The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1864-07-16
Annual Examination at GOrham Seminary.


Annual Examination at Gorham Seminary.
The annual examination at this institution
took place on Wednesday and Thursday of
the present week. The term, and indeed the
year, now closing has been remarkably sue
cessful.
The examination proved very satisfactory,
generally, and gave conclusive evidence of
the fidelity of teachers and the good conduct
and studious habits of the pupils. 1t was our
privilege to be present a few hours the last
day, and to witness the examination and
drill of several OF the classes. Were it not
, invidious to particularize we should speak in
special praise of the classes Of young ladies.
both in Cicero-which was prompt, accurate
and appreciative-and in Horace. The large
! class of young ladies in Botany acquitted it
self with much credit. OF other classes we
heard good report.
The performance of Miss Grace Emerson
of Depere, Wis, on the piano, for a young
lady of fourteen, was really meritorious-
grace full indeed.
! The essays TO which We had the pleasure
4 forenoon three young ladies, Of the Normal
4 class, whose names we do not remember, read
4 essays which would average full as well as
/ those reeited with all the ''pomp and circnm-
! stance of college commencement, while an
| essay in the afternoon, by Miss Emma G.
/ Smith OF Gorham, of the graduating class
| the only one OF the class that we heard
- I. al. Ill
studied literary paper in almost any circle. a
/ friend who remained after we left, informs us
hat an essay By Miss Anna Small, and the
galedictory by Miss C. Is. Andrews, were SEN
,be and patriotic compositions, and deliver
! ed in credilable manner.
We are indebted TO the same source for the
following, relating TO matters that occurred
| after we LETT the exhibition hall:
The class ia Rhetoric, under the direction
| of Miss Speed, passed a satisfactory examna
! lion. Although giving the substance OF the
text book, it was in their own words, thus
demonstrating their thorough acquaintance
| with the subject. Indeed the entire class
! seemed quite AT home in his department.
We were not present at the examination OF
the class in Buffers Analogy, but learn it was
entirely satisfactory.
The examination OF the class Ia German
was conducted by Miss Lord, daughter OF our
brother OF the Christian Mirror, and was
doubtless satisfactory, the rendering into Eng
lish being prompt, aud we may fairly presume
sufficiently accurate, as no corrections were
made.
The class in Gymnics, numbering about
forty, male and female, under the instruction
Of Mr.. Bradford. of this city, although in in
Producing them he said they had not proceed
ed far in the exercises, showed degree OF
skill in the various movements, especially In
tie use OF the dumb bells and stails that some
of our military companies might well emulate.
OF the value OF these exercises-particularl
during the hours OF study-ihere can be no
question; and II may be hoped the practice in
! schools OF all grades will become universal.
As announced, Rev. Dr.. Adams, chaplain Of
the 9th Maine, delivered an able and patriotic
address, in the evening, in the Congregational
| Church, which was well filed. The DIR. de
! scribed the sudden and marvellous changes
Of tue dag, referring in feliciloas terms to the
magical ring and the lamp of Ailadin, by
which lost treasures were found and base coin
! turned to gold. He also described with singu
tar aptness the wonderful difference in the
! condition between the North and South, es-
pecay in the matter Of education; gave
very sensible and sound advice TO the young
/ ladies in reference TO the part they should bear
I IN the great struggle now going on. aud COM
/ mended the women of the land for what they
we're doing and had done in behalf OF ths sol
diers; rebuked in fitting terms the indider-
/ ence. not To say open opposition, OF manv al
the North to the efforts 10 crush the rebellion;
showed clearly the true basis OF government;
/ quoting the language of that venerable sage
I Josiah Quincy, who has but recently passed
I from earth, that-"human happiness has no
perfect security but freedom; freedom none
bat virtue; virtue none but knowledge, and
/ neither freedom nor virtue nor knowledge mas
/ any sign or immortal hope except in the prin-
ciples of the Christian faith. and in the emo
tons OF the Christian religion" We should
/ be glad 10 give fuller synopsis of this ex-
cellent address did our limits permit.
Judge Pierce presented the diplomas to the
graduating classes, as the organ OF the Trus-
ices, accompanied by a few excellent remarks
The graduating Normal class consists of the
following young ladies': X. W. Thompson, ST.
Stephens, n. B.; Eliza Mcdonald, Portland
A. f. Dolt, Milton, n. H; A. A. Lord. Lowell
The College class: Emma G. Smith, Gorham
c. b. Andrews, Paris Hill II. f. Clarke, Wa
terville; Anna Small, Windham.
An agreeable feature of the occasion was
the presence Of several OF the officers Of the
Maine Fifth, the same that graced the occa-
,ion of our District. They were happily in
troduced by DR.. Adams the chaplain Three
( OF the five flags taken by the Regiment from
the rebels were also displayed.
The board OF instruction at this institution
is well made up. The teachers take high
rank, and receive the most generous com
mendation from the board of Trustees, while
their works-the progress OF the pupils in the
schoo-afIord the best evidence of their tideli-
ty and worth. Their names will be found in
the Catalogue of the Seminary.
With the term now closing also closes the
services OF Mr.. WEBB, the Principal He has
/ occupied the position three years, having
charge of the school and large boarding
house, and has proved himself a most indefa-
/ tigable, efficient and successful manager of
/ the interests-educatiou aud Gnaneial-of
the institution, and he leaves at his own in
stance, on account OF impaired health, and
1 with the regret Of every member of the board
+ of Trustees. with whom he has never had the
/ slightest difference during his entire admins
tration.
TIE Pirate Florida.