American Republican And Baltimore Daily Clipper

[For the American Republican.]

REWARD OF MERIT.

Messrs. Editors,—Knowing that you feel a deep interest in the cause of education, I take the liberty to state a simple occurrence, that lately transpired in one of our most excellent schools for young ladies, which seems to me a practical instance of "Reward of Merit." I desire to make it public to encourage others to engage in a virtuous emulation for pre-eminence in moral and mental improvement. A vacancy was recently made in the Board of Teachers of the Union Female Seminary, No. 30 Hanover street, by the illness of the female teacher. The Principals began to inquire for some one to fill the place, and were about to advertise "Teacher Wanted," when the thought presented itself that they need not look beyond the precincts of their own institution for a competent and accomplished assistant. That was a happy suggestion at a proper time, and resulted in the appointment of Miss Harriet K. Williams, a pupil in one of the higher departments of the Seminary, as Principal of the Preparatory Department. After some little delicacy of feeling on the part of herself and friends, she has accepted the proposal, and is diligently, and, we feel assured, successfully engaged in her important duties of "teaching the young idea how to shoot." We learn that the Rev. R. A. Smith, one of the Principals, has been appointed by a committee of the Presbytery of the District of Columbia, associate with the venerable Rev. John Mines, D. D., in the pastoral care of the Presbyterian Church at Rockville, Md. The Rev. Thomas L. Hammer, who is known in many parts of the country as "the youth's friend," assumes Mr. Smith's place in the Seminary, associated with Mr. Fry, long and favorably known in this city as an excellent and efficient instructor. Under the combined efforts of such teachers, the institution cannot fail to prosper, as an intelligent community will appreciate their worth and reward them for their labors of patience and love with a generous encouragement and liberal patronage. Miss Williams, we believe, has been about 3 years under the immediate instruction of Mr. Smith, and through his confidential recommendation was promoted. Her success must be a source of grateful satisfaction to him as he retires from the school, being a pleasing evidence of his faithfulness as preceptor, and of her diligence as a pupil. "Miss W.," says Mr. Smith, "has ever maintained a dignified Christian character, and has set, at all times, an example of modest deportment and intellectual industry, worthy of universal imitation and the highest praise."

My young friends "go and do likewise."

Vorre AM.