The weekly Lancaster gazette. (Lancaster, Ohio) 1860-1863, 1861-03-28

MEssRs. EpIToRs;--Though am fully
aware injustice is often done by publish
ing articles on the subject Of School Ex-
aminations, as frequently conducted, yet
I desire 10 speak plainly and briefly of
one which attended on last Friday and
Saturday at the school house near Ream' 9
Mill, in Berne township. taught by Mr.,
Geo. Ruble; and. must say | was high
ly gratifed with the same. There was
manifested such degree of spirit, vivac'
i,y, elacticity and promptness in response
to questions proponndsd by teacher and
visitors as to win universal appreciation.
1t was evident that the pupils had not
been attending the school for The mere
purpose Of Willing away their time, nor
simply to make good appearance on the
last day of the term bu; for their own
improvement. Except in the reading
classes, no book was used during the en-
tire day by teacher or pupil; thus DEM
onstrating that the subjects had been
taught rather than the books: The Read
ing was very good, Defining admirable,
Arithmetic excellent, but the recitation
in Geography was magnificent. In this
branch Mitchell's Outline Maps were used
and for over an hour, held the audience
in mute attention.
4 Il
After the examination of the scholars
by invitation, an old teacher addressed the
audience on the subject of Geography,
Practical School Teaching and the gen.
eral interest of Common Schools, which
was well received. At the conclusion, a
vote Of thanks was unanimously given
the speaker ior his we'll meant effort.
The teacher then read the report for
the term and distributed the gifts among
the pupils who received them With thanks.
Thus ended this days proceedings.
On Saturday night an exhibition was
given in the "Old Log Church. which
was filled completely. And here again
the pupils acquitted themselves with
great credit, the more 50, as many Of them
had never before leen anything of the
kind. 1t will be impossible for me to say
which one did the best, when all did so
well.
Great care had been taken in the selec.
ton Of pieces--whch were noted for
brevity, pith and appropriateness When
remember what these pupils were able
to do fur short months ago and witness
their advancement now, | confess myself
not little surprised at the happy change
effected IN that brief period by the joint
efforts of the teacher, pupils and parents.
Mr.. r. has really made his mark, rot only
in that District but in those ad jacent also.
Nor must We omit TO mention the as
sstance rendered the school and the
pleasure afforded the multitude by the
juvenile ammeteur musicians who were
present and enlivcned the exercises with
vocal and instrumental music. This was
conducted by Master VIM. Evans and his
young sister Melissa, who have never be.
fore attempted anything in public way
Though the child is young, she sang
abou: twenty pieces in q very neat and
pretty style, evincing for herself muct
applause.
By perseverance those scholars ndal
hope to attain to no small degree Of emf
nencc. 1t is an imperative duty and al
exquisite pleasure; selfdenial and aciiol
alone are wanted, and when exercised
they wiIl'infal,ibIy be rewarded. A poe
says:
, ''Intrepid virtue tfumJhs over fate,
The good can never be unfortunate:
And be this maxim craven on thy mind,
The height Of virtue is TO sorvc mankind
, SPECTATORS