Daily Gazette & Comet [Baton Rouge , LA], February 24, 1860
It must be gratifying to all our National and Union loving people to know that the bright light of early patriotic desire has not altogether been smothered or quenched by the fire of fanaticism on one hand and fire-eating on the other.—Indeed fire-eating has come to be so common with some of our great political captains lf late years that it is no longer an attractive feature in the show of daily existence.—How such must quail at the reading of the “Farewell Address.” It is the voice of a great spirit from the other world, talking to us again, and cautioning the people against the insidious wills of domestic and foreign demagogues. How it seems to have anticipated this day in the history of the nation! At no previous anniversary of the birthday has there been a more extended disposition on the part of the people of this city to celebrate the day.—The stores were closed and business suspended; whilst a large half of the town went into the country to take a whif at the pure fresh air. The military companies turned out in full feather, with fine music—calling into the street a happy smile of faces. At night there was a celebration in the Hall of the House, where Col. Waggman delivered an eloquent and patriotic address.—The interesting sight to us was the turn out of the boys of Magruder’s Collegiate Institute; a noble looking band of fellows from all parts of the State, a string of over a hundred. As they passed our door we could not help but think this the greatest army of the two, we mean not to fight with weapons of destruction, but in the great battle of truth against error which shall wind up with a glorious conquest. If but ten out of the hundred, or even one come up to the full proportions of manhood, in moral principles of right and justice he is the conqueror, whom the world will yet recognize as the greatest of heroes with claims to the laurel. Principles boys! Principle. This is what is wanted to fight the battle of life successfully—this is armour of steel in which you may stand up against ignorance on one hand and bigotry on the other. With this you may take what little good there is afloat at this time of day, and hand it to those who shall come after you, when it becomes your duty to take the first part in the drama of life. At night the boys gave an exhibition of their acquirements in oratory at the Methodist church, where there was a house full to its last capacity. We were not only highly pleased with the manner but the method of the speaking, and every one present bore away a most favorable impression. If there is any one institution of which, or rather for which we feel more pride than another, it is Magruder’s Collegiate Institute.