The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1871-07-13
The Columbia (Tennessee) Atlne-
nRmXm.

EDITORS CLARION:
Il Having received very polite invitation
to attend the examination and commence
ment exercises of that celebrated Femal
College, the Columbia AthenHum, AM
knowing that this far-famed institution ha
the reputation of giving the best literarl
and musical entertainments, we We're pre-
sent in ample time for the opening exercis
es and We're prepared to enjoy the rich trea
offered by the programme, which for thil
year is unusually attractive.
The AthenHum is the result of many
years OF labor and ex perienee, the founder
having been actively engaged in the pro-
fesslon of education, ever since the opening
OF his first school in 1872, and the present
management of the institution is truly q
continuation of his plans fhat-are SO favor
| ably known all over the South.
The AthenRum is one of the most lovely
places in the South. Nature and art COM
| bine to make it attractive. The beautiful
4 views, the bluegrass lawn. the cool and
/ Ireshing grove OF stately forest trees. the
/ elegant buildings. the spacious halls adorn-
ed with the illusions of artistic taste, and
aids for instruction, all these and its numer-
Gus other advantages render it one of the
| best adapted places in America for a large
female school. But | am so much carried
away with the attractions of the Athenseum
| that l am wandering from my attempt TO
| give you an account of the Commencement
exercises.
On Sunday afternoon of the 18th ut. a
| large and intelligent audience assem- bIed
early in the beautiful study-halI OF the
Athenaeum to hear the Commencement SER
mon. At four O'Clock p. m. the procession
| entered. 1t was composed of the pupils,
choir, and faculty of the AthenHum. and
the orator, Rev. VIM. p. Harrison. d. d..
editor of the New Monthly Magazine of
Nashville, Tenn. The exercises were open
ed by beautiful and appropriate volunta-
ry by the Athenseum choir, with an exp res-
SiVe aecOmn1nimpnf nv Miss
Harrison OF the AthenHum faculty.
The services were conducted by Rev. Dr.
Smith, pastor of the Methodist church of
Columbia, who fervently thanked Almighty
God for the past history of the Athenaum,
and prayed for continuance OF the richest
blessings upon this institution that had done
so much good in advancing the cause of
education throughout our Southern land.
The beautiful hymns sung on this occa-
sion were especially well rendered by all the
pupils and we were agreeably surprised at
advancement in vocal music, as a duty
and as delightful recreation.
The Commencement Sermon was one of
DIR. Harrison's hapPiest efforts, and in re-
viewing the characters of Vashti and Es-
Their, it was astonishing to see how admir-
ably he succeeded in fixing the attention of
all, even the children, upon the true orna-
ments of female character. Time will not
allow me to give an extended notice of this
excellent sermon. but heartily endorse the
opinion of several persons present who re-
marked that such discourse would be high
ly advantageous at the close of every years
study.
l was pleased to meet a number of visit
ors from the Southern States,and we were all
impatient for the remaining exercises of the
Athen9um.
On Wednesday morning the 10Th ult.. be-
gan the examination OF the Pestalozzian or
Primary Department. The pupils answer
ed very well and gave indisputable evil
deDces of the patient and untiring labor of
their. teachers. The little students did re-
markably well in answering the promiseu-
Gus questions from the Board of Examin-
ers.
The chorus, Beautiful Bells" was very
fine. and we readily observed that these prl-
pills were accustomed to exercise in vocal
music as a recreation from their other stu
dies. The exercises in Reading were adj
mirable. We were prepared for this. how
ever, as we knew that the Athennum was
the first Southern School that employed a
special professor who devoted ali of his
time to Elocution. One special attraction in
these exercises is the beautiful music on the
Harp. Some of the fair pupils have made
considerable progress in acqviring p-acti-
cal knowledge of this graceful and poetical
instrument, and we were delighted with
their performances.
We were pleased to learn that the Athe-
naum instructs the Primary Department in
the elements ofvocal music and French,
without extra charge, and thus succeed in
laying early, good foundation in these
branches of learning.
The Junior Department of the Athen4um
stood an eXsellent examination, and were
followed by very creditable classes in Mod
ern Languages, directed by the learned
Prof. Pruskowski, LID, Phi. ID.
We were very much entertained but be-
came somewhat impatient for the Soiree>
Dansante of Wednesday evening at o'clock.
This performance was open only to the
patrons of the Athenaum. The large and
elegant hall appeared to special advantage
BY night, and accommodated the visitors
very comfortably. All of the dances were
beautiful, but l was especially pleased with
the Pas Styrienne so gracefully danced by
two little girls about seven years of age.
One of the instrumental pieces, ''The melo-
deous Exercises" composed by Prof. Won
Adelung, Athenaum Director of Music, was
especially fine.
The Wind" three part round, sung by
the entire school without accompaniment,
produced very favorable impression.
Ketterer's Galop de Concert was per-
formed by the only young lady who sue
ceeded in graduating in music this session,
and the performance was indeed worthy Of
this noble Institution.
The Overture to SemIramide, with OrcheS-
trail accompaniment, was SO ably rendered
that it was-enthusiaStically encored.
And here would observe that | never
saw better order preserved than is always
had at the Athenaum. The audience inn
DroyeS the moments between pieces. for |
but perfect and respectful
silence prevails during every performance.
/ also noticed with pleasure that great /
part of the entertainments is composed. |
arranged and performed at the Athenaum.
The examination of Thursday, June 10Th. |
was very fine, but / was particularly |
with the specimens in Penman-
ship. Drawing, Painting and Embroidery, |
and must confess that never saw larger
or better collection of such work. 1t is very
creditable to the Athen@um. | was much |
in the Latin classes and the class
in Chemistry aided by the superb apparatus.
The experiments were entirely successful. |
and the pupils, selected at random from the
classes, answered promptly ard correctly.
The French recitations were superior, but |
regret that / cannot notice them or the
second senior compositions In detail.
All were impatiently awaiting the Grand
Concert of Vocal and instrumental Music
of Thursday evening. short time after
sunset the spacious hall was crowded with
visitors from far and near. The Athen3um
has the reputation of giving the best con-
certs in the South and this was generally
pronounced the best ever given at the
Athen3um.
animation of the candidates for graduation,
and were delighted with the essays that
clearly showed cultivated mental powers
and refined aesthetic taste.
st GUmmencemenIse the Hoem was READ
by Miss Mary C.. Chambers, daughter of the
late Hon. II. G. Chambers, OF Sunfiower
Landing Miss, and the Valedictory was
read by Miss Bette Num-. of Paulding,
Miss. Both the productions we're elegantly
written and tastefully read.
Diplomas were conferred by Hon. James
III. Thomas President of the Board of Trus-
tees. upon eighteen fair graduates.
The Secretary of the Faculty awarded the
prizes for this year in a neat and appropri
ate address.
The Grafton, by Prof. George s. Blackie.
A. M M. D., of Nashville, was worthy of
the distinguished speaker. In eloquent
4