so often found in what is commonly called "the regular Southern darkey." He had a wonderful memory and I really think he gave us much valuable information during the drive. He told us that in the National Cemetery there were almost 13,000 of the nation's dead.

The next place of interest visited was Orchard Knob, Grant's headquarters. Here a gentleman, formerly of Franklin county, Ohio, now of Chattanooga, a Mr. Converse, explained the general plan of the battles fought around Chattanooga, and cheers and other patriotic demonstrations were indulged in led by one whom Ohio teachers are becoming very fond of following, Dr. W. O. Thompson. Next came the drive to Mission Ridge. The historical interest of the scenery here scarcely surpassed the aesthetic interest for beauty spread around us on every side. Often when the places were pointed out to us, the steep declivities up which the soldiers stormed, had not our faith in American valor been very strong, it would have failed to do its work. But spot after spot made immortal was marked by the name of the regiment holding the ground. More monuments have been erected here by Illinois than by any other State, though the name "Ohio" in marble. frequently met our gaze. And when we came to drive through Chickamauga Park, we found, at least it seemed so to us, more evidence of what Ohio had done than any

other State. Family pride mixed with State pride here, and I was proud to say that I had had a brother who had done his duty on this battlefield, proud too that before historians had given their verdict on General Thomas, he had written on a small photograph which had been presented to him personally by that brave man, “The greatest soldier in the American army."

As we were approaching Lookout Mountain I could not forbear

giving my friends a remembrance of my childhood days. My brother had written home of the wonderful battle and had used the expression in his letter, "fighting above the clouds." A little brother of mine about six years old was listening to the letter, which mother was reading aloud. Suddenly the little. voice piped in, "Well, if I had been Willy and been that near Heaven I'd have crawled in, for he doesn't know that he will get that near again."

Our carriages left us at the foot of Lookout Mountain and we went up the Incline, not without fear and trembling, because it looked absolutely vertical most of the way and one is not accustomed to that kind of an ascent. Words cannot paint the scene from the mountain: the valleys about looked to us so very beautiful, with rivers winding in and out in most perfect curves, rich verdure and graceful trees lending their adornment to the scene; and

village and city with workships made more picturesque by that enchantment which distance lends.

But people cannot live on scenery; and romantic reveries were cut short by animal appetites, made keen by long waiting and fresh, pure air. Lookout Mountain Inn is a handsome hotel and one might enjoy himself there for some time; but in the evening our party divided, some remaining there over night to start for Atlanta in the morning, and others taking the night train for Asheville. I happened to be of this last named party; and fortunate I considered myself when I reached Hotel Battery among the mountains. The view from the piazzas is enough to delight the eye and recall other exquisite scenery amid mountains; but our old friend, Mr. John C. Ridge, secured for a party of us permission to go out on the top of the hotel and have our range of vision extended. Somehow when I looked up at the mountains around me at Asheville, I recalled the magnificent scenery of Manitou in Colorado. Of course, the mountains there are much higher, but one has in both places the feeling of being at the bottom of a great jeweled cup.

At about eleven o'clock we took carriages to drive through Biltmore, George Vanderbilt's beautiful estate. I wish I had space here to devote to an interesting character, our driver; but as I have not,

I move that our friend, Superintendent Rose, of Hamilton, write a character sketch for the MONTHLY, as he sat beside Sambo and enjoyed him with the keenest relish.

As we were not permitted to enter the grounds of the magnificent estate until twelve o'clock we drove about the village, admiring the comfortable houses that are going up for the workmen that are employed in various capacities by Mr. Vanderbilt, and the pretty church which is supported entirely at his expense. One subscriber to the MONTHLY Suggested my devoting an article to describing this wonderful estate; but at this time nothing but the general impression made upon us can be even faintly given. We drove over perfect roads for ten miles our driver told us and then we were on only part of this wonderful pleasure grounds, for we could look beyond to the majestic mountain belonging to Mr. Vanderbilt and used by him and his friends for hunting grounds. On both sides of the road beauty met the eye everywhere. Not only did we see the plants to which our eyes were accustomed, but we saw flowers, shrubs, plants unknown to us brought from every quarter of the globe. But the eye was not the only sense delighted. At different places on both sides of the road there were great beds of sweet briar, filling the air with delicious fragrance. Indeed, it seemed to

me that I had never so fully realized the changing delight of a succession of various sweet odors.

The residence looked like a regal castle, but the splendor of its appearance will be forgotten long before the trees, the flowers, the springs, the lakes, and other triumphs of landscape gardeners.

On Sunday morning early our party arrived at Charleston. I had been assigned to one of the comfortable and beautiful homes on South Battery, where we not only looked out upon the ever changing, ever beautiful water, but where we enjoyed continual breezes which kept us from thinking as long as we were there that it was warm anywhere. Everything that gracious hospitality could do to make my stay pleasant was done. At the table all good things that the palate could crave were served in that pretty way which makes everything taste better. I was taken as an honored guest to drive about the quaint, old, historical city (old for America), to visit Magnolia Cemetery, not only beautiful from magnolias as its name would designate, but from oaks covered with silver of grey moss. My host also took me to a service in St. Michael's Church; and at its close he and a member of that church who had courteously invited us to his seat pointed out not only the interesting and historical features of the church and churchyard, but on our way home showed me and told me

so much of interest that I said, "I am walking about on an historical map, am I not?"

