The Nevada Democrat., 1858-03-10
school Exhibition.

ScnOOl ExnlDIthOn9s
Mr.. Editor Every day gives evidence that
we live in a fast country. Young America
here outstrips all his previous efforts, and Miss
Young America is not a whit behind. Our
teachers aud many Of our parents halo the
crowd Of Juveniles on, to more novel efforts,
and any one who would apply BRAKE or gent
ly suggest the use of little less steam, is ap-
prOpriately denominated an old fogy. At the
risk Of the latter appellatiOn being conferred
upon myself. (andI admit it might justly be so)
l shall express my repagnance to one phase of
teaching the young idea to shoot that seems to
me worse than waste Of powder, or manure.
whichever figure you like best. l allude to the
theatrical displays which were paraded in town
few months ago, and are soon (parents per-
mitting) to be reproduced, by the scholars of
our public schools l dropped in to those en-
tertanments, and witnessed the amours Of fPeter
Snort the barber, and the delicate manners of
Mrs. Shrew. the termigant; the exquisite farce
Of the Swiss Cabbage. and the mirth-provoking
extravaganza OF Old Hearts and Green Heads.
saw young masters strutting with the assum-
ed Importance of theatrical roues. and young
misses encouraged to repeat parts by reverend
gentlemen, who would think their listening to
such parts, we'll acted by "the profession" an
evidence of loose morals, Scenes were shifted,
the vanity of the young performers stimulated
by the applause OF the pit. and their cupidity
and emulation excited by the casting OF loose
silver on the stage, to the favortes of the eve
ming The fact was apparent that the teachers
had succeeded In training set of Indifferent
actors, aud in paving the way for large crop
Of stars in future. If our theatres are not here
after we'll stocked" with knights and ladies of
the sock and buskin, it will not be the fault of
those who encourage these puerle exhibitions.
Jack Sheppard and Camille are but step in
ed. 1t is so funny to see an awkward Miss re-
ceive the applause of gaping miscellaneous
crowd, and yet so wicked TO have a lady stock
actress render the same part WE'LL Perhaps
the prayer that precedes the side-splitting far
ces sanctifes what follows. If SO, our theatri-
cal managers should secure the patronage of
the religious community by inviting the clergy
to open their exhibitions with prayer A part
nership between the world and the church
might be formed that would be highly satisfac-
tory to all concerned. Was not Appolyon the
engineer of the celestial railway? AS an old
with which children are brought in contact by
this exposure of themselves in theatre, and by
the style of production they are made to ac-
quire, as simply degrading. Then, how much
time is taken from solid studies, in learning to
mouth these vapid dialogues, destitute alike of
real wit or refinement? What advantage has
young Miss gained when she can face unblush-
ingly battery of four hundred pairs Of eyes,
and even can represent to perfection the man
ners Of heartless cequet, or ignorant maid
servant? Are her manners improved? Deci-
dedly not? Are gentle home-afections cutiva-
ted, or the real beauty Of girlhood. rnodesty,
preserved? AS well place snow in furnace !
l wish had by me some remarks of Edward
Everett upon this matter. He has old fogy
views like myself, but like me, is a friend TO
real education. If parents wish to encourage
schools, or ascertain the proficiency of their
children let them visit the schools during school
hours. Is pecuniary assistance wanted, in the
name of virtue and youth let us not prostitute
the minds and morals of our childred to earn it,
We want them scholars, not actors. We should
make them proflcients in useful requirements
not Gil their minds with the trashy farces of
Congreve and Beaumont, &c. We should cul-
tivate healthy tastes in them unless we wish to
turn them to Don Juans and Camilles.
FATHER.