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good work.  Examples of this kind are so numerous as to lead me to think that the colored people are competent to perform a large share of the work of their own elevation.
I have the honor to be,
Very Respectfully,
Your Obedient Servant,
C.W. Buckley
Superintendent of Education.


Public Meeting,
Marion, Ala., May 17, 1866.
At a meeting of the citizens of Marion and Perry county, to consider the propriety of adopting such measures to encourage and assist the black population in their efforts to educate their children, Ex-Gov. A.B. Moore was called to the Chair, and Dr. R.D. England requested to act as Secretary. The following committee was appointed to report resolutions to the meeting viz:  Rev. J. L. M. Curry, Rev. H. R. Raymond, Rev. P. B. Lawson, W. N. Wyatt, Esq., John Moore, Esq., and Col. A. K. Sheppard.  In a short time the committee reported the following resolutions:

Whereas, Our recent slaves by set of the Government of the United States, have been suddenly emancipated without preparation for freedom, and wherever they must necessarily remain or years, if not indefinitely, in our midst as a permanent part of our population.

Resolved,  That sound policy as well as the highest moral obligation, require that prompt efforts should be made to prepare this people for their changed political condition and new relations.

Resolved,  That every consideration of justice and safety dictates the encouragement by us of all well directed efforts on the part of the freedmen to receive the benefits of a common school education,

Resolved, That as the expression of the unanimous sense of this meeting, that teachers should be selected for colored schools, at good capacity and character, from the white or black population in our midst, or if from abroad, persons who with either exquisite qualifications are known to feel an abiding interest in the peace and welfare of all classes of our community.

Resolved, That a Committee of seven be appointed by this meeting to co-operate with the freedmen of this community in their efforts to erect school houses, procure competent teachers, and provide themselves with all the necessary means of education.

Resolved, That if in response to the action of this meeting, any suitable persons, male or female, shall engage in the instruction of the colored people, we assure them of our hearty endorsement and respect, and engage by all proper means to strengthen their hands and encourage their labors.

The above resolutions were ably sustained by Messrs. Curry, Raymond, and Sheppard and pending the discussion of them, the meeting adjourned to meet again on