The Lansing state Republican. [volume] (Lansing, Mich.) 1855-1874, 1861-07-03

| 10 the examination of classes. These exercises
are said to have been very interesting, and the
examinations gave great satisfaction to all pres
ent.
The Annual Sermon before the graduating
class, was preached in the Representative Hall,
on Thursday evening, by Rev. Mr.. Jacokes, OF
Detroit We had prepared a synopsis Of this
discourse, but are compelled TO omit it, The
speaker closed with fine tribute to the prof.
csrcy of the graduating class. They we're not
merely learned-they were educated. Each one
gave not only correct answers but characteristic
answers. This showed that they had been taught
the great secret Of selfreliarce, and their train
ing had been such as to develop each according
10 her individual characteristics and capacity.
The Commencement exercises, as heretofore
announced, took place On Friday. At an early
hour the Representative Hall was ,hronged Wild
highly intelligent and attentive audience, who
listened with undated interest until the close
not outstanding the exercises occupied some
four or five hours. The exercises were varied
occasionally by well performed pieces of vocal
and instrumental music. Prayer was offered, at
the opening, by Rev. C. S. Armstrong.
The essays of the graduating class were in the
following order:
l. Dss Begrusung by Vietta V. Bryant, Of
Newark, n Y. As this piece was in German, it
contained but one merit which We were able to
appreciate-it vas short
2. Wlll-o'the Wisp, by Helen Case, OF Ian
sing. This WAS one of Miss Cases best efforts.
and was crediiable TO her. She spoke OF the
Will o'-the Wisps of the moral and political
world, and gave JEFF Davis a pretty strong hint
Of the opinion she entertained Of him.
3. 81" by Miriam Carpenter, of Lansing
This was an essay OF marked originality and
cleverly set forth the individuality Of the authors
mind, As well as of that of others. Miss Carpen-
ter is a clear, logical, forcible and promising
writer.
4. Pearls, and Pearl Divers, by Amanda +.
Pond, of Detroit. This contained ample col
lection of pearls from the world of waters and
the world Of mind, and concluded with an earnest
recommendation of the Pearl Of Great Price.
5. Iron, by Nancy N. Sanborn. Of Port Huron.
Having never previously listened to an essay
from the pen Of this young lady, we were not
prepared to anticipate the admirable originality
displayed in this production The parallel which.
she instituted between gsan and iron was most
opposite.
6. The Ideal-the Real, :, Annette T.. Carr,
Of Lansing Unfortunately. this production was
read in too low and indstinct a voice To enable US
to Judge OF it's merits.
Vermontvie. This was .i"e essay worthy o:
the mind and heart of the author.
8. English Classics, BY Mar, :'e ,nour, of Flush
ing This production contained drgniiied vim
dcation of standard English authors. |, was well
written, and, like most of the others, yer, vel
received.
g. Temples, by Vietta V. Bryant. This effort
was~ credtable one to the author. 1t contained
many beautiful passages, but was rather long
and Miss Bryant's voice almost failed her before
she had finished.
TO- Feeling after Truth, by Sindenia A. Bal
lard, Of Lansing. We regret that we were able
to hear scarcely word of this essay.
r~~ao- Caun- ~ New . un-;.. ~
Howell. This was poetic eulOgy upon Hon. S.
A. Douglas. 1t was q touching and heartfelt
tribute to . distinguished statesman, and was de.
Iivered with a distinct utterance and earnest
manner that produced marked effect upon the
audience.
IL. Drift. and yaledictory Addresses, by Lou
Use Turner, of Lansing. This was an essay upon
the drift-periods Of the earth, OF nations and in
di,iduals. We take the following extract from
the valedctory portion. Miss Turner said
1--WE are drifting away from you. kind cher
ished friends, who for many years have toiled
SO earnestly for our welfare. On the shore OF
lite's restless ocean. each one of our class has
| for a brief period mOored little bark. Urged
by the tide they are even now retreating from
| the shore, and all are ready for the voyage in
to the undiscovered beyond, save her who now
tarries behind to say the parting words.
with one farewell word TO Won. the Presi-
dent of our Board of Trustees. an others who
compose that honOred board. we would minglo
terest you have ever manifested in our labor Of
mental culture--long may the College we So
proudly call our Alma Mater be f,vored with
your solicitude and care. ard may many OF her
daughters more worthy than ourselves, yet leave
her pleasant halls with hearts like ours with
sweet memories filled. Of your works of faith
and labors of love. Teachers. we had many
things to say to you which our lips now refuse
to utter. Learning's paths have been very
pleasant to our feet as We walked in them. in
the kindly light of your approving smiles In
our hearts We all bless you for the high and no.
bic aims you have ever presented as the objects
of all true improvement Long may your days
Of usefulness be prolonged. and may the well
done Of the Great Teacher at last greet YOU
returning home at even time bringing your
sheaves with you.
Classmates, the goal for which many of us
have been striving is at last attained. and vet
this hour We had hoped would be so jubilant
so replete with bliss. is full of untold sadness
| at the thought We now must part.
I'VE now stand 'twixt two unbounded seas
Behind lice the past, glorious with memory's ro-
sy light. Before us stretches great unknown
deep. Here are our Pillars of Hercules. on
which We have to day Inscribed our In Me,nori
am of this drift period of our lives Not ne.
plus uitrs as Of old. before the great Genoese
found the new worlds, which Alexander wept
in vain TO conquer. For before US lies what
we must both discover and possess, by strength
e