The Washington Republican Washington County Friday March 20, 1896 Morrowville. On last Friday Miss Hattie SMITH closed a successful term of six months school in the Pursley district. Stormy as the day was, there was a good attendance of the patrons, with well filled baskets which was pleasantly enjoyed by all, after which an interesting program of literary work was well performed by the school. Miss Smith is a teacher of rare ability, her zeal in behalf of her school and patrons, provided the school with a beautiful American flag, and an elegant 24 inch bell. After the performance and appropriate remarks by some of the patrons. Miss Smith delivered a farewell speech which was sympathetic, patriotic and scholarly, and was so affective that there were but few dry eyes in the school room. As a tribute of appreciation, I will add these lines: The subject of my essay is liberty, the joy and ideal of all mankind, youth, old age, poverty and wealth, the wise and the ignorant, all welcome its presence and enjoy its righteous influence. The life of Jesus, and many good men died in sacrifice to perfect and magnify its grandeur. The angels in heaven bask in its sunshine; the infant in its mother's arms is nurtured and cherished under its gentle virtues; love, mercy and justice is its motto. Our free school system prospers under the shadow of its wing. We the people of our United States of America, was the first on the earth to prepare for a national emblem, which has led vast armies to victory and is honored by all nations. Through the earnest efforts of our worthy teacher (Miss Hattie Smith) we have this honored emblem to decorate our elegant school house, and also our bell, which is an emblem of our nations independence. For these we extend to her our grateful and high esteem, hoping she may progress during a long and happy life.