course of last fall's football season went on to say: "There is the general state of affairs that on every hand there are freshmen of football build and weight who are not playing the game'-a sufficiently clear intimation that these gen

tlemen were neglecting their duties. The assumption that a heavy man comes to college not to study but to play football is so general that comment like the above would only attract the attention of an outsider."

The Mediterranean trip is a favorite. one with many American travelers, especially in the winter and spring. Not a few of them arrange their itinerary to include Holy Week at Athens, Greece. An increasing number, while visiting Constantinople, Smyrna and Beyrout, on their way to the Holy Land, or at Cairo, and Álexandria in Egypt, having learned of the American and English educational institutions at these centers, place them also in their plans; while a less number map out their routes purposely to visit these institutions. The few who have stopped at Salonica, Turkey in Europe, during the four years since the Thessalonica Agricultural and Industrial Institute was begun by two American missionaries, to provide a home and school for the larger boys of Macedonia, who were orphaned and left desolate by the massacres of 1903, have seen a rapidly growing and most promising work, which might eisaly double its scope and efficiency, were its funds increased in even less ratio. Few travelers, however, have yet seen this institute, though it is almost on the shore of the Gulf of Salonica; fewer yet have journeyed one hundred and fifty miles westward from that point, crossed the mountains into Albania, and visited the only school under American auspices, in that littleknown land just north of Greece. Still fewer, but among these, Miss Durham, an English writer, author of "Through the Lands of the Serb," and "The Burden of the Balkans,” and now and then

an

adventurous newspaper correspondent, have penetrated thither by the even more hazardous routes from the Adriatic Sea.

Hence it is that very little is known of

the noble work which a few grand souls are doing for their own country, in the only school in Albania in which the Albanian language has been permitted by the Ottoman Government, in the education of Albanian children. A writer in the Christian Endeavor World dwells more fully upon this point than the limits of this column will allow; but we are favored with an account of last year's experiences at this Kortcha school, from one of the few who know it well:

Though well-nigh overwhelmed at times by difficulties and opposition from various sources, the school year of 19051906 closed successfully, and the future looked encouraging. School opened in September last with a good number of pupils, and great esthusiasm among both teachers and scholars. A quiet and peaceable time was enjoyed in the beginning, but later the national or Greek Church began to threaten as aforetime, and to bring every possible hindrance to bear upon the work. The persecutions of the year just past have been beyond description.

Ever since evangelical work was opened in Kortcha intense jealousy and extreme suspicion have been evident in the attitude of the Greek Church toward the Christian education of children in their mother tongue. This is because the ecclesiastics wish to keep the people in ignorance, and will not allow them gospel liberty, since to think for themselves will weaken the political influence of the Church. Families have been continually warned to beware of the religious teachings in our school, and not to send their children to it. None of these things disheartened us, for, on the other hand, there was much to encourage.

However, in the midst of our per

sistent and hopeful labors came the most unexpected and hardest blow which could fall upon the school, viz.: the Government's prohibition to use the Albanian language, for the use of which it had granted a firman, years since--and the threatened closing of the school! Almightly God raised up worthy men as his instruments to act decisively and prevent the great calamity, which menaced this one light in our poor, neglected country. We are thankful, indeed, that we have been able to continue school duties so far, though officially the school is closed.

The sad news spread to all parts of the globe where Albanians are to be found, and caused great sorrow, because this was the only Albanian school in the country. Their deep sympathy shows. their great appreciation of the work; this comforts us in the midst of our uncertainty as to its future. They realize the dangers which will befall the land if deprived of this institution, the only one in which a beginning has been made for the education of Albanians in their vernacular. All their hopes for the education of the masses of their nation centered in it.

Albania appeals to all lovers of free and liberal education, to place such beacon-lights in other parts of her country also, that the light may stream out more broadly and strongly, and drive out the darkness of ignorance. There is a desperate cry all over the land for more light and liberty, for more schools, which are the most efficient agencies for the extension of Christianity, and for more workers. There is a great opportunity throughout Albania, but Christians must hasten and do their part to enter it and preach the Gospel. She is longing to be helped and uplifted by words and acts of love. As a weak nation she wants

sympathy and support. No one can comprehend how sweet will be to her the assurance of the love of a great and distinct people. The love of Christ constrains us to say with St. Paul, as he looks out upon the sorrows of men:

"Oh to save these, to perish for their saving,

Die for their life, be offered for them all!"

The nation's struggle for knowledge is most pathetic. Many incidents indicate the deep craving of the Albanian heart for enlightenment. Old and young beg to be taught to read. Great strong men come and plead with tearful eyes for a leaf of a, b, c's, or to be taught the alphabet only, while for the rest they will strive by themselves. When one of them finds some one to teach him his joy is beyond bounds. Poor though he be, he does not fail to manifest his gratitude by little kindnesses which may be within his power.

Sixty students were enrolled in the Kortcha School last year, thirty-five of whom continued in it, notwithstanding all efforts to persuade or compel them to leave. Because no school exists where boys may be taught Albanian, there was an English class of twelve, in connection with this school. The teahers had great satisfaction in watching the rapid development of their scholars. "In one word," our correspondent continues with wonderful courage, "the past year has been one of growth and decided progress. The general improvement of the girls has been noticed, both in school and home life, and the increased interest which they take in their daily tasks, is a source of encouragement to all. I repeat: There is great need that Christians hasten to set up the standard of a pure gospel in poor, neglected Albania!"