Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1885-03-19
TCoMMuNIoATnD,
CHkRtorrr HALL. March 7, 1885.

there Ia generally dearth of matters to write
about of interest II is time when persons
discuss past events, or still more, future ones.
Possibly, though, many Of these bright anti
cipations Of the hopeful are never to he real
ICED. However, let Ms always look on the
bright side and hope for the best, for imam
never is, bat always to he, best" We view
now with complacency what two or three, or
even one year ago, would have excited our
surprise. We accept now what would then
have appeared impossible. This spirit of
hspefslness exhibits in as possession of
greater courage and sel-reliance than former
ly. Every ''real" effort made by us for the
promotion of a just and worthy cause has left
it's impress. Let US, then, II we have been
disappointed in past enterprises, strive with
redoubled energy to gain that which we are
so anxious to possess, and never despond, but
always bear in mind that the darkest cloud
bat wells the brihgt heaven concealed beyond"
We may not grasp that which we eagerly
sigh for with single effort, nor is heaven
IeACheu NJ Sihkio uouhut ous W. aoeea" "o
ladder Ground by round" The greatest men
are always conscious ola still higher perfec-
tioR. The man or the boy who aims low,
evidently strikes low, and perchance lower.
Whatever then be our occupation, we should
endeavor to elevate ourselves and our fellow
man morally, socially and intellectually, and
remember that
mot enjoyment and not sorrow
Is our destined end or way,
But to act that each Tomorrow
Find as farther than to-day
The year is marching on apace
More than three-ffths Of the scholastic year
of "a and '85 has past, leaving something
more than three short months for the ''mod-
est" pupil TO prepare for that "eveRtfup' pc
riod Of bis school life which Is to him source
of continued feSr and anxiety. But the vast
amount of knowledge andInformation which
diligent and earnest student can gleaa in
that ephemeral time is beyond ones concep-
ton. Only let both preceptbr and pupil es-
pouse the cause zealously ia which they are
enlisted and each will eventually have the
satisfaction Of finding his efforts crowned with
success.
The contest for medals offered for best es-
says BY the pupils of our public schools will
of course arouse much enthusiasm among the
pupils and infuse new life in their ranks.
This is an excellent idea on the part of the
Board for promoting education in our coun-
~ and for developing the talent Of each indi-
'ss,ridual pupil But whereas every child Is aot
induced with the same faculty for composition,
there possibly is better method Of testing
the calibre of this class Of pupils.
Why not give an additional medal 20 the
most proficient pupil Of our public schools In
all the branches therein taught first grade
studies inclusive) the pupil desiring to COM
pete for same to undergo the Teachers An
nual Examination and the Examiner (if dis
posed mark the papers and make the proper
reWards2 feel sure this would excite pro-
found interest among large class Of pupils
whose capacity for composition Is restricted.
He is not the best scholar, by far, who can
write the best essay, nor does he always make
the most practical teacher, If the School
Board does not feel inclined to award extra
medals for this purpose on account Of limited
funds, one. at least, Of the essay medals might
be appropriated in this way, purely to see the
effect, and feel confident tho result would be
gratifying. Emauating from the source 1t
A. 1T -. nal
cred prssumptous, but, indeed, make 1t sim
ply for the benefit of a large number of our
public school pupils, and conscieutiously
believe it to be a commendable purpose. |
hops my views on this subject will meet with
the endorsement Of the school officers aRd
teachers, and trusting 10 hear an expression
on the subject shortly, am, dear BEACON,
Very truly,
II r. j.