The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1869-04-30

ANNUAL Picnic OF THE ORPHAN HOUSE.
Regularly each spring, the children OF the
Charleston Orphan House, an institution that
cannot be excelled in its management and dis
cipline, are treated to picnic in the woods,
where they spend a day in such innocent an
suitable pastimes as the Board OF COM
mssioners may direct. The occasion is
always looked for with the greatest in
terest on tho part Of the children and
their friends. At an early hour yesterday
morning the orphans were up early, with their
minds full OF the event, and formed in line,
three hundred in number, healed by the prin'
cipal and teachers, and marched to the North
eastern Railroad depot, where they took the
cars at 8 o'clock, accompanied by the Board of
Commissioners and other invited guests, and
we're soon on the way to the farm Of their old
friend, Philip J. Porcher, ESQ.,. who for several
wears past has welcomed the children to his
rustic home. When they had reached the farm
they began to cast about for the best method
of enjoying the occasion. The boys wet
romping in one direction, while the girls
sought wild flowers and shady seats be-
meath the venerable oaks. During the day
visit was made to the old Goose
creek Church, nearly two hundred years
old. In the church the children, led By tho
teachers, sung some touching and beautiful
hymns, after which they again betook them
selves to the wild woods FOR enjoyment. When
dinner was ready, the little band attacked the
edibles with spirit, after blessing by the Rev.
Jno. r. Honour. After dinner, James Ingham,
q pupil of the institution, stepped forward and
delivered in creditabe style the following ad-
dress:
Respected Friend-Atter weeks of anxious
expectancy, again are we assembled beneath
the shelter OF these venerable oaks. In inno-
cent amusements and healthful sports have
swiftly sped the hours Of our vernal festival.
Yon weary sun, in his descent towards the
parture is at hand, when we must bid farewell
to these familiar scenes, and to xou Sic, our
generous host and friend. As zach year, KIND
sir, we look forward to this eventful day-as
we recall the happy memories OF the past, and
in childish tancies picture the glowing future,
there is name linked with all, and llsped, In
gratitude, even by the youngest OF our youth
full band. That name ia yours. lis the humble
tribute Of our hearts, and all that we can oher
IN return for the many warm welcomes and
ever geutle consideration extended to us here.
Accept it, sir, with the earnest hope that you
may long be spared TO render others happy,
and by so doing insure for yourself the puresL
happiness which earth affords.
Then, turning to the commissioners:
Nor are we unmindful of the watchful care
and parental solicitude evinced by you, our re-
spected guardians. towards those who, in the
providence OF God, have been cast upon that
charity which it is your sacred privilege to ad'
minister.
Then turning to the teachers and other Off
GERS:
And never, no never, can We cease 70 remem-
Der with gratitude and affection these, our
dear instructors, and these, our faithful OFF,
GERS, who have labored so assiduously 10 rem
der us useful, wise and happy.
Then turning towards the cars:
There is another-absent, yet gratefully re-
membered-the worthy president OF yon road,
whose iron steed and well freighted cars have
often sped with us to this cherished spot, aud
now await our coming.
Then again facing the group in front:
From our hearts We thank you ALL and may
He. whose ear is ever open to the orphans
plea, reward seven-fold IN your own bosoms
YOUR works Of charity and love.
Mr.. Porcher responded ieelingly, and assur-
ed the children OF q hearty welcome. He told
them that as long as he lived they should en-
joy the vernai season on his farm.
The incident of the day, however, was the
presentation to the principal, Miss Agnes Z.
Irving, under whose management the general
economy Of the ms tuition has given the great
est satisfaction to the Board.
A beautiful gold and enamel ring, set with
pearls, was purchased by the pupils, and MIR,
William Morrison, graduate Of the institu-
ton, was deputed to make the present, which
he gracefully did as follows:
Dear Triends-I have been selected to recall
one TO whose faithfulness, love and wisdom we
owe the promises of the past, the happiness OF
the present, aud the hopes Of the future.
au not old, yet l can remember long
time ago. anterior to the birth of most of you,
when in sorrow joined your happy throng,
and first felt the sweet influence OF that good
spirit which sec here to-day, struggling and
YOU, lust as it did then for us; and when try
to estimate the benefits and blessings accruing
to YOU BY what know, and thousands OF
Others, during this long period, have received
from these self sacrificing labors, and cease
less anxicties and aches, wonder not that my
Dr..n falterS al tue lu6h, anu ius louS ue uuequa
to he requirements OF myheart, becomes Silent
Yet will these feeble hands strive to add one
more joy to this day OF triumph and happ:-
ness by bringing to our noble TREND, your
peerless principal, our decolrS OF obligation
and gratitude IN the proud consciousness that
her generous heart will permit US to seal with
signet our troth OF love, honor and duty, and
thai she will retain the emblem in recollection
of those humble friends who ardently wish
that all her days may be as bright as Its gems,
aud her Happiness as perfec. and endless as It's
form.
This was great surprise, but deserved re-
cognition of the devoted services OF the good
principal After singing in concert the e1er-
cises closed, and "homcward bound" was the
watchword. The depot was reached about
seven P. H., without single accident having
occurred to mar the happiness OF the occa-
sion.
CHANCE FOR MAcHN1sTs or rice planters