Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1853-12-03
THE NoRTHoARoIINA STANDARD.

gognes will seek for that burst of graft
tude which howsfTom hearts directed by intelig
sentiments As legislators we should have regard to
the good of the whole people and not the privileged
few should therefore, legislate for the good of
all classes mbering that the poor have their
rights well as the opulent, and the one grand OBJ
ject of all legislation should be to increase the
intelligence and prosperity of citizens. As fathers
our responsibility is immense. We should be anb-
tous for the elevation and distinction of our sons
intellect and in moral pursuits If we want to
our sons with imbecilty of mind an INDECENT dspo-
sition, vicious heart, and an empty head transmit
to them wealth, for which they have not toed, and
teach them to rely upon that and upon that alone
We may make them soft simpering beaux, but they
will not be distinguished by sound Judgment, pro-
found mind, and great powers of reason, much less
will they exercise commanding influence in intel
lectual society If we have wealth to bestow upon
sons let give it to them in the form of sound
and useful education education which is adapted
to the constitution of man, and which will qualify
them to fill stations of honor and profit. What
most of the young of our day? Are they or
naments to society? Are they useful, intellectual,
moral! Are not majority of them dead weights on
society, having neither intellectual moral influence
but putfed with pride, vanity, and selfconcet? And
yet these to be the statesmen and legislators of
the next generation!
When we look over country and see hundreds
and thousands of young mem wasting their time,
spending their money undermining their constitution
and indulging in all the passions of youth we see
the sad the fatal effects of defective system of ed
ucation and the almost entire want of moral train
ing. have said this age of progress We
are living in stirring tmes-we standing upon
volcano that is but slumbering within. The times
sadly out of joint there is something rotten in
the State of Denmark
AS yet, the sentiments so deeply implanted in the
hearts OF honest yeomanry, that union is strength
has not entirely been uprooted but it has been much
weakened. As yet, they acknowledge the truth and
feel the force ofthe homely but excellent aphorsm
united we stand, divided we fall" AS yet, they take
dol fhor,a 6
ton of the fields that won, the blood which was
poured forth, and the glory which was gained in the
common cause and under the common banner of
united country. May God in his mercy forbid that
or you should live to the day when these senti-
hents and feelings shall be extinct Whenever that
day comes, then is the hour at hand when this glo-
rious republic-this, at national and confeder-
ated republic, which for nearly half century has
presented to the eyes, the hopes and the gratitude of
man, more brilliant and lovely image than Peats
or Moore or Harrington fancied fegned shall
be like tale that is told like vision that is passed
away. We have now blessed Constitution which
with all its pretended defects and all its alleged vio
latons has conferred more benefits on man than ever
yet flowed from any other human institution which
has established justice insured domestic tranquility
provided for the common defence, promoted the gen
eral welfare and which, under God if be true to
ourselves will the blessings of liberty to us
and our posterity. Surely such a country and con-
stitution have claims upon you which be dis
regarded.
you earth, by all the obligations of patriotism by
the memory of your fathers, who fell in the great
and glorious struggle by all your proud recollectons
OF the past and your fond tcipations of the future
renown of our nation, preserve that country, uphold
that constitution. To preserve SUCH will be no sine
cure Office As the public will is the operative spring
of ali public action, the public should be kept
llghtened In aid of these efforts you should pro-
vide by public institutions of learning to dfuse a
mong the people that general information, without
which they cannot be protected from the machna-
tons of deceivers. Inst into the youth of the land
the rising generation. sound moral principles, ven
Grafton for religion, sacred regard for, and rigid
observance of the laws of the country. Allow me
to commend this institution to your care 1t well
deserves it; you have shown your appreciation of
what has already achieved by the numbers of you
in attendance upon its exercises, and by the deep
pleasure with which you have witnessed its exhibit
TONS Look to its interests, its welfare its perpetu-
no chickering's jealousics to and cloud
It's bright prospects and may it rear its noble form
rs temple of science and religion and shed steady
and sacred light amidst surrounding darkness until
the old North State shall have conferred upon all her
sons the boon of intelligence and virtue.
And now young gentlemen, my task has been i'm
perfectly performed L regret that circumstances
over which had control have disqualified me for
hat performance in its proper and accustomed
1er. am sure your generosity will excuse defects.
)ur acquaintance has been short but it has been suf
icent to Justify in saying you have been drink
ng deeply at the fountain of knowledge. Many of
7ou will go forth in the busy world with cheer
ng prospects and bright anticipatons. Let me tell |
you that when the doors of the academy shut |
lpon you you have only just closed the outer portals
# education. The culture which you have received
implanted in your minds only the rudiments-the
;erm of knowledge, which will depend upon your
fer exertons for development They were only
in order to excite you on, of your free
vill in that infinite path where the intellect may
limb. You will halt upon the Threshold, you will
'ause with the alphabet of your steps here. Educa-
ion is not then what you may have supposed. 1t is
be confined to your boysh years. it is to guide
nd instruct you through life 1t is not the mere
password of day, it is the open sesama, before
which fall back after another, the pondcrous and
gates that guard the hidden treasure
f knowledge. 1t is the tiny stream, upon whose
bread of gold embark in the green and pleasant
pring time as you glide on, you find that spreads
nd deepens-that its course is amid fair landscapes,
nd that vision after vision starts up before you,
he distant and underlined horiZon-and when age
as ripened your hearts and sealed your brows, you
fill fad yourselves borne by this stream to some
hing new-you will find that it plays upon rubies
apphires and chrysaltes-that it still broadens and
"opens with cxhaustless and increasing force and
hat it flows still onward to eternity.
There are men with dim eyes and hoary hairs,
those brows are marked by the burrows of wisdom,
tows upon vast learning who yet sit attentive pupils
the feet of knowledge-who have not yet thrown
v their books or completed their education.
I tell you to pursue ever correct course OF self
uture make it a portion of the business of your
YES to acquire knowledge and to acquire it by your
wn exertions You will see obstacle after obstacle,
nat has clustered around you, and hemned you in
18th doubt and darkness fall before you, and above
on shall open the high free heaven, and around you