Dollar Weekly Mirror

For the Mirror

Public Examination of the N. E. Christian Institute, and Meeting of the Philomathean Society at Andover, N. H.

The American people are justly proud of their Institutions of learning and are conscious of the fact that upon them depends the enlightenment of this, and future generations, the peace and prosperity of the country, and the perpetuity of the rights, civil and religious, that we now enjoy.

It is gratifying to a lover of education, to visit our schools and encourage those who are climbing the "Hill of Science," a rugged way, though lined with many a green, and pleasant spot. We had the pleasure of visiting the Institute at Andover, on Monday, the 12th inst., the day of its close and public examination, and simple justice requires us to say a few words in its praise. Though not so large in numbers as its friends could wish, yet the progress of the few, was all that its most sanguine friends could hope for.

The students appeared to be interested in the exercises, prompt and correct in their answers, clear and concise in their explanations, and evinced a degree of thoroughness, which, we are sorry to say, is not seen in every school. John W. Haley, A. B. is the Principal, assisted by Miss C. S. Wadsworth, who has recently consented to assist him in his domestic affairs, and become Mrs. Haley. Success to them!

The Public Meeting of the Philomathean Society, (connected with the school) took place Thursday eve. The Hall was crowded to its utmost capacity, with old and young. The meeting was opened by Rev. Mr. Duganne, with an appropriate prayer, followed by Salutatory, Declamations and Compositions. The first Play was the "Lady of Lyons," a sentimental one, by Bulwer. This occupied nearly two hours and was well received.

We cannot forbear mentioning a few, who, by their self-possession and inimitable style of acting, won the admiration of the entire audience.

We will mention particularly E. C. Phelps, who played Claude Melnotte, and W. B. Dunlap who played Col. Dumas. All did well but they performed their parts to perfection.

The next play was the "Rough Diamond," which gave good satisfaction. "Cousin Joe," O. Morrill, and "Molly," M. J. Davis, did themselves honor. Not unmindful of the fact that "A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest," they thought fit to give us the Stage Struck Yankee, that we might enjoy a hearty laugh, and we did.

In this, Phelps and Dunlap clinched the nail they had so successfully driven, in the "Lady of Lyons," and demonstrated the fact that they were at home in comicalities as well as sentimentalism.

Miss M. A. Fellows and H. C. Thompson won golden opinion by the superior manner in which they performed their parts. Declamations by W. B. Dunlap, C. P. Whittemore, C. W. Moody and J. S. Colley, are worthy of notice; as are also Compositions by Miss E. W. Thompson, M. A. Currier and M. R. Brown.

The Ladies Gem, published by the ladies of the society was well received.

The valedictory by M. M. Durgin was short and appropriate.

The music was good, and the whole affair a success, and reflects honor upon the society and school. Long may they wave.

Nov. 20th.

SPECTATOR.