The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1865-07-22
Keokulk Female Seminary.


| Keokuk Female Seminary.
At meeting of the citizens, called by the
committee appointed for that purpose by ths
Board Of Directors Of the Keokuk Female
Seminary, at the Chatham Square Church, on
Thursday, the 10th inst, to take such meas
ures as shall more effectually aid the estab
ishment of Protestant Institution Of learn
ing, of high order, for the education O
young ladies, Col WV. THOMPSON was called
to the chair and M. K. TAYLOR appointed
secretary.
The Chair then stated the object of the
meeting, and announced that Kev. C. A.
WILLIAMS had resigned his position as Prin-
cipal of the Institution, and then called upon
that gentleman to address the meeting.
| Mr.. w. then said that inasmuch as he was
now freed from any embarrassment by the
tender of his resignation, he felt at liberty To
speak more plainly respecting the wants of a
Protestant institution of learning in this city,
and as to the immediate necessities for prompt
action and hearty cooperation on the part OF
the Protestant churches.
He alluded to the position of the teacher
when compared with other professions and
employments; the silent character of his
work, and as laborer in the prevention OF
crime; to his unselfsh motives, working not
SO much for money as to improve the youth
full mind. His own efforts had been directed
for the last seven years to the founding and
building up a permanent school, which he
and his associates might leave as lasting
legacy to those coming after them; to awaken
a lively conception of the wonders Of nature
and the beauties of the world in the minds Of
their pupils, and to give them the benefit of
their own reading and knowledge to form
correct habits Of thought and actions to i'm
part correct motives; to mould character and
awaken proper ideas of right and wrong; and
to this end they had invited to their aid others
whose exampleand influence might contribute
TO success.
But what results? They had secured or
der, quietness, decorum and proficiency in
the school room, and reduced uncultivated
elements to fuller appreciation of their 70
ciai and religious obligations. In this the
work had been very laborious, and had worn
out one or more of the teachers engaged.
The results, however, had not been commen-
surate with the effort They had been en-
barrassed by want of proper accommoda-
tions, being unable to extend their influence
down so as TO reach the younger classes of pu-
pills, nor upward to the highest academic
studies. Room ia needed for classification,
for music, and means of illustrations. These
wants being still in the way to success, he felt
it to be his duty to resign. The failure had
not been through inexperience, for the teach
ers had been educated in the established In
stitutions of the East, and in the aggregate
had had more than Fifty years experience in
their profession.
What is wanted now is more interest on the
part of the public, an appreciation of the i'm.
portance of an institution of this kind, more
cooperative and adhesive action, clearer per-
ception of the difficulties and opposition to be
overcome in the influence of power that has
stood more than thousand years, working
day and night, and yielding not an inch ex-
caSt as compelled. To meet this there must
be mutual, wise cooperation of the pulpit and
churches. They must take the institution
under their united care, and sympathize with
the teachers and aid them. A reform is need
ed in society here in this respect and to this
end he had rendered his resignation.
Remarks were the made by the Rev. DIR.
BRowN on the importance Of home education
of young ladies, and the evil consequences of
sending them away to the popular boarding
schools.
Col THOMPSON made some statements in
regard to measures now being taken to secure
teachers to fill the places made vacant by Mr.
WILLIAMS and associates designations.
Mr.. Fl. ScorT HOWELL thought an appeal
should at once be made to the citizens, and
organizations effected of all the influences
favorable to such movement. We ought to
be awake to the support of protestant institu-
tons. They must be sustained
Mr.. j. B. HOWELL made some remarks on
the want of union of Protestants and the dis.
position to clash among themselves rather
than unite against common enemy. If the
present plan be not satisfactory, then find out
the fault and correct the evil.
Col. RANKIN then referred to the want Of a
proper plan of union and said that he had
some suggestions to offer at the proper time.
Also acknowledged his want of interest here
tofore, and hoped in the future to atone for it
by more active measures. Said there must
be more enthusiasm in the support of the in
stitution; this being particularly necessary in
sustaining schools Of this kind in newly built
uptowns in this western country, a plan of
operations is necessary. Who will suggest
one best suited to the want?
Mr.. LoMAx expressed deep interest in the
matter under consideration, and suggested that
the trustees present one at the next meeting,
and made motion to that effect.
Mr.. J. B. HOW'LL suggested also that they
ascertain whether the people have sufficient
interest in Professionalism to lead them to sus-
tain this effort
Rev. Mr.. WAXING suggested direct church
action and support whereby they would be
identified directly in the sustainance of such
u Il IL 4 .