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527

widening and deepening interest on the part of the people to have Schools; 2d, the rigid and Consistent application, both to societies and local school trustees, of the rule not to furnish rent or "rental" unless an average daily attendance of thirty pupils was secured. The application of this rule has saved a great waste of public funds, and by holding people, teachers and societies responsible for results, has not only increased the daily attendance but improved the tone of the schools.

Obstacles. Whatever progress has been made, has been in the face of the usual difficulties and of some that were unusual. While it is true that the people almost universally hunger for schools, yet without intelligent assistance they can hardly take the first step toward getting them. Poor, ignorant, unaccustomed to take responsibility, without leaders or unity of effort, they wait to be moved, step by step, and allow weeks and months to pass with less concern than a more enterprising and cultivated people witness the flight of days. "Pushing things" is an idea impossible of comprehension by the people of Virginia generally, but especially by those who have graduated in the school of slavery. Hence those who are