The Russellville Democrat., 1877-07-19
RusseIlville High School.
RUssELLvILLE, July 1, 1877


 To the Editor of the DEMOCRAT:
 It was our privilege and pleasure last week to attend the closing exer- cises of Prof Patrick's School. It is well known fact, that Russellyille commandments are always more en- tertaining, more worth going to see, than the generality of such exercises, but we must say that this time 1t really exceeded all expectations, in the briIlaincy and hilarlty that mark ed the occasion. On Thursday and Friday we witnessed the examina- ton of the classes, and we have no hesitation Ill saying it was highly satisfactory. All the pupils under went thorough examination in their respective studies, answering promptly and correctly nearly every question that was asked them, there by showing the pains and care that has been taken with them during the past nine months. One of the main features of speclal interest that marked the occasion at night were the original speeches delivered by Messrs. Jeff Davis and Thos. Oats, In behalf of the former we must say, that considering his youth and diff cult subject, he acquitted himself noblv. He set forth in the most i'm pressive manner the grand, imper- ishable and ever comforting truth that life is failure unless ultimate ly crowned by Q blessed immortality, and we do not thlnk that this sub feet can be too often and too strenu- ously impressed upon the minds of youths of our country. In behalf ot the latter VIC must say, that he did we'll; his fine appearance and exeell- ent delivery, held the audienue, es- pecially the ladles, enchaned, and we think if he continues the course he is now pursuing, he is destined to become star man, and one of whom our country may well be proud. We must not forget the very pretty Reclamation delivered by Da- vid Patrick, Jr., on "Carolina." We were not surprised at the ease and grace of his style, for it seems that this IS natural gift possessed by "Tar- hecls.o The original essays read by Misses Addie Allen, Ina Mckenzie, and Lillie Willis, afforded us an intellectual treat, rich, rare and varied. Their compositions were well prepared, displayed much beauty of thought, and received the applause of a large audience. We must be allowed to compliment Miss Addie Allen for the excellent man. ner in which her composition was read. The subject was quite appro- priate to the occasion, and every sen tence was articulated so clearly that even those occupying the windows and req. of the house heard every word distinctly.
 We must say that the whole affair was complete success, and reflects much honor upon the able and pro ficient teacher. Prof. Patrick Is a native of North Carolina. Gradua- ted with distinguished honors at Chapel Hill, and was classmate of Hon. Vim. J. Bingham, author of the celebrated Bingham Latin Grammar. We think he is the very man for the position he holds; talented and expe- rienced. he is destined to build up 9 school that will reflect honor upon Russellville. It must have been a happy moment to him last week <to know that the work to which he has so arduously devoted himself for the past nlne months held out proof of so signal a success, and better that so many of their fellow townsmen were present to attest their appre- citation. It certainly required man of master nerve and resolution to un. dertake the task of building up $ first class school here, and how wei Prof. Patrick has addressed himself to this herculean labor look upor last week and learn. We hope that all will lend their united efforts ir assisting him to build up first-clas' school. We hope that no one vii throw a cup of cold water upon this enterprise. His heart is too gener ous and his desire is too great, fol the good of the people for us not t' say "God speed" to his and all othe efforts designed to advance the caus' of education in our dear old state.
 $. II.