Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1857-07-08
WEDNESDAY MORNING.

At 9 o'clock Mr.. Ogburn took the chair.
Proceedings were opened by an appropriate and
impressive prayer by the Rev. Alexander Wilson.
On motion, the Rev. Mr.. Wells of Connecticut
and Mr.. Merrill of Mississippi were requested to par
ticipate in the proceedings of the Convention.
Dr. Pritchard wished every friend to education
present, from any section Of the Union to have per-
mission to take their seat. This proposition gave
rise to some debate, which was participated in by
the Rev. Mr.. Wiley, VIM. Robinson Esq, (of the
Iribune) Rev. Mr.. Solomon, and others, when the
question was passed over informally.
Secretary Bass read the Constitution and Bye
laws, which after some discussion upon points of
form, was motion of Mr. Bachelor, committed for
Wilson, Graves, L. K. Wiley, the Hon. W. n. Ed
wards and W. Eaton, Jr Esq, who having retired.
On motion Messrs. Bachelor, Graves and Wiley
were appointed committee to procure speakers, to
address the Convention.
At IL o'clock the Convention adjourned to the
Methodist Church, to hear W. W Holden, Esq, ad-
dress.
The Methodist Church, which is the most capacious
edice in Warrenton was filled to its utmost capacity.
There was large proportion of ladies present, who
seemed to take great interest in the proceedings.
After the Rev. Mr.. Christian had impored bless
ing upon the great cause which all were assembled
to promote, the President introduced Mr. Holden to
the meeting. He commenced by abiding to the
early history of North Carolina quoting Hawks and
Bancroft to show the peculiar character of the
early settlers and the reasons which prevented
that attention to the of general education which
distinguished the purtans of New England. He
gave lucid sketch of the early history of State
and narrated the different attempts made from 1860 to
1879, to provide schools for the people. The early
efforts of Gov. Johnston were alluded to, and an
eoquenttrib paid to the memories of Murphy Bar
tlett Yancy and Caldwell for their exerons in favor of
asystem of Common Schools. The Speaker gracefully
alluded to his early experience and graphic picture
of the old field" school, and its "stern MASTER"
dreS forth repeated cheers from the audience. We
have not space ability to follow Mr. Fl. through with
even a connected synopsis. He mingled the dry
statements of statistics with eloquent illusions the
pioneers in the great work of education; and his
just and appropriateate observations upon the
merits of the President and Faculty of our Univer-
sity and the high character of its students were
enthusiastically responded to by the entire meet
ing. He was peculiarly happy in his eloquent
and vivid description of the duties and responsible
ties OF the teacher, and quoted Milton. Locke, and
Miles CoVerdale the early reformer to describe what
education ought to be. The system of English and
Scottish parochial schools were traced from their
origin and their influence the early settlers of
America noticed. Mr.. Holden then gave con-
densed statement Of the resources of the Common
School systems of the different States of the Union
drawing, as he proceeded comparison between each
OF them and North Carolina; and proving that his
native State yielded to none in the Union in beralty
or zeal for the cause of general education. We have
merely mentlOned the neads OF this most eloquent
and effective address. 1t occupied nearly two hours
in the delivery, and though containing valuable sta
tistca information, that in other hands would have
wearied mixed audience the speaker succeeded
in retaining the unagging attention of the crowd.
ed assembly. Mr.. H. was frequently in terruped
by the applause of his hearers, and more than
once we noticed subdued murmur of approba.
ton evidently suppressed through fear of losing the
closing sentences Of some brilliant and effective na
triotic illusions.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
When the convention reassembled, letter was
read from Super. Wiley relative to the establishment
OF monthly journal, as the Organ of the Associa-
ton. 1t stated if the Association would secure 800
subscribers at 49, the success of the journal woud
be certain and entered into the details of the mea
sure at some length. The printed prospectus being
aso read, on motion of Mr.. w. S. Ransom. the
proposition was referred to the following select COM
mittee Messrs. Ransom, N. 2. Graves, C. C. Cole
Brooks and Holden.
The Rev. N. 2. Graves moved the thanks Of the
Association be returned to w. w. Holden Esq for
MS able and instructive address, and also
wish that the address might be printed in pamphlet
form. Pp"'e'
on motion of Major Drake, seconded by Rev Thos
Eampoell, a resolution was adopted requesting Mr.
noiaen to furnish the Association with copv Of his
Ater some discussion whether the address should
De published in pamphlet form or inserted in the new
Srgan OF the Association, Messrs Drake Burton and
onf~s'an were appointed to wait ON M, Holden.