The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1867-08-22
Exhibition a. Earlham College.

ntnG the Ith lnst AZ usual uPon sucn occasionss
large number of visitors were present. and the lecture
room was flied, notwithstanding the warm weather
| AID the early hour Of commencing the exercises.
As the audience entering the room, the decor
ations upon the rostrum became loose and fell down.
| and had to besremoved. This, however, was rather
an Improvement than otherwise as those decorations
would have INSTRUCTED the view of some of the audi
ence, and given smothered appearance to the
The first exercise was the prologue, by Miss Mary
W. Chawner, of Thorntown. This production was
appropriate and delivered in clear and deliberate
voice.
VIM. W. White, of Dublin, followed with an Grafton
entitled "Oblivion." His pronunciation was at first
measured but became more free. He alluded TO many
fallen nations, remembered only by few names and
deeds the extinct races of America the silent record
OF Geology: recounted the ulflment of prophesy up
on ancient peoples. Science and Religion agree, as
both are founded truth False deductions will be
forgotten. The age save itself from oblivion by
noble acts.
Thus far-something yet" was the title of an
essay read by Miss Phebe Furnas, of Bridgeport and
was well delivered and the points good.
Friedrich S. staff, of Raysville, delivered an Grafton
entitled Ainorities the man," he argued that
Of principle would not be controlled in their ac
tons BY popular opinion, but would dare to stand
alone. Unprncipled men 60 to maortes for popular
/ RenGem80
johnson among the latter class. it is cry evident
that the President has joined the minority aud
obstinenty held to his position. Minortes should not
Joined for the purpose of controversy because
Of inherited preudices. Minorties develope charac-
| ter, and by upright course gain poxer.
This production had the general fault Of all the
others in being too long. .sss.-sy
There is characteristic of "Earlhamites which
may be noticed here: egs.s ..-.ss-zy
t. This is proneness to ride religious and political
hobbies. The first may be well enough, as it will
lead to something better, but the latter is manfesty
disgusting.
"Condimenta Literaria," was composed of contri-
buttons from the students, and Part First read in
q creditable manner, by Walter Roberts, of Alexan-
dria, Va. Some Of the articles were very good pro-
ductions; but some were slightly injured by attempts
to be witty the in the article on 'Poe-
try"
The essay on the Horse" is not a new "Parting-
| tonism." There were also many local ''hts" un-
derstood best by the students.
"What, why, whittier p by Miss Kate Smelser, of
Richmond, was q production of much credit, and
| showed thought and careful preparation; but con-
tanned ideas and expressions too similar to those
of other exercises, to due appreciation.
The sentiment was good aud the conclusion excel
lent.
James Balm, of Martinsville, read an es say upon
the I" Study of Biography" The subject is a good
one, and was handled in satisfactory manner. The
gentleman was unfortunate at times, in presenting
the appearance of not being familiar with his
script, but otherwise the exercise credtably per-
formed.
I PART Second of the Condiments Lteraria" was
read by Miss Ella Pearson, of Spiceland. am
weary Mother2 an excellent poe m, and well re-
ceived.
"The Exam nation days have come,
The saddest Of the year :" ~
was good parody.
The puns in this Part as in the First, were Of the
order " far fetehed."s4 al -rsa2 * fakfEkB -
The next exercise was an Grafton by Allen Terrell
of Highland, Ohio. Subject, Voice of the American
People,. Delivered in an energetic style, with some
nclinaton to thrill certain sylabes Ideas and iilns
trations very similar to those contained other
cises Of the evening. Ancient nations have left US
some names ilIustrious in literature Tho
America has great names, her institute ns her
voice; and she will ultimately demand the right.
The speaker passed eulogy upon Abraham Lin
coin !; but indulged in pardonable Fourth-of-July
style in speaking of the future. The want of con-
densation was noticeable in this exercise also.
Miss Abbe White, of Lewisville, followed with
essay, entitled Crossings in which was compared
our actions to crossing streams. In our journey
ings in life must make many crossings, and we
must have steps for feet We cross from good
to evil, and from evil to good. We may often make
missteps-may often cross when we should not. We
commit errors with honest intentions. By some
ton committed with good designs may
from the position friendship to that of hatred. from
confidence to misunderstanding, etc.
More attention should be paid to crossings,
than to progress the level way. This was de-
cidedly the best effort of the evening.
The last exercise announced upon the programme
was the Yaledctory, which proved to be long eulo
~ upon John Bright, read by Oliver NJ. add, OF
Ottuwa, lows. This production showed labor in its
prsparstn, but owing to its length and the ateness
of the hour, Il could not be properly appreciated
The principal fault of this exercise its -profuse-
ness-an effort to crowd too much Tito one paper.
The dignity of the subject lessened by the reader
telling ! "lttle story" The reading good and
many Of the IDEAS excellent. but short and pointed
valedictory would have met the expectations better
than able article. 4,
On Wednesday morning, there were four exercises
from the graduating class. The first was Grafton
by Mr.. Seth Hastings Subject, i" Our duty as Gift
zens.g The voice of the speaker wasclear, and his
production delivered in forcible manner. The
ideas were good and the language well chosen
Miss Mary Taylor, read essay entitled, Mira
cles." The love of the Miraculous is strong in man.
the foundations of past religious systems. Mir
acles generally considered to be operations Of
ture suspended by special supreme power; but miri
acles are around us every day. and are not less
derfal because Of frequent occurance Life itself
the universe is one great miracles and teaches the
power of Him who made and governs all things.
The subject of Allen Terrcll's Grafton was :sThe
Cultivated Mind +" The mind in ignorance deterior-
ates intelligence the mind free. Man can not
live 81 bread alope:" he moral spiritral
nourishment. There two classes, the educated
who govern, and the uneducated, who controlled.
The educated few have done much what might have
been done if all were educated Great leaders were
educated. Nature not itself; only sees the
beauties around him, There is nothing noble earth
but man, and nothing noble in man but mind. And
this mind educated lead forward christian cvili-