I am happy to report, generally, that there is an increasing
interest in graded schools observable throughout the State, which
promises, in the near future, their establishment in all the towns
and larger villages. I am convinced, however, that they should
only be attempted when public opinion is ripe enough to demand
and to sustain them. Any attempt to precipitate their establish-
ment by artificial agencies, before the need of them is properly
felt, must end in failure.
II. For the training and improvement of teachers, the following
institutions have been supported: (i.) Nashville Normal Col-
lege, seven scholarships ; (2.) Claflin University, Normal Depart-
ment ; (3.) Brainerd Institute, Chester, S. C, Normal Department;
(4.) State Normal Institutes.
(i.) Of the seven incumbents of the Peabody scholarships dur-
ing the last collegiate year, three were creditably graduated at the
last commencement. The three vacancies thus created, together
with the additional scholarship recently granted by you to this
State, were filled by competitive examination, held in my office last
week. Most of the graduates have complied with the conditions
of the scholarships, and are doing good work as teachers in the
public schools.
(2.) This institution is a branch of the State University, and is
doing good work. The instruction in the Normal Department is
thorough, and I think its continued support by your honorable
Board is well bestowed, and forms an equitable set-off to the
scholarships for white students at the Nashville College.
