National Republican., 1875-06-23
WASHINGTON BUSINESS COLLEGE.
Graduating Exsrcises-class Of Us.

Lincoln hall was packed last night by the
friends OF the Washington Business College to
witness the graduating exercises Of the class Of
rs. The Washington Business College, under
the efficient supervision Of Prof Henry e. Spen-
Ger, has won an envisble name, and stands en-
rolled among the henefcent institutions Of the
city, and is among the first Of the schools Of prae
tical learning in the country. The stage last
evening was Overhung with American flags. Over
the front was loOped large flag, and at the rear
three Others-Old army colors-wtth their golden
fripges, were symmetrcally drsped, and on either
side the walls were de- cked with the Stars and
Stripes. From the centre depended three iONer-
baskets. Along the iootlig hts was ereated q ram
part Of flowers, made up into bouquets and sls-
kets, and some rare plants in their native fresh
ness.reared their heads from urns Of earth. On
the stage sat PrJf. and Mrs Spencer and their in
vited guests, including many gentlemen P-omi-
nently connected with the educational interests
Of the city.
Amer an overture by Schroeder's orchestra
"The Business College March," dedicated by
Professor A. Schroeder to the class OF '75-the
class marched over the stage, and descending
took the seats reserved for them, directly in front
OF the stage. The exercises were fctingly opened
by Scriptural readings by Rev. Jabez Fox, who
then led the large gathering in reciting the Lords
Prayer. "Sveet spirit, hear my prayer" was
played by the orchestra.
Professor Spencer then introduced Mr.. Charles
L. Reynolds, the salutatorian, who welcomed the
friends Of the institution in brief and eloquent
address, full not only OF grand sentiments, but
freiRhted with earnest, practical thought.
After the orchestra had rendered the ''Sludsn-
ten Ball. Professor Spencer introduced Mr.
Charles W. LaFetra, who delivered the valedic-
tory for the gentlemen Of the c ass Mr.. LaFe-
tra's address showed that the cultivation of the
finer Accomplishments Of grace and OratOry in
composition were not at allneglected by the prac.
tical teachers OF this most practical institution,
and drew upon him many round Of applause.
Miss Jean O'Connor, the lady valedictorian,
was then introduced. Miss O'COnnor won the
admiration of her hearers. not only on account Of
the sentiments so beautifully clothed in her ad-
dress but also by her clear and distinct enuncla-
tion, which rendered 1t pleasure to listen to
her.
Miss Ida Browne then sang the "Gypsy's
Home" with fine, sweet accent, that sWelled
and died with the music, and held in silence her
hearers. Miss Browne was twice eHc0Ted, anc re-
tired from the stage overloaded with floral
tributes.
Prof. Spencer then arose and explained the OBJ
iect in offering medals, and, afler few iutroduc-
tory remarks, invited Mr.. Charles W. La Zebra
ship.
Mrs. Spencer then advanced to the front and
said:
"'what shall do?' is the ever recurring ques-
tion Of the great, surging throng of destitute
women, coming and going like waves Of the sea,
seeking work and finding none, the ruias Of q
home lying behind them, children clinRtng to
their skirts, and hunger staring them In the
face.
"tWhat can you dor you may ask Of women like
these. oh, little OF everything, and nothing
Well,' Is the summed-up answer Of them all.
They can sew for you a little-if you will show
them hoW-and cook for you q ittie-if you have
the digestion of an ostrich, and don't care what
you eat-and somebody in the family was killed
to SE and
them an easy place somewhere, where there Is
nothing to do that will call for any sort Of execu
but the school girl of to-day who is wise enough
to secure thorough, practical training will never
be one of this sad procession with skillfql hand,
trained perceptions and resolute will, what can
Ihe do? Why anything, and do It well"
Mrs. Spencer then presented medal to Miss
Es she placed the ri6bSn over her neck. %" And
thus We decorate the young woman Of Americas
centennial, the young woman OF 'To," and Prot.
Spencer interrupted to say that she did not look
to be seventy-six, and Mrs. Spencer accepted his
mendment.
The following young ladies and gentlemen
presenting to the young ladies, and Prot. Spen-
Ger to the young gentlemen, each presentation
being accompanied by appropriate remarks;
ment in English composition among the young
gentlemen, and Miss Sarah Peck, for the same
s%oDg am tns young LADIES' mr. y, Jay b; Smn, @ IUr
the young gentlemen, and Miss Frankie A. Cow
ling, for the same among the young ladies. Mr,
Corey and S Miss lids Ida Browne with medals, for eH
cellenee In bookkeeping. The last medal was
presented to Mr.. Charles l. Reynolds, and was
Tor 'clear grit" as the professor termed IL.
Before the diplomas were awarded the orchestra
played "Clear the Road" President Spencer
then, after brief Introductory address, awarded
nineteen, In the following order: Ida E. Browne,
Emma E. Fowler, Jean 0'Connor, Sarah F. Peck,
Mary R: WssthSrps' Kate Z: Wes&ShOrps; tho e. GhSs. has
Orlando A. Jones, Charles W. LsFreta. Hugh
McCaffrey, John B. Maher. Edward T. Petten-
sansuei sam n1s RSsepbaq@s b Daniel g. Smith jay B,
Smith.
The programme was concluded by the rendition
of the "Tyroler'' march by the orchestra, and
Prof. Spencer bsde his friends goodnight in be-
half of the college.