this Association
and necessitate a great increase of the yearly contributions from
churches and individuals. Measures should be taken to supplant the
notion that by moderate annual contributions to ordinary schools for
a few years the great task can be accomplished of lifting up a race
that had been held in bondage for centuries, that started in its
career of freedom in absolute destitution and that pursues its course
here under many disabilities; and preparing liberators, missionaries,
guides and saviours for the Dark Continent.

At the same time, it is the belief of your committee that the
pressing need of the hour is the fuller development of the leading
institutions already established and larger equipment for the arduous
work set before the American people in our Southern States. For this
end, steps should be taken towards securing their permanent
endowment. While in every way the general work of reaching the masses
and saving them from their illiteracy is to be pressed, the time has