The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1866-12-29
EDUCATIONAL.

The public school of the city of Al.
bany closed its late term on last Friday On
that day school examination was held ac-
cording to previous announcement; and we
are glad to say that several of our best citi-
zens were present ON the occasion. Business
compelled as to make our visit quite short !
but from what we saw we arrived ct the fol,
lowing conclusions -
l. That the scholars, as a general fact
exhibited a commendable proficiency and
thorou ghness in the several branches they had
studied.
2. That unusually good order had prevail
eds
Daring the last quarter this school was
taught by Mr.. Finn, assisted by Joel briggs
Esq, and Miss Wright. Mr.. D., we regret
to say, is at present quite i'll in consequence
Of hemorrhage of the lungs, and hence the
school viii lose his services during the en-.
suing term.
Prizes for excellency in spelling were
awarded as follows; In Miss Wright's De.
partment, toNattie Redpath, James o'Keafe
and Marshall Sylvester In Mr.. briggs
Department, to Eugene Day, Paulina Smith
and Wilson Mcbride. In Mr., Flinp's De.
partment, to Master James Conner and Mas.
ter Claiborne II. Stewrrt. A prize was also
awarded to Miss Dilla Pennington for max.
ing the most perfect recitations during the
past term. Thewhole number of pupils in
attendance during the term is lS5, with an
average attendance of about l50, The next
term viii begin on next Monday.
On last Friday, also, the select schco
taught by Rev. w. Montoith-assistsd by
Mr., Hannon-had some interesting exer
eises; among which we may mention tht
reading of paper entitled the ''.Sadent'.
Excelsior" by one of the young ladies o
the school. Permission has kindly beer
given US to make the following extract from
the editorial "Salutatory" of the editress.
"As understand it, the great object had in viev
by the projectors Of this enterprise is the good
the students Of this institution II is hoped tina
the ''StHdent's Excelsior win exert a saiutar
tendency OYER sll Who may conc within the spher
Of its influence. To this end It is necessary ths
each enc present write for it at regular and state
periods, and in all other suitable WAYS strive to ad
vance It's highest and best interests. II is m
opinion that I5ritng Is very beneficial to the schol
A.. It diseiplines the mind; il calls into actiy
exercise all cur mental powers il frequently bring
into requiStion al out knowledge and sometime
We are compelled TO search various books In orie
to settle questions as 10 history science thatms
arise in our minds while writing il gives a clear
er idea OF the meaning Of words than We can other
wise attain; ii has tendency TO perfect Us IN or
thOepy and OrthOgraphy, and if we will read stan
dard authors officially and considerably it serve
to improve the style Of the student. But forbeal
"Al lis varied benefits to state,
Would tire the Roman Fabius 70 relate
We must, In order to make our paper a success
and blessing 70 all concerned not only do some
thing for IT, as have above indicated; but ther
are some things we must not do. WeEill partieu
larize little. We must not write ANYTHING of A
Extensively personal nature. One student must n,
write anything relative to the faults or defect
mentally or bodily, Of fellow student We shout
be tender Of each others feeling. We must r,
member that We all poor, fallible erring. sir
ful creatures and that, therefore, are all prom
% error as the sparks are to hy upward. The ex
ample Of our blessed Savior should be initiated.
He sympathized with the unfortunate and hear
stricken. He healed them Of their maIadies. II
raised the bowed down. He spoke words Of chez
and comfort to the detected and distressed w
are very good In their place, yet as Students an
especially as contributors TO the Excelsior" v
should studiously avoid them, and thus no ius
cause Of offence win be given by any of us on thi
account.
1t isin my judgment equally necessary that "
refrain from giving expressions 70 sectarian view
Of religion. would not have auy 10 suppose ths
think lightly of religion. Far from It. Il
claims should be enforced on all proper oecasion
because Of ali subjects 1t Is the most jmportaI
which can engage our attention, either for time {
eternity. By sectaTian opinions, / mean tho
which, though important to a certain extent, Al
not essential TO salvation. But I must close.
fear will weary your patience. At all events
have written all have time 70 write and do iustie
70 my studies. Hoping that the crude suggestion
have thrown out, will be kindly resolved and t:
ken In good part. as they are most certainly il
tended, we now launch our Excelsior upon ii
untred Of the future and ask for II Of all pre-
ent the their kindliest sympathies and regards"
This school is designed as the Albany Co
9ege in embryo; and we are glad to sta
that it gives general satisfaction to its pa
Tons. We regard the Principal as pecalia
y fitted, as man and as a scholar, for h
post; and we trust that the enterprise whit
he has thus projected will not be suffered
1anguish for want of sufficient encourae
ment. Every parent should strive to ei
his children good education. This is 2
many of us can leave them and In maj
respects il is far better than legacy
houses, and lands, and silver and gold
These frequently take wings and fy ava
while good education elInas to its fortuna
possessor amid all life's mutations.