Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1873-07-02
Our Graded Schools.

The annual examination OF the Montpelier
Union School closed on Friday afternoon last,
with the usual rhetorical exercises. The ex-
animation commenced on Thursday, the 10Th
inst, and closed on the Goth. The attendance
OF the parents and friends Of the scholars upon
the several examinations has been exception
ally good. This Of course is as It should be .
and yet those who can truly say they have at
tended all the examinations, during which
time oil the schools were given an opportunity
to tell what they knew, certainly deserve q
great deal Of credit
The proficiency acquired in the various do
partmonts is best judged by the results pre-
scntod at the close Of the scholastic year. or
the several examinations we do not propose 10
speak in particular. Suffice it to say that, in
general, they have been satisfactory, and in
some cases unusually so. All have not been
equally successful, but in every case we have
seen, as we believe, unmistakable evidence Of
careful and thorough instruction on the part
Of teachers, and Of commendabe success on the
part Of scholars and classes. The oxamina.
tons were all conducted in a fair and impair
tial manner, exhibiting no more and no less
that the honest attachments Of each individual,
and the results reflect credit upon the able and
faithful teachers, and he.patient and diligent
scholars. The various Rotations have shown
a thorough understanding Of subjects Of the
highest practical value in n course Of element
airy and advanced study, while the methods Of
teaching have developed solf-reliance and indie
pendence Of thought on the part Of the schol-
ars. The work presented shows conclusive
evidence Of careful, healthy study during the
year, and Of quiet devotion and obedience 10
duty, which are the essential elements of CON
scientious scholarship and the surest pledges
Of present and future success in life. We are
pleased to learn that the prospect now is, that
as far as possible the services Of the present
very efficient board Of teachers will be retained
for the coming year.
The rhetorical exercises took place on Friday
n the school hall Notwithstanding the urgent
request in our last weeks issue that the public
should generally attend these exercises, the
audience was rather meagre, owing undoubt-
edly 10 the excessive heat Only two Of tho
gentlemen had original pieces, Messrs. Bennett
and Dewing As productions exhibiting the
results Of careful thought, skilliul training,
clcarness and simplicity Of style, these originals
we're admirable The selected pieces were
very good but were noticeable for q lack Of
fire and magnetism in delivery, II can hardly
he expected, however, that such an occasion. at
this time Of year, should kindlc up the ieryors
Of oratory. II is too unreal, the audience is
heated and unapprcciatye and the exercises
are too perIunctory Yet with due allowance
for the circumstances so repressive to lively
speaking, we still feel bound in the interest Of
the audience to exhort the young men to speak
more out Of their eyes, and their nerves, and
ia fact their whole bodcs-more like lightning,
and less like sheet lightning
The young ladies, attired in bcauteous white,
We think rather outdid the gentlemen in their
Efforts On this occasion. Their essays were ior
the most part very thoughtful, written with
care, and what is equally rare, if not equally
difficult. were read Sd well as b. be distinctly
heard by all Thorough training only, and
such as had given these young ladies perfect
consciousness of their powers, could have en-
ablcd them to read their essays 50 clearly and
distinctly, with so little embarrassment and yet
with such becoming modesty. The music was
furnished by departments Nos !, ., and 4
Without intending 70 speak in disparaging
terms Of their singing, which was very good
indeed their time and harmony being remark
able for their years-we maintain that the
scholars have right to ask and expect more
digniGed and appropriate music on these oc
casions Miss Clara Dewey sang solo, Will
piano accompaniment by Mr.. scribner, il
which the purity and sweetness Of her fine
soprano shone to excellent advantage, only
strengthening US in the favorable opinion We
had formed Of it on previous occasions.
The annual levee was held in the school hal
on Friday evening. The "let up from tn,
restraint Of years discipline Of the school
room was highly enjoyed By the scholars, anC
their teachers and senior friends unbent t,
participate in their pleasure. The little PEG
| PIE in short skirts had their way that night as
usual, but very creditably kept up the de
coTum Of the occasion, and consequently every
one had a grand good time. Houses iul
band was present, and to their inspiring mu
sic every body promenaded with every bodl
around the spacious Hall While the musil
/ furnished was excellent, we sadly missed The
q" concord Of sweet sounds dIscoursed OF
similar occasions by Prof Fales and bis bras.
band
This annual gathering Of the scholars anc
their friends is one Of the plcasantest occa
sions of the year. 1t brings together in socia
relations, teacher and pupil, rich and poor, or
thodox and liberal, high churchauj low churcl
and catholic, upon an object in which We cal
all uuito-the education and reasonable enjoy
ment OF the children. May the practice o
holding this annual leyce never become obso
lete. Thus closed another academic year 0
valuable and successful labor in the history O
our Graded School