The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1869-07-08
For the Anderson Intell,gencer.
EQUALITY, s. G., July 8, 1869.

Mr.. Editor: had the pleasure of attending the
Examination and Exhibition at Thalian Academy
on the 1st and End inst. The first day taken
up in the examination of the less advanced class
es. The examination was conducted for the most
part by The Principal of the Academy, Rev. MIR.
Kennedy, iu the presence of the Trustees and
spectators. The examination was rigid, especially
III grammar and arithmetic, and may be regarded
as fair criterion of the fathfulness of the teach
er, and the thorough training of che scholar.
The principles which lie at the foundation of each
of those sciences were thoroughly applied In the
examination, and the pupils revealed that they
had not learned their Lessons parrot-iike, TO be
recited for the occasion but were we'll indoctrina
ted in the rules of each of those studies and their
application. There is common opinion abroad
in our country that the female sex are not the
equal of the male in the acquisition of the more
abstruse sciences-such as arithmetic and mathe-
matics-but the performances of the girls on
both days in arithmetic, especially in fractions
and decimals showed that they were not behind
any others Of similar experience in the working
of these difficult rules. The infant class, (if l
may SO call it,) composed Of BOYS and girls, did
themselves great credit in the exercises of read
ing and spelling OIL the first day. Especial atten-
tion is given by the teacher to the spelling Of all
the scholars, large and small
On the second day the time was taken up in the
examination of the more advanced casses-arith
metc, grammar, philosophy, rhetoric, analysis,
algebra and geometry. While 1 may truthfully
say that the classes in each of those branches
sustained themselves creditably, the performances
in algebra and geometry were excellent.
About three o'clock on Friday, the Anderson
Brass Band arrived, and evidently produced quite
sensation among the pupils. Their minds SEEM
ed to be iustinctvely turned to the popular exhi-
bition at night, which was to close the programme
of the occasion. By the hour of twilight there
were hundreds of bright and happy faces who had
collected to enjoy the entertainment. Cupid's
darts seemed to be playing thick and fast, and
many stricken one will 20 mourning and weep
ing for many days, unless the fair and loved one
shall deign to speak the blissful word.
The exercises were introduced by the delivery
'of excellent salutatory by T. S. G. The ad-
dress was well adapted to the occasion, and did
credit to the genius of the speaker. Little john
ME r. and Walter B., aged respectively about 10
and II years, led off with two excellent speeches,
very we'll delivered for boys of their age. Then
followed other speeches by the larger boys, inter-
spersed with the mirthprovoklng charades, which
added interes, and life TO the ocsasion. During
all the performances, which continued until late
hour, the Anderson Brass Band discoursed the
most exhlarating music. The visit of the Ander-
son Brass Band to old Thalan will long be re.
membered with feelings of pleasure and gratitude
by both students and citizens.
The speeche generally were we'll delivered. but
there were two or more which were peculiarly im-
pressve, from their adapledness 10 the times.
The one delivered by P. a. W. on the state of the
country. caused feeling of deep sorrow 10 course
the bosom, as the speaker so truhfully and graph
cally depicted the downfall Of the Constitution.
The other by P. W. H., also touched upon the
same point. and from the impressiveness of the
speaker, touched a chord in the hearts Of the au-
denec.
A word rs to the Charades Without stopping
now to discuss the propriely Of such exhibitions.
as innocent and popular amusemeals, impressing
on the heart of youth laudable ambition to ex-
eel in their appearance before the public, and
showing up TO the popular gaze the errors of
depraved public opinion in ridiculous light, we
may say in justification that a
"Little nonsense now and then,
Is relshed by the wisest men,
| Is truth which cannot be denied. Hence there
seems to be public necessity for such e1hibi-
tions.
On the occasion referred to- all of the charades
we're exceedingly mirthful and impressive, partic-
ularly the pieces representing the Freedmen's Bu-
reuu and the establishment of "Unien League"
away down South. The arrival of Capt. Skowhe.
gan, a.carpet Dagger, in the neighborhood-the
hocking of all she negroes in the vicinity, to The
neglect of their daily work-their first interview
the organization of the League, together with
their dispersion by tbs "Ku Klux." the exhibition
of all these various scenes in lfe-like pictures,
must be seen to be appreciated Suffice it to say
that hey brought down the audience in roars of
laughter But the crowning exhibition of all
was, perhaps, "Oid Bob Ridley" in his first
ecstaces OF freedom, with his carpet-bag on his
back, singing and rejoicing as he travels away
! down 10 SLAB 7oUn to git his ed6ca,ion." Moth
ing could have exceeded this master piece of fun
and merriment by our Anderson friend, Mr.. F.
II is but just TO say that the interest and effect
of these performances were greatly heightened by
the timely assistance Of our young friend. MIR. j.
| Ii. NJ, of Claremont Academy. Good order pre-
vailed during the proraced performances and no
signs of weariness on the part of the delighted
audience There was but one draw back TO the
enjoyment of the occasion, and that was the fail'
ure of Col. Wilkes to address the Students as he
had been invited and agreed TO do. No doubt
there was good reason for the failure.
The exercises Of the Academy will be resumed
or Monday, 18th inst. X.
For the Anderson Intelligencer.