New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1858-02-22
Examination of the Girls High School.


Mesrs. Editors l was present for some hours
this morning at the examination of the graduating
class of this excellent institution and in case OF your
being unprovded With better report take the liberty
of sending you a slight account of the exercises.
Immediately after my entrance composition en-
titled " Beauty" was read by young lady, whose
pleasing appearance and modest demeanor furnished
an agreeable illustration of her subject did also
the language in which her lofty and poetical ideas
were clothed. The next exercise the examination
of class in Intellectual Philosophy, the members OF
which seemed profoundly versed in the Tudiments OF
that abstruse science explaining in concise language
the various theories regarding the human mind and
its operations the origin of ideas, miracles, first
truths ETC. Though all the young ladies who partici-
pated in this recitation acquitted themselves credita-
bly, some five or six far surpassed their companions
in readiness After the reading of composition on
the subject Of Endless Mutation which displayed
considerable literary ability, class in English litera'
ture was called upon Sketches of the lives OF most
of the principal British poets, Commencing with
Chaucer,) with short selections from some OF their
most quotabe productions, were given in lively and
spirited manner which plainly showed that the young
critics were deeply interested in the subject. Well
might they be- more important one does not enter
into their plan of study and the tastes acquired
during its pursuit may exert happy influence on
many future hour, which otherwise would be passed
| in pining discomfort or frivolous amusement.
After an intermission of ten minutes the exercises
recommended by the reading of some choice articles
| from i" The Violet paper edited by some of the
Young ladies of this course. First came leader
which would not have disgraced the columns Of
many more pretending sheet then an essay on
"Works OF Fiction" in which the principal novels of
Scott were discussed in manner which evidenced
that the young essayist not talking from hearsay,
but was perfectly familiar with the works OF which
she spoke. Most of the pieces which followed were
either literary criticism or selections from the various
journals the most interesting of which were eulo-
CYSTIC defence of Byron as man and poet, and some
graveyard reflections of rather sombre hue, but
well written and most exqusitey read There was
also very entertaining letter to Washington Irving
informing him of an accusation of plagiarism re-
Gently brought against him, and calling on him, for
the sake of American literature, to come out and rc
flute the charge.
1t would be tedious to particuarize further suffice
It to say that all the fair journalists evinced in then
productions considerable talent so cultivated as to dc
great credit to their diligence and the unremt
ting exertions of their Jealous teacher.
The room was crowded with visitors and the occa
sion seemed a very gratifying one to all and mus
have been especially to the teacher who has as
sisted at the gradual unfolding of so many immorta
minds the Superintendent, whose cheering visits ant
encouraging suggestions have constantly stimulated
them to greater exertions; and the Directors, who's
fostering care deserves and doubtless receives thei
heartfelt gratitude.
New Orleans has, indeed, cause to be proud Of he
public schools and the day is perhaps not very dis
tant when their moral effect upon its community will
be so perceptibe that the most incredulous vii
be forced to admit that knowledge is virtue"
VISITOR.
: THursdaU Feb Is, 1858,