The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-08-01

THIs AFTERNooS-Let it be remembered that
the School Celebration is to take place; and let it
be remembered also, that this is the first general
celebration of our public schools.
On Tuesday all were ready for a grand parade,
and all who saw the several schools their way
to the City Hall agree with in the opinion that
the display would have reflected honor upon our
city.
In and around the City Hall were many of our
most respectable citizens, and amongst them seve-
raj ministers Of the Gospel, who had come forth to
enjoy the spectacle, and to give the influence Of
their presence in behalf Of the cause Within
plain carriage the Hail. was one citizen whose
feelings deeply enlisted in the cause OF popular
education, and who had come forth most cheerfully
and gladly to participate in the celebration and to
cheer onward in the good work all the children and
their instructors, and the most estimable gentle.
men who supervise the school system of our city
He had traverscd the rugged paths Of knowledge
unaided, and had learned the value of aid to the
mcritorious in the early season Of youth. He is
the father OF daughter, whom he long since gave
10 the service of the public schools in his native
State. true friend of our schools is he and 10y
ously will his aid be this day received. The pre-
miums earned by true desert will be received from
his hand; and when the fortunate recipients shall
grow up TO be men and women, and shall even be-
come old men and old women, they will doubtless
still preserve these little tokens, and tell with pride
that they were bestowed by the hand Of WILLARD
FILLaoRK, the President of the United States.
How the fire Of patriotism will burn in the hearts
of those to whom the Commonwealth becomes
foster parent and instructor What additional ar
dor ia thus given TO that sentiment Who will not
fan its embcrs? On the rugged hills of New Eng
land the schools provided by the State for Che
instruction of her sons; and those sons often
der afar of in carly manhood to return more; but
whether they dwell in the -avannahs Of the South
the wild prairics of the far West their
own New England home and it's free yet precious
gift remembered. and the remembrance
ever continues cord around the heart TO bind
it 10 its first and best. loved home.
why may not this District accomplish all that
the proudes State of the Confederacy has done
in this behalf Our word for it, she will yet &C
complish even more Congress will doubtless be
u1unifccnt in its provision of school fund; our
people will not fail to make good use of this; the
District ia compact, and will thus favor good
management from all parts Of the world the
most intelligent persons will bring us the latest
Improvements in science, in text books, and in
the art of teaching; and the Smithsonian Institu.
ton will be great helper to both teachers and
pupils. Are not these advantages2 They arc
surely such az will elevate our schools and rem
der them models for those in all the States of the
Union. Members of Congress will visit them,
and bcstow upon Thorn the offerings sent by the
schools Of other States, and will receive in return
the gifts our children may have TO send abroad;
and they will learn tho progrcss made by ms, from
time to time, which they will communicate to the
schools Of their respective districts for their profit
and advantage. Thus, between the children Of