Lewisburg chronicle. [volume] (Lewisburg, Pa.) 1850-1859, 1854-12-22


institution, under the direction Of the Bap-
fists, numbering but three Commencements,
[ think, and yet its influence seems to be
felt far and wide. For their principal
building, which is at present incomplete,
they have an uncommonly fine location
being lofty eminence, commanding de-
lightful view of the town and surrounding
country. Forest trees are yet standing in
sufficient abundance to nearly surround
the building, giving most picturesque
and attractive appearance to the whole
view. The edifce is commenced on an
ample scale, and if the original design be
carried out, it must be a superb structure.
"a lengthy and favorable notice of the las,
Commencement, we omit, as it contains moth
ing new to the readers of the Chroniele.l
find Pennsylvania a beautiful State
rich in agricultural and mineral re-
sources. Her soil is generally highly
cultivated, yielding bountifully with much
less labor than New England soil requires.
1t really does one good to pass through
her farming communities, and see the rich
profusion which nature layishes upon the
honest tiller Of the ground. The extensive
fields, groaniug under an abundant har-
vest; the gardens filed with every variety
of tempting vegetables numberless trees
bending under the weight ofdelicious fruits
all promise him an ample reward for
his industry. Their barns are fine and
cannot fail of attracting the attention ofth
traveller, being usually very large, and
many of them painted white with green
blinds, almost dcceiving stranger into
the belief that they are designed for
churches. The farmers here are generally
perfectly Independent, and many Of them
rich, closely treasuring up each penny.
The mineral resources Of the State are un-
surpassed, e1haustless beds Of iron and coal
being found almost throughout its entire
length and breadth. The manufacturing
of iron is largely carried on, enriching the
proprietor, and affording ample employ
ment for multitude Of laborers. Here
are also yet large tracts Of unbroken forest,
holding out the strongest inducements to
those engaged In lum herring operations
To the pleasure seeking tourist, the State
is likewise full of interest, and when a
more active and liberal public spirit shall
have given easy access, by multiplied rail-
ways, TO her numerous superior specimens
of natural scenery, the Alleghenies, the
Susquehanna, the Valley of Wyoming,
and indeed various other vallies luxu.iat-
ing in beauty, will be sought after and
become familiarly known to every lover
Of nature.
But notwithstanding these innumerable
natural resources of the State, we find this
broad expanse of beautiful country far be-
hind her eastern sister States, in the COM
mon Improvements of the day, in all edu-
cational interests, &c. There is power
full German, or Dutch element, or both
which looks upon improvements
as innovations, considering education with
its results as unnecessary, and even sus-
pecting that it would, if ditfused, deprive
many in the community of their hitherto
boundless privileges. Consequently, while
the great wealth, and ample resources of
the soil are so abundantly developed, the !
more important resources and Development
Of the mind, are neglected, and there seems
70 be clogged and dimmcd mental vision,
which sees no beauty in progress. Wealth
has become sort of idol with a portion of
he people, the one idea: for which they
abor and cxpend their best energies; and
when contemplating their broad acres, their
dwellings and luxurious living,
hey feel self complacerey, conscious
less, which fully veriies the maxim that
ignorance is bliss" There are multi
udes of men, women, and children in the
State, who can neither read nor write; and
With the exception Of Philadelphia, and
ONE of the large towns, they hare no
ommon school system matured, for the
mass see no necessity for any. In the
arger towns, they value elegance of style
d living moro than intellectual attainment;
nd while enjoying their handsome carri-
ges, with finely attired horses, their spa
ious parlors and sumptuous furniture, they
ream not Of the terrible distortions of the
English language, which one hears at every
tep, and which so crate upon the
ars of the educated. So that Pennsylva-
ia, which, with her unrivalled facilities
hould stand in the forefront Of all i'm
aud enterprises Of the day, is
ontsnt to be far in the rear, where, with /
ut some special effort, she must remain
,r years to come. However, am most
Apply to say, that there arc honorable ex-
options, not few. Institutions of learn
,g of a high grade are springing up
throughout the State, whose influence Is