Improvement of Colored People.
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At the recent semi-annual examination of the State Normal school in Salem, the following Hymn was sung, being the production of Miss C.L. FORTEN, a young colored pupil: -

In the earnest path of duty,
With high hopes and hearts sincere,
We to useful lives aspiring,
Daily meet to labor here.

No vain dreams of earthly glory,
Urge us onward to explore
Far extending realms of knowledge,
With their rich and varied store;

But, with hope of aiding others,
Gladly we perform our part;
Nor forget, the mind, while storing,
We must educate the heart, -

Teach it hatred of oppression,
Truest love of God and man;
Thus our high and holy calling
May accomplish His great plan.

Not the great and gifted only
He appoints to do his will,
But each one, however lowly,
Has a mission to fulfil.

Knowing this, toil we unwearied,
With true hearts and purpose high; -
We would win a wreath immortal,
Whose bright flowers ne'er fade and die.

Diplomas have just been awarded to a colored girl in the High School at Portsmouth, N.H., and also to a young colored lad at one of the Boston Public Schools, to which he) though the only colored among the white boys found) had secured access but a few months since.

This year's graduating class at Dartmouth College, contained one colored young man, (Edward Garrison Draper.) The Class procured lithographic portraits of each other, to exchange fraternally, and to give color to their consistency, Draper's was among them as a brother beloved.

A colored aspirant for classical knowledge has just obtained admittance to a literary Institution in Connecticut, after many years' refusal by the Faculty.

In the city of Boston there are gratifying tokens that prejudice against color is not invincible. One large business firm has now employed in their counting-room a colored book-keeper. There are colored clerks, also, in other stores. A colored Auctioneer has just been licensed by the city authorities. I recently met a colored boy in the street, who seemed much elated as he told me that a white machinist had agreed to take him as an apprentice.

There is a man in Boston, a young colored man, (<< William Simpson>> ,) whose success as a crayon artist is eliciting praise from those best qualified to judge. Several portraits of well known individuals have been executed by him with remarkable fidelity and finish.
Lewis Hayden's new store on the corner of Cambride and North Russell streets, - where, in addition to his usual Furnishing Stock, may be found jewelry, silver ware, &c., - reflects credit upon himself and those with whom he is complexionally identified in this country.

Each fact above started - and others could be given - is worth more than elaborate arguments in proof of the certain - even if slow - yielding of the public sentiment to the colored man's claims, and should stimulate him to a higher ambition than to be merely what may be considered well for a colored man; but rather refusing to be satisfied with less than perfection in his honest calling.

W.C.N.

DOLLAR MONEY.

George Cuthberts, Prince Magiah, Indy Hyams, S. Hills, Milly Seabrooke, Frederick Stevens, William Lewis, Francis Lambert, Rebecca Alston, Harriett Gibbs, Mary Adkins, Jane Russell, E. J. Breat, Elias Green, S. Nelson, J. Campbell, Jane Singleton, Flora Johnson, Rose Buse, A. Hammons, Rachel Anerom, Setina Williamson, Martha Oliver, E. Hamilton, Rose Reed, Ellen Evnas, Katie Nowells, P. Gotes, M.A. Ganson, Grace Lawrnece, Diana Wilson, Jane See, Mrs. Holmes, M. Montgomery, Martha Rivers, Clara Middleton, May Kicks, A. Ruffins, Ann Dickerson, Mrs. M. Bruce, Mrs. Calder, D. Bryant, Sarath Benthan, H. Cooper, << William Simpson>> , William Dosher, E. Elston, H. Graves, P. Seridson, E. Lambert, Rose Dozler, John Chilsom, G. Moultrie, S. Campbell, S. Wener, Susan Morrison, J. Drenken, I. Desonby, J. Noddolph, J. Wilson, B. Cooper, Susan Green, C. Milliton, William Richardson, H. Steerwart, Rose Owents, C. Bryant, C. Ray, F. White, M. Chilsom, J. Alston, Josephine Ihmean, H. Hamilton, C. Reduford, F. Wilson, Bettery Middleton, H. Holmes, Rose Washington, H. Grant, Q. Ollens, M. Saudine, Rose Singleton, Affy Richardson, P. Edwards, G. Moultrie, Clara Moultrie, J. Adams, Mrs. Grant, S. Williams, H. Jones, W. Hall, J. Johnson, A. Johnson, A. Jenkins, I. Stewart, A. Smith, L. Keith, A. Hamsler, Mary Campbell, Mrs. Pinkney, P. Scott, C. Richardson, B. Cohen, M. Johnson, S. Jeney, S. Garrison, C. Akens, G. Cavison, T. Hill, J. Walker, Edmund Young, G. Hurd, G. Wells, G. Callader, C. Nogers, J. Lambert, Henry Frnacis, T. Gaithers, H. Haleston, A. Williams, A. Goork, Cele Haynes, Jas. Beamer, G. Holmes, Smaller sums $87,98. Total $343.28.

Rev. J.A. Davis. THOMASTON, GA., Martha Reel, Washington Pierce, C. King, Gardy A. Shuman, George Beal, Smithey King, M. Revere, Beter Drake, M. Atwale, Minnie Sherman, Mancy Sherman. Total $11.00.

Rev. J.W. Stevenson. TRENTON, N.J. Hannah Still, Hannah Lewis, Amos H. Johnson, Henry Wood, Newell Seruby, Mary Rainer, Daniel J. Henson, Sarah Hall, Moses Jormel, J. Charman, Catharine Charman, Georgianana, Titus, Rachel A. Conover, Mary James, Benj. Jones, Francis Stevens, Lydia Tilghman, Jacob Fisher, Emily Petern, Elias Cragland, Mary Emmons, Catherine Tilghman, Jane Vroome, Mary Brown, Mary E. Williams, Flora Agree, Julia Tilghman, Francis Fisher, Ruth Hutchins, Mary E. Eanis, Mary Fisher, Ellen Stryker, Clarar Mattrhews, Mary Jane Gray, Darlson Crusoe, Mary Stevenson. Total $38.00. Smaller Sums $5.00. Total $43.00.

