The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1885-07-08
Eloquent Address OF w. &. Ecnct,
Esq. Of AbhcviIic, Before tho SUM-
Sn, yrufjfrtN

SUMTER, =. G., June fS.-Tho western ror-
ton of South Carolina hnvinga tendency TO
gravitaIc towards Augusta in cuinmercial
and social relations, IT will lie pleasing 10
your readers to hear of another victory scored
by an orator from Il savannah river county,
T:c history of this state Is replcic with the
services of Scotch born colonlsiS, and III this
county their influence was very prominent.
in fact, many OF the best Families here arc OF
Scottish descent. Mr.. lienrt, WHO is Il Scotch
man. found himself in coigcnial company
wien he came here. the guest OF Il family uI
Scottish descent: and delivered his address
before an institute over which r~rcsidcS II lady
OF Scotch ancestry.
The OCCASION of Mr.. Bcnct's visit was the
ftlccntii commencement of tho Sumtcr In
S;iiutr. This establishment, founded about
sixteen years ago by Mrs. Laura y. Browne.
and, opening with about ten pupils, Is now
on" Of the largest AMI most nnurishlns
Srli0ol< for females in this State. With am
pie buildings. beautifully located IN The very
best part of the town, equipped with un cH-
ccllcnt corps OF teachers, the founder being
the principal, II commands an extensive pl.
tronagc in own and county.
The exercises were as usual Oh these occA-
SionS; Il great deal of instrumental and vocal
music, addresses of welcome and farewell hy
young ladies, reports 0i examining commit
tee and comforting Diplomas; As TOR the flo
raj tributes to the fair participants, they we've
unco,nmnnly numerous and very beautiful.
Some OF the seven graduates had bouquets
enough to fill ~ barrel.
Bul I've choicest lOWcT vi t't tCt'Sion WIS
Mr.. Bcnel's add, cSS. He commenced with u
brirt review of tie effect Of the 'R"roiuiion
upon Wanan and her Social surroundings in
America" He gave Il cliaStc and rrap!iic
sketch Of the American woman in her true
sphere, the domestic iircSidr. lie commented
severely and with much force on The hcrrsics
of cO-cGuratiou OF the sexes and wOilau's
rights. lie claimed for the American wO; m
Il due recognition of her inrSi!nablc services
at home, us wife. mother and daughter: and
argued that the laD0rS and sacrifices of the
OF God than the hcIOS victorious wreath.
Mr.. Bcnct tEcn asked that WOMAN be permit
ted to regulate society In such inIn.irr as she
thought best. He handled wiiiou! gloves
those preachers who had undertakes To de-
nuuIicc dancing. SIR. lirnct AbsiaiEch from
giving any opinion If his " either for or
against dancing. He cOntcntCd That IT, was Il
matter to he regulated 10y the roCd ana pure
women who lead society, ana WAS willin. to
,cave this us we'll as all other social questions
TO their decision. He concluded with IN
earnest appeal to the graduates so to conduct
their lives us to become worthy Of the great
mission which they had to perform In rtSula-
ting the health and morals of the next Sciicr-
alton.
Mr.. Bcnct's manner was extremely pleas
Ing. OF fine PERSONAL appearance. and with
an excellent voice, l:c used choice, though
plain mn.uagr. Tho most ordinary mind
could understand n!l he said aud tie highest
Intelligence would find no deficiency. He
held tiir nnbrokcn attention of II very large
audience for more than an hour. and when
his admirable address WAS f,niSli cd IL WIS
with regret that the end was reached. Your
C. ,~rrrSponicu, has heard many similar ora
TONS. but not one which WIS in all respects
equal to Mr.. Bcnct'$. {. II. VI.