Delaware Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1843-1874, 1873-02-06

derstand the lexicon Of the Engish language.
IL i, sad hit IN fiist imp o IS are sc.
II, u nust iasli y, aud fiom ,i-cln We are IN
clined ~ firm our opinion, particularly OF indi-
viduals. Therefore 1t seems proper that we
should endeavor to make favorable impress
sion when we nrst meet those with whom we
expect to associate In social or business life.
Now, would saak what accomplishment 10
better adapt ID ID this end, more beautiful and
desirable for lady, or more important or prac-
teal for q gentleman In social or business con-
nections, than such QUE a. VIII enable either
to express herself or himself with some degree
Of huency and q greater degree Of accuracy, when
circumstances demand FTP
A thorough knowledge Of the English Ian
guage Is certainly important and essenti al to
your future property and happiness and those
who obtain It will have secure passport which
will be be found Invaluable through the jour
ney Of life.
For the purpose Of encouragement to tie stu
dents In our public schools In a more thorough
study ofthe English grammar, have arranged,
through the proper medium aud at this proper
time, TO present to the girl and the boy, who
shall attain the greatest proficiency In this study,
to be determined at the examination In June
next, golden medal Of q money value, as has
been named by your superintendent.
In doing this Il Is my hope that the scholars
branch of education, and that the time may
speedily come when the study Of the English
language may reach In our public schools
point far above it, past or present status.
think that rewards Of this character, and
for the purpose herein indicated, are attended
with good results; they are an incentive to &C
ton, promote selfreliancc and laudable pride.
Aud the scholar who asses through course
of study and an examination with higher av-
erage than others having an equal chance, should
receive reward for fidelity, industry and up
plication.
When was boy about ten years Of age,
there was one day an examination Of the
scholars In the school in which was 4 schol-
a.
Afler the examination was over and the
school was about 10 be closed for the balance
OF the day, our teacher approached my desk
and placed upon the breast OF my coat (jacket
i'll those days) piece of red silk about three
inches square, with the words thereon, In large
black letters, Reward of Merit" and extended
to me the privilege of wearing II two days. AS
| remember, l was the honored one upon that
occasion, because l had continued at the head
Of the spelling class for long time previously,
and maintained my position with some degree
of credit through the examination.
Forty years and more have rolled away sucs
that occurrence, but It Is as fresh in my mem
ory now as though 1t was an event OF yeSter-
day.
In the badge there was no value, but es-
teemed 1t a mark OF respect, and an honor con-
| ferTed upon me because came out of the con-
test victorious.
can assure you that | wore that simple
badge with as much pride as courtier wore
the royal ermine with rs much pleasure ~ ev-
er the Great Napoleon marched under the Easl IS
OF France, and with as much satisfaction as
was experienced by Abraham Lincoln after he
had completed his ,rlumphal march, commenc.
| Ing at the Log Cabin aud ending at the Presl
Dental mansion.
II tradition and history be true the Olympic
games seemed 10 form prominent feature In
| the affairs Of ancient Greece. We are told BY
the historian that an almost innumerable mul
titude Of spectators from all Greece and from
other countries tar and near, assembled to wit
ness the contests. 1t is perhaps hard for US al
this day to conceive the greatness of the inter
est which was excited by one of these occa
sions, OF the extreme anxiety to obtain the vic
tory, which was felt by those who cqntended ii
| 6e games.
| The prize awarded to the victor was a crown
Of no value in itself, being composed simply o.
spliss of palm, pine, laurel, or olive, bur as
token of victory and honor. 1t was worn will
the greatest pride, for the fortunate individual
| whose brow 1t encircled became the object o
admiration, and his name was sounded will
applause OIL every side.
The gift which We propose to award has IL
itself but little value, though 1t be made of gold
| But the girl or boy who may come ont Of tn
contest victorious, aud bear away the prize
will do so with honor 10 him or herself, witt
credit to the school, and his or her name NAV
as in the days-of old, be sounded with applaus
on every side.
But beyond this the prize will be all evi
dence Of the fact that the winner has With
the elements of an education which will be t
her or him bulwark aud fortress through a
the yicissitudes of life.
II may, and doubtless will be said tia tn
contestants for these prizes will be confined t
the older and more advanced pupils, This
M doubt correct,
But propose to Continue the awards for tg
years and II found practical to continue ther
fol- series Of years, III my life be spared,) $
| that i'll time every scholar in Our public schoo
from the elder down TO the youngest, may hay
an opportunity Of becoming competitor for, au
recipient Of the prize
10 the scholars one aud all | would saw tbi
the value of an education is far above that (
diamonds, rubies or gold. Iu fact no est
mate can be placed upon its value. 1t will
you Tor ite,prepare you for death and make ve
ready Tor The scenes beyond, Make sure OF
good education, aud you have that which ca
not be lost
You know not what your troubles NAV
after your 6arque shall have been launcht
upon the great ocean of life
The storm may strip the mountain OF
sarniture aud expose its breast TO the wind
but the mountain remains
The storms of life may strip you of fam
fortune, friends; may strip you of your garr
lure, but cannot strip you of that which is In
parted through the medium of the scho
house, and which will continue to be your d
pendence In any contingency.
Al the conclusion of the remarks OF Mr.. A
ans, the grls in school No. A by rising 70
+. unanimously rendered to him their thanks 1
c the proposed rewards.