Rev. J.E.W. Moore. FARMVILLE, VA. W.M. Farguar, Mary Parguaz, Elisa Levies, Frances Jefferson, Mollie Booker, Ural Lee, Milly Frent. Total $7.00.

Rev. James N. Dorsey. SACRAMENTO CITY, CAL. Hester Sanders, Anne Adams, Mary Ann Booth, Isaiah Buchanan, Charlotte Young, Ellen Coger, E. Williams, Henry Dorsey, Priscilla Wihittaker, Abraham Giles, Areanne Giles, Ellen Penny, Ann Cabmpell, E. Turk. Total $14.00.

R. Jams V. Pierce, BRISTOL, PA. Henry Blackette, James Peters, Lydia Harris, Anna Harvis, C. Chase, Rachel Williams, Gracey Wright, Sarah Haney, Rachel Lee, James E. Pierce. Total $10.00.

Rev. James Robinson, CROWDERSVILLE CIRCUIT, MD. John Wesley, Joshua Thomas, Mary Thomas, James Crowner, Mary Smith, Sandy Cole. Smaller Sums $4.00. Total $10.00.

For the Christian Recorder.

VOICE FROM PITTSBURG.

Its Smoke - Its People - Its Leaders - Peck, Woodson, &c. - Benevolent Society - Celebration - G.B. Vashon, &c.

MR. EDITOR: - Once more we find ourselves in the "smoky city." Its appearance is much the same as when we left it, some five years ago, the smoke being just as dense, the houses just as black and dingy, and the great heart of the people just as large and generous.
There are some things, which characterize Pittsburg, independent of its vast manufactories, its smoke, and its liberal hearts, and that is, the staidness of the people. Pittsburg is really an old place, being a military post even before the days of the Revolution; and the spirit of its people now hates to leave the things of the past, but loves to loiter among them.
In public enterprise, even the white population are far behind the other great cities of the Union. There is not a single park or fountain within the whole city. When we speak of the colored people, truth compels us to say, that, in no city of half the size, is there such a want of public enterprise. Noble and generous, intelligent and pious, they still mysteriously lag behind the swift march of events. Nor is this fault without an excuse.
The character of every community is shaped, in a very great measure, by its leaders. If they be wise and good and progressive, these traits will be found in the community at large. Unfortunately for Pittsburg, there has always existed mutual bickerings and jealousies between or among its leaders, and, for want of harmony in the work, the interests of the public have suffered.
We have known Rev. John Peck from childhood, and have only known him to esteem him. We also admire Rev. Lewis Woodson for his virtues and attainments. Matthew Jones, Esq., has, by his straightforwardness, reflected no little credit upon his people.
These gentlemen, we doubt not, are among the recognized leaders of this community. Of their piety, their intelligence, and their worth, the people have cause to be proud. But their unharmoniousness - their looking sideways at each other - has operated most disastrously upon the public.
An army has a right to expect, ay, demand harmony and concert of action among its leaders. The soldiers and sailors had a right to expect butler and Porter to be friends in the great Wilmington Armada. Beloved fathers and leaders, in the name of the people, we say, bury the tomahawk, and for once and for ever smoke the pipe of peace.
While this lethargic spirit seems to possess the men, it is a noticeable fact, that the women are, in a great measure, free from it. There are some moving spirits among the good dames of the "smoky city." As an outgrowth of this, we can but notice, briefly, the doings of a Society they have among them, known by the modest title, Benevolent Society.
To the poor and needy, this is no meaningless title. Like ministering angels, its members are seen visiting the hut of the poor, the bed of the afflicted, and the bereaved every where. Its good offices, like many Societies, are not confined to themselves, but, like the charities of God, extend to all.
On Christmas evening, they held a festival in Wilkins' Hall. The President, Mrs. Phoebe Miller, was on hand, with her usual smiles and words of cheer. Nor would we be unmindful of all the good ladies, who assisted upon that occasion. Had we their names before us, the world should know; but suffice to say, that they have given all to know, by their deeds, that they fully comprehend the truth, that a woman's mission is to love and to cheer.
We have yet to notice the three chief Managers - Mrs. Elizabeth T. Briscoe, and Misses Sarah B. Mahoney and Minerva Waters.
The first of these - Mrs. E.T. Briscoe - possesses an easy competence in life. She has an excellent mind, an active spirit, and a kind heart. Of her it can never be said, that her room is better than her presence; for her presence has often made the desponding glad.
Of Miss Sarah B. Mahoney it is to be said, that she possesses a well-balanced mind, a good heart, an active spirit, and, withal, a well-filled purse. She, too, has often proved herself the friend of the poor.
Miss Minerva Waters has arisen to an enviable position in the social circle by merit. Good and kind is she, and a stronger worker in the vineyard of the Lord is not to be found.
Under the leadership of these three ladies, with a noble band of table-keepers, whose names we have not, the festival realized, in once evening the sum of $100.
We will, in conclusion, merely notice the Grand Proclamation Celebration, on the evening of January 2d, in the Wylie Street A.M.E. Church. The vast crowd was entertained by a number of eloquent speakers, who were gracefully introduced by Mr. << William Simpson>> . The most noticeable, as they were the most interesting, among the speakers, were Professor G.B. Vashon and Samuel Neal.
Yours, by the way,
SHALOM.