The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1865-08-05
Commencement Ofst. Mary's Academy,
NatFe Dgme. Ia.

The tenth Annual Commencement of
St Mary's Academy, NOtre Dame, Ind,
took place on Thursday, June %, to
the complete satisfaction of all parties
The good sisters and young ladies were
hoDored by the presence Of the Rt Rev.
Bishop of Fit Wayne, and no less a
military celebrity than the great Major
General sherman himself, who was en-
Enthusiastically greeted by the large audi
ence Indeed the hall was crowded to
excess, a.great disadvantage to the
young ladies, not only in their musical
but dramatic performance. This fact,
however, but sugments the credit Of
their fine execution in both depart
ments. Four beautiful harps graced
the stage, accompanied by three first
rate Chickering pianos, and one Chick
ering's Grand from Reeds Temple of
Music, Chicago, Ill To extol the music
at St Mary's is but to repeat what
every body knows, that the institation
is uneoualled in the art. A grand
Fantasia by Iaell and two of Goltschalk's
instrumental Duets attracted our at
tention particularly, as indicative Of
the superior instruction received by the
pupils; but, indeed, the brilliant scene
presented, and the delightful yibra-
tions of the air under the magic sweep
of twenty four fair hands, at harp and
piano, win be long remembered with
the most lively pleasure. Among the
many fine performers, we remarked
Miss Emma Weld as possessing very
skillful touch and good expression.
The vocal performance vas sprightly
and neat, Miss Kate Putnam bear
ing off the palm, we believe, in
this most important branch. The
original drama, Blanche of CASTLE, was
elevated in character and rendering.
The Prologue defined the object of the
play, namely, TO present the true
christian mother personsted by Queen
Blanche to the admiration of the audi
ence Itwas likewise condensed and
spirited vindication Of the ages during
which the great St Louis lived, and OF
the Crusades, proving their grandeur Of
purpose and their actual political ne
cessity in preventing the spread Of
the frightful Mahommadon empire.
The graceful wit and vivacity of Miss
n Horgan as Countess Ia Marchs, and
Miss L. Gephsrt as the Countess of
Brittany, inaugurated the interest Of
tae play, which was rendered exquisite
a. the outset by the tableau of the Re
gencg, where Miss Jennie Wood as
Queen Blanche, and little Nina Stone
all IS the young king Louis, appeared
for the first time Miss Wood through
out sustained her regal character with
Just appreciation, es did Miss II. sher-
msu, daughter of the General, as
Queen Margret, wife Of ST Louis. In
fact for a child of fourteen, her per-
forEnsnce could not be too much prais-
ed, and her noble father must have been
highly grati6ed with her skill The
distracted peasant, FlsdA, in one sense
was the bright point Of the play, and
was admirably enacted by Miss J.
Schutt Of Elkhart, Ind, her little
daughter Fausts, played By little Ella
Ewing, proving in her sad, quiet man
ner touching foil 70 her passionate,
hearsbroken mother. With scenery,
and the quiet Of = Well-seated house,
the entire acting would have proved
worthy Of amateurs Ear more advanced
in years, and We could bat regret that
the Exhibition Hall wss not much
larger. After the tableau Of the III.
snPh q he Cross, an sweinspiring bul
nost lovely picture, the Juniors cane
forward and pEsenssd the sontrsat be.
tween R'Tal Sports and csly Lifs The
pure wit and ratgrsl action Of thess
little ones reaectsd much credit upon
the sisters, as amusing plays are 50 eel
dom strictly delicste in their siyla The
Juniors, hoUevsFs not only caused us y
laugh heartily, but 70 a3nirs then
~ the same time. The dance around th,
Nay Pole vas a. lovely an affair ss onl
might wish 70 behold. Little Eli
Ewing, Annie AnderEoa and Eattil