Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1859-05-11
A Delightful Excursion.

1t was our good fortune to be one of the
large number which engaged in the delight
full celebration and excursion by the Sabbath
School pupils on Wednesday last. At an
early hour, the children belonging to the
Sabbath Schools connected with the Baptist
and Methodist Churches, and the Missionary
Chapel, to the number Of several hundred,
with the Superintendent, Teachers, &C., re-
paired to the Capitol Square, where under
their respective Marshals they were formed
into line and proceeded down Fayetteville
street to the Western Depot. And such a
scene as was here exhibited our streets new
er before witnessed. Here were hundreds of
children-the rich and the poor-all arrayed
in their best attire, with countenances BEAM
ing with joy and pleasure, uniting in a COM
mon gala occasion for social enjoyment and
recreation. 1t was a scene calculated to warm
up the heart of the veriest anchorite in the
world.
On arriving at the Depot, the number be-
ing so much greater than was anticipated,
some little detention was occasioned by at
taching ether Coaches to the train; but soon
all was in readiness and coach after coach
was filled by the pupils, teachers, parents
and friends of the respective schools, to the
number of over six hundred.
The whistle sounded and we were off for
Franklinton, the place selected for holding
our jubilee. On arriving at this pleasant
and hospitable Village, we were welcomed by
Mr.. G. W. Neal. President of the Franklin
ton Seminaries, in a f~elicitous and warm
hearted address, which made us all feel that
we were in the hands of friends and would be
S well taken care of. The address of welcome
: was responded to by Mr.. G. A. Sykes, ofthis
City, in a modest and graceful manner. The
line of march was then taken up for the
L ''scene of action"
The first thing in order, was the Address
Ie es, for the purpose of hearing which all re
paired to the handsome Baptist Church
Is which was kindly rendered for the occasion
After prayer by Rev. Mr.. Hendren, the chic.
es Marshal of the day introduced Willie j.. Pal
le mer, Esq, to the audience, who delivered on,
of the most beautiful, chaste and apposit
addresses it has ever been our good forum
to hear. It was a noble defence of Sabbat
~ Schools, both in their moral and political in
i'll fuences upon society and the country. TIL
g, friends of the young speaker may well
a. proud of his effort on this occasion. 1t we
II well said and well done.
S. Mr.. Palmer was followed by Mr.. S.
nd Riddle, in a few well-timed and excellent +
marks. They were entirely extemporaneou
,re evidently suggested by the inspiration of tt
tie scene before him, and the happy manner
which he acquitted himself, evinced that !
is a ready speaker, both in terseness and pc
Thence. With such abilities, we can on
wonder that he has remained an old-we b
he pardon-young widower so long.
The exercises in the Church were enlive
the ed by soft and sweetest strains of mus
&C made by an Amateur Band of this City, w
vas kindly offered their services for the occasiC
. a And as Chief Marshal, and in behalf of t
OF entire company, we tender the sincere than
the of all, to each and every of the worthy g
tlemen, for so materially contributing to
non delightful exercises of the day.
Ju. Announcement was then made that I
are managers and Committee of AErangemel
len were requested to assemble in the grove
prepare the tables, and that the tap of
the bell would be the 'signal for action" I
con- company then dispersed for recreation 9
ne pleasant pastime. The children ~gamboled
IN the green, enjoyed the titilating. pleasures
arse the swing, and smacked their lips in ant
patton of the good things in store for the
sing The beaux and bellies first formed in grou
eo- and then incontinently, sub ~sitentio, sing
uin- into pairs, to use a H~ibernicism, to talk alb
o"s matters pertaining to - well, that
. at none of our business; our programme,
e to Chief Marshal, not authorizing us to ac1
SUD- Paul Pry in such matters.
p1o About / o'clock, the bell sounded, and
; the company repaired to the tables, literally
the den with everything to tempt the
'ysa ate and satisfy the appetite. Such a pr
.hs sion we have scarcely ever seen, and of ev
variety that taste could suggest and skill