The bulletin of Atlanta University, 1905 no. 156

              For statement of the work of Atlanta University see last page. COMMENCEMENT WEEK The weather was  unusually comfortable and  the  attendance  large, during the thirty-sixth   anniversary exercises. Public Day at Oglethorpe School This was a new feature, and was largely attended by friends from the city, as well as by our teachers and more advanced students. From 9 to 11 Friday forenoon the exercises of the kindergarten and four grades were going on, and the work of the children inspected. Of especial interest was the exhibition of the industrial art work, of the two normal classes, courses in which had been given them as preparation for their work in teaching. The splendid advantages for practical work in teaching, offered by the Oglethorpe School, were plainly evident during the exercises of this public day. Phi Kappa Anniversary The address of the evening was given by Rev. Dr. Wm. H. Weaver, pastor of the Radcliffe Presbyterian church in this city. He called attention to some dangers connected with the higher education and showed how they might be avoided, and dwelt upon the splendid opportunities open to those who have had the benefits of the advanced courses of study. His subject was, Some Effects of the Higher Education and Its Value in Practical Life. It was an able and  helpful address. The Sunday Services Extracts from the baccalaureate sermon by President Bumstead are given elsewhere. The prayer meeting at night was of especial interest. All of the members of the graduating classes have the Christian hope. Class Night Exercises These were a decided innovation this year, the graduating classes presenting Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice. The participants had been carefully trained by Mrs. Herndon, and the result was a very excellent presentation of the drama. An admission charge did not prevent a full house. Tenth Annual Conference This is fully reported elsewhere. Alumni Meeting One year ago a friend, whose name was not given, offered one hundred dollars for a permanent fund in case the graduates would raise four hundred. They accepted the responsibility, and by earnest efforts succeeded in raising the amount needed, and a little more. They are planning to raise five hundred dollars another year. Of interest in this connection is the fact that there had been received by the institution, only a few days before, the first legacy from a graduate, fifty dollars from Miss Fannie T. Habersham ('96). After the business meeting the alumni held a public meeting, addressed by Pres. B. F. Allen ('94) of Lincoln Institute, Jefferson City, Mo., on the Spirit of Modern Education. All were glad to hear him, in this able address. The banquet followed, presided over by W. B. Matthews ('90), and addressed also by Pres. Bumstead, Prof DuBois, Miss Chlora L. White ('85), L. M. Hershaw ('86), H. H. Pace ('03), and J. O. Ross for the non-graduates. Commencement Exercises These passed off successfully in every respect. The graduating classes, eight in the college course and ten in the normal, were represented by four speakers from each course. The first and second honors were assigned, in the college, to Carrie Beatrice King and Truman Kella Gibson, and in the normal class to Minnie L. Tripp and Lucille M. McLendon. College honors were announced, to the class of 1905, with High Honor, Carrie Beatrice King; with Honor, Truman Kella Gibson and Edward Charles Williams. To the class of 1907, with High Honor, Mamie Lucinda Abrams; with Honor, Charles Columbus Cater. Extracts from Mr. Hershaw's commencement address are given on another page. President's Reception This was the closing exercise of the week, and was attended by a very large number. The members of the Junior classes, college and normal, gave a reception to the teachers and members of the senior classes at the Model Home, May 19. THE TENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE The Atlanta Conference to study the Negro problems celebrated its tenth anniversary at Atlanta University, Tuesday, May 30, 1905. President Horace Bumstead presided and Prof. W. E. Burghardt DuBois acted as corresponding secretary. Three public sessions were held. In the morning there were addresses by Mr. L. M. Hershaw, of Washington, D. C, Mr. W. T. B. Williams, of the General Education Board, Hampton, Va., and Rev. Dr. C. B. Wil-mer of Atlanta. Mr. Hershaw in speaking on the subject, Reasons for a Systematic Study of the Negro, said in part: The systematic study of the Negro which has been carried on. under the direction of this conference for the past ten years is a departure from previous methods of study. Prior to the work done here, there had been no constant effort guided by scientific principles to study the Negro. Everybody had felt that already he knew the Negro, and hence was competent to talk about him. The consequence has been that persons whose training and information would not entitle them to an opinion on any other subject, have had no reluctance to talk and write volubly and dogmatically on this; and they have not been without their audience of eager and receptive listeners. The systematic study of the Negro has in a measure placed an embargo on these reckless and uninformed talkers. The only way to study any subject is according to a system based upon settled and accepted principles of investigation. Rev. Dr. Wilmer, rector of St. Luke's Episcopal church in this city, said, among other things, that it was remarkable bow long it had taken the world to learn the simple truth that the best way to study anything is to study it systematically. He said that he considered Atlanta University as a pioneer in this kind of study in respect to the Negro problem. He insisted that the work that had been done was truly scientific, because there was an honest endeavor to get at the truth, even when the facts discovered were unpleasant. He thought the work was so thorough and so valuable that it ought to be supported by the United States government. At two o'clock in the afternoon two Continued on page 4. NUMBER  156                                     ATLANTA, GEORGIA                                        JUNE,  1905