National Republican., 1883-05-29
SCHOOLS Ar sTAUNroN.
Commencement Day at the HiEh school
Speech on the School Question by Hon.
Randolph Tucltcr-Tho County Demo-
crnts-Crop Prospects.
Snccinl I.iLlr

Special Lettcr.
STAUNToN, VA, May 26.--Staunton is a
school center, and as a matter of course great
interest is felt in all school belongings such
as commcncements, sc. We have four -four
ishing female schools, Presbyterian, Epis-
copal, Methodist, and Lutheran. The Pres
byteran is tho only one that has "com-
menced as yet. The others will come in
due time, with full programmes lots of
music, pretty girls and q variety of attrac.
tions. We have also a successful male high
school, conducted by II. l.. Hoover principal.
This is school of high grade, and prepares
and l mean prepares in its full sense-boys
for the university and colleges. The COM
mencement exercises of this school
took place last night at tho opera
house, before "a large and fashionable
audience. The usual exercises, consisting Of
defamation, ,valedictory addresses, &c, by the
boys were gone through with in most crod-
itablo manner, and a number of badges os
merit were awarded. The most substantial
award was won by worthy son of Maryland,
Mr.. Lewis Walker, of the eastern shore, |
think, who was awarded tho Washington and
Lee university scholarship giving him ad-
mission to that institution free of academic
charges This is standing prize awarded 10
the boy having tho best general average for
the entire session, and is quite an attraction
to the school.
No doubt largo number of people were at
tIacted to the school exercises last night by
the announcement that the Hon. J. Randolph
Tucker would deliver the annual address.
Mr.. Tucker took for his subject, Education,
its Subject, Method and Results" which he
discussed in speech of an hours length. /
suppose it is almost impossible for politi-
clan to speak on any subject without giving
u political coloring TO some part of his
subject. SO Mr.. Tucker brought in
the public school system, and while he
did not condemn il, he is evidently Of the
opinion that something better can be done,
and that some other system would bo prefer.
able to the pressed public schools of Virginia,
lie doesn't believe in the leveling system, but
rather IN the analytical and critical exercises
required for the study of tho classics, to pro
duce the strong man of fully developed men.
| tai powers The speaker grew very
warm over the imagined wrongs
which might possibly be done by
school boards and state authorities and his
audience gave him hearty approval. The
fact was not stated, however, that our public
schools were never in better condition than
now that they are doing a good work, aud
are likely 10 be vastly improved under the
| liberal management of the public SCH oel
fund as now administered. These are facts,
| however, and of no little political signih-
cance.
The chairman of the county democratic
committee has called meeting of his COM
mittee for Monday court day. to arrange for
the appointment of delegates to the Lynch
burg cOnvChtiOn. The primary object of this
convention Is to bring back the readjusters to
the democratic fold. What success will at.
tend it, of course remains to be seen. If the
past is to be taken as u guide, it may possibly
do more harm than good, for there Is really
nothing tangible to be done, and it is well
known that when tho average democrat has
full scope for speech making and passing
resolutions he is apt to pour out the vials of
his wrath, make folks mad generally and
cause even the wiseacres of his party to
shake their heads and say, "We are always
doing some foolish thing "a familiar saying
of late years, of which there is abundant
proof. Sac 1ri'rcr.-r
The hearts of the farmers are full of delight
at the feast of good things promised them in
the coming harvest. Wheat never looked
better, and the weather continues propitious
They say cool May makes good wheat The
fruit crop promises abundahtly. The bloom
has been hurt very little if any, and it almost
makes the mouth water to think of the
abundance Of good, cheap fruit we shall have.
| Visitors from your CITY and tho north coming
| to Virginia this summer may expect good
time generally, and living will be cheap and
in good old Virginia style. Thorough prep
arations are being made for all who may
come.
Have just heard that Mt. Solon precinct,
and perhaps others, will bo thrown out on ac-
count of informaites. The democratic ma
iorities will not exceed $50 to 800. Coalition
lists claim control of the board of supervisors.