New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1870-06-28
The -Commenecnt Exercises

is attained by flight of broad stairs, lead
rooms appropriated to the directory of the
institution, and at the further end, opposite
the main door, is the entrance to the chapel.
The chapel, which we estimate will hold
about twelve hundred people, is admirably
arranged for the accommodation of the con.
gregation which crowds in on Sunday, while
all its belongings and ornaments are in ex-
cellent taste. It contains fne-toned
melodeon, of the largest size. The galleries
ranging on both sides of the room are well
adapted for sight and hearing, and the tout
ensemble of the chapel will. for good taste
and perfect adaptedness, compare with any
structure for similar size and purposes in
the city.
The whole of the upper story consists of
several large and airy class rooms. COM
pletely and appropriately fitted up with
proper school furniture. In this story, also,
is the library. which already contains q
goodly number of volumes. and, as We were
informed by the Rev. Mr.. Turner, is receiv-
ing constant additions.
After little after nine o'clock the chill
dren, male and female, of the primary de-
partment were ranged in the chapel, ac-
cording to proficiency aEd attainments, and
the examining exercises commenced with
the first reading class, under Miss n. A.
Ansell. Then came song, "Oh, I'm 8
| happy Bluebird, sober as you see," which
was sung by the classes with great spirit,
and keeping good time. The "Object" class
then exhibited its proficiency under the di-
| rection of Miss Eloise Lyon, and was fol-
lowed by the song "Welcome," sung in full
chorus by all the primary classes. The
spelling class was then thoroughly exam.
ined by Miss Ansell: after which the children
sang die on the Field of Battle" When
| the song was ended, two reading classes
went through their examination, conducted
| by Miss Lyon and Miss Ansell. The first of
these two examinations was followed by
| singing Come to Jesus" and the second by
| the song "We Come Again."
The result Of these various examinations
in the primary department showed re-
spectacle proficiency in the pupils, and was
Certainly very creditable to the ability Of
the teachers, and indicative of the thorough.
| ness of the system of teaching adopted in
| the institution. In estimating the result, as
here stated, it must be considered not only
| that the pupils have been but short time
under tuition, but that large portion of
them were of French parentage, that the
French language was their mother tongue.
This would, of course, cause difficulty in
acquiring q correct English prOnuncia-
ton and accent, which could not have
been the case had the English language been
their vernacular. Indeed, the diStrdI pro.
nunciation of certain words by many of these
pupils showed how very limited had been
heretofore their acquaintance with the Presi
dents American. All this must have greatly
poroocod tho labor r,ndpruoDa an6 tho diff
culties overcome by the teachers, and
should, therefore. be taken into fair con-
sideration. 1t must be remembered, too,
that very many of these children possess no
inherited intelligence, for they are the off.
spring of parents who had been kept in the
degraded ignorance belonging to state of
slavery, to which, until few years past.
these children were also destined.
1t may be proper to remark in this con.
nection, that the progress so far made, as
shown by the examinations, (and made, too,
in the face of more than ordinary Difficult.
ties), must be attributed to the great earn
estness shown by the lately enfranchised
race in acquiring knowledge, causing them
to seize with avidity and zest the advantages
of which they had been deprived, and in
springs spirit OF intense emulation to gain
all the advantages of those who have been
80 far ahead of them in the paths of knowl-
edge.
While the primary department was en-
gagged in their examinations, more ad-
vanced class, (male and female), designated
as 'Grade c." was also undergoing examina-
tions in one of the upper class rooms, un-
der the direction of the teacher, Miss Emma
C. Joye. We were prevented by our atten-
ton to the exercises of the primary depart,
ment from witnessing this examination in
full, but what we did witness, was extremely
creditable to both teacher and pupils.
The singing, interspersed with the ex-
aminations in the primary department., was
led by Colonel Mason, who accompanied
the voices on the organ in a mastery style,
and the whole was very pleasing.
One part of the mornings exercises was
species of manual gymnastics, which had
been taught to the boys by Colonel Mason,
who takes deep interest in this educational
enterprise. These gymnastics, and the
marching in and out of the school at
opening and closing, are accompanied by
the music of the piano, performed by Miss
gymnastics.
After the examination of classes con-
cluded, there was a series of general exer.
cises, consisting of recitations, declama-
tions, and piano performance. One little
fellow, who told us that his name was
William Carmelle Harrison, and his age
seven years, ''spoke piece" which drew
IOItH SLedt dpPiauoo. a iltto Shi MAoS Az
gele Boissieur, aged eight years, played the
Mabel Waltz on the piano, and played 1t
well, for her age. Two little boys followed
with recitations, correctly Torded, but
slightly Frenchy in accent. Then Miss
Regime Boissieur, aged ten years, performed
piece on the piano in pleasing, little girl
manner. Afterwards, five young girls
jointly recited poetical piece. We are
sorry that we could only catch the name of
One-Miss Emma Boree.
Towards the close Of the exercises Mr..
Roxborough addressed the assemblage on
the great prospects and duties that awaited
them in the future.
Colonel Mason then made an address of
some length, which was listened to with
great attention, and no doubt thoroughly
appreciated by the older portion Of the
assemblage. The COlonel's address dwelt
upon the great benefits that had been
received by the colored race during
the past few years, and the cor
responding obligation on that race
to avail Themselves of these benefits by
elevating themselves to the higher standard
of humanity. That the sole object of those
who had labored and contributed so largely
Of their means in behalf of the lately en-.
franchised race, was to educate those girls
into virtuous, intelligent women, and those
boys into honorable, right thinking meH.
The blessing of God was upon such work as
this. and therefore, this great work would
prosper by Gods help.
After Colonel Mason concluded, short
address was made in French by the Rev.
Father Maistre. The gist of the Reverend
presebk prespscts Of cnicree people
As cit;zsns compared with eir former con
aikioA OF hopeless seTvstude--a change that
shouid c0Hinaad itsels 10 the c}tixeE, the