Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1837-10-12
SPECTATOR.
>STAUMTON.
THURSDAY, OCT. 12, 1897.
THE STAUNTON ACADEMY.

~ "a ibuCi W oS ItSTetttU tnat every
friend of this ancient institution, and of
education generally, could not have been
present at the examination of its pupils
which took place last week. The evil
dences Of proficiency in learning, AMI of
orderly and correct department exhibit
ed on that occasion, were. in the highest
degree, creditable, not only to the schol-
ar, but to the talented aud excellent gen.
tleman who pIesides over the academy !;
and must have been most gratifying to
the parents and guardians of the pupils.
The universal sentiment Of all who were
present, was that they had never wit.
messed, at any school, an examination
which etinced more judicious instruc-
ton on the part of the preceptor, or
more dilisent and successful application
by the students.
1t is not our purpose to give a detail.
ed statement OF the merits of the differ
ent classes, for it would be invidious TO
criminate where all acquitted them
selves SO well. But we would invite
our fellow citizens generally, who feel
an interest in the rising genera,ion-in
the sons Of their friends and neigh bors,
even if they have none of their own
hereafter to bestow an occasional hour
or two to the academy, which is dcstin-
ed to exert such an important influence
on the character of our youth, and
through them, ON the character OF our
county.
In the present enlightened age, all
are ready. at least SO far as profession
goes. to admit the importance Of educa-
ton; and many of our fellow citizens
are striving, at great expense, to give
their sons the advantages of collegiate
course Of instruction. This is all yerv
well in its place, but great as the advan-
tages Of a college education undoubtedly
are, those of a sound academic institu-
ton are still greater. Indeed without
the latter, the former is useless. 1t is
like sowing seed upon ground which
has not been ploughed and prepared to
receiveit. At the academy the founda-
ton is laid. Here the rudiments are ac
CURED, which are the ground work OF
future advancement in knowledge, and
without it, the college superstructure is
worse than useless, numbering the mind
with mass Of undigested Iearning-un-
fitting it for profound investigation, and
generating habits of superficial examina
ton, which makes smaterers instead oil
scholars.
1t appears to US that the Stanton A.
cademy at this time presents peculiar ad-
yantages to those who are anxious 70
qualify themselves for most of the Dur.
suits of life. The principal professor is
gentleman well known to the public
as man oil fine talents-a ripe scholar,
and an experienced instructor. Under
his guidance the student can acquire
every thing that is necessary to ena BILE
him 10 take his station in society as a
weli-intormed gentleman, and all that is
necessary to prepare him for either oil
the learned professions. Ii he has time
aud money to 60 farther, and take col
legiate course, it would certainly be well
for him to do so ; but many of our most
distinguished juriSts. physicians and d.
vines, have commenced their profession
| al career with much more limited and
imperfect education, than any of our
youth can receive at the hands of LIT
TLETON WADDELL.
We have often been struck with sur.
prise at the great degree of apathy which
is manifested by parents in relation to
the education Of their children. They
will send them to school, and paw
for their instruction, and then thew
think they have done all that is incum.
bent on them. Their business engrosses
all their thoughts, and they have hardly
lime to enquire, much less to go and see
now their sons progress. What shame
iuI neglect this is What business is so
important TO father as the instruction
of his son? How insignificant is the
most amnlp fnrfnra a., H.. .z----.-J -