The tri-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1866-1868, 1868-01-07

REPORT OF ADDRESSES OF MEssRs. FIsKE,

bled in the second story of the new schoo
house, facing upon West street, at the real
of the African Methodist Episcopal Church
building, and known as the johnson school
house. in order to participate In the detllca
tory exercises. T. r - EGA-E
There were present besides the gentlemen
named in the caption the following lady
teachers, Miss Graves. Miss Blood, Miss
Jones and Others.
The exercises were begun by the singing
of a dedicatory hymn, by select choir, after
which ..-.,,-
Mr. Fiske, Superintendent of schools for
N. c., briefly addressed those assembled. He
had watched with interest the erection OF
this building. Now that it was completed,
although he did not intend to make Il leng-
thy address, he could not refrain from ex-
pressing his joy.
For three years the Church building ada
cent, through the kindness Of those Worship
ping here, had been used for school purposes.
This school was begun there-it was pio-
neer school organized to instruct children
and supply the necessary teachers for the flu
ture, early in 1866, and had flourished and
grown under the care of Miss Graves to
whose energy we are all SO much indebted.
With her at that time were Miss Harris and
Miss Jones-these ladies were the three
first teachers IL. this City. But the necessl-
ty of an appropriate building was early felt.
The Bureau had no funds. Petitions were
gotten up, and through the energy of the
ladies in charge and the favor of the Chief
Magistrate of the nation, the Congress made
appropriations and then an order for the
erection of this building was given.
Perhapsit WAS proper for him to say that
a great deal of money had been spent In the
erection of this house-abOut One-eighth of
the whole appropriation for the State, but
under all the circumstances he did not and
could not regret it, 1t was a good invest
ment. But he would be frank in saying
that the cities, where most outlay had been
made. as in Raleigh, Newborn and Whining
ton, were far behind the country towns in
private contributions for educational pur-
poses. This must not be permitted, and he
desired to arouse the residents of Raleigh
and the places named to higher sense of
their obligations. Hereafter his attention
would he turned to more remote localities.
He could not sit down without referring
to one other thing. 1t was a general i'm
preston abroad that the government paid
salaries OF teachers. Such was not the fact
nor was he authorized to expend IA cent in
this manner. The people must do this them
selves, and lie was glad to say that they had
been doing very well, though in some in
stances perhaps could do Il little better
During the past year, he had spent much
time in bostering up schools that were APP
parently staggering for lack of help, and
had paid for rents and repairs, thus materi-
ally assisting where assistance Was actually
needed. He had seen the good fruits OF this
already, and was further rejoiced in the fact
that new schools were being established and
sustained i'll various places.
There was one other fact to which he
would refer. In 1865 all the school teachers
were from the North-in 1866 ajority
were of the same birth, while in 1867 two
thirds of the teachers We're from the South
thus showing Il steady and gratifying in
crease of the supply of teachers in that di-
rection.
He cauld not sit down without again re
peating the sentiments of gratitude which
he felt. Whatever universities might come
upon this State, whatever of sunshine or
shadow she might pass through hereafter, he
trusted that this school would be sustained
and Its good influences perpetuated. Ap-
plause.
Col Jas. F. Taylor, being requested, next
spoke. This school-house, so weIl-built and
arranged, said he, reflected great credit upon
those who were mainly instrumental in its
erection, and would prove a source of per
located.
Those whom he addressed were aware of
the benefits accruing to civilized nations
from II just system of the cultivation OF the
soil; but how much vaster were the benefits
to them from the cultivation of the mind.
In this latter culture, consisted the excel
lencies ofa state of civilization over bar
barsm. In the school house, this work
was begun and perpetuated. And in be-
holding this fine structure to-day, with the
necessary paraphernalia for educational
purposes with its walls, he could only say
to those before him, "ncglcct not this golden
opportunity, but make the most of your
superior advantages"
Go into the western wilds. The abort
gines of America wander there now as they
have for hundreds of years, caring for moth
ing, with limited advantages even for sub
sistence, and none for education save in Il
few instances But we have another race
here, untutored. just emerging from night
of intellectual gloom and physical slavery.
They raise up their hands and call for as
sistance. This edifce has opened its doors
to them. Come in and hear, is the invita-
tion-come in and be taught! Applause !
Mr.. Taylor next referred to the wonderful
advancement made by the colored people
He cited them to instances of self made
men-who became renowned scholars, !iurists
and statesmen. He related an ancedOte OF
Edmund Stone and the Duke of Argyle,
which was listened to with deep attention.
Then he referred them to the name of the
school-Johnson. Many long years ago a
poor little apprentice boy lived in this City.
BY the exercise ofindomitable WILL he now
occupied the highest position in all America.
This school was named after him. His ex
ample should stimulate others to excel.
Mr.. T. also referred to Judge Reade, Alfred
Dockery, Gov Holden and other native
North Carolinians, as specimens ofself-made
men. This portion of his speech was full of
pathos, and frequently elected applause
Let me encourage you, said he, to go on.
Educate yourselves and provide for the
education Of your children. Poets tell us of
the " midnight lamp" and the scanty oil of
the poor student" But the oil and the lamp
that has made great men in North Carolina,
is the oil of rosin, and the lamp of light
wood knot. [Applause.] Study to be good
and great, and to achieve honorable reputa-
tions before all men. Education is that which
elevates the white man and it will raise up
the races of earth to his level in the world of
science and art if cultivated sedulously. He
raihicp6 tO COO that not I'll or n Dim. +b, NV,