Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1880-06-22
0HARLEsToWN ACADEMY.

f'P.'' S@PSS'u w H. ~. Aaoiep look piace
at Washington Hall on Thursday evening,
June 18th. in the presence of quite NUNS
ber OF the parents, relatives and friends of
che different pupils and many well wishers of
that popular institution.
After the award of the certificates bv
Capt. Kable. the Rev. A c. Hopkins pre-
sensed prize, Macaulay's History of Eng
land, to Charles Kearsley, for the best
composition. he said that number of COM
positions had been placed in the hands of
Cleon Moore. Esq, and himself, by Capt.
hable, that the authors of them we're un>
known, that they were unacquainted with
the handwritings, and knew nothing of the
particular class from which they came and
the age of the authors, that they had ex-
smined them carefully and patiently, and
had found that they all contained many ex-
eellsncies and exhibited degree of thought
and finish that reflected great credit upon the
school and scholars. They had finally awarded
the prize, without knowing the author, to
one upon the old, trite and familiar subject
OF Homo, written he afterwards learned, by
Master Charles Kearsley. It evidenced con-
siderable thought and felicity of expression,
and was in every respect superior produc-
ton. BE had no hesitation in presenting
this award of merit to its youthful author
Next followed the presentation OF different
prizes by Hon. DanI B. Lucas An un>
abridged dictionary was given to Humphrey
Amber, for proficiency in spelling. Mr.
Lucas said that he was instructed by the
principal of the Academy to give this die
tionnry, as he understood, for proficiency in
the art of spelling. That in this country of
ours there were SO much latitude allowed in
that particular art, aud his own experience
had been thst SO many words were spelled in
30 many different ways, often by the same
correspondents, that he supposed it must DO
for proficiency in what might be termed
orthodox photography, and he presented it
with the hope that the young gentleman's
career might BIO as unabridged ss the gift
itself.
Third prize, copy of G oldsmitb's Works,
to Norval Gallaher; for excellence in compo>
sition in junior GLASS. With some appro,
pirate remarks on the character of this au-
thor's works, Mr.. Lucas recommended it to
the young students careful attention and
wished him continuance of the success he
had achieved, hoping that by toll and labor he
might strike out golden thoughts from the
anvil OF the intellect, that should be received
Is legal tender by those who were present and
by those who follow us on the stage of life.
The prizes awarded by the Academy De-
batting Society were then distributed by Mr..
Lucas. The Cyclopedia of English Poetry,
to David Howell Chest debator) A good do.
bator, he said, was a mental Athlete, aud his
power in shaping the destiny of govern
ment like this is particularly noticeable,
where skill in speech and depth of thought
hold such sway over the popular mind, and
IL was branch of education that should
commend itself to the attention of every iu>
structor of youth. He hoped the young re-
oipient of this handsome book would con-
tinue in tho course he had pursued, SO that
when Ee entered upon broader arena no
might be fitted for his task. Macaulay's
Life and Letters to Ezekial Davenport, Use.
oond best debator.) A gold pen to Junius
: Davenport, best declaimer. A medal to De.
Hertburn Washington, second best declaimer,
all of whom were highly commended for
their past labors for which these several
prizes were awarded, of which they might
well be proud. DeHertburn Washington
not being present. the medal was given to
him sSmbolically, together with his share of
the compliments.
Captain Kable then introduced VIM. T.
Wilson, Esq, as the orator of tho evening.
Mr. Wilson said that, as the gentlemen from
abroad who are in the habit of honoring this
occasion with their thoughts had declined,
one by one, that the principal of the Acad-
envy had very short timo before gone on,
into the byways and laid his compelling
hands on him, and hence he was hero with.
out wedding garment, and that, therefore
he hoped the audience would not be disap.
pointed, as they would not be afforded an adj
dress like those they heard before, replete
with classical illusions and attic salt. Mr..
Wilson, however, was very much mistaken.
for before he had finished, we think, the an
dienee was fully aware of the fact that be no.
only had on his wedding garment, but that
It was very appropriately "Spriukled with
the diamond dust of classic lore" With
considerable humor he described in the out.
set the boys we'll known aversion to leaving
the school room, with it's cherished labors,
DO, and INDUCING during the summer vacs-
sion in such distasteful amusements No min.
nica' doorstep talks and the like, descrip-
fion which the young listeners received with
considerable mesriment. Then laying all
jest aside, the speaker addressed them nno,