The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1878-01-03
Martin College
oIIvEr, Dec. 81, 1877.

OLIvET, Dec. 81, 1877.
Mr.. EDIToR:-I have just re-
turned from very enjoyable TWEEN
ty-four hour visit to your town.
Last night 1 cast my lot with no.
BILE knighthood, and to-day has
been spent in Martin Female Col
lege witnessing the examination at
the close of twenty weeks session
of that institution When entered
the study hall in company with
Rev. A. 6. Dlnwiddie, chairman of
the visiting committee appointed
by the Tennessee Conference, l
found Mrs. Menefee engaged in a
most rigid and thorough examina-
ton of the different classes IN her
department; and l am happy to say
that no Institution of learning in
my opinion is more pains taking
and efficient in laying the founda-
tion of a thorough education than
Martin Female College. have long
beer or the opinion that failure in
the primary department of our col
leges has resulted in more disaster
to the pupil than at any other point
in the curriculum. | think that Dr.
Rivers, with his very efficient facul-
ty, has realized this fact and has
placed in charge of this department
teacher every way competent to
meet successfully the responsibility.
1t is said that the secret of the sue
cess of Alexander the Great in at
tanning to the command Of an army,
by the prowess of which he could
conquerSthe world, lay in the fact
that his soldiers were children born
and brought up in his camp, where
by they became so well acquainted
and exercised with weapons from
their babyhood that they looked for
no other wealth or country but to
fight. Even so, it seems to me, is
the secret of the great success of
DR.. Rivers in the primary depart
ment of his College. Mrs. Menefee,
his daughter, has. by reason of the
long identity of her father with in
situations of learning, as well as her
thorough culture and great aptness
as a teacher, many advantages to
bring to her aid the az accomplishment
of this difficult work. 1t is really
refreshing to see the warm attach
ments, heart felt friendships, and
mutual sympathies formed between
her pupils and herself amid the
tolls of that rodless room. SO
much of our time was spent in this
department that we did not get that
insight to the work of the other
members of the faculty that we de-
sired. Yet by their mode of exam
nation l was enabled to examine
the recitations of members of the
various classes, as they were com
mitted to writing. These MSS.
were indicative of close study and
methodical instruction.
At the close of the examination a
scene occurred that shall not soon
forget. The school had been sum-
moned to the hall for divine scrvice.
DR.. Rivers announced to the school
thaG the connection of Miss Fannie
Mcclellan with Martin Female Col
ASSO HdS bhaI NuJ SSNOlON. LIS
eulogy of her character based upon
his association with her for several
years was touching, and his prayer
for her future veal, rising from a
heart swelling with emotion, brought
tears to many eyes There was
something in this separation touch
ingly mournful and sad. For more
than two years this gifted young
lady had by her purity of character,
gentleness of spirit and gift of song
drawn all hearts to her. Sweet little |
girls had fingered lovingly around |
her for many an hour charmed with
the melody of her welltrained voice |
as it warbled some sweet sentimen !
tai or sacred song; ana now they
realize for the first time that these
are to be numbered |
among the fond memories of the
past.
The next session begins January |
23, 1878, and if good building, eff
cient teachers, experienced Presi-
dent and eligible location meet with
their just merit, then may we ex-
pect to see one of the best schools
in the South T. j. DUNCAN.