The Panola star. ([Panola] Panola County, Miss.) 1856-1857, 1856-07-16
For tie Stdr.l
MIR. EDITOR

your columns, to give some facts
relative to the proceedings at
Eureka Academy, on the I'd, 3rd,
and 4th inst. The examinations
were held in the chapel, which adj
Joins the female academy rooms.
On the first day the students of
the male department were called
on to display their learning, and
requirements; this they did to the
full satisfaction of all, both pat
rons, and spectators; by answer
ing distinctly, promptly; and with
few exceptions correctly, all cues
tons propounded. The audible
tone with which they answered,
showed self confidence, (of what
they soon proved to those who
knew where they began their
studies, at the first Of the SESSION.
that they had made good progress !;
and comprehended what they had
gone over; thus rejecting much
credit on their teacher, AIr. W P.
Griffin, whom they love on ac-
count of his strict discipline, and
great pains in instructing them
The first was an interesting day /;
though the next was much more
so; as the girls were examined
And as it is always exciting to
hear what answer the fair ones
will give, when the question is
"poped," to them; every eye was
turned to, and attention given
them, by the assembly, but with
gentle bushes thay yelled their
faces yet their eyes We're as win
dows, through which bright in
tellects peeped, giving evidence
unmistakable, that their minds
were richly stored with useful
learning, as did their sweet toned
voices, which almost invariably
refused to utter any but true, and
rational answers, such as eminate
alone from much study, and deep
thought. Trustees, and patrons,
were highly gratifed, and visitors
astonished at the correctness with
which the "young ideas. had been
taught to shoot" On both days,
after the examination of each class,
the company was favored with a
piece Of sweet music on the piano,
by some one Of the young ladies,
who were taking lessons on that
instrument, thus delighting the
hearts, and refreshing the minds
Of all. The last, or commence
ment day, was one of such cOntin-
ual feasting of the mind, that am
ashamed to speak Of it, unless |
could come nearer doing justice to
the students, and orators Of the
day, than | can. However, | will
state something of what was done.
In the forenoon, we had declama-
tons from the boys, and young
men, with an occasional piece OF
music, to which all were compel
led to say, well done Next, the
young ladies gracefully, though
timidly walked out on the stage in
couples, and read compositions
from subjects of their own selec-
ting, and materials from their own
minds. They certainly deserve
much credit for the originality,
and good sense with which they
wrote. In fact, each department
male and female should be prais-
ed for the manner in which they
acquitted themselves, during the
whole examination; since they
gained characterfor the institution,
perfect satisfaction to the pa
irons, and won honor for them
selves. Such is not only my opin-
ION, but that of the many who
have heard express Themselves
Mr.. Eugene Stephens, and Robert
Crozier, each delivered an address
appropriate for the OCCASION, and
full of truth, and sound reasoning
We had now to stop for awhile tc
make war on the dinner, which
was spread on a long table in the
grove; we surrounded it on al
sides, and attacked it, but coulC
not conquer it; SO we returned tC
the house, and Rev. r. Martin adj
dressed us on mind, matter ant
money +; fixedit up in his own pc
culiar way, and in his talk, he pas
sed higher compliments on tn,
students, for their study and pro
gress, than l could possibly do
were l to try. He said he ha,
charge of the school last year
knew where he left them, an,