Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-07-11
Female Collegiate Instsiute.

z The examination and graduation exercises oi the Female Collegiate Institute took place on trlcay, 9a,h June Through the invitation of Messrs. Graves < Scheiaer, 1t was my good fortune eo oe nresent on that pleasant and interesting occasioh I the midst of the martial parades anl political commotions by which we have so long been sus roupded. it was truly refreshing to look alin up2H scenes which brought back the happy days of boy ,,,od and the blessed memories ofcoiiege life.
 The Female Collegiate Institute which acquired sueb distng guished reputation, under the manage mani of the learned and accomplished Mrs. Rich ard has lost none of its prestige since it has been u,dcr the control of Me5srs. Graves X Scheiller. While nearly all the colleges O. the country have been forced to suspend, this institution, though felt the pressure of the times, steadily continued until the close of the session.
 Owing to the troubles which afilict the country, the principals very properly determined to make no attempt at great display. The examination oe- cupied but one day The exercises, though brief. were abundantly satisfactory The pupils not onl. exhihitsi proficiency in their studies but we ob served, that the method of instruction was emi- nently practical. We feel indebted to pr. ScheideI for new edition of the old geography. The pu- pills in that study informed Us, that Arkansas now with Jefferson Davis, of Mississippi, President, and Alexander II. Stephens, of Georgia, Vie. President. They also stated that the Confederate government comprises eleven States. We hope the Doctor will keep the new edition from going to press for while at least, as he would most pro bably be compelled, in short time, to print another new edition, making the Confederate go vernment to comprise .ffteen instead of clever States.
 We did not hear all the classes; but all we die hear acouittel themselves most creditably. The classes in algebra, philosophy, chemistry and ge ography are particularly worthy of notice. Th' young ladies eyinced not only that they had beer industrious students but they seemed to apprehenc truths with ease an1 to communicate them witl cearness and precision. They explained with re markable facility many of the most difficult an( abstruse principles science. The brilliant man ner in which they sustained themselves, captvatet both our minds and heads The exercises were interspersed with music under the direction of Miss Frossiard. The power of music Is one Q the most delightful attractions of woman, anC fiings wonderful fascination over her charms-- Much of the enjoyment which we experienced ol this occasion was due to the beautiful and brilian performances at the piano.
 At the conclusion, Miss Fannie " oodruf, wht had completed the collegiate course, came forwar' to receive her diploma. Her examination through ou: was one which reflected honor upon hersel | and her instructors. We learn that there woul, | nave been other members in the graduating class bat Proyidental causes compelled them to leav school shortly before the close of the session. awarding the diploma, Mr. Graves made som very beautiful and touching remarks. lie remind cd her that she had always held Il distinguishes position in all her classes; but begged her to re | member that her education was not yet finished but only commenced. Their relation as teache and pupil was ended forever His prayers an best wishes would attend her through her c3rth pilgrimage, and he hoped that she might finally re ceive a home in the paradise of God. Mr. Grave ;hen spoke to the audience upon the powers of tn l 1 His remarks were replete with classic beauty an markcd with strains of stirring eloquence. Indeed
 it was the most admirable address of a literar 1 kind we have ever heard.
 | Why is it that our people still cling to the eX ! ploded idea, that they must send their daughters at an immense cost, to institutions in other State which are, in no sense, superior to our own!- Teachers possessing finer abilities, more enlarge experience or more irishel e1ucation, than tn gentlemen who have charge of the Female Colle giate Institute, can nowhere be found. No iEsti tutioa in the land offers finer advantages to parent who desire their daughters to obtain polished practical, christian education. There was pero not many years ago, when the far west" S1 looked upon only as q mattel and mighty forcs covered with clouds and thick darkness'--as a I ideal realm or Iutufe prosperity ana power But now these vast solitules have been penetrated; an these mighty forests arebeng overwhelmed by th swelling waves of emigration, sending their echoe back upon every breeze. Cities have sprung u in rapid succession, which rival in wealth, intelli eence and architectural beauty their sisters in tn older States; while our lands of untold fertllit have been brought into cultivation by men of en terprise and capital And now also we have anon Us institutions of learning which compete in gener ous rivalry with the noble institutions of other an older States. Beauty and loyeliness do not belon exclusively to the older sisters of family; and tn younger ones as they bloom into womanhood begi to display charms and to possess attractions whic arc scracely surpassed by the sisters who mad their debut at an earlier peroI. While, therefore we pay to the institutions of the older States tha deferencc which properly belongs to the older an more experienced members of family, we art proud that our female colleges in the west are be ginning to command due share Of admiration, re ! spect and influence.
 We learn that the Female Coli ;giate Institut will resume its exercises in September next. | VEkITAS.