The nineteenth annual commencement of the A. and T. College for negroes begun yesterday with the baccalaureate sermon preached by Rev. E. M. Brawley, pastor of White Rock Baptist church, Durham.

The annual sermon to the religious societies was preached by Rev. Charles E. Stewart, pastor of Ebenezer A. M. E. church, Baltimore, Maryland, at 8.30 p. m. Stirring music was furnished by the Burleigh-Dett Choral society assisted by the A. & T. quartette and the A. & T. orchestra, directed by Prof. W. E. Lew of the college faculty.

Before introducing the speaker President Dudley took occasion to mention that he is completing his 21st year as president of the college and spoke concerning the many improvements which the college has seen during that time. Many new buildings have been erected, a beautiful campus has been developed, dormitories built and equipped with hot and cold water systems, the teaching force increased together with an ever growing student body. He also mentioned the loyalty of the teachers and students and the public generally to the institution during his presidency. The student body has become one of the best bodies of young men to be found in the country, and the alumni, he said, has to its credit more achievements than any other negro aluni association in the world. Members of the board of trustees have done all that could be expected of any set of men, and some of the best friends the negro has in this country are to be found among the members of the trustee board. This year closes one of the most efficient years both for student and teacher, the college has had.

Continuing President Dudley said: “I wish to speak of the loyalty of our fathers to our country, which loyalty stands out as a precedent in the history of the world. Nowhere in the world has any race of people under similar circumstances show such loyalty to its country as has the negro race, and this rich heritage which is ours during this time when the country is in one of the crisis of it history, must not be reflected upon by any of us. In every war and conflict this county has had we have, as a race, been loyal, and I do not think it fitting or proper that any of us should at this time when the country needs our patriotism more than eve, air our grievances against the government. This is not the time to discuss our racial conflicts. On the 5th of June every male citizen between the ages of 21 and 30 years, is required to register and you will all have a duty--to urge every negro to promptly comply with this request on the part of the government.

Today anniversary exercises of the Agricultural Literary Society will be held, with address by Mr. A. L. Brooks, of Greensboro.

Tomorrow will be held class day exercises of the senior class and anniversary exercises of the Mechanic Arts literary society, with address by Dr. John A. Lesh, professor of Education in the State Normal college.

On Wednesday morning there will be the alumni reunion and on Wednesday evening a commencement drama in three acts--”The Land of Opportunity”--written by the wife of the president, who has achieved more than a local reputation for productions of this kind. The performance will be given in the college auditorium and the small admission price of 25 cents charged to pay for costumes and stage settings. The white people of the town are extended a special invitation to attend and see what Greensboro has in the way of home talent, both in playwright and players.

Thursday morning there will be a military drill contest at 9 o’clock, followed by commencement day exercises with address by State Superintendent J. Y. Joyner.

The program this year is one of the fullest and most interesting yet presented by this institution which is preparing the young men who receive instruction there for the practical things of life and good citizenship wherever their lots are cast. It is giving just the education the negro needs and not only the negro but the whites as well--knowledge which counts for something worth while in the every day business life of the avery American man.