T. Thomas Fortune has an interesting two column sketch of Artist Bannister in the New York 'Sun' from which we make the following extracts: Edwin M. BANNISTER of Providence, who has grown old, as an artist, was born in St. Andrews, N.B. about 63 years ago. His parents were of French, Indian and African origin. He attended the village school and while there laid the foundation of a practical education. Before his tenth year he had gained a local reputation for cleverness in making pictures of his school mates and his father's neighbors. He was apprenticed to a succesful cobbler in St. Andrews, but all his relatives and friends expected him to become a great artist. ... He settled down to the study of art in Boston. He studied under Dr. RIMMER and showed such indications of genious that he soon attracted the attention of all the professors laboring with Dr. Rimmer. ... He finished his studies at Boston and went to Providence in 1871 where he has since resided. Before leaving Boston he became a regular exhibitor at the annual exposition of the Boston Art Club. The members of the Providence Art League met with him cordially and in the studies that he regularly presented they recognized a decided addition to the class of painters located there devoted to the French school illustrated by Bouguereau. - Old residents of St. Andrews recollect the Bannisters very well. There were two young men in the family, one known as Ed BANNISTER and the other as Bill BANNISTER. They were smart, athletic young fellows and left here between 40 and 50 years ago. One of them established himself as a barber on Haymarket Square, Boston. (see original)