Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1879-08-15
Miseellaneous.
For the Kennebec Journal.
HIGH SCHOOLS OR BOARDING SCHOOLS.

HIGH SCHOOLS OR BOARDING SCHOOLS.
In late issue, July 8, of the Daily
Journal, we find the suggestion that 1.-The
trustees of the Cony Female Academy"
could best ''carry out the real intention OF
the donor by giving the property "now by
for the benefit of the high school, while in
that event, the words "Cony Free" should
be used as prefix to its present name,
for thrusting aside his will. The usual
method of arriving at the real intention
of testator, is by accurately ascertaining
what he said.
The broad distinction between q high
school for both sexes, and q boarding
school for young ladies, could probably by
by the late Judge Cony. With no allusion
or college, or school of any other class,
he said the fund was intended as the en-
dowment of female academy. Should
not this suffice for his real intention?
Were the knowledge of PhiliolOgy,
Mathematics. or, in word. the entire cur
riculum of high school topics, the only at
school would without doubt. compare well
with the boarding school Far be it from
us to refuse honor in its full measure Ito
whom honor is due
But the comprehension of these things,
though absolutely required in its proper
place, is by no means the elimination at
which we aim, in young ladies's educa-
ton. She may be linguist. mathema-
tcan, accomplished in music, versed in
science, or. in a word universal artist,
and yet be the more self-asserting and un-
lovely; because deficient in the moral cul-
ture which is the only source of that charm
ing type of refinement, that diffusive aroma
of goodness which emanates from, and in
dcates the real lady as truly as its own
peculiar odor distinguishes the rose.
Ii is for the attainment of better oppOr-
tunity to promote this moral elevation,
than the public school admits, that our nu-
merous and still multiplying schools for
young ladies are designed.
1t is to create an atmosphere sui generis
by surrounding an attractive retreat with
all the wholesome restraints and purifying
sanctties of model home, where Jointly,
with sound learning and personal accom-
plishments, this higher than high school
science may be taught. an
We have lately been surprised by the
startling announcement that 1.-The days Of
Female Academies have gone by ~ Yet
even more surprising than the assertion of
the person who must have been living for
the past twenty or thirty years, where no
ray from those genial centres of light and
benediction has cleaned upon his pro-
longed seclusion. In paper dated July
II. 1879, Just three days since ladies' ac-
ademies ''have gone by" the column of
advertisements, under the title ''Instruc-
tion.' no less than twenty-eight boarding
schools and academies for young ladies ap-
pear. Both the terms indicate the same
grade of school. In the next issue of the
paper, July 10. ten days since that re-
markable intelligence, it being now the
special season for advertising. before re-
opening in September-seven more are in
cuded, making the number thirty-five.
All these are now. and most of them
for years. have been in full course of in
struction. diffusing the sweetness of gen.
tie culture in.every direction. a-<-5
When observed as class of educators,
they form brilliant constellation, each in
its sphere emitting its own steady ray,
while in one especial point they all con-
cur. They never fail to imprint upon the
characters they are forming, one lesson
which. it would seem public schools have
no time to impart--they reach modest,
quiet department: SO that the young Ia
dies of our boarding schools are distin-
guished by the dignity and strict propriety
of their manners as they walk the streets.
Among these conservators OF feminine
gentleness is included our own dearly
cherished school at Augusta, Maine, which
arose in our midst rs the Phgnix Of the
'.moribund academy OF former day.
1t entered into, and has efficiently contin-
ued to the present hour, the labors for
which that school was endowed. Another
point in the history of these schools, re-
minds us of the bird of classic fable.
\ popular principal of the Cony Acade-
my, in its early days, afterward became
the actual founder of the nursery school
which steadily increased in public
favor, till, in the year eighteen hundred
sixty eight, it cast aside its swathing bands,
and serenely entered Oh the career of st.
Catharine's Hall. His
In reference to the counsel so freely ten
dered to the trustees of the Cony Acade-
my by our advocate of the high school, it
seems but proper to say, we have right
to presume they are gentlemen OF such
sufficient responsibility and dignity as
would need no instruction whatever in re-
gard to the discharge of their trust. We
are. therefore, only permitted to hope that
they may "apply the funds to a purpose
as germane as possible to the intention OF
the founder
This last might seem appropriate a. our
closing word; but it suggests one thought
more SO strictly .'germane" to our sub
iect as to demand expression.
1t is the pertinent fact, that from the
first institution of st. Catharines, there
have been scions from the Cony stem
-literally-beneath its cooling
shade. Under its fostering dew. some
have budded and bloomed into the beauty
and fragrance of womanly grace while
later shoots remain there still. putting
forth tender foliage with freshness and
vigor. -
This continuous interest OF the whole
family in this class OF schools, is, to say
the least of it, suggestive. May not this
unbroken, silver thread, traceable through