Wilmington daily commercial., 1873-06-19
swarthmore CslIcze.

THE FIRST COMMENCEMENT. xEsrERDAY-A
I GRADUATING GLASS OF sIx-THE PROGRAMME on
I EXERCISES.
Swarthmore College-the gray, quiet Quaker
institution where ''co-education" Is a suecess-
is now four years old, and yesterday the fret
class Of graduates received their diplomas They
were six in number, and to the great satisfaction
OF our sisters in Unity, there were five ladies and
only one gentleman The course of study has
been severe. but whether it was on this account.
or some other, certain it is that only one Of the
stronger sex came through the fOur yeara'
course, and claimed diploma.
By lO.45 o'clock, yesterday, the hour when the
exercises were announced to begin, the College
was Bwarming with interested visitors The
long corridors, through which the cool June
breezes flowed agreeably, were thronged, and
tue large "gatheriDg-room," in which the ad-
dresses were to be delivered, was crowded TO
set apart for the students, the Managers OF the
institution, representatives of the press, and q
few others.
The exercises commenced with short intro
ductory address by President Magill, who briefly
reviewed the progress of the College to it's pres
ent position. He then introduced the graduate
ing class, in the order following:
Salutatory address, in Latin, and "Song of
Life Helen Magill, daughter of Prof Z. II.
Magill, Swarthmore, Pennsylvania. Miss Magills
credit. though it was, unfortunately, imperfectly
heard by those in the rear of the room
The lueal and the Real" by Elizabeth @.
Miller, of Morris, N. j., made a very good and
clear comparison Of the worthless shams of
life and the things that are true. and real. and
good. The expression of her thoughts was fol-
lowed with pleasure by the audience
Hetty L. Moore of Sandy Springs, Md, gave
pleasant discourse on Words, proving her
self mistress OF the subject by her own words,
fitly chosen.
Lowndes Taylor, of West,Chester, followed with
an essay upon suggestions, mostly relating
to those of Nature. His production was marked
by manly, cheerful tone.
Sarah II. Acton. of Salem, N. j. gave clear
and sympathetic review Of the career of George
Fox. Her essay presented the living spirit OF
Quakerism, and the analysis given OF the
character of the great Founder was marked by a
clear and discrinative judgment.
Lastly, the valedietorlan OF the class taking the
. first honor, was Lydia Maria Child Pierce Of
Pleasantvile, n. j, Her theme was Statesman
ship" which she treated with marked ability,
paying fine tribute to the memory of Lincoln
she then delivered ashort Valedictory, addressing
in turn, the Managers, the Faculty, her fellow
students aud graduates. 1t was gracefully and
feelingly done.
Tie exercises, which we're without notes were
marked, throughout by striking evidences of
simplicity and cultivation. The audience more
than once applauded but were promptly asked
by the President to omit all demonstration, eth
or of approval or disapproval.
The class then assembled upon the stage, and
the president delivered to each one a diploma
OF graduation, after which Samuel Willstts, of
New YurK President OF the Board OF Managers,
addressed them as follows
,Stleiehts OF he Graduating Class 1t is with
great pleasure and satisfaction that meet you
the first graduating class of Swarthmore Col
lege. For years and years my eo-workers and
myself have striven to bring about what we now
see. class OF graduates at Swarthmore. l am
assured by the president Of the facalty OF your
good conduct during the years you have been
under his superinteuding care and my own OBJ
seryaton confirms me IN the belief that you have
endeayored conscientiously to discharge all your
duties
Tho knowledge of this coupled with the gener-
al good conduct Of your fellow students who are
emulOus to excel, has inspired my co-trustees
and myself with lively feeling Of satisfaction
May God bless you all and us.
The vast assembly was then invited to proceed
to the dining hall, where substantial dinner
was provided for all who desired to partake.