Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1868-06-19
EDUCATIONAL.
Commencement NJ the state
~ Female College.
Grafton by Col. l.. O. Haynes
Essays Of the Graduates.

1t is said that " knowledge is power
and within her sapphire walls abound
gems richer. rarer and more precious
than ever spaskled in the palaces Of old,
or Cleaned in the. coronets encircline
monarohs' brows. Education decks the
brow Of genius with diadems, and in
the magnificent Institutions of science
and the arts, like stars In the cloudless sky
Of night, Eliminates the face with .
brillancy unrivaled and otherwise un-
known. At her shrine we would kneel
with an idolatrous devotion, and ac-
knowledge her supreme goddess. From
her jewsled hand she scatters sparkling
diadems, worthy golden setting in the
dazzling crown which ditfuses its efful-
gent rays from the exalted station whore
Genius waves his gliItering sceptre and
holds his brilliant court. Under its tails
manic influence, Error, wounded,
writhesin pain" whilst Truth, newly bur.
nished, issues forth, cleaning like the
sun in all his noon-tide glory. These
thoughts were suggested by the final
exercises at the State Female College,
last evening, where beauty and intelli-
gence flashed from more than one score
pair Of sparkling eyes, rested like thing
divine upon as many faultless ibrows,
and beamed in the gladstone glances that
shone on the beautiful features of SO
many fair aud lovely faces. The spa
cious chapel was tbronged to repletion
with a most brilliant and appreciatiye
audience. About nine o'clock in the
evening bright galaxy of girls, taste
fully attired in white, came into the
chapel, and moving down TO the front
door, returned through the center aisle
to the seats reserved for them in front
Of The speakers stand. After prayer by
Rev. Guilford Jones, DR.. Collins intro
duced the Hon. Landon c. Haynes, who
delivered a most appropriate and elo-
quent address, which was replete with
wholesome truths and sound advice to
the young ladies just about to enter
the arena of life. He was listened to
most attic ntively aud warmly applanded
Throughout the delivery of his address.
This address was preluded by very
pretty mazourka by Miss Belle Lynch,
and afterwards Misses Cum mings and
Cooper performed, in excellent style,
Hear me, Norma" This was followed
by the
sALUTAToRY
of Miss Julia Hudson, of P anola, Missis.
sippi, very intelligent young lady,
whose composition was we'll prepared,
aud contained some very fine thoughts.
"Gold, the sweat of the poor, the blood
Of the brave" was the subject of Miss
Ssllie Alexander, of Marshall county,
Mississippi, most intelligent and beau
tiful young lady, who read her excel
Iently composed essay in most credit
able manner. Wy
"rHE SLIPS OF EXPECTATION
was essayed by Miss Josie L. Belts. of
Greenwood, who read her composition
in fine style. This was followed by
f" Home, sweet home" by Miss Anna
Gillion, on the piano, which was finely
performed.
"sILENT CITIES"
Miss Katie Booker, Of Greenwood, a
young lady Of pleasing and beautiful
countenance, came forward and read
we'll composed essay on this subject. .
"a GROWN FOR TIE VICTOR"
This subject was handled most sue
cessfully by Miss Lucretia Cavaline, of
Memphis, bright little belle with face
beaming with vivacity and intelligence.
rRUMPs,"
by Miss Ellen Cooper, of Memphis, a
young lady of fine intelligence, was a
composition characterized by many fine
thoughts and pretty expressions. This
was followed by "a Californienne," a
musical composition by Miss Lou Lenow,
which was excellently performed.
"LIFE's JOYS are FLEETTEG.
Miss Emily Cummings, young lady
of prepossessing appearance, was the
next sssayist. She handled her SUBJECT
with inimitable ease and grace.
" HoEoR DOES NOT ALWAYS CROWN sue
CEss." .H
Miss Anna NJ. Gillion, Of PanolP,
Miss, o bright and intelligent young
lady, read splendid composition on
this subject, showing a mind given to
serious thought and extensive observa-
ton.
MISSION OF, TIE DEw-DRoP,
By Miss Mary +. Hill, of Greenwood,
a modest and demurc young lady, which
was read in a sweet and musical voice
and svinced considerable merit This
was followed by the song, The. Rose
Will Cease to Blow" by Miss LOWE F,
McKie, with Miss Simmons at the piano
q fine performance, which was the reei'
pient Of an encore.
$ "rHE VOYAGE or LIFE"
Miss Lon B. Lerow, q beautiful blonde,
with most pleasing eountenance, es-
sayed upon this subject in a clear and
distinct voice aud graceful manner. II
was foil OF bright thoughts and poetic