Weekly Trinity journal., 1874-04-04
LETTER FROM SAN JOSE.
SAN JOSE, March 80, 1874,

DAN OOoGB NteANN ~ A~ffs
DEAR JOURNAL u have, for some
time past, contemplated sending you
few lines, but on account of pressing du-
ties have not been able to do So ere this.
While writing, it might be interesting to
say word or two of the State Normal
School. / have been connected with this
institution for the past year and a half
and the time has been pleasantly and
proftably spent. have now severed my
connection Herewith, and sad thoughts
fill my heart as bid fare we'll to our be-
loved Alma Mater. Three days of the
past week were devoted to the examina-
nation of the school, Said examination
passed off very satisfactorily to all con-
cerned. Many visitors were present and
seemed much interested in the exercises.
The commencement exercises of the
graduating class took place on the eve
ming of the 26th inst. The class consisted
of thirty-three embers-about twice as
many as last year. Owing to the large
class, but few could take part in the clos
ing exercises. That the addresses and
essays were appreciated, was made man
ifest by the showers of boquets that fell
upon the stage, and all would have passed
off pleasantly had it been less crowded.
The hall in which the exercises took place
will seat about thousand persons, but on
that evening there were about fifteen hund-
red crowded in. Many came and had to
go away again, for they could not find
standing room. During the exercises,
quite an excitement was occasioned by
the cry of "Fire % from without. In
an instant the house was in an uproar,
every one trying to get to the door. Many
ladies tainted and one tried to jump from
window twenty or thirty feet from the
ground. 1t was found to be false alarm,
however, probably originated by some
evil disposed persons who could not OBJ
tain place within. After the excite
ment had somewhat abated, the exercises
were continued, and when concluded the
Principal presented to the graduates the
precious "documcnts which, for the
past year, they have so earnestly strived
to obtain. They thus start forth to per-
form the duties Of teachers life, having
| for the motto Of the class OF I'd" Labor
and wait" l see that Trinity county
has no representative in the school. and
would say TO those who desire to prepare
themselves for the arduous profession of
pedagoguing, come to the Normal
and you will be rewarded. The next
term begins on the 10th of June. On the
9th inst. we dedicated our clsss tree. 1t
was, as many observed, very insignifi-
cant-looking tree, but we hope, like our
class, it has taken firm root and in time
may flourish. The addresses and essays
were interspersed with music by the
band. The tree was made an emblem of
the class in many respects, but in one
point we could not see that the resem-
bance was pertinent-that was, in re-
gard to greenness-for the tree was not
Uery green.
Occasionally meet the faces Of old
Trinitarians on the street, and am de-
lighted to sec them, for they are always
tho same-cordial and friendly. John
Cochell has returned to San Jose and is
working in the Granger printing office.
Heard from Miss Katie r. Little, former
ly of Wcaverville, but now resident of
Osceoa, Iowa. Mr.. VIM. Little talks
some of returning to California.
The renowned Josh Billings is now in
this place and is, of course, the man of
the day. Rev A. L. Stone, of San Fran
cisco, lectured in this city on the oath
inst.-subject, " Homo and Home Life"
Before closing, must for one moment
glance at that oft-recurring though never
threadbare subject-the weather. One
moment feel certain it is going to be
pleasant ; the next, am certain we are
going to have rain and, finally, am GER
tain that it is very uncertain weather.
suppose that in Trinity the first flowers
of Spring are just beginning to raise their
dainty heads. How should like to be
there once again and ramble DER the hill
sides, as in days gone by; for, though long
severed therefrom, my childhood's home
still lives in memory.
Though far away from that dear spot,
Midst other friends / roam,
still preserve loving thought
For my dear old mountain home"
A. G. X.