Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1855-01-02
CITY INTELLIGENCE.

NEw YnAR's DAE.-- Yesterday the usual routine
Of Joys and gsietss Was fully carried out as even
The Presidents house appeared the main attrac-
ton Of the day, and crowds upon crowds congre-
gated around that place to pay their regards TO the
President. Az eleven o'clock the judges and chief
dignitaries OF the city we're admitted, and paid
their tribute Of respect TO the Chief Magistrate,
and at twelve o'clock began the importing Of the
sovereigns Of the country.
The jam was very great--the doorsbeing opened
70 let in but room full, and then closed again
until the congratulatory exercises Of those who
were fortunate enough to be admitted, we're gone
through with. The door was then opened again
to let in another eager crowd, to see and admire
the President
The venerable G. w. Custis was one of those,
who wished the President happy New Year, and
added much to the interest of the scene. Indeed,
we think he divided the attention Of the visiters
equally with the President. In the course Of con
versation with some who expressed wonder that
the venerable man, should mingle in such crowd
to pay respects to the head of the nation, he was
heard to say: Sir, consider it my bounden duty,
upon every New Years day, to pay my respects to
| the President E8E gtBA
A few ladies' had their dresses torn in collision
with the crowd, but, with few drawbacks all
passed off happily.
| The Secretaries Of State and Treasury were Wis
tied during the day by large crowds Of persons,
who were pleased to wish them many returns of
the season. H@
Prof. Walter, Vice President Bright, Mayor
Towers, W. w. Seaton, Esq, Mr.. Speaker Boyd,
and many others, opened their mansions yesterday
for their friends, and were warmly welcomed on
the entrance upon another year Of their lives by
many friends. In fact the day, taken as whole,
was one Of unmarried festvity and pleasure.
In the evening, the National Theatre was throng-
ed with pleasure-seekers, and the balls at Carusi's
Saloon and at Odd Fellows Hall, Navy Yard, were
well filed. Two or three ladies' fairs which are
being holden among us we're also visited by large
numbers Of our citizens the main topic Of CONVEX
sation among them being about the Happy New
Year. M n,
| The American Association for the Advance
ment of Education adjourned Friday last, after
harmonious session Of four days.
| During this time lectures were delivered on Tho
Relations Of the English Language, by Professor
Hart Of the Philadelphia High School, and another
by him on School House Architecture, abstracts
Of both Of which we have published Professor
Cole, Of Trenton, read paper on classical educa-
ton, which was discussed at length by Bishop
Potter, Rev. DR.. Proudft, Vice President Of Rut-
gers College, DR.. Stanton, Mr.. Richards, and many
others; among them Professor Bache bore testi-
mony to the great value Of the classics. It was
closed by passing resolution that tho association
greatly deprecated the gradual disuse OF the clas-
sizes; that it believed it part Of good education,
and recommended its continuance. Professor Loo
mis-, Of the N. Y. University, also delivered an as
Economical lecture Of sreat merit, which we have
already noticed.
Professor Barnard, IL. D., the late educational
tourist, gave an account of his observations in
Europe. This gentleman Is one of the most dis
tinguished educators Of our country, and no one,
perhaps, has the cause of learning more at heart
He is author of several books on the subject, Of
great merit. Yet, how is it that man of such
abilities, such extensive observation, and such
friend Of education, should for one moment enter
tain the idea of excluding such textbooks and
forms of prayer are Objectionable to them (the
Catholics.) @ dtf aat
| Does he not know that to make our schools such
as the Catholics would favor the Bible must be
excluded? Does he not know that to exclude the
textbooks to which they object we must do away
with most of our histories as they treat Of such
things as st. Bartholomews massacre and the In
QUESTION: Does he not know that TO make the
form Of prayer such as the Catholics would not
10
full and fervent commitment Of the school to the
Father of Mercies, and Thanksgiving for blessings
received by the teacher in words 30 simple that the
youngest can follow and join in? Does he not
know that we must to please them, adopt a Latin
mummery, which none could understand but the
learnedf 1t would be an insult to the gentleman's
high attainment to suppose him so Ignorant and
no less an nsinuaton against his sincerity TO sup
pose that he did not believe II to be right. Then
what is the explanation Of this contradiction 1t
was whispered to US by one eminent member Of
the convention in these words
DR. Barnard married Catholic pifen
There we're papers read by other gentlemen, Of
great value, which we shall notice as we have room
Professor Henry delivered his vaedictory as retir
ing president, which, though written at days no
tice, is full Of thought and valuable ideas.
Among the resolutions, the subjects brosched
for discussion next year, were, the expcdiency of
introducing the study Of constitutional law into our
schools--the consideration of the plans proposed
by DR.. Barnard e. TO establish National Museum,
or depository for books globes, maps, models, &C.;
National Educational Journal, and the formation
of plan Of exchange with other countries This
last Is really necessary, il be gotten up in con-
nction with Me Smithsonian, and cost but lttle
Bishop Potter expressed his approval of the plan
and said that he was requested by the Hon. Miss
hurry, Of England, who Is a member Of the royal
family, being maid Of honor to the Queen, TO en-
press her desire that II might succeed, and offered
$40 year to help to carry IL out. Afterwards the
subscription was increased to s75 per year, by va
rious members of tho Association. Miss hurry has
done much for education in her own country, and
| was present at eight much Interested In all the