Before the meeting at Charleston the MONTHLY published from graphic pens descriptions of many of the attractions of Charleston, so I shall not re-describe them; but I want to repeat what many of those entertained at private homes said: "May the executive committee take us again where there are not sufficient hotel accommodations for us, if the citizens will show us such gracious hospitality as we received in Charleston."

"Long, long be my heart with such memories filled,

Like the vase in which roses have

once been distilled;

You may break, you may shatter, the vase if you will,

But the scent of the roses will cling round it still."

Mention must be made of the courtesy of the newspapers shown to the Association. The reports of the meetings given by "The News and Courier" were models.

Chio headquarters was the scene of busy activity all through the week. The Cincinnati delegation was unceasing in its efforts to secure the next meeting of the Association, and was ably seconded by Ohio teachers in general. By this time most of our readers know that where the next meeting should be held is left in the hands of the executive committee to decide, the di

rectors refusing even to cast a vote of preference. But I wish I could. make them appreciate as I do the work of this Cincinnati committee, -superintendent, teachers (male and female), and representatives from city organizations. If we go to Detroit, it is the result of work done by that city before the meeting; in fact, many believe that a semi-promise was made to that city when we were in Buffalo. But surely if Cincinnati's work does not count this time, it will for some future meeting.

At Ohio headquarters we held a reception one evening; and, strange to say, we had some difficulty in getting there the man we wanted most to see, the president of the Association. He did not suspect that we had any designs upon him; but he was very busy and thought that Ohio teachers could believe in his interest in them without his showing it by his presence.

But not only the Ohio teachers in the city of Charleston, but many of those at home, wished to give Mr. Corson some slight testimonial of their pride in the fact that he had been chosen president of the greatest educational association of our country. So when by the kindness and diplomacy of Secretary Shepard we got hold of him for a few moments, Mr. John Heizer stepped forward and in an eloquent little speech gave Mr. Corson a keepsake from a number of Ohio friends. Judging by myself, I know

that a little description of the gifts will be welcomed by those who have not yet seen them. One is a watch charm, circular in shape, surmounted by delicate scroll work. One side of the charm is enameled to represent a buckeye and bears in letters of gold the words "From Friends." At the top, just below the scroll work is an opal. On the other side is the monogram O. T. C. in blue enamel and at the top a magnificent ruby. This ruby is so set that it unscrews. The other gift, a diamond shirt stud, which accompanied the charm, is set in a similar way, thus making the diamond in the shirt stud and the ruby in the charm interchangeable. Mr. Corson was able to say "Thank you" to us, but it was pretty hard work for him to express the gratitude that we saw he felt.

And now for a brief account of the program of the meetings. In my opinion, the first session was one of the best first sessions I have ever attended. It is never expected that welcoming addresses and responses to them shall ever give us much information, but inspiration is desired on such occasions, and this we received in large measure. We have often heard of Southern cratory. We had fine types of it on Tuesday afternoon, July 10; and yet candor compels me to say that even in fine oratory our Northern brethren equalled our Southern

friends that afternoon.

The first speech, after Mr. W.

H. Welch, chairman of the local executive committee had called the meeting to order, was made by the governor of South Carolina, Miles B. McSweeney, on behalf of the state. It was a warm eulogy on South Carolina and was enthusiastically received by his listeners. Hon. J. J. McMahan, state superintendent of public instruction, followed with a clear, earnest welcome on behalf of the educational interests of the state. Then came a most cordial welcome from the municipality through the mayor of Charleston, Hon. J. Adger Smyth.

As an example of beautiful oratory and gracious welcome combined, the next speech, on behalf of the educational interests of the city, was finest. It was made by Henry P. Archer, superintendent of Charleston schools.

The first response to the welcoming addresses was made by Dr. E. Oram Lyte, principal of First Pennsylvania State Normal School, Millersville, Pa. While the spirit of patriotism had been running through the other speeches, and good feeling was everywhere predominant, I was thoroughly glad that Dr. Lyte could be introduced by Mr. Corson as "one of the boys who had worn the blue." And I was glad that this man, who had been a soldier boy, was the first to respond eloquently for a united country, and for teachers who in education knew knew neither North, South, East or West.

Through all the speeches of the afternoon there had been enthusi-astic cheering, waving of handkerchiefs, waving of flags, etc., but Supt. J. W. Carr, of Anderson, Indiana, literally lifted his audience to their feet. The pitch of interest was a great thing to witness. I shall never forget the audience as I saw it from the platform that memorable day in Charleston.

The closing response was worthily made by a man of fine presence and most musical voice, Supt. J. A. Foshay, of Los Angeles, Cal.

After music from the First U. S. Artillery Band, which furnished delightful entertainment at all the General Sessions, Pres. O. T. Corson, Columbus, Ohio, made his inaugural address. It was a clear, logical, earnest presentation of educational questions of the day from the standpoint of an intelligent citizen; given without reference to manuscript, it held the attention of all present. [Mr. Corson requested me not to give a eulogy on his speech in the MONTHLY; but I should not be true to myself, nor should be at all fair to our subscribers if I did not say this much.j At the close of the address the meeting adjourned.

A good evening meeting was held, at which the topic "The Small College" was discused. The phase cf it "Its Work in the Past," was admirably treated by President W. O. Thompson, Ohio State University; while Pres. W. R. Harper,