Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1871-08-12
From a Philadelphia correspondent
St. Joseph's Academy, Emmitsburg,
MarylaEd.

!, Imagine TO yourSel1 an immense pie
of buildings, surrounded by extensive
and beautiful grounds, shaded by nubl.
trees, that are in themselves study
while chapels and fountains statues
and grottoes, bridges and arbors make
up scene of sylvan beauty; that mus'
be seen to be fully enjoyed and ad
ded to this are acres of richly cultiva-
ted fields on every side, giving promise
of abundance for the large family en-.
Toying the comforts of this hospitable
Institution. St. Joseph's, the Mother
of the Sisters of Charity, is situated
near Emmitsburg, in one of the most
charming and delightful sections Of
the country-bounded by the blue
hills of Maryland, now historic for the
marvellous incidents occurring there
during the late war, and for the san.
culinary battles fought under their
very shadow. The Academy attached
to this Institution is large and -four
ishing, combining the advantages Of a
frst-class school for religious, moral
and intellectual training, with all the
convenience for the physical well being
Of the pupils, to be found in the most
comfortable city home. Besides the
advantage Of the pure, bracing noun
tain air, the fine natural scenery, Gle
waiting the imagination while crafty
ing the taste, ii has the inpstimablc
advantage of Il well-trninvd rrrp1 OF
teachers, selected for their superior
mental ability, from that earnest band
Of devoted women, who, like Mary
have chosen the better part in
their case the truly nobl" part, OF
training tn" future women Of this great
republic for the high duties that await
them; teaching them by example and
preccpt those virtues by which alone
society is to be saved. But We mus,
not forget that it is "Dlstrlbution Day
so we will pass the spacious and in
Wiling Rafcrtory. thr airy and we'll
ventilated dorlnitorirs, the comforta-
ble and we'll appointed lnhrmary and
20 direct to the Distribution Hall, now
Beautifully decorated with the fra
grant flowers and briyh, with the
morning sun. All who have been ed
uca,od at ST. .Iosrph's remember tha,
day of pl"a,nrahI" excitement when
parents and friends assemble to wit
ness the reward that is to crown the pa
iientindustry Of thrycar Attic grand
Entrance March, played with spirit
by five of the Young ladies, on harps
and pianos, the pupils Of the Academy
enter the Hall. Rarely has the cvc
fallen on n frcShcr or lovciicr group
whether it was the halo that happi-
ness throws around the plainest face.
or the purity and charming simplicity
Of costume or the striking variety from
the union Of the different sections Of
the country, each retaining their
marked individual characteristics, yet
the Who'll" forming the most beautiful
harmony The exercise opened with
the coronation" Of the Young ladies
for auiable department and for obser-
vance of the rules. As these crowns
are gained by great sacrifices, they are
received with great pleasure. Next
were awarded the magnificent Gold
Medals TO the graduating class, five in
nnlnber, and one to the young lady
who distinguished herself in domestic
economy for at St. Josephs they are
old fashioned enough to teach cooking
as we'll as music and embroidcry.--
Then followed Badges of Excellence
to the most successful in the respective
/ English classes, and the distribution
of premiums to al who mcritcd them
by attention to study. The hbcrality
that marks everything at St. Joseph $
is strikingly evident in the valuable
medals and the rare and costly books
given without stint to the studious, so
that young lady may in a few years
have choice selection for a future
library. We have neither time or
space to give full account Of the ex-
ercises of the distribution. No doubt
ADLER pens are already at the pleasing
task but we cannot pass over the
music, which on this occasion was re-
markably fine on both harp and piano,
sustaining the high reputation ever
awarded to st. Joseph's for eminent
success in this admirable accomplish
ment. Where all deserve praise, it is
delicate task to individualize but
without injustice to any, we may men
ton the exquisite performance Of the
Gems of Ireland on the harp, and
the brilliant Caprice on the piano,
bv Miss MARY V. ROBINSON, of New
York, who gives promise of rare tai
ents in music, whether in expressing
the tendercst sentiments or executing
the most brilliant and difficult passa-
gee. The exercises closed by the sing
/ ing of beautiful and touching poem,
"A Farewell to st. Joseph's, i" written
by one of the graduates, Miss MARY
/ WADE, of Pennsylvania. No wonder
! that those who were leaving this peace
t1l end happy home felt sad sad 10