Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1872-06-18
nmen cement Exercises of the
Memphis Ledfes' Institute at the
Memphis Ofnb.

/ no,.,mes,e ement Exercises of the
E1emphis Ladfes' Institute az tns
Memphis Ofub.
To .he Editor of the Ledger:
Long before eight o'clock ON last eve
ming the spacious hall Of the Memphis
Club was crowded 70 overhowing by al
audience, consisting of friends of thu
Institute and relatives of the pupils
The very element congregated gave thu
index of the class of citizens who entrns
their children to the principal Of thu
Institute for their education. g 1t was
treat to behold such an audience, 10 OBJ
serve the interest evinced in the success
of the Institution. Such has been the
reputation Of the Institute for years
such the success Of their commencement
exercises, that people move there en-
masse. to listen to finished productions
of music, literature and higher accom-
plishments generally. Nor do we over
rate the opinion Of The people, when we
give the above as the most truthful opin-
ion prevalent among the larger portion
of our people. The programme last
night presented no small array of beauty
and talent, originality and novelty OF
ideas. 1t is very refreshing indeed, to
glance over a programme OF COM
mencement exercises and behold IN
ESSAYS themes Of line conception,
subjects Of abstract reasonings and in.
exhaustible depths, to hear instrumental
music rendered, which would do honor
TO the programme Of cultivated societies
and the labors Of finished scholars. All
these :Hfigs are Of course the fruits OF
incessant labors Of teachers and pupils,
and deserve public acknowledgment.
Each piece on the programme was de-
serving of special praise, and but for the
valuable space in your columns, dear
editor, would review one by one. OF
superior merit was the essay OF Miss
Katie l.. Murphy. How piquant the
subject, To-day, the heir of all the ages. "
There is indeed an inheritage in TO
day" 70 do Justice to q subject like
this requires abilities of no ordinary
character. The idea is quite original
and is a theme for abstract reasoners.
Miss NJ ably exhausted the subject.
Her powers of thought were equal to the
demands, and she did herself great
credit. Worthy of especial admiration
in the essayist, is at all times the con-
nection OF thought with the theme before
the mind. She excelled in this respect.
Link by link was idea to idea chained
till the whole frame and crown were
all mastery finished. Miss Jennie NJ.
McGehee won for herself no less laurels
in her beautiful essay of Virtue, wisdom
and. happiness dwell with the golden
mediocrity.'' She is an able scholar,
and in her essay shone particularly tor
wealth of beautiful phraseologies, rich
comparisons, etc. She is worthy OF the
honors bestowed.
unsteady, we noticed Carl Maria Won
Weber grand Invitation TO the Waltz !"
on the programme, solo, if well played,
an artist labor. Though her name was
not announced, we recognized in the
young performer Katie McGehee. She
performed this very difficult music admi-
rably, and rendered what few pupils in
our city can do. We remember, some
years ago, to have listened to very
promising amateur, in the same school,
who now ranks as the best lady pianist
in the city. May Miss Katie, by inces-
SAINT labors and energy, promise like
wise. She plays with taste, conception,
and shows careful training. Our must
cal societies will welcome such scholars
Miss Sallie Buchanan is very able
scholar and fine elocutionist. She re-
cited EParrhassius beautifully. She
read the essay of Miss Mollie Murphy,
who was unwell, in a very creditable
manner.
Miss Sallie Wbitmore, who graduated
with such high honors last year, read a
French essay, and played a piano solo.
She is superior scholar, highly edu-
Gated in the classics. r..,,...r-s
} Miss Dora Jones and Miss McGehee
sang a beautiful duet. lie Reve," q
piano solo was ably rendered.
Mr.. Perrings Fascination Galop
was gem, and pleased very much. So
passed another Of those delightful COM
mencement exercises of the Memphis
Ladies Institute.
Mrs. McGehee, the principal, is too
well known in our city TO require one
word from our pen. She has conducted
this Institute in such a manner that pa
rents can look with perfect confidence
to the better education Of the pupils en-
trusted. Our highest scholars among
our young ladies have graduated in the
Institute Her corps Of teachers aud
assistants speak for themselves. Prof
Winkler, Miss Mary Beach, Mrs. Boylan
and Miss Sallie Lynch, have charge Of
the musical department. Prof. Whitman
and Miss Beach are teaching languages,
and Mrs. Richardson is assistant. We
beg pardon Of those whom we may have
omitted to mention in the above.
May success attend the Institute in
the future, as the past has established
the same, by merit of its own work. In.
stitutions like the Ladies Institute of
Memphis are those of the people, in
which every citizen should be interested,
institutions to whose support aAd well
fare we all owe a debt. May the glorious