Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-09-16
Communicated.
HARDWOOD SEMINARY.


Editors, are appraised ofthe recentestablishment
of this institution, formerly known by the name
of Mill Fan Seminary, and conducted with so
much utility, under the prudent superintendence
of MIR. Charles Tackett.
Having, on the third instant, attended an ex-
animation of the students at HARDWOOD, / can
truly say that was highly grati6ed. The pa
rents warmest anticipations were fully realized.
The facility and promptness with which the
classes examined in English Grammar and
Geography, answered the various and numerous
questions proposed to them, discovered an ac-
curate knowledge of the most useful branches.
Nor was the performance OF the classes alone
deserving commentator: the junior classes OF
the school, animated by the paternal counsel of
their friends and instructor, showed they had
not been unmindful OF the laudabe example set
them by their senior companions The exer-
cises Of the day were concluded by some of the
students delivering few well-selected speeches,
ina manner highly creditable to themselves, and
entertaining to the audience. How delightfulit
is to behold the youth of our country, the hope
Of future time, pursuing with patient and unre-
hitting exertions, the rugged and steep ascent
TO the temple of science; and vigorously follow
ing the course oil conduct pointed cut 10 them
by their experienced instructor. What heart
but must love to contemplate the pleasing spec
tacle, when recolec,ing that in few years the
management, not only Of private and all inPor-
tant domestic concerns, but the affairs of The
government must be entrusted to the rising ge-
neration.
This boarding establishment is situated in
the upper part Of Stafford County. Here, far
removed from the scenes of dissipation and bad
example, the pupils are conducted into the
paths Of knowledge and virtue, and by uniform
and regular habits follow them from choice
Conversing with a gentleman present on the
day of examination, | was informed that not
less than thousand pupils have received their
education, either in whole, or in part, at this
seminary Many young men, after leaving this
school, have become useful teachers in various
par,s of Virginia, and in other States. The
rigid, though paternal discipline exercised by
the principal, has transformed the character OF
many boys whose inveterate habits had already
sown the seeds Of anxiety and dependency III
the breasts of their most tender friends; while
on the other hand, those who have been doeiie
and trac,abe, have been excited TO renewed
industry and increased circumspection oil de-
pertinent, by the unwearied exeruons OF the
gentleman under whose guidance this instltu-
ton has so long prospered. One striking trait
in the character Of the students al HARDWOOD is,
that while the most unusual prudence charac-
terizes them, an alacrity not common with boys
far removed from their homes, marks the con-
duct of most of them. Does not this arise from
the skill of the teacher? From exercise OF
that rare and happy, though essential talent,
which reconciles salutary fear, with tliai
love. in those entrusted to his care! In line,
does not he, who labors, by sage counsels, un-
firing efforts, and all animated zeal to instruct
the rising generation, confer public benefit?
I conclude by adding that it is only necessary
for an enlightened community to become &C
ouainted with the advantages held out at this
seminary, and 10 learn the character OF its con-
ductor, to appreciate justly its merits, and avail
themselves of the suspicious opportunities it
affords. A SPECTATOR.
At the period of Wilkes's popularity, every
wall bore his name, and every window his por-
trait. In china, in bronze, or in marble, he stood
upon the chimpey-piece of half the houses Of the
metropolis; he swung upon the sign-post ofeve-
ry village, Of every great road throughout the
country. He used himself to tell, with much
elee, Of monarchical old lady, behind whom
he accidently waked-looking up, she murmur-
ed within his hearing, in much spleen, she
swings every where but where ne ought.
Wilkes passed her, and turning round, politely
bowed.
Pope Sextus the Fifth, who was very poor
mans son, and who when boy had lived In
house SO badly matched that the sun came in
many places, would sport with his ignoble
birth, and say that" he was nats d, casa alhstre,