Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1858-1860, 1858-06-17
For the Patriot.
commencement Exercises at Minerva
ColIe-c. June 10th, 1858.

College, June 9th, 1858.
1t was our happiness last week, to attend
the closing exercises of Minerva College, five
miles east of Nashville and, though we had
as little idea as the young ladies themselves,
that there was "a chiel among 'em taken
notes, and faith would prent 'em yet we
can not withhold our sentiments of gratifca-
ton and pleasure at seeing so many youthful
faces, beaming with happiness and intelli-
gence.
The Young ladies of this Institution, sixty
four in number, 4" though unadorned, adorned
the most {" in simple white, presented a beauti-
full appearance as they entered the Hall.
The chanting of that fine anthem, "a The
earth Is the Lords, and the fnllness thereof"
opened the exercises of the day. The unison
of so many voices praising God. made more
than one heart thrill with pleasure. Essays
were read, alternating with music and, al
though we would not make invidious distinc-
lions, we must say, that next to the Valedc-
tory, read by Miss NJ. McC., the composition
which pleased US most, was :. Wonders of the
Deep;" it is not little difficult 10 point out
the peculiar excellencies of individual efforts,
when one succeeds the other, as they must ne
cessarily do in reviews of this kind. Suffice
it to say, there was no composition read which
did not give the audience evidence of good
scholarship. II we are allowed to speak can
didly, we will say that the feature which we
liked much in this examination was its FAIR
NESS for, while the compositions manifested
n HIoH degree of excellence in intellectual at
tainment, based on the principles of the
Christian religion, they were not faultless,
but elected from the hearers at every period
the exclamation-"h how well written for one
80 young INSTEAD of the usual comment
at school exhibitions" all plagiarism"
Some of these compositions, we understand
from reliable source, were read as they were
written by the youthful composers others
only verbally corrected how much better.
exponent this, of scholars ability. And
nothing is lost, for the opinion was universal
that an examination had never gone off better.
The Musical Department. under the efficient
superintendent of Prof WEBER, brought out
many little girls, who performed their pieces
admirably after which we were favored by
the Misses in their teens with passages. songs,
ietts, trios, &C., from II Trovatore." "Som-
nambula," -" La File du Regiment" and the
Bohemian Girl" LA File du Regiment
was particularly well executed by Miss s.,
Miss W., and Miss III.
Mrs. Us address to the Graduating Glass
was a compend of sentiment worthy Of her
self, couched in the mort beautiful language
Miss W. enliyened the audience with her be-
witching Ben Bolt" after which, Mr.. S.
gave us some capital songs in a capital way
Before the close, we were agreeably sur
prised by an address from one of Black 1
stones most worthy disciples. If we Judge
from the clear, eloquent manner with which
Mr.. MALoSE advocated the cause of Female
Education.
With a few truly appropriate, and touching
remarks, made by the President OF the College
to the young ladies under his care. and
prayer to God for blessing on their heads,
these interesting exercises closed altogether.
we think that the teachers and patrons of this
school must have felt proud Of the decided |
success OF the day, which drew an admiring |
audience of about five hundred persons des-
pite the fitful, uncertain weather.
The company partook Of the hospitalies OF |
Minerva College, before dispensing. TO report,
we think, that the oracles of the Goddess Of |
Wisdom are no sinecnres.
Below are the subjects Of the several essays,
read by those young ladies who were deemed
worthy the DONORS kN a
Government Of the Tongue Miss A.
BRONSON, Tenn.
Respect and affection due to parents"
Miss A. BEALLE, KY.
"No Ceremony" Mise NJ. SowEII.. Tenn.
"south favorable 10 Religion" Miss Z.
MiEsEs. Tenn.