The Feliciana Democrat. (Clinton, La.) 1855-186?, 1857-08-15
COMMUNICATED.
SCHOOL EXAMINATION.

On Friday last Mr.. Jno. Z. IT, Chapmans shool
gave an exhibition of recitation of speeches and
dialogues. at his school house in the sixth ward. Az
an early hour the exercises commenced ana las'ed
until the middle of the afternoon. with an nterins-
sion of an hour for dinner which had been prepared
In abundance and of the best quality by the good
people of The neighborhood. Pigs. tnrkies mutton,
beef, chickens pies, cakes and everything else nee
cssary to please the taste aud crafty the appetite
was spread before the audience on long tables IN
the most inviting style. 1t was really feast OF
good things.
The speeches of the young gentlemen. both select
cd and original were most of them well delivered.
The original ones. were highly credtablc to their
authors, and were well spoken. The little Misses
must not be overlooked for they too. on hand.
and gave variety and beauty to the occasion, by re-
citing poetry and dialogues to the delight OF the
audience.
The dialogues of the young gentlemen from Mil.
ton and Shakespeare were well chosen, and rccited
their respective parts, Mr.. Chapman himself taking
part with his pupils. He made superb jack Fall
staff Indeed he seemed the very man himself. both
in action and appearance. lie would grace the
stage WE'LL in that character.
The audience in attendance was large one and
beauty and fashion lent their charms to grace the
occasion. The young ladies were both numerous
and lovely. aud made the hearts Of many Of the
young gentlemen swell with delightful emotions
The young. the old, the middle aged, natron and
maid. sire ana son. were tHerc. 10 give
| agcment to the cause of education.
| These country schools. are the real places for
good education after all These are the real nurse
rics of liberty and good government. For it Is in
country schools that the masses are taught. The
great mass OF society. get their education here and
no where else. Here The foundation Of our cduca
ton Is laid. and when well laid the supcrstructurc
that is to be built upon it. in after life will stand
and protect its owner from danger both IN the honi
of prosperity aud adversely. Whether an educa
ton shall benefit the recipient. depends upon thu
use he may make Of il in after life. 1t matters moi
whether his education be obtained In countr,
school or q college. If it il not improved when he
men. are the mcn whom the people dclightto honor
and We see in the history Of country many very
many of our great men. who received their ctluca
tions at country schools The reason is obyous
they applied themselves 10 the acquisition Of knowl
edge, and kept il mp through life. The mind must
advance. or il will reccdc
The people of East Felciana are awake to the
| Importance of good country schools, and the pro
/ priety Of encouraging their children, and then
Teachers, by giving them dinners. and aiordinl
| them an opportunity TO slew OF in public. Their,
have been ut least four large gatherings. and fine
dinners given on such occasions in this parish within
The last six weeks This is the right spirit and We
are proud to see ii.
Good schools should be encouraged and we know
Of way better to inspire both pupils and teachers
to proper cxcrtons than this Of inviting the public
to be present mt their exhibitions, once year, on
occasions like this.
Mr.. Chapman is a very popular teacher and We
have no donbt. is very descrvcdIy 50. We under
stand that he is fully capable Of preparing young
gentlemen, to enter college. His large school OF
girls and boys shcws the estimation IN which he !,
held by his patrons. Success TO him and his very
interesting pupils. is the wish, we have no doubt d
every generous heart
! Clinton, La. Aug Sth. 1851. III.