Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1853-10-26
Tconespondence q the petersburg Democrat.

Hon, A. w. VenabIe delivered or yesterday the
appointed address before the agricultural society," IN
the presenee of a large coneourse of auditors. My
remote nostion from the speakers stand enabled me
to only detached portions of the speech but the
general verdict of those who more fortunate
than myself is, that it was effort of much power
and eloquence.
Last evening accepted an invitation, politely ten
dered by Mr.. Smedes the gentlemanly principal Of
the ST. Marys Institute to be present at his soree
1t one of the richest treats ever experienced
and of ITSELF amply compensated for the hardships
of the trip (Which at first were not few Such an
array of sunny faces sparkling eyes and rosy cheeks,
l have not for many day. Several of the
young ladies played on the piano and sang. Their
music reflects credit upon their accomplis he'd mas
ters.
The soiree, to which we were invited, was Mr..
Smedes' contribution to the Fair, and does honor no
less to him than to the State, that claims most of
them as it's daughters. a good idea this of Mr.
Smedes,
spent this morning in quiet ramble throu gh the
streets of the city, and in examination of its pub
lie buildings Fayetteville street is miniature edi-
ton of Pennsylvania avenue, having the capital at
one end; by the way very handsome editice, and
the Governors mansion at the other Of this latter
structure eandor compels me to say that it is far
from credtable. 1t ought to be pulled down and
something tastier and better put in its stead.
The deaf and dumb asylum is also fine spec-
of architecture, and has upwards of fifty unfor
tunate inmates.
The lunatic ASYLUM deserves rather more than
passing notice. 1t is under course of con-
struction and when finished will be of the most
magnificent edifces of its kind in America. North
Carolina has been, to this time, behind her sister
States in having refuge for her reason-strcken cit
izens and probably but for the exertions if report
be correct of the world-renowned philanthropist
Miss Dix, would have continued to play the laggard
in extending this of comfort to the afflicted
1t is said that she made several efforts before the
Legislature of the old North State and failed Gain
ing courage from each rebuff, this noble
tinued to urge the eXpediency, aye the imperative
necessity, for the Legislature to appropriate the
qured sum, and after repeated efforts, she finally
succeeded in bringing the vote down almost to tic.
Others would have succumbed under these continued
failures but with the characteristic constancy of her
in all praseworthy endeavors, she completed her
efforts by coup d'etdt worthy of Talyrand. Calling
on the wife of one of the most prominent members
o. the Legislature, she pressed her to her infn
ence with her husband, in the attempt to get from
him the substantial advantage of speech in support
of the scheme and declared that she would take it
as personal favor if he would comply.
Thelady succeeded, the speech made, and the
noble institution stand snOw monument of its eff
cacy and of the untring perseverance of lofty pur
pose in the breast of that ornament to her and to
her kind.
give this as heard it, not undertaking to vouch
for its authenticity.
This afternoon there was trial of speed between
number of fast trottcrs the grounds of the Fair
The time made was good, not however equal to what
was expected.
The crowd will commence dispensing tomorrow,
each farmer going home with the determination to
do better the next time Considering that the pres
ent Fair is the first attempt, as well the short
tice which it gotten up, it is exhibition do
ing ncalculabe credit t. the State and its resources.
. Old Rip" is wide awake on the subject of agrcul-
ture She is fast progressing, and her sisters must
ook out or she will outstrp them in the race.
If incentives be needed to the sons of Virginia to
make their own exhibition worthy of the Old Domin
on, they are abundantly furnished in the success
which has attended the Carolina Fair and the enthu
'asm and activity which it has kindlcd.
A. d. Bs.