The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1895-06-18
PROF.. MUzzARELLr's SURPRISE.
Interesting Closing Exercises of His
Normal Class.

The concluding exercises of Prof Muz-
zcrellfs French normal class yesterday
were Of an unusually interesting charac>
ter.
The professor had just given his final
lesson when ne was politely requested by
a monbcr of the class to ahdicate his
position of hcnor in the chair in favor
of Principal Wilson Of Chatham Academy
grammar school No. @ The professor was
very much surprised, but compiled with
the request, and Mr.. Wilson took charge
OF the proceedings.
In the meantime. supt. Baker had on
tered the room, and Mr.. Wilson called
upon him to express on behalf of the
lady members Of the class their feelings
towards the professor which had found
expression in a purse of $500.
Supt. Baker acted as spokesman for the
ladies. He assured the members of the
class of the pleasure he felt IN being pres
ent at their closing exercises and ex-
pressed his appreciation Of the valuable
iabors of Prof Muzzarelll, who had inva-
riably shown himself a gentleman in his
relations with the teachers as well as
all others who came In contact with him.
He expressed the opinion that the study
Of French, when properly pursued under a
teacher so accomplished could not fail
10 nave ule highest intellectual ana Q.Scip-
linary value. Their work as teachers
could not fail to be the better for studies
pursued outside the schoolroom, and as
superintendent he welcomed Prof. Muzza-
relli as a fellow laborer in the cause of
education.
Unfortunately, Mr.. Baker said. great
many teachers after securing their APP
pointmen;s, ceased to pursue their studies.
This can result only in mental lethergy
highly detrimental to all efficient educa-
tional work. He was glad TO know that
so many of the Savannah teachers had de-
voted themselves with earnestness to the
study of French language and literature.
Mr. Baker was followed by Mr.. j. G.
Gillespie, who, in a few humorous, yet
sympathetic remarks. expressed the in
debtedness of the class to their teacher.
Mr.. Wilson, who had attended Prof Muz-
zarellis course from the beginning, spoke
very appreciatively of HIS work. He declar-
ed that even fer the mathematician or
scientific man too high value could not be
placed upon the study of French. French
literature In It's various developments is
Of course worthy of the highest admira-
ton, but at the same time connection
may be traced between the beautiful clear
ness of the French language and the great
discoveries associated with the names of
Descartes, Pascal and Laplace. Indeed,
the array of great names in French liter
allure, science and art could hardly be
matched by any other nation in the world.
The professor, by his excellent method of
teaching had furnished them with a key
which would unlock the most valued treas
uras that could be conceived by the mind
of man. 1t gave him great pleasure. he
said to present Prof. Muzzarelli with a
purse, the value of which was not to be
measured by what 1t contained, but as in
some degree expressing the gratitude of
the professors normal class.
Prof Muzzarell though tuaKen by sur
prise. made an excellent reply. He &c.
clared his heart as being really touched
by this evidence Of appreciation on the
part of the class. At the beginning of his
labors the only reward he had looked for
ward to was that to be derived from their
anticipated progress, which had been
greater than he expected. His work hai
been for him a labor of love and mis- heart
was really touched to know that his WORK
had been so highly valued. Tho life Of
the teacher under whatever circumstances
pursued. he said, is largely one Of self
sacrifice.
The work is done in seclusion. far from
the eyes of the world. That is one rea-
son why the teacher had so frequently {
low social standing. 1t is the duty 0:
teachers to prepare themselves even for
the labor of instructing Junior pupils by
a course of higher studies. Thus, they
may become not only respected, but In
1uential in the comm unity
Another reason why in some localities,
said the professor. is that the teacher is
not looked up to as he ought, because
he is a man of low attachments. The
Savannah teachers have shown themselves
PUPILS of whom he as their Instructor,
has reason to be proud. They have made
great progress
The six months he had spent with them
had been full Of pleasure and he felt Bit
terly the inevitable parting which had
come He would carry away with him, he
said. one consolation, the thought that
he had contributed in some degree to their
mental elevation and advancement He
recommended them to pursue their studies
with earnestness and perseverance, TO
shun delights and live laborious days"
that thus the highest pleasure of all was
to be gained, that thus their minds would
become more symmetrical and more thor
oughly trained for all the duties OF life
their sphere of influence would be extended
and the respect of the community for
themselves as well for their noble iabors
be obtained. In conclusion he babe them
farewell for the season, and hoped to be
with them again at the beginning of the