NASHVILLE FEMALE ACADEMY
THE regular Examination of this admirable institution under the supervision of the Rev. C. D. Elliott, came off recently, and was in all respects highly honorable to both teachers and pupils. If there is anything more than another to Which our citizens can point with just pride, it is to the superior Female schools in our midst; and the large and increasing patronage from all the surrounding States, proves conclusively--that their character is appreciated abroad, as well as at home.
To those who regard this matter .properly in this section of the Union, such a result is peculiarly gratifying. It shows, beyond cavil, that all that is needed any where at the South, is a proper appreciation of the necessity that exists for sustaining our own institutions of learning, and that the result which must follow will be the development of educational talent here, second to none other any where. And we contend, that there is no branch of female education, nothing of what is termed "female accomplishments" but what can be acquired here, as well as anywhere; and what is pleasant to witness, parents, generally, are earning to the same conclusion. Why should children be educated away from the sphere in which they are to move, remote from the region in which to all appearance their lot is cast, unless to unfit them for such a sphere, to make them discontented with the scenes of their early years.
We know that a good deal of false pride prevails relative to this matter. The time has been, when it was deemed necessary to "finish" a young lady's education somewhere abroad; but that time has gone by, we trust forever; and so long as such institutions as the one under notice exist in the South, let it be considered the highest merit to any of the daughters of the South, that they were trained in them.
At the close of the Examination, the following essays were read by the young ladies of the Graduating Class; in the order in which they are named. They were highly creditable to the fair writers, and a source of high gratification to all who were fortunate enough to hear them:
Miss Prudie J. Allcorn, Clarksville, Tenn—"The Dream Land of the Happy."
Miss Susan Shields, Nashville,. Tenn—"The Power of Gold."
Miss Mary. E. Plummer, Nashville, Tenn—"America the home of the Exile."
Miss Lizzie M. Walker, Memphis, Tenn: "What is true greatness?"
Miss Virginia P. Foster, Florence, Ala—"Fifty years Hence."
Miss Narcissa Foster, Nashville, Tenn—"Search for Sir John Franklin."
Miss Effie Cockerill, Nashville, Tenn—"The Search for the beautiful in the Old World and New."
Miss Susan Greenfield, Nashville, Tenn—"Our Stars and Stripes."
Miss Margaretta M'Allister, Nashville, Tenn—"The Holy Land."
Miss Mary J..Nelsom, Thibedeauxville, La—"Morning's Gems are but Midnight's tears."
Miss Margaret Patterson, Nashville, Tenn—"I'll not Forget."
Miss Harriet Foster, Lauderdale, La—"Kossuth."
Miss Sallie B. Phillips, Pulaski, Tenn—"The Triumphs of Genius."
Miss Susan Smith, Mt. Pleasant, Tenn—"The Light of Revelation."
Miss Louisa M. Barksdale, Clarksville, Tenn—"Whence? Where? Whither?"
Miss Bettie Ridley, Murfreesboro, Tenn—"Earth's bright Morn soon o'ercast with clouds."
Miss Susan Rucker, Murfreesboro, Tenn—"The Worth of the Mind."
Miss Mary T. Avent, Murfreesboro, Tenn—"Who Loves their Country?"
Miss Lucy Stephens, Nashville, Tenn—"Can time teach man Forgetfulness?"
Miss Margaret E. Wade, Nashville, Tenn—"Change Stamped on all things Earthly."
Miss Mary Coldwell, Shelbyville, Tenn—"Progression the order of the Universe."
Miss Annie L. Wharton, Nashville, Tenn—"The Eloquence of Decay."
Miss Susan L. White, Lebanon, Tenn—"The Pen is mightier than the Sword."
Miss Caroline Glenny, St. Louis, Mo—"Day and Night of the Soul--and Valedictory"
NASHVILLE FEMALE COLLEGE.
THIS is another well managed and prosperous institution which does honor to our city and State. It is under the charge of Rev. Dr. Lapsley, as President, and although of recent establishment, it already enjoys a parentage rivalling the oldest and best institutions of the kind in the country. At the Examination which has just closed, all who witnessed the Exercises were loud in their approbation; and with its fine location and its corps of able Teachers, it may be looked upon by the friends of female education in this section as an institution which will day by day extend its sphere of usefulness.
At the close of the Examination, recently, the young ladies, graduates, read the following Essays in the order given, to a large and appreciative audience, John A. McEwen, Esq., concluding the occasion with an admirable Address, delivered in his usually eloquent and felicitous manner."
Miss Sallie C. Foster—Salutatory Act dress.
Miss Lizzie Bugg—The last banquet of Antony and Cleopatra.
Miss Corinna Hays—Pen and Sword.
Miss Athelia B. Allen—Valedictory.
The South-western Monthly,Wales & Roberts, Nashville, Tenn., 1852. page 63
