15

that the crisis was sufficiently at an end to allow the seeds of good
order which it has left behind to germinate in safety.

In connection with this report, we may appropriately intro-
duce the account of the “ Freedmen’s Saving’s Banks” as given
by a daily paper:

‘* The Freedmen’s Saving’s Banks are reported to be in a pros-
perous condition. In 1865, the Freedmen’s Saving’s Bank of Wash-
ington, D. C., received less than $1000 a day, and during 1869, the
daily deposits amounted to $14,000. It had on March 1, 1866, an
aggregate of $199,283 on deposit, which was increased to $1,657,006
on March Ist, 1870. At the various branches, thirteen of the twen-
i ths cashiers are colored men. The New Orleans Saying’s Bank is
the largest branch, and the Institution at Vicksburg, Mississippi,

ranks next.. These statistics indicate that the colored people are in-
dustrious, economical and provident of the future.”

With this imperfect sketch of the labors of the Association
during the past year, and herein recording our appreciation of
the faithful exertions of the teachers, without which on their
parts, our efforts could not have been thus blessed, we
close,—not, however, without directing the attention of all who
may peruse this report, to the rapid advances made by the col-
ored people towards a self support, their ardent desires for edu-
cation, and so far as appears, a rectitude of conduct that, under
the circumstances of their vicious surroundings, both past and
present, is truly remarkable.

And thus, an important question instinctively arises. Shall
this people be deserted at this crisis? They still need our
coun-:el and assistance; and it rests entirely with their friends
and our friends, as to whether their aspirations shall be respond-
ed to; to effect which, pecuniary aid will be required. Shall we
have it?

 

During the year we have received donations of Bibles, Testa-
ments, Books, Papers, &c., from Frienps’ Brste AnD Tract Dis_
TRIBUTING ASSOCIATION, PENN, ABOLITION SocrEeTy, Mary Bgans,
H, M. Laine, Hannan L. Srickney, Sarau S. Truman, Eien M.
Cuitps, and Saran G. Wayne; Candy from Gro. Minter; Dry
Goods from Friends, per Mary Bzans; Clothing from Pumzna
Heap, JanE Hatt, Hestonville, Pa., ANNiz Wriaut, Columbia,
Pa., A. T. Latna, and others.

Philadelphia, 5 Mo. 1, 1871.

All of which were forwarded to Franczs HE. Gavzz, Florida,
Harrier Jenkins, Va,, Cornetia Hancock, Isapen Lena,
S. C., G. C. Rounp, Va.