The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1891-02-25
An American Girl.

About two years before his death,
Charles Sumner was ordered abroad
by his physician. On the steamer In:
which he sailed was q mother with her
three children, whom she was taking
to Europe to be educated. 1t happen-
ed that the only girl of the party was
seated neal Mr.. Sumner at the table,.
and could hear much Of his converse
ton. In a 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 poll
ties, and little of American history. q
For the first time in her life she real,
lied that an interesting, helpful SCI
ence had been neglected in her educa-.
ton. She determined to supply the
omission for herself, and on reaching
England began the study of American
politics. The functions of the differ
ent parts of government, legislative,
judicial and executive, the duties of an
American citizen, political parties,
who vote and why, town-meetings,
education, taxes, labor and capital,
strikes, banks, commerce, diversities
of industries-all these she soon found
to be factors in fascinating problem.
Her growing enthusiasm amused her
friends, especially her brothers. What
could be the use of girl troubling her
head about such things? they asked.
The answer came in q 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 In
to 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 anx-
iety was expressed about the nomina-
ton which it was likely to maker
Turning to an American gentleman,
Mr.. Bright made some inquiry as fe>
the rules governing the formation OF
such all assembly. The person ad-
dressed, evidently greatly chagrined
at his ignorance, was obliged to an
swer that he did not know. Appeals
to three other guests met with the
same response. Then, to the surprise
of every one, a modest little American
girl advanced timidIy to Mr.. Bright,
and gave him the desired information.
Mr.. Bright was delighted. He seat
ed himself at the girls side and talked
with her for the entire evening, and
when taking leave of her said to her
mother
"You Americans have indeed made
wonderful advances in education.
The future of a 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 be race of patri-
ots."
A few days afterward came an ur-
gent invitation for the entire family to
spend a week at the Bright home
stead. There the little American was
introduced to Mr.. Gladstone and
many other prominent English states
men.
Her unique experience is very sug-
gestive. How many of our young peo-
pie are at all acquainted with the pres
ent state of European politics? Too
many of them, indeed, have yet to
learn the very alphabet of their own
government.-Youth's Companion.