The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1877-1885, 1882-04-05
For the Farmer and Mechanic

For the Farmer and Mechanic.
.Hr. Editor was quite interested
in reading communication from tht
ready pen of Mrs. Clark, and the reply
of Private Teacher, upon the subjec
of Public Schools. The we'll being O.
these valuable Institutions addresses it
self to every individual, and | tondly
hope much good will be awakened by
1.-THE efforts of these excellent ladies' who
are aiming at the same points. 1t il
indeed laudible purpose, and if pro
perlv appreciated may result In much
good.
Mrs, Clark is the daughter of the late
Hon Tkos. Devereux, the very special
friend of the lamented Hon. George f.
Badger, and the last time | saw her was
In 1852, at an elegant entertainment
given by this gentleman to the members
of the Legislature and visitors at Raj
eigh at his own house Gracefully
giving her his arm, he in the happiest
manner introduced her to the special
acquaintance of all the assembled guests,
thus honoring daughter and father,
who he always addressed in the familiar
name of Thorn, the only man | ever
noticed him speak of by the christian
name alone.
| think the reply is by Jennie L..
Long, who Is respectfully styled Private
Teacher, having followed that calling
| for several years in various schools in
this and other States, being pupil of
! Edgeworth and the Burwell school, in
which size is now teacher. She ha-
had to wage the battle Of life in a
marked degree by her own energetic re-
sources.
In this laudible contest take no part,
as | esteem both as friends, only drop
ping single idea for the benefit of both
contestants, to wit that North Caro-
lima girls, il the brain is well cultured,
will make good wives, SO far as knead-
ing bread, &C., is concerned. provided
her sons will furnish the mater ial.
For instance, Mrs. Clark is the amiabie
wife of W. J. Clarke, my special friend,
who was Comptroller In 1852, and a
candidate for reelection with a small
political majority in his favor. | was a
member Of the committee of finance,
and he frequently that session invited
the committee, and other members of
the Legislature, to tea and dine with
hun. often without giving the madam
but short, or any notice. Now she was
raised in the lap Of luxury, and never
Il dare say kneaded or needed bread
previous to her marriage. Yet in sea
son or out of season, this lady presided
over one of the very best tables that
was spread at the capital that winter,
and it i, due to the hospitality Of that
city to say in that day her citizens We'd
with each other in pandering to the
4ppetites of members and strangers,
aud were not backward in extending
the most pressing solicitation to snow
the bounty of their kindness, for.
though comparatively stranger, | and
others were welcomed guests to their
hospitable mansions. And I'll wager il
you will give the Private Teacher the
wherewith she will fix up rolls as mem
| orable as Mrs. ChapnIan's- And
here conclude by saying that if wanted
a good square meal, I'd just go to the
house of one of those smart school girls
of Salem Academy, Greensboro Female
College, Hillsboro Academy, Peace In
stitute, St. Mary's, and better instltu-
tions, and private schools, too, who
have been fortunate enough to marry q
good and well educated industrious son
of North Carolina, Virginia, or other
States. There is where got my wife,
and if [ was an epicure and had to
marry twice or thrice | would select =
school girl. love brains in any head.
| MUTUAL FRIEND.