New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1872-06-20
Howard University.
WASHINGTON, June Is, 1872.

WASHINGTON, June Is, 1872.
To the Editor Of the Nev National Era.
The week closing with Wednesday, the
18th instant, has been busy time with us.
First came the examinations, occupying Fri
day of last week, and Monday, Tuesday,
and Wednesday, of the present week. On
Friday examinations were conducted in the
Normal Department; and on Thursday and
Friday evenings in the Theological Depart
ment. On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednes-
day, from A. NJ. to 3 p. NJ, classes in the
Model School, Preparatory and College De-
partments, were examined. The examina.
tons in the Model School were in the Eng
lish branches. In the Preparatory Depart
ment the examinations embraced, in addition
to the English branches, Sallust, Caesar,
Cicero, Virgil, and Xenophon's Anabasis.
In the College Department classes were ex-
amned in Geometry, Trigonometry, Natural
Philosophy, and Astronomy. In the lam
guages: in Prometheus, Xenophon's Memo
rabilia, Homer's Had, and in Cicero's Offices,
Horace's Odes, and Livy. These examina-
tons indicated increased proficiency in schol
arship, and were highly credtable to teachers
and pupils. On Friday evening the Normal
Department had its eXercises--graduating a
class of ten or twelve. On Monday evening
the Theological Department had its first
anniversary exercises. These exercises were
especially excellent. Mr.. w. u. Roberts de-
livered a very fine Grafton, subject, Astron-
omy. Other orations, delivered on the occa
sion, were also worthy of considerable praise.
On Tuesday evening the first College Com
mencement exercises took place in the Con-
gregational Church. Senator PomerOy pre-
sided, and Governor Cooke presented the
diplomas. After prayer and music, Mr..
Arthur c. O'Hear, of Charleston, South
Carolina, was introduced, and delivered in a
spirited manner a salutatory Grafton in Latin.
The next exercise was an Grafton by Mr..
Josiah 7. Settle, of Corinth, Mississippi. Mr..
Settle has but recently recovered from very
severe illness notwithstanding this, he ac-
quilted himself much better than could have
been expected under the circumstances. His
subject, Motives to Intellectual Exertion,
was well treated, and into portion of it he
threw much of his accustomed energy and
fire. In referring to examples of intellectual
success, Mr.. Settle referred to the Hon.
Charles Sumner as an example. From the
rounds of applause that came from the
crowded house whenever that name was
mentioned, it was quite evident that Senator
Sumner still has firm hold on the hearts of
the masses, that they love and honor him
for what he has done, and that they feel that
whatever course he may pursue in the present
Presidential contest, he will always be faith
full to human rights and those interests with
which his whole life is associated. Mr.. A.
C. O'Hear next delivered an Grafton, SUBJ
ject, ellis Soul is Marching On.'' Mr..
O'Hear first beautifully illustrated the inGu-
ence of noble souls ON their fellowmen after
the body has long since decayed, finishing
with an appropriate and touching alluson to
him VINO yielded up his life at Harper's Ferry
that the slave power might be broken and
his country redeemed. Mr.. James M. Greg
DRY was the last speaker: Subject, The Ideal.
Mr.. Gregory showed the value of having i'll
the mind perfect ideal after which we may
pattern our lives. Mr.. Gregory closed with
the valedctory, expressed in neat and appro-
pirate language. Mr.. Gregory is a young
man in every respect capable of being Of
great service to his native State, Virginia.
At the conclusion of the exercises, Governor
Cooke stated, that by direction Of the Board
of Trustees of Howard University, he was
authorized to confer the degree of LII. d.
upon Senator S. c. Pomeroy and Hon. Fred
erick Douglass, which he proceeded to do,
reading few well chosen remarks from
manuscript, in which he referred to Senator
Pomeroy as one of the pioneer settlers of
Kansas, and to Frederick Douglass as the
silvery tongued orator of America.
On Wednesday evening the Senior Pre-
paratory exhibition took place in the College
Chapel. This class numbers over thirty
members, and will be a valuable accession
to the Collegiate Department. was not
present at these exercises, but hear them
spoken of very highly. From this brief ref
erence to the work here, you will see that
much is being accomplished. NJ.