Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1858-1860, 1859-06-16
For the Patriot.
Commencement Exercises OF VI inerva
College.

MESsRs. EDITORS During the past week
had the pleasure of attending the com
mencement exercises of Minerva College, and
having been present on many similar occa-
sions in the best schools in Tennessee and
other States, hope you will allow a very
short space in your columns, to give to the
lovers of education generally, bat to the
patrons particularly, my impressions in re-
ference to this institution.
In the first place it combines every ele-
ment which could possibly conduce to health.
The cheerful visages and brilliant complex
ions of the young ladies, attest the presence
of pure air, good water and wholesome food,
while the graceful contour of natural forms
proclaim healthy freedom from the re-
straints of city fashions.
In the next place the teachers have no iron
rules or immutable "Mede and Persian laws"
to which the pupils are compelled to con-
form; but on the contrary are governed
uniformly by the gentle and persuasive but
firm discipline of q well regulated family
order.
As this species of government. so far as
my knowledge extends, is distinctive feature
of this school, must be allowed to express
my warm admiration of it,-for am well
convinced both from experience and observa-
ton that nine-tenths of the prominent vices
of boarding schools result from too rigid dis
cipline.
During several days of the week the pupils
were examined in the more substantial
branches of education. The exercises in
music and composition, commenced the even
ing of the Sth, aud notwithstanding the in
clemency of the weather the house was full.
After prayer, essays by the young ladies
were read, several of which evinced rare
attainment in the art of eomposition,-their
enunciation, clearly indicated an apprecia-
ton of every sentiment contained in them.
Music from the pupils succeeded each essay,
and although they have been taking lessons
but short time,-most of them not exceed
ing two years--yet the basis of brilliant
performance is already established, little
girls not past ten years of age performed
their pieces with neatness and precision
which were remarkable.
The morning OF the ninth the exercises
opened with performance on four instru
ments OF that grand old national air of France.
The celebrated "Te Deum" composition
of Professor WEBER was next sung by more
than hundred voices, and as the full
diapason Of Holy, Holy, Lord God of
Sabbath" was borne out upon the morning
breeze, there was not heart in that crowded
hall but was thrilled by the sublime pean.
After prayer the exercises were resumed
and continued until one o'clock, at which
hour the whole house was electrified by an
e.oquent address from Maj. Corr one of the
trustees Of the institution. His representa-
lion of the superiority of the piain-faced bat
intelligent school girl over the beautiful
but degraded Houri OF the Moslem harem-
the practical advantages which the In
telligent utilItarian possesses ever his igao-
rant neighbor-the supremacy Of the man OF
science over the untutored savage-were parts
Of his speech appreciated by every sensible
listener. But his bold winged "Pegsssasn un-
furling atevery fight the rich eoloring of a
gorgeous fancy.-the reiined wit.-she CLASH
cal quotations eommingling. and flashing like
gems throughout his discourse. combined
to make an impression on some OF US which
will finger Ia our hearts for years 10 come.
A VfsfToR.