The Russellville Democrat., 1879-07-03
OUR SCHOOL INFER ESTS.--- SOME GOOD THOUGHTS ON ANIMPOR MI SUBJECT.

MR. EDITOR: Feeling that every good citizen of the State, many of whom are regular readers of your paper, are interested in the educational facilities and enterprises of our country, give you few items in that line.
 I think our State is moving up i'll this interest, having already attained the standard of responsibility, and the time is not distant when, if our people as citizens, and Christians are true to their own interest, our great and grow ing State will vie with her most favor- ed sisters in the whole galaxy. But your space forbids the elaboration of this subject at length and in general, so I write particularly of some of the institutions of learning with which we have had to do. was sorry I could not attend Prof. Doggett's examination, of which l hear a good account, but having been appointed by our last An nual Conference as one of committee to visit Quitman College felt it duty to go; so in company with my little boy Eddie, (Mr. J. F. Munday who had proposed going with me being too un- we'll to make the trip,) l started for that classic village on the 12th inst. To write what 1 saw and felt and heard and thought on that little overland trip of seventy-five miles, would require a book, and if the same feelings were thrown into it it would certainly be a very warm, but exceedingly dry book. But we reached there in due time the second day. The last day was enliven- ed by the presence of Rev. W. J. Dod- son, with whom we fell in company at Springfield. going to same place.
 The few days spent there was both pleasant and profitable. I found Quit man all alive and on "tip-toe" for the examination exercise, which indeed proved most enjoyable affair, and dis closed the fact that Prof. Peebles does no patch work Tn educational affairs. The essays and orations of the young ladies and gentlemen were rich in thought, and sparkled with the bright est gems of literary genius. The music- al department, presided over by Miss Julia Peebles was in fine trim, and evinced fine judgment in its selection of pieces. The practical bearing both in this and the literary department struck me very forcibly, and excited general admiration. It was the unani- nous decision that Quitman College is in better condition than ever before. About one hundred matriculates last session, there ought to be twice that number, and no doubt will be large increase next September, if no failure in the crops. dare say that parents cannot do better than to send their boys or girls to Prof. Peebles if they are to go from home at all. For health, so- cial refinement, moral and religious advantages, and economy, Quitman will be hard to beat in Arkansas.
 Col. Sam. Williams of Little Rock de- livered the literary address on Satur- day, and as might be expected, it was masterpiece, full of practical ideas and suggestions, "good to the use of edify- ing" Rev. Mir. Bennett, of the White County Beacon, preached the annual commencement sermon, to the entire satisfaction of all. A Sunday school mass meeting in the afternoon, address ed by Rev. J. Haralson of Dardanelle, and Col. Williams, and a sermon at night by this writer closed the exer- cises of one of the delightful occasions of the kind it has ever been my privi- legc to attend.
 1 met several citizens there who were formerly of Pope, and they have lost none of their good qualities by their transfer. Dr. Jamison, Robt. William son, and the Follows are important factors in Quitman society. My home was with MT. Williamson, formerly of your town, to whom and his good lady l return sincere thanks for such liberal hospitality. l returned in time to wit ness the closing exercises of Prof. Fuckers school at Atkins on Tuesday evening the 17th. Some good essays, orations and music by the school, and an address by Col. E. Jennings of At kins, constituted the entertainment of the evening. At home again to enjoy the pleasant associations thereof for a few days, but greatly encouraged by what I saw and heard.
 Let us not forget home enterprises. All cannot send away from home to school, nor is it best. Home education is best; home life is healthiest. "The presence of a really good school in a town or village, rouses an interest in behalf of education that nothing else can. The advent of q live educator is a benefactor to every boy and girl in the place. It wakes up the appathetic and unties the purse strings of the stingy. These benefactors do not al- ways receive appreciation, but their work will last, and they will have their reward"
 There is but little danger of having too many schools, but let not these na1 ,ir t. Az1