The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1893-11-29

territories, until they were at last over
powered by the barbarous hosts and de-
prived of every vestige OF their former
greatness.
By far the greatest pleasure derived
from the study Of ancient history is
that CLEANED from the pages of ancient
England. Here we see the formation
of that great race and of that greatest
of all languages which are controlling
the spirit and grandeur of modern civ
iliZation.
The first inhabitants Of Britain were
supposed to have come from Gaul. They
We're really barbarians in a rude state
or religion and government, and the in
nuence of their neighbors shed but
faint light of refinement over this island.
The influence of the Roman conquerors,
who settled in this country at the COM
mencement of the Christian era, diffused
law and civility among them, and they
received instructions in the Roman Ian
guage, letters ana science. About the
year AS the SaxonS or Germans invaded
Britain first as allies against the Picts
and Scots, but afterward as conquer
ors. They were the most distinguished
of the barbarians of that age in their
manners and Institutions. and the civili-
cation which they diffused among the in
habitants soon began to exert its in
huence. The wisdom possessed by some
Of these Anglo-Saxons in that age of
foremost amongst these was King AL
fred, who is sometimes styled the found
er of the English monarchy. 1t seems
almost impossible that this prince, de-
scended from barbarians, should rule
with such wisdom, and could form
kingdom which still left the people their
liberties. His courts of justice might
serve as model of a more modern age.
His encouragement of learning was the
greatest feature of his legislation. He
established schools everywhere, and in
Vited over from the more enlightened
countries of the continent the most cele-
brated scholars to diffuse knowledge
among the most common people. He is
considered the founder of the great uni
Versity of oxford. Perhaps the greatest
eNpedient for the cement of
learning was the kings own example.
He applied himself continually in the
pursuits Of knowledge, and in order
that he might not encroach on his time
devoted to learning, he divided the day
into three equal parts; that of sleep, the
dispatch of business, and the third in
devotion and study; and that he might
measure the hours more exactly, he used
three burning tapers of equal length and
when each was burned out he promptly
changed the routine of business.
The last invasion of Britain was made
by the Normans in the year 1865, and
from the intermingling of the languages
OF the numerous nations which mad IN
vaded England during a period of 1000
years, is derived what is now known as
the English language. which bids fair
to be in the near future the universal
language of the globe.
''Tuscambia," our letter was read with
great pleasure and trust you will con-
tribute again soon. My old home is
within three miles of your postoffice,
and have been wondering if we are ac-
quainted. Please give me your initials
in your next letter
/ am very sorry that I will not be
able to attend the meeting to be held
at the home Of the secretary, and hope
those who are more fortunate will have
a good time and gain a new inspiration
to continue the work of the club. With
best wishes and holiday greetings to all
members. 1 BID you a kind adieu.
cyril"
Peru, Ind, Nov %.