Wilmington daily commercial., 1875-07-02
FIRST EDITION.
The Boys High School.


OF earnest interest in the cause of popular edu-
cation. The hall was, If possible, more densely
packed than ON the previous evening, at the ex-
hbtion of the girls department. 1t indeed ap-
peared that all present on that evening came
again last evening and brought friend with
them
The exercises we're OF an interesting clarac
ter and every young man who took part acquit-
ted himself we'll. Instead of class and vocal
singing, which was one of the pleasant attrac-
tions OF the night before, this gave place last
evening to some iiue orchestral music by Pro-
feapor Ritchies band.
The platform was occupied on one Hlde by the
eleven boys who were to graduate, and the Viz
iting committee of No. l, and on the other by
the permanent committee of that school, the
speakers of the ey9nug and several boys, who
acted as pages, and carried bouquets and Hover
baskets and presented them to those for whom
they were intended,
= Professor s. ]. Wiley, principal of tho boys
high school, occupied the centre while upon tina
right sat DIR. Shortidge. President of the Board
OF Education, the first named presiding and in
Producing the speakers Rev Lafayette MARKS
opened the exercises by an appropriate prayer
The " "Salutatory was very line compost
tion, and delivered in chaste oratorical manner
by John Robinson Moore
He reviewed the scenes through which they
had passed during their three years study until
only eleven out of a class of twenty eight re-
manned but through the goodness Of Providence
none were removed by death. Some had gone
OIL into the busy marte of trade, and now the
rest Of us leave school forever, and enter the
great school Of life.
"The Power of Association was the subject
of an able address by John Daniel kurtz. He
drew vivid picture of two men, one OF whom
chooses bad associations and the other good, aud
traced them on through life until one WAS ruined
and the other prosperous and happy.
Harry Hagany Billany selected the subject of
" The Present Age for q graphic and truthful
recital of the triumphs OF genius, and the march
of improvements, contrasted with the past
Joseph Haines Marshall under the plea OF
A Necessity" argued in an earnest man.
ner in behalf of compulsory education, and
spoke in favor of Delaware taking more deci-
ded stand for the diffusion or knowledge.
James Harmer Rile chose progress as the
theme OF his remarks, and in an eloquent and
pleasant manner showed the progress of educa-
tion and all that made nation prosperous and
happy.
"Pluck" was explained in pucky manner by
Clarence Cartwright Jackson. True pluck WAS
daring to do right under all circumstances. he
showed the difference between the prize fight
ers pluck and that which animated our fathers
of the Revolution. 49,. ,.s5s
At this stage OF the proceedings, Professor
Wiley, while introducing the next speaker, John
N. Carswel, was interrupted by James II. Rile
stepping up in front, while couple OF pages
pushed forward table covered with white
cloth. Master Bile then addressed the aston
iehed Principal, telling him how they all appre-
ciated his interest in them and his kindness,
which should never be forgotten, and removing
the cloth he disclosed beautiful silver pitcher,
two silver goblets, and salver, which he begged
him to accept small token OF the esteem IN
which he is held by the graduating class OF 1915.
Professor Wiley, by an effort composing HIM
self thanked the class for this token of their
regard and confidence and although not given to
boasting he would say he meyer met more gem
tlemanly class of young men in his life, and TO
be gentemanr1s r1s high honor. lie had Taught
the class two Year,, and been engaged in educa-
tional work for many years and this is the first
testimonial he had ever yet received and although
he thought before he was now certain that his
laborH were appreciated. He admonished the
boys never to forget their Alma Mater and that
they were gentleman.
"English Literature" was discussed in an able
manner by John Newberry Carswell. He re-
newed the different stages OF the literature OF
England, its various declines and adyancements,
and tho causes which led thereto.
.'The CtIivalric Age" WAS the subject of a we'll
matured address by William Levi Scott. He re-
newed the time when Chivalry hourished and the
process by which higher civilization replaced
1t, 49,. - o,,..,o.
Adams Hckman's essay, in which he was very
severe on what is known rs sneb aristocracy,
while true arstocracy, whether it means worth
or wealth, or both, is to DO commended and imi-
tated.
q Eloauence" was ably defined, and the differ
ence from Oratory fully set forth by LilburD
Chandler. He thought that it is not strange
that there were snoring congregations where
minister's read sermons in which there was no
eemblance Of eloquence.
Presdenr Shortlidge, at this stage, stepped
forward and while Professor Wiley called the
names, presented each OF the eleven graduates
with very handsome diploma The names OF
the under graduates are as follows: John II.
Moore, John D. Kurtz, Harry IL. Biilany, Joseph
| H. Marshall James II. Rile, Clarence @. jackson,
| John N. Carswell, William L. Scott, Charles A
| Hickman, lI4ilburn Chandler, and Richard II
| Keenan,.
Benjamin Nields, Esq appropriately addressed
| the graduating class, and congratulated them
upon tho victory they had so fairly and honora-
| bly, won. You have received these diplomas be-
| cause you havo earned them, but they only mari
| the first milestone in the road to knowledge
but start in life. The difference between the
high school and college is that the diplomas
| from the first is the beginning, and that from
| the last the ending. Look around you, even III
| our own city, and you will see that the most sue
| cessful merchants, manufacturers. and business
men come from the ranks of the public schools
| Whatever you do, boys, do we'll, and in whatev-
or occupation you engage strive to be tho best IL
that occupation, and make the world better by
your having lived in it.
Rev Lafayette Marks then stepped forward
and appropriately presented the Adams golt
most proficient in English Grammar. The men
ton Of Master Robinson's name was the first in
tmaton any of the class had had as to the win
ner of the prize.
The audience and class by their loud demon
strations of applause showed that the honor
were well earned.
Mr.. Marks said all had done WE'LL but Master
Robinson led his next highest competitors
marks.
Professor Wiley compIimented Messrs. Ad
ans, Seidel and Heisler for their contribution
which had 30 stimulated the pupils in thei
studies and hoped that many other citizen
would be induced to follow their example.
The valedictory, the equal of any addres
made during the evening, was made by Richar
Henry keenan,. He first addressed the audience
then Professor Wiley, then the teachers of tn
primary schools who were seated near the stage
and lastly the graduating class. His languag
was well chosen, chaste, and eloquent, an
adopted to each of the cases.
Professor Wiley then thanked the audlenc
for tho deep interest manifested, and compl
, mented all concerned, while the graduates rt
ceived the congratulations of their friends, an
, were overwhelmed with bouquets and baskets
|