The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1891-08-12

wisdom, but IL IL the duty OF the State TO es.
tablish industrial institutions when VIII
give to our girls practical educatlons-ednca'
tions that will enable them to earn n?ell.
hood without resort to mental work. Other
states have such institutions and snail al
ways point with pride TO my vote in that
Legislature which created Femaie lndus.
trial School Commission, preliminary to
stitution TiiuI 10 % Of this State. Whilst there are
three institutions in this State. supported
wholly by the State for the education OF
boys, there has been deplorable failure on
the part OF the State, to realize that IL owes
any such duty TO Its girls But. thanks TO
healthier public sentiment which now pre-
walls, the time Is near at hand when the nm
ger OF scorn can no longer be pointed at
South Carolina for such neglect.
This community is to be congratulated
upon the fine educational advantages which
1T possesses. Almost upon the threshhoias
OF two colleges whose quiet influences ioI
the Inspiring effects. Especially are you to
be con ugratu lated upon securing the services
OF one so we'll qualified to teach the young
idea to shoot, and one who has chosen teacn-
ing as his life-work. The art of teaching is
no shallow affair.
Guizot has said that bad school.master,
like q bad parish priest, - .SS-se 10 the com.
mune. We might truthfully add tat an ef
flcient school-master is = blessing TO tne
state. And we readily understand why 81
Faul referred with so much pride ar d ailec.
tion to his having been taught at the leet ol
The mission of the school teacher, pl operly
understood, is undoubtedly one OF the most
momentous which engages the enorts
mankind. Into his hands are commltteu Lne
highest interests Of beings fresh from Ma,
lures mould, upon whom the blightng hand
of human gkill has never come. They are
rough diamonds waiting to receive an eX-
quisite polish from the touch OF his magic In,
fuence They come into his hands endowed
with Infinite susceplibilities. unmarried as
vet by the defacing strokes OF human policy
To develope and reveal their hidden beau.
ties, to fit them for the exalted uses TO whlcn
they were appointed is his lofy and responsi'
BILE work tits work equalled In import
ance and dignity by no other-one Whlcn
might well engage the energies Of the great
est minds.
THAT you realize the advantages you pos
sess and are determined to utilize them, is
evidenced by your desire to stimulate and
encourage by your presence here to-day, Doth
teacher and scholars. it Is praise, worthy
spirit, and one that will reap It's just re-
ward.
To the pupils of this school let me say that
your lives will be just what You choose t
make them. Under our form OF government
which one may attain. All the traditions %
our country point with unerrlng nnger Ie
the fact that
Honor and shame from no condition rise;
Act we'll your part there all the honor lies.
When we study the lives Of those men who
have made this country famous, we see that
they are not the men who were born and
reared in the lap of luxury. But almost In
variably they were born OF humble but hon
est parentage, and having rs their guiding
star those useful lessons inculcated at theil
mothers knees, they have worked them
selves to fame.
Lives Of great men all remind us,
We can make our lives sublime,
And departing leave behind us
Foot prints on the sands Of time.
And now ladies and gentlemen. I am to bt
followed by one who is both interesting and
eloquent. / have no doubt he has prepared
something worthy OF the occasion and o
himself
will not longer deprive you OF that "feast
of reason" which he has prepared. But
thanking you for your attention, 1give place
TO him.