The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1866-08-02
EXAMINATION AND PIC MIC OF THE FREED
MEMS SCHOOL.

MEMS SCHOOL.
We have heretofore refraincd from announcing
the efforts made for the education of the freedmen
in this community, for several obvious reasons
The enterprise was set on foot by authority of the
Bureau, and before pronouncing an opinion upon
the feasibility of the project, we were anxious to
observe its workings and become familiar with its
practical results. Having opportunity during
Inst week. to crafty such desire, we take pleasure
In bcnring testimony TO the admirable discipline
mud conduct of the School. which for several
months rnst has been under the superintendent
of mn experienced teacher, Mr.. SAMUEL CRAWFORD,
of this village. The Freedmen's School is located
in the old Male Academy, and numbers, as might
be expected, the majority of the freed children in
this community. Nearly two hundred scholars are
upon the roll, which is neatly and accurately pre-
pared every month, in accordance with instruc-
tions. The examination as to the proficiency and
advancement of the scholars occurred on Thursday
last, and we have no hesitation in commencing the
faithfuness and diligence of the Superintendent in
imparting instruction to pupils. His system is
thorough and we'll calculated to materially enhance
the interests of the rising generation of this unfor
tunate people. Of course, only the rudiments of
an education will be obtained by the majority, and
it is in view of this fact there lies the Importance
of thorough instruction and perfect system. The
studies being confined to q circumscribed area, all
the greater care is required to attain simplicity and
uniqueness. This is happily acquired by the sys-
tenn of Mr.. CRAWFORD and he loses no opportunity
of adding an almost perfect rigidity in rules of de-
corum and neatness. Therefore, when we express
decidedly favorable opinion as to the success and
conduct of this School, it is with equal pleasure
that we accord the full of credit where it
becomes due, as evidenced by the satisfactory ex-
animation, which was attended by number of
citizens.
The negro is on excitable, emotional creature,
and it was not to be expected that this opportu-
nifty would be lost 10 display their love of excite
ment. Accordingly, in pursuance of general
understanding throughout the District, on the next
day friday after the examination of the School,
the much -talkcd-of Pic Nic,-or celebration" as
they called it-occurred, in the woods adjacent to
the school-house. We will not attempt an extended
notice of the affair, which was creditable in every
respect to the freedmen, who had aocked here in
large numbers from every quarter of the District.
More than thousand, of all ages, sizes and con-
dtions, were in attendance, and throughout the
day preserved tolerabe order and perfect sobrety,
so far as we could learn. There was only one
feature we thought inappropriate and wholly I'M
necessary, and that was the marching of process
sions, other than the School, through the streets
There was no occasion for this untimely exhibi-
tion of their martial requirements and certainly
these professions did not contain the more thought
full and consderate of their race, but in many in
stances idle vagabonds whose means of living are
invisible.
His Exccllcncy the Governor addressed the
freedmen, in obedience to their request, and we
understand gave them much excellent advice; to
he sober, honest and Industrious, and diligent in
requiring fair reputation among the whites. He
spoke of the community of interest between the
Two races, and urged the idea that, as we were
forced to live together, there should be harmony
and good will prevailing at all times. When the
Governor concluded, the citizens present were in
vted to partake of o sumptuous and elegant din
ner provided for the occasion.
Altogether the day was one of prudent enjoy
joyment by the freedmen, and we are gratifed to
record their good behavior and exemplary order.