The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-04-29
Dedication of the CoIorcd Norma
school.

The magnificent brick structure, recent,
completed on French Garden Hill, was las
evening dedicated to its noble uses by appro.
pirate exercises. The ceremonies took place
in the assembly room OF the building.
After the singing of chant BY the pupils Of
the school, and prayer by the Rev. Mr.. Corey,
Mr.: Washburne, superintendent Of the school
addressed the audience. Referring to New
England aud Boston, he recalled Concord, the
spot where oppression first met resistance in
America. THIS was the commencement of
what is not yet finished. II began the war o!
ideas. Liberty has inspired orators, poets
and soldiers to speak and sing and fight for
her. In this war, when blood was needed, il
has been offered. Liberty has never wanted
men of thought to aid her. When a great
general starts, he prepares all points of offence
and defence, and forti6es and plants his base.
SO III the war of ideas, these Notifications are
school-heuses. Such is this, which to-niph Il
we dedicate 10 intelligence and freedom. In
this shall be trained warriors of the truth.
drilled and armed for the fight.
The beautiful words, "If I were Voice."
were sung with fine effect.
Mr.. Wasbburne then stated that the society
had one wot king member, to whose labors this
building was largely owing, and introduced the
Rev. X. w. Manly. Mr.. Manly stated that for
six years he had lsbored in the cause OF educa.
tion as the agent of the Freedmens' Bureau
he believed the future would justify the work
that bad been done, During this time there
were 10000 to 20 900 children under ipstruc.
tion. There were 8 900 children under faith.
fu! and competent teachers 10 Richmond.
There are to day not less than 67 institutions
OF bigh order formed by the Freedmen's
Bureau, having at least G, 900 pupils under
Careful and accomplished te ,chers. The board
OF directors had aided him aud seconded every
effort. The school has been sustained four
years, and has attained its present prosperity
through the self-sacrifcing eff rts of the prin.
cipa', Aiss Kennedy, and her capable assistant.
Every school should have an ideal Our
Ideal is to make good citizen, noble man or
woman, with disciplined powers. good
school may be without a building. But it
needs the labor toll and daily hard work OF
good teachers.
In addition to trained minds there should be
development of virtue the Bible is, there
fore, text book. The constitution of the
United States is also essential aud will be
study. Politeness, kindness, forbearance also
will be inculcated, and whatever else will
make perfect citizen of perfect State. We
seek to make citizens who will be source of
happiness to themselves and others. | do love
fair play. don't like TO see one race weighed
down by eDcumbrances, while the other is high
IN favor. Therefore, we want to take of tho
shack'es and give these young people fair
chance to run the race OF life then il they are
outstripped they need not complain. We will
give them fair play in this school.
The following dedication hvmu was then
sung by Miss SIade, in a beautiful manner:
Father in Hraveni Thanks be to Thee,
1hanks for the blessings we daily receive: -i
Thank for our life, and our liberty,
Thanks for the good Thouonly canst give
Help us to be worthy such 10y,
May we be grateful to Thee we pray;
May We with wisdom life employ rA
Learning from Thee-"the Truth the Way"
To wisdoms search coasecrate
This Hal of Learning, Thou to us hast given;
Long may it be watched DER y Thee
Used to Thy glory, ather in Heaven
Ann AS we seek, within its walls,
knowledge for earth life, oh /! help us to win
wisdom for Heaven life, that may hear
As our last praise, "Well done Enter in /"
General Wells was then introduced by Mr..
Manly, who said: As one who had always
been friend of liberty and progress, on the
battle field and ip high places of civil author.
ity, as he set there one thought had passed
through his own mind. 1t is cold hearted
man who is not touched by such harmonies
of song, or by such story of toll aud pro.
gress. He continued 10 a speech such as we
have rarely heard, and which, though strictly
impromptu, was specimen of true eloquencs
and pathos.
Rev. Richard Wells and John Oliver, ESQ.
made excellent aud telling speeches Rev. Dr.
Peterkin, of st. James church, closed with
appropriate remarks and the benediction.
Miss Winsow presided at the instrument with
much skill and good taste. The singing was
excellent