The Abbeville banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1847-1869, 1856-10-30
coKEsBuRY MASONIC FEMALE COLLEGE.

As one of committee appointed from
Clinton Lodge, No. 3, rs well us by spc-
cial invitation from the Secretary of the
Board of Trustees, VIC attended the Exami-
nation Which came off on the 21st, 22d
and 23d.
We did not arrive there until the evening
Of the o2d; we cannot, therefore, begin at
the beginning, and report the proceedings
as they occurred. However, if we could
report the order in which the several classes
were examined, and give rcrJ"tim every
thing said, we should feel disinclincd to do
SO, inasmuch as it would consume more
space :lian We arc disposed to devote to it:
besides, it would be foreign to our object,
without material advantage to the substan-
tial interest of the Collcge-as we only
contemplate giving an opinion of the mer
its of the College, founded upon veritablc
facts exhibited to myself and the patrons
Of the institution, without dealing in full
some tattcry or unmeaning praise.
The students exhibited proficiency in
the various branches upon Which they were
examined, which must have been gratifying
to the friends and patrons Of the College.
The examination was conducted upon that
plan which would as readily have shown
what they did not know, as what they did
know. The propositions for til. class in
geometry were written upon paper and
drawn by the young ladies from hat, so
that neither could have Known the problem
she would be called on to demonstrate.
The different classes i'll botany, pl,iioso-
ply, mathematics, music, &C., showed an
application and aptitude upon the part of
the pupils, and industry and ability among
the professors, seldom to be found in insti-
tutions of learning.
On the 23d, +. \. CoNNon, President of
the Faculty, delivered his inaugural address.
Ills subject was, "The Influence Of Woman
! i'll the formation Of National Charactcr."-
lie handled his subject with marked sbil-
ity.
Lon. l.. NJ. KElrr, who was expected to
speak on the same day, failed to come, from
some cause unknown to us. 1t is bad
plan to rely on politicians to make literary
speeches.
The College has for the past year been
under the charge Of +. A. Coxxon, ProGes-
sor of Natural Science and Mathematics ::
Rev. I. Z. WAsSAMAKEn, Professor Of
Moral Philosophy, Evidences Of Christianity
and Bcllcs-Lcttres; G. JAEGER, Professor
OF Music and Modern Languages, and Miss
MARY +. SNEAD, Instructress in Painting,
Embroidery, &c.
Mr.. WANNAMAKER has resigned, much
to the regret of the friends of the College
but his place will be ably filled by the Trus-
| tees.
The College is yet in its infancy. 1t has
commenced with flattering prospects, hav
ing over seventy students this year. 1t has
been established almost exclusively by the
Masonic Fraternity, and is not intended to
be under the sectarian influences of any
Christian denomination. 1t is the only one
OF the kind in the State, and those of every
denomination are solicited to send their
children. Its establishment will be a now
era in the history of Masonry. Heretofore
Masonry has been confined moro particu-
larIy to dispensing charity among the BROTH
erhood; but an extension OF its field of la
Dor to the great work of disseminating
knowledge, will give visible form to its
principles of bcnevolcnce, which will be
seen and felt, and thus win the esteem of
those conscientiously opposed to the order.
We are glad to see the spirit manifested
in those having charge of the College they
seem to act upon the principle that to de-
serve success, is to succeed. We predict it
will prove an honor to the Craft, and will
lose to old Abbeyiile none other reputation
as the /" Athenssof the State.n
NEWS FROM MEXICO.
BARON FoRBEs has had for sometime a
heavy claim against the Govarnma,t. ~