Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1872-06-13
HIGH SCHOOL COMMENCEMENT.

Interesting Address to the President
of the Board Of EducatiOn-Reply-
Remarks Of the City superintendent
of Public Schools Comforting of
Diplomas, Etc.
Tn High School Commencement exer-
cises in the Hume building yesterday, from
10 A. NJ. until II IL, were all the most san
guine friends of public education could have
desired. The room was literally jammed
with the parents and acquaintance of the
pupils aud others of both sexes, and in
addition the hallway was also
crowded about the doors of the
room in which the exercises took place; and
in consequence many who would have been
glad to have witnessed the exercises, and
but too glad also to have hOnOred the occa-
sion with their presence, were reluctantly
compelled to go away.
The general appearance Of the assemblage
was very bright. The young lady pupils
and lady spectators rivalled each other in
the variety and elegance of their toilettes.
The exercises were preceded with prayer
by the principal, Prof. Fall, which was fol
lowed by vocal music, with piano accOmpa-
niment, by Mrs. Ashford, the accomplished
organist of the First Baptist Church.
The first address, by John Whitworth,
of the middle class, was well received.
The second, by Miss j. Wrenn, was no less
pleasing. The Latin salutatory was deliv-
cred by Miss Tillman, Of the senior c'ass.
Misses j. CurTey and Clark had mean
while rendered "Distant Chimes" Now
came duet by Miss Hicks and Mir. j.
Hindle.
The first essay, by Miss Alice Wilson,
was on the subject, 'Glimpses Backward
and Forward" 1t was both philosophical
and affecting
"Standing with reluctant feet,
Where the brook and river meet,
WCmanhOOd and childhood fleet"
etc.
CANCELS Guard her Dreams Tonight"
quartette, was sung by Mrs. Ashford, Miss
MOultOD, her father and Prof. Hindle.
The second essay, Charms Strike the
Sight, but Merit Wins the Soul" by Miss
Amanda Rear, was full of well arranged
moral suggestions. 1t had evidently been
no less carefully prepared than it was read.
The Carnival of Venice" instrumental
music, was rendered by Miss Crutcher.
An address, "The Indian" was delivered
by Allison Alexander.
Duet, emusic and Her Sister," by Misses
Hicks and Hill.
The third essay,
"MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS"
By Sarah A. Iser, of the graduating class,
elected not only perfect storm Of applause
but also a heavy shower Of bouquets.
Every person. she said, "has separate
position in society, but discomfort withthat
position is well nigh universal, hence, sup
pose, the inclination arises to End out all we
can about our neighbors' affairs. and
as we neglect our own TO see how others
get along, some one will, Of course, observe
our neglect and comment upon it,"
land now, in conclusion, will say that l
hope during my school days l have attended
to nv business sufficiently to merit the
kind regards of my teachers, the love and
respect Of my schoolmates, and last Of all
a diploma" TProtracted laughter.l
Duet, Nightingale and ROse," by Misses
Crutcher and Clark.
The fourth essay: 'Gainst the tooth OF
Time" ETC., by Miss Effie Morgan, was ele-
CAVITY written. Even the chirography was
noticeably fine.
Chorus: FAIRY moonlight"
The fifth essay: every cloud has
silver lining" was read by Miss Emma E.
Moulton. The chirography of this was
very neat.
Duet, sin the starlight" by Mrs. Ash
ford and Miss Morgan, followed by
progress of knowledge" an address:
Charles E. Curry. A gap in the programme
unavoidable at this juncture was kindly I'LL
ed by Mr.. a. j. MoultOn who sang the
sold Sexton with resOunding effect. He
was warmly applauded.
"The Pleasures Of Imagination" sixth
essay were happily elucidated by Miss Eu-
dora M. Keel.
Solo, by Miss Curry. This was one of
the most enjoyable treats of the day. 1t
evinced that she must bave had highly
intelligent teacher, and that she possesses a
voice which under further care
full culture can be developed so that
il will be noticeable even
among proficient professionals. The tril-
ling was surprisingly good and the empha-
sis at all times studiously well placed.
"THE TYRANNY OF FASHION"
Seventh essay was read by Miss Minnie
Baldwin. Towards the conclusion she
inquired: when will woman assert her
independence and by her virtue and intelli-
geuce rise above Fashions despotic rule"
Duet, "O'er the hill, DER the dale" by
Misses Morgan and MoultOn.
Address, ambition" by Thomas Pat
tersOn, of the senior class.
Duet, Beautiful star liglt," by Misses
Crutcher and Clark.
THE vALEDICTORY
was delivered by Miss Mary E. NOrvell. "But
we cannot refrain" she said, in part, "frOm
returning thanks to the Board of Education
for the zeal and interest they have mani
tested in the cause of education. ITO the
members of the Board who occupied seats
directly in front Of the platform:l With
that generosity and true magnanimity that
should always characterize lovers of their
country, YOU, gentlemen, have guarded the
highest interests of the public schools; you
have never faltered in your devotion nor
1bated one jot of your energy. II the
clouds, at times, seemed to lower and the
skies became Obscured, your very energy
and determination drifted the clouds away
and the sunshine of hope and prosperity
glowed upon the cause that has elevated
so many FROM comparative obscu-
rity to positions of response
bility and independence. Continue to labor
in this noble field; become not weary in
well uOlllSs by pCASCNClGh OO III } Jul SNN"O
YOU will erect for yourselves monuments
more lasting than brass; you will stamp
your image upon the heart of each child,
that daily comes to drink Of this Pierian
fountain. Accept thousand thanks for
all your noble, disinterested zeal for US and
the children who are to succeed us at these
affairs"
The authors of all the essays and ad-
dresses were complimented with bouquets.
The
DELIVERY OF THE DIPLOMAS
was made by DIR. Charles K. Winston,
President of the Board OF Education, who,
before delivering them, said:
81 feel proud of the public schools OF
Nashville. No one could have witnessed
the exercises this day without having his
soul thrilled. The cause of public educa-
ton is the cause of christianity. Its great
tidings could not be spread without intelli-
gence to soften the passions of bad men.
1t is only by increasing the facilities for
public education that we can expect pros
perity and practically maintain christianity,
for without education the vile passions OF
men run riot. l am convinced by what
| have witnessed here, to-day,
alone, what the public schools OF
Nashville can become. l know not which
60 oo-,y,l;r,o,,t tho most those who found