The Newberry herald and news. (Newberry, S.C.) 1884-1903, 1890-03-20
An American Girl.
Youths Companion. |


About two years before his death,
Charles Sumner was ordered abroad by
his physician. On the steamer in
which he sailed was mother with her
three children, whom she was taking
to Europe to be educated. 1t happened
that the ouly girl of the party was
seated near Mr.. Sumner at the table,
and could hear much of his converse
ton. In short time she became fas-
cinated with the rare personality that
for so many years had inspired great
political party.
She listened eagerly to every word,
but soon became greatly mortified be-
cause she could not understand much
of what he said. She had never studied
the science Of government ; she knew
nothing of European politics, and little
Of American history.
For the first time in her life she rea-
lized that an interesting, helpful
science had been neglected in her ed
ucation. She determined to supply
the OMISSION for herself and on reach
ing England began the study of Ameri-
can politics The functions of the
different parts of a government, legis-
lative, judicial and executive, the
duties of an American citizen, politi-
cal parties, who vote and why, town.
meetings, education. taxes, labor and
capital, strikes, banks, commerce, d.
versities of industries-all these she
soon found to be factors in a fascin-
ating problem.
Her growing enthusiasm amused her
friends, especially her brothers. What
could be the use of a girl troubling her
head about such things? they asked.
The answer came in manner quite
unexpected.
One evening during their continued
residence in England the family was
invited to small reception given to
John Bright, then at the zenith of his
fame. Shortly after their entrance into
the drawing-room the conversation
turned to American politics, in which
Mr.. Bright manifested great interest.
A convention was at that time in ses-
sion in Western city, and much
anxiety was expressed about the nom
ination which it was likely to make.
Turning to an American gentleman,
Mr.. Bright made some inquiry as to
the rules governing the formation of
such an assembly. The person ad-
dressed, evidently greatly chagrined at
his ignorance, was obliged to answer
that he did not know. Appeals to
three other guests met with the same
response. Then, to the surprise of
every one, modest little American
girl advanced timidly to Mr.. Bright,
and gave him the desired informa-
ton.
Mr.. Bright was delighted. He seated
himself at the girls side and talked
with her for the entire evening, and
when taking leave of her said to her
mother:
"Hou Americans have indeed made
wonderful advances in education. The
future of country is secure when the
young men and women alike are
trained to intelligent understanding OF
the laws which govern them. The
next generation will he race Of pa
tr.ots.
A few days aftcrward came an ur-
gent invitation for the entire family to
spend week at the Bright homestead.
There the little American was intro
duced to Mr.. Gladstone and many
other prominent English statesmen.
Her unique experience isvery suggcs.
tive. How many of our young people
are at all acquainted with the present
state of European politics? Too many
of them, indeed, have yet to learn the
very alphabet Of their own govern
| ment.