Lewisburg chronicle. [volume] (Lewisburg, Pa.) 1850-1859, 1858-07-02
FOR THE LEwIsBURG CHRONICLE
A Defence.

IL
paper has large circulation and influence,
permit me through its columns to respond
to a criticism upon Union Seminary by
the editor of the Selinsgrove Journal d
Times
We happened to have extended to US a
very cordial invitation to attend the exer-
cises of the late commencement. 1t was
accepted, and we left the ground well
pleased. But our critic noticed "fea-
ture" or two that he could not digest. In
the first place, there was not enough of
diversifcation there was lacking of va
riety, in the performances. We would
ask, could there have been more? A wi.
der range of thought and contemplation
could hardly be given in the same space
and time, as a reference to the topics
treated, copied in last weeks Chronicle,
will fully demonstrate.
The Journal says the "sameness of the
whole affair was a noticeable and censura.
ble feature. 1t seemed little curious TO
our friend that the addresses were through
out "tainted by the same peculiarities." 3"
All, indeed Well, we hold different
opinion, and SO, we think, do all sound
reasoning minds. We think this "same-
ness" indicates good condition of affairs.
1t shows that the Institution has made
and left its mark upon the minds of those
who have attended it as students. Is it
unatural that those who sip from the same
fount should partake Of the same crystal
waters Even as great and famous men
have left their impressions on an age and
the people who lived cofemp"raneous with
tbom, so the Union has stamped her seal
upon the minds of the noble youth and
maidens who belong to, or at any time
attended the Institution.
As regards what the Journal styles the
"Yankee Doodle" nature of all the essays
and addresse s-their religious character
We forbear to say much, as our remarks
night conflict with the we'll known pro-
clivities of the critic. Nevertheless, we
must say it is gladdening sight to be-
hold so good Christian spirit manifested
by the rising generation. 1t speaks well
for education, for good moral training, and
for the continuance of republicanism and
republican institutions.
The Journal seems to be dissatisfied
with the references to Bonaparte, Lord
Byron, Voltaire, and many others. But
why should the Editor manifest his entire
disapprobation Of such action Why
should he vent his sarcasm at an educa.
tional institution, because young men
thereof, who have therein studied history
and historical characters, in the course of
few honest, commonplace remarks, should
happen to hold up, not "to public execra-
tion," but to public scrutiny, the heroes
of earlier days than our own? If the
youth of our country deduce not their
ideas Of government, both social and poll
teal from the facts ofby gone days, whence
shall they be derived ? and if these facts
are referred to, is it not natural that the
character Of the principal actors should be
taken into consideration, so as rightfully
to draw conclusions Nothing more nat.
ural. This, again, shows the valuable
services rendered by this noble institution.
1t shows that the young are there taught
to build their principles on the teachings
of mother experience, and experience is
always the best instructor. This is happy
knowledge. 1t is gladdening, sonl-cheer-
ing, to know that the vicious are held up
to public observation, as we'll as the good,
great, and virtuous. 1t comports with
the natural inclinations of man, which,
expressed in few words, prompt to "Hear
all sides, then decide" We feel proud
aud glad that it is so. May it ever re.
main thus.
A few words more. There were GER
tain individuals present at the late com.
mencement, who, it seemed, were unaware
that political braggadocia was "out of Or
DER" and inappropriate, to say the least.
We hope this will be borne in mind in
future. A word to the wise is sufficient
Union Seminary stands on firm foot
ing. We hope it may continue to flourish
and spread its salutary influence on the
minds of the youth Of our country.
A FRIEND OF EDUCATION.
June &c, 1858.
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