Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-07-06
For the Spectator.
Wesleyan Female Institute.

/ ~ wesleyan Female lnStItutes
| dTJlessrs. Editors Permit me through th,
columns of your valuable and interesting pape
| to give passing tribute to one of those Ednca
tinnal Institutions which distinguish the beau
tiful and Furnishing town of Staunton. refer
to the Wesleyan Female Institute whose exam
nation and Commencement exercises had the
pleasure of witnessing.
! If proper female education consists of botl
intellectual and moral culture, with due atten
ton to health and physical development, there
was much to admire in the appliances u-ed fol
effectpg these objects, so signally set forth in
the exercises referred to. BY the education O
the mind and heart alone can woman be ele
waited to her proper sphere and be qualified fol
those acts OF mercy and love which kind heav
en- intended her to perform.
Having witnessed the exercises Of the above
named institution on 30th ult., take pleasure in
saying, that from what may be justly inferred
from the general satisfaction given in the exam
nation, that this institution is conducted in a
manner that must secure its prosperity and sue
cess. The distinguished abilities of the PriDci
pal together with his teachers predict the most
hattering result in connection with the institu-
ton.
The classes examined in the different branch
es pursued by them manifested proficiency that
spoke to us not only of the faithful manner in
which the teachers performed their duties, but
also of the attention and application of the pu-
pills. The classes in the languages as well as
those in Botany and Rhetoric deserve the high
est commentator. One class in Latin, think,
certainly, accomplished more than is done is any
other Institution of the kind in the same time
And the accurate and fluent manner in which
the pupils read French told plainly of their thor
ough training.
The Salutatory given by Miss Matte E. Ar
bogast was of pure and chsste style and of high
merit. Particular pleasure, also, was had in
piece given by Miss A. E. Delaplane on the
memoirs of my Great Grand Mother" as well
as that of Miss Green, on Keep yous Resolu-
tions" These pieces evinced not only discipline
of mind, but strength and beauty Of thought
The Valedictury by Miss Gibson was character
lied by strength and beauty. The embodiment
OF pure and tender feeling which it breathed in
connection with the love and attachment tor her
teachers and schoolmates, affectingly elected
the feelings of both teachers and pupils. Iu-
deed, much might be said in favor Of these
pleasing exercises, but II is deemed unnecessary.
The moral influences eXerted in this institU-
ton Of learning is, in my opinion, by no means
the smallest item. Most of the young ladies, |
learn, have protested a peace in believing of
which the world knows nothing. Indeed, the
high moral and religious tone Of the Compost
tions, and the affecting remarks to their pastor,
most strikingly showed US the state of religions
feeling existing at this time in the institution.
The Wesleyan Female Institute, founded and
reared under the auspices Of Baltimore Confer
ence, is the only institution of the kind, learn,
in this State so directly under its control. The
tact that Rev. Mr.. Arbogast, the Principal, is
native VirRinian, Of eminent scholarship, grad
uate of College Of the highest standing, Gu
which his distinguished abilities and estinable
character won for him a high reputation as
professor and teacher,) claims for him the con-
fidence and patronage of this Commonwealth
therefore cheerfully recommend this institu
ton, as place eminently calculated to promote
allthat is desirable in the formation of female
character. FERITAS. n
July i, 1858. n