The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1888-02-09

For ~ Yto.DrAx.l
Arher nay at the Seminary and
Leen Aonaemny.
The faculty and students OF the Seminary as
sembled q O'Clock end marched % the Leon
Academy to hear IN address by the Hon. A. j.
RUSSELL Ths STUDENTS of both institutioas were
out in full lbrce, wearing cheerful faces, and
when the distinguished speaker appeared he was
cordially greeted and listened to with marked
attention. l would do injustice to attempt to
give even al abstract OF his excellent address !;
but will simply say that it was replete with lofty
sentiments, well worthy to be treasured up and
practiced by our youth.
Alter the address the faculty and students of
the Seminary repaired to the grounds of the Gen.
trail Seminary building, where the ceremony of
planting and defeating trees was begun. Be-
fore the flrst exercise was flushed shower came
up, which necessitated going In doors, where the
remaining exercises were completed President
Edgar explained the position OF the trees on the
blackboard, dedicating each in a few well chosen
words, after which Misses Grant, Wauchope,
Gibbons, Whistler and Edgar. and Messers. Geo.
Perkins, Richard Hopkins and Leroy Ball, re-
cited or read appropriate selections in a credit
able manner.
There were Eve trees dedicated. The first
trail building) was dedicated as follows:
"It is fitting that the trees we plant, should
either be memorials of the Deeds or sentimens Of
men Of exceptional worth, who have passed
away, or that they should be dedicated TO men
now living who have been conspicuous for their
sturdy manhood, their faithful and efficient SER
vice in public stations, or who have been promi-
nent agents in promoting the moral, intellectual
and social progress OF mankind.
Following out this idea, I shall dedicate the
first tree to the memory of Paul II Haync-the
poet-who has been called the LongfellOw of the
whose productions breathe the most exalted SEN
tments of patriotism, benevOlence and piety !;
and whose life was spoless. full of useful deeds
and perpetual psalm OF praise"
The second dedication was as follows: A
long life which has been characterized by purity,
prObity, industry unselfshness and faithfulness
to every trust, is precious gift 10 society and al
educational influence OF priceless value. And
when q large part of such a life has been ably
and honorably spent in the public service, there
are important civic reasons why it should
be conspicuously set forth for the imitation OF
youth We have in our midst a man whose
life stands out in bold relief as possessed 10 a
high degree of the characteristics have enumer
ated who as private citizen, Judge and as
Governor of the State, throughout a residence
of fltyyears or more, has commanded universal
confidence and respect. I therefore dedicate
THIS Tree 70 Tallahassee urSL Citizen, eX-GOVCr-
nor David s. Walker"
Third dedication Recognizing the fact that
the Chief Magistrate of this Republic has proven
an exceptional example of conscientious,
painstaking, courageous and patriotic public
servant, DESTROYS 10 do justice to every citizen
alike, without regard TO the tenes OF party or
sect, l dedicate this tree to Grover Cleveland,
deeming his example worthy OF imitation by the
youth of our country, and to be set forth before
the eyes of future generations in objective form
by vigorous lice Odk."
Fourth dedication: believing that our youth
should be taught 10 recognize and value the
merits of the able and faithful public men who
are the agents of the people OF their own State
in proectiong their rights and liberties, and IN
promotong the growth and prosperity of the
commonwealth, / dedicate this tree to Cover
nor E. A. Perry, whose private life is above re-
proach, and whose career a soldier and states
man has been alike creditable, rejecting honor
on himself and on the State of which he is the
Chief Magistrate"
Fifth dedication 1 feel constrained to single
out one more State official whose work is most
worthy of public recognition, and whose inf1u-
ence for good to the rising generations will be
fifty represented by the live oak. Therefore died.
icate this tree to Albert J. Russell, Superinfend
ent of Public Instruction, whose untiring efforts
for the past few years have infused new life into
public education in Florida, and who deserves
the gratitude Of all who have at heart the intel
]ectual moral and social elevation Of the peo
| pie"
The teachers and students of Leon Academy
| planted quite number of trees and shrubs, a.
| the close of the public exercises, but had MOI
the opportunity of witnessing the ceremonies &C
cOmpanying the planting.
Suffice II, in closing, to say that the facultie:
and students of these two institutions have KEEP
Arbor Day in betting manner, and it is hoped
that substantial good may come from the lesson:
which ITS ceremonies are designed to teach.
(,ITJZFN