West Virginia Democrat

[Communicated.]

Mr. Editor.—Being on a visit to friends in Jefferson Co., was present at the school commencement held at Fairmont schoolhouse, which school is in charge of Mr. Oliver Harris as teacher. The exercises as conducted and which consisted of dialogues and recitations, showed a marked degree of intelligence among the children and must have been highly gratifying to their teacher. The power of memory in some of the scholars was put to a severe test, but was met with unflinching hearts by the bright eyed lads and lassies. Such marked advancement in the scholars reflects great credit on the teacher, trustees and commissioners of the Kabletown District. Rev. J. O. Knott, once a teacher in your county, now a minister of the gospel in Frederick, Md., was present and addressed the scholars on the subject of "the duty they owed to themselves in being perseverant in their studies." The whole discourse tended to bend their young minds in the proper channel. Mr. Heflebower also made some humorous and appropriate remarks, which shows that he is well qualified for school commissioner. Mr. E. Schaeffer, county superintendent, also entertained the audience by a few well chosen remarks. Mr. Boyd of Fauquier Co., Va., gave the children some good advice on the subject of being temperate in all things. There was a large attendance and everything passed off in a pleasant manner.

Your correspondent met with social, honest greeting by your people, and was royally entertained by Mr. Jas. B. Clipp who, although a stranger to me, gave me a true Virginia welcome.

Ep. Koontz
Frederick, Md.