The Orangeburg democrat. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1879-1881, 1879-06-20


thus securing solid foundation, on
which those may build who have the
proper energy and ambition, but arc
denied the benefits of collegiate ed
ucation.
| At an early hour on Friday the pa
irons and friends of the schoo! as.
semblcd, and were soon brought to-
gether by the familiar school bell
The exercises were opened with pray
cr by Rev. S. L. Holman. The morn
ing was occupied in an examination
of the different classes, to the interest
and delight of the audience. 1t
would consume too much space to
enter into details, and it must suffice
to say that every child examined
acquitted himself we'll, and reflected
much credit upon the teachers-espe-
cially when it is remembered that
there was no "driIling,' Or as the
boys at college say, ''cramming" for
the occasion.
The examination was concluded,
and after short recess, the exhibi-
ton, consisting Of declamations, mu-
sic and recitations began. The speak
crs did well, and several of them ex-
hibited clements of the true orator,
which it Is hoped will be successfully
cultivated. The selection of music
for The occasion was indeed happy
one, and gave evidence alike of tai
ent and refined taste of the gifted in
structress. This part of the pro-
grammc was concluded with the pop
ular song "Grandfather's Clock" in
which the whole school united.
Then came another important fea-
ture, which was doubtless, enjoyed
as much rs anything else, for
Lives there man with soul so dead,
Who to himself hath never said,''
Oh! for something good to eat!
Dinner was announced, and an invi.
tation given. And such a dinner il
was, as the good ladies Of st. Mat
thews and few other places only
that the writer knows of, can provide,
Your correspondent was we'll cared
for and entertained, for which he
here makes his poli,est bow.
After this feast, the children enjoy
cd and amused themselves in various
ways, seeming TO recognize fully that
the happicst period in school-boy's
life is ''the last day at school," while
their fathers and mothers grouped
to discuss the graver questions of life
and smiled to see their children hap
py.
During the afternoon the audience
reassembled, and before your cores
pondent had time ''to take in his sur
roundings" he was called upon for q
speech. Mr.. Editor, did you ever at
tempt to make speech after standing
at one Of these Dig country dinners
Hithoat warning or preparation7 If
so, you can appreciate the circum-
stances and very easily imagine the
result. Mr.. J. II. Mack was the next
victim, and responded by making
some very appropriate remarks, and
then excusing himself.
Rev. S. I. Hallman, who is always
equal to any emergency, was next
called upon, and made an excellent
address. DR.. j. w. Summers, in
response 10 the next call, gave some
wholesome advice to the young, in o
graceful and we'll timed spec ch.
Hon. NJ. j. Keller, whose presence
give pleasure and dignity TO all occa-
sions, was called ont, and made a
brief but happy response.
Thus ended these pleasant and in.
teresting exercises; and thus another
bright and happy day was added to
the mighty past-one that will in
spire many with fresh courage and
zeal, as they 60 out again TO battle
with the stern realities Of life, and
which will serve to awaken pleasant
echoes in the caverns Of memory as
long as life shall last.
May St. Ma thews' Academy con-
tinuc bright and shining light in the
community, shedding its genial rays
until the last vestige of superstition
and ignorance shall be banished.
Allow a few general itcne. This
community was visited on Thursday