The primitive Republican. (Columbus, Miss.) 18??-1852, 1852-07-29
Forthe Republican.
COLUMBUS FEMALE INSTITUTE.


ind impartially, the exercises connected with
the closing term of this Institute must have
afforded strong testimony in favor of the
prosperity Of the school, and Of the ability
and faithfulness Of those under whose charge
it has been during the last year. To its
friends and patrons, it was intensely crafty
ing to observe that (without descending from
their high position, as instructors of youth,
to practice the "humbuggery" thought by
some so necessary to the success of institu-
tons for female education,) the Principal
and assistants have been recompensed by the
proficiency Of their scholars, for their pcrse-
verance in an honest, earnest and en-
Heightened discharge of their whole duty. The
classes, all arrayed in beautiful, and appro-
pirate uniforms, from the little lispers thrO'
the spelling book, to the more advanced stu
dents in moral and mechanical science, mani
tested, by the promptness and intelligence of
their answers, that they had been thoroughly
taught. The Latin classes particularly evinced
knowledge of the construction and peculiar
character of the language, rarely impaired
even in our colleges.
The close attendance of large portion of
our community exhibited their deep interest
in the progress of the exercises. During
two whole days the house was crowded with
a refined and interested audience. After the
examination closed, on Thursday evening,
the Rev. Mr.. Russell of the Baptist Church
addressed the young ladies in his own plain,
strong, practical style-not unmixed with
dash of his peculiar humour. He said that
though an old man, be, in common with the
more youthful of his sex, regarded woman
as Gods best work. That, though no fat
terer, he too, acknowledged they, (the young
ladies' were precious jewels-I earls. But
jewels, which, (though enclosed in beautiful
caskets,) had not yet undergone the refining
process; that indeed they were more than
half embedded in rock Pearls they were
but pearls scarcely released from the dark
caverns of ocean, whose future worth de-
pended on the polish they would receive in
passing through that refining element of So
Capitalization. He contended that the
responsibility Of educating and disciplining
youth did not rest on the teachers alone,
but upon both parents and teachers. That
education, to be effective of good, must begin
an the nurSery-that parents must co-ope-
rate with teachers. He thought the present
system of female education defective-in as
much as it attempts too much in proportion
to given period of time-that it was the
fault of the existing state of society, that
females completed their education at too
early an age that if their mental discipline
could be made more extensive, and continue
longer, the rising generation would be race
Of intellectual giants. He wound up with
wELL-DEsERvED eulogy on the Principal,
teachers and scholars. After which "The
Old Granite State" was sung by the whole
school.
A concert was announced for Friday eve
ming. Friday evening came, and such was
the interest excited by the occasion, that
scarcely had the sun set ere the house was
filling rapidly. At early candle-light not
vacant seat could be found, while aisle and
gallery were thronged. The scene then pre-
sented to the eye was animating and bewitch-
ing indeed. The lights, the flowers, the
waving fans, the wreathing smilesand bright
faces and sparkling eyes, the array of beauty
and fashion, and manly courtesy, the pure
white dresses and modest loneliness of the in.
teresting actors in this scene of beauty, con-
stituted charming page in the poetry of
life.
Then came music, with its spell for old
and young. Thrilling truly, was the effect
f of some of the songs-wonderful the prof.
cheney ofthe fair songstresses-while all per-
formed admirably. The pleasurable excite
ment of the occasion will not soon be forgot
ten by those present.
The claims Of this Institution upon the re-
gard and patronage of our citizens seem so
obvious as to render any advocacy of them
here supcrAuous The school must and will
stand upon its own merits.
To parents and guardians at a distance,
we would say, if you wish your daughters
and wards instructed in all that refnes the
heart, elevates and strengthens the mind and
enlightens the understanding, send them to
this Institute. Under the care of the excel
lent Principal, (Mr. Mccain, and his noble
and accomplished lady, their minds, morals,
manners and dress will receive every atten-
ton that the affection and taste of the most
refined and sensitive mother can demand.
Board can also be obtained in families of
the highest responsibility.
SPECTATOR.
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