Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1852-05-14
For the Journal.
Nav Day.

The First of May indeed bright and merry
day at Topsail Academy. 1t was interesting, not
only because the young ladies of the Academy
to crown their May Queen, in accordance with
time honored custom, and give utterance to the Joy
Gus emotions of their youthful hearts; but also be-
cause it the anniversary Of the Topsail Tent of
Rechabites, and Cadets Of Temperance. 4 large
concourse had assembled therefore, at an early hour
to witness scenes Of ordinary interest and to re-
alize the truth of the poetic sentence that
" The merry May hath pleasant hours, and dreaily they
glide,
As if they foaed like the leaves, upon silver tide
The procession formed at IL o'clock, A. NJ, at
the Academy, and preceded by band of music,
maneuvred little in The Grove, in order to show
off to advantage; for you know. MIR. Editor, men
like to show themselves under favorable crcumstan-
ces; thence they proceeded to the speakers stand
where the procession formed an open column thro
which the Queen and her suite marched to her
throne and as the little girls tripped On strewng
their pathway with flowers, and smiling upon their
fathers whose faces they recognized they presented
of innocence and beauty, such as it has new
er been my privilege before to behold; and invoi-
UNFAIRLY thought, that of these it might we'll and
truly be said, that they were as pure in thought
as angels are'
| The exercises opened by prayer by the Rev.
Mr.. Chaf6n, after which, it announced by the
Marshal that the coronation would take place. This
was done in most graceful and interesting manner
the qualification of all present. and the little girls
presented most striking evidence of the beauties of
early education.
The coronation ceremonies being ended, and the
congregation composed. the Rev. VIM. H Christian,
Principal of Topsail Academy, introduced to
deliver the third anniversary address before Topsail
Tent, |. o. of R. The fame of the Rev. gentleman
as Temperance orator, had raised the expectations
of the waiting multitude to the highest pitch. Yet
there was no disappointment save that their antci-
pations were more than realized. When he had en-
chained the attention of the congregation FIR fifty
minutes, with the magic power of eoquence, he took
his seat amid spontaneous burst ofapplause. There
was but sentiment prevailing, viz: that the
speaker had but few if any equals, and superior
as Temperance lecturer, of his age.
The next speaker introduced was Master Charles
w. McClammy who delivered the anniversary ad-
dress of the Topsai Section of Cadets. This speak
err though quite young, acquitted himself in such a
manner to give evidence of genius rarely found in
one young.
! Mr.. L. w. Howard, the representative of the
Aeademys Debating Society, next introduced
who, after announcing that his sub ject North
Carolina proceeded in such manner to con.
vince all present that of truth ace Hue in a good
ly land,' and that though it does not flow with milk
and honey yet possesses everything that avarce
crave, or luxury desire and ofthe truth OF the posi-
ton had ocular and delecaHe demonstration wher
we partook of the sumptuous collation. prepared BY
the hospitabe citizens of the neighborhood, and o
7. which all were invited to partake.
l. The Queen and her suite publicly invited tt
dinner by Mr. George w. Pollock in a manner tina
convinced us all that he spoke not the language O
cold formality, but the sentiments of generous
6 heart
After enjoying the dinner to our satisfaction ant
leaving it not half consumed we lounged about il
the grove, of the most pleasant in Carolina ant
enjoyed the society of the fairest portion of Cod
. creation. until the lengthening shadows warned u
of the approach of night: when reluctantly lef
To muse at our homes Of the benefit of education
its eleTating and refining tendency. May Topsai
Academy long flourish, and furnish facilities 70
training the youthful mind, and preparing it for tn
rude contact Of the world. SPECTATOR