Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1858-07-23
For the Daily Journal
Cornell College, MT. Vernon, Iowa.
L. oe h., ,l

Ihe exercises OF the annual examination
and exhibition of this institution closed on
the 9Th inst. 1t was an occasion of great
interest--quite literary festival.
The citizens of Mt. Vernon and vicinity
gave evidence Of their high appreciation of
the location of so valuable an Institution in
their midst, as we'll as of the importance
of q thorough education of the youths of
our country, by the large turn out on the
occasion. 1t was interesting to see the town
all alive with men, women and children,
attracted thither by the exercises of the
College, and no. to see q monkey dance, or
witness the vulgar gyrations of clown.
The examinations were Of the most salts
factory character, indicating not only close
application on the part of the students, but
also skill, fidelity and perseverance on the
part of the entire corps of teachers. very
much doubt whether any literary institution
in our country can boast of more compe-
tent and devoted faculty than that which
blesses Cornell College at Mt. Vernon.
The Societies held their anniversaries
That of the ladies was addressed by Rev.
T. NJ. Eddy, editor of N. ". Christian
Advo.ate, at Chicago, in one Of his SUI &C.
nsris speeches. The performance of the
ladies was fine. The music under the su-
perintendence of Miss Foulke, the accom-
plished music teacher in the institution, was
capital.
The Amphyction Society was addressed by
Prof. Wheeler, one Of the faculty, in one of
the best speeches we ever heard. 1t was
rich in thought, beautiful in arrangement,
grateful to the ear, and delighting to the
mind in delivery. The young gentlemen, In
their declamatlons, acquitted themselves
with credit; as for their singing, they might
rival the Hutchinsons.
The Inauguration Of the President, Rev.
r. W. Keeler, D. D., constituted an inter-
esting feature in this festival. 1t took place
on Wednesday.P NJ, in the college chapel.
Rev. P. E. Brown, Of Dubuque, delivered
the charge, which, from doctrines advanced,
might be supposed to be original. The ad-
dress of the President was a master produc-
tiOn. His views in relation to the best meth
cd of advancing the educational interests
OF the country were so clear and sound as
to render it wholly unnecessary to call upon
any foreign Horace Manns hereafter for ad.
vice on the subject. We hope the address
will be published and. scattered broadcast
all over the land.
The friends of Cornell College may con-
gratulate themselves on having gentleman
of so high literary reputation, so efficient
teacher and Of such unbemished Christian
character, as Rev. DR.. Keller, at the head of
their much-loved institution. He is so
suaUiter in m0do, kind in disposition, social
in feeling, he must command the respect and
secure the affections Of all connected with
the college, whether as students or patrons.
He is peculiarly qualified to govern the he
terogeneous mass which usually attend our
hrst class schools.
Parents may feel assured that their sons
or daughters are in good hands, and will be
cared for, while under the charge of DR..
Keller and his faithful coadjutors.
But the last great day Of the feast at
length arrived, >, the day for the Exhibition.
Arrangements were made on an extensive
scale in beautiful grovsadjo joining the col
lege building; large stand had been erect
ed and seats prepared to accommodate at
least $500 persons and, to the credit OF the
citizens of that country, be it stated, the
seats were more than full. The youth of
both sexes were there-some wishing they
could 60 to college, others rejoicing at tho
prospective increase of the Alumni of the
institution. The friends of education were
there, delighted beyond measure at the
scene. Here in young Iowa, their adopted
home are literary, institutions of high or,
der, in fourishing condition, well sustain
ed, extensively patronized, and bidding fair
to run bright and successful career. The
thought the fact-was cheering. Parents
and grand parents were there, who gazed
with more than ordinary pleasure on some
who sat on the stage and who reflected their
image. You might read in the smiling coun-
tenances the inward joy and delight ex-
perienced by the parents in looking upon
their children, who, by the mental and NOR
al training they were receiving in these halls
Of science, were being fitted for honorable
positions in society and great usefulness in
the world. What fortune is thorough
education to our children
The exercises Of the exhibition commenc
ed at 9 A: NJ, with prayer by the Rev. MIR.
music from a well-drilled band, followed
by declamations from II young gentlemen
and essays read by l6 young ladies.
need not attempt description of the
orations or essays. | question whether they
could be excclled any where. They were
alike creditable to the heart and intellect of
the students, and served as an index to their
future distinction as citizens of this great
and growing country.
ATS p. NJ. the exercises all closed and
the large crowd dispersed, estimating high
the cause of education, and impressed with
avery favorable opinion of Cornell College.
The trustees have completed and dedicat-
ed during the past year a fine large brick
edifce most admirably adapted to the pur-
poses Of its erection. 1t is located on
high ridge, commanding one of the finest
views from its observatory in all Iowa, if
not in the world. The college campus is
yerv fine. / have never seen anv thing to
compare with it.
The village of Mt Vernon is remarkable
for its health as we'll MS for the moral and
religious character of its citizens. They
arc not cursed with lager beer saloons or
whisky shops. 1t is destined to be a place
Of considerable business, situated in the
heart Of q ine farming country, with nearly
ell the land in high state of cultivation,
sad is to be, at least for a time, the termi-
mus Of Railroad from the city of Lyons on
the Mississippi, which road is now being
constructed and will be finished to Mt. Ver-
non this fall
The next session in the college commen
ses September I'd, prox. The number of
stadents the past year as per catalogue was
year; and from what could learn the in
crease would be greater the next year.
j. w. S.
- Losses BY. THE FLOOD AT CAIRo.-The
whole loss by the food at Cairo, it is said,
will be inside Of $60,0 The Illinois Cen
trail Railroad can make all repairs for 81, 900.
The loss to the citizens, in furniture, buildings
and stock, will not exceed $4,000. The
water rose above low water mark forty-seyen
feet. which is two feet higher than ever before