The St. Cloud journal. [volume] (St. Cloud, Minn.) 1866-1876, 1875-06-10
UNION SCHOOL.

use of their time. General satisfaction was
expressed with the teachers, especially with
Prot. Haines, who is the right man in the
right place.
Inc examination was followed by sing
ing, Rotations, readings, etc., in accord
ance with the following programme:
Duet, with Chorus-"The Poor Little Or
phan."
! May Powell and May Alden.
Reading-"Rock me to Sleep, Mother"
! George McCrea.
Reoitation-"Early Rising"
| "c., Parker Mcclure.
Trio, with chorus-"Cruel Birdie"
Nellie Jones, Nellie Hunter and May
Recit.tion-"The Ladder of Fame"
Lottie Clark.
Duet, with chorus-'The Beautiful Hills"
Anna Cross and Mary Nixon.
Recitation" Barbara Frietchie."
Mollie Wright.
Reading-"The Beautiful Snow"
Nellie Gilman.
Duet-"The Dead and the Beautiful Rest"
Tracie and Rosa Beaupro.
Recitation-"Poor Little JIM"
Jennie Wright.
Duet, with Chorus-"Siver Threads among
the Gold"
Molie Mcintyre and Aggie Nixon.
1t may truly be said that the readings,
Rotations and singing were all good
while the reading by Nellie Gilman, the
recitation by Jennie Wright and the duet
by the little Beaupre sisters deserve special
| mention.
Following these exercises were the essays
by the three graduates of the High
School, James Bennett Will Hayward and
Frank Tolman.
The first took for his subject "American
Independence" and traced the early strug-
giles Of the pioneers, the war for indepen-
dence and the rebellion. He paid tribute
to the independence of the press in this
country, which is an educator of the peo-
pie. In our legislative halls are to be
found the noblest statesmen of the world.
He urged that the memories of those who
engaged in the rebellion be covered with
charity, and that all unite in cementing
and strengthening the bonds of union that
they may never rent assunder.
"1nfuence' was taken by w. Hayward,
who argued that the mothers influence
lays the foundation upon which the whole
after life is built and that the responsible
ties of mothers in this respect are very great.
The evil influences encountered in the
world were strikiugly portrayed-bad as
sociates, love Of money, corruption in socie-
ty and politics, etc. The question of wo-
man suffrage was discussed, with the con-
clusion that it would not produce any i'm
portant benefit, and that existing evils
must be remedied by man through legisla-
ton.
"The American Example" was Frank
Tolman's theme. He maintained that for
a century this country has furnished an
example which has been looked up to more
than any other. The power of popular
government has been shown in the winning
Of national freedom, the crushing of gi-
gantic rebellion and the emancipation OF
one-eighth of the population, so that there
lives under the American sky not one mas
ter or slave. Every citizen is protected.
The influence of the American example is
felt, to greater or less degree, by every
nation of the old world.
The essays were well written and well
delivered, and were very creditable to the
lyoung men who prepared them.
| Prof Haines then conferred upon them
their diplomas, with few appropriate
words Of advice. These graduates were the
first to receive this honor, and he urged
them to so conduct themselves as to reflect
credit upon the institution. Prosperity and
renown, he sale, are within your reach,
and whether you will secure either will
depend upon your perseverance. Now is
| the time for study and culture, to store the
mind with useful knowledge. Do not rest
with this course, which is but the founda-
ton. Like the earth, the mind yields the
richest fruit with cultivation. You live
in progressive age, and every day brings
something new. Your success will depend
largely on the use you make of the next FIVE
years. They are golden years to you. He
closed with the expression of warm wishes
for the future of the graduates.
The Rev. Mr.. Stanley and the Rev.
Mr.. Milton, being called upon, made brief
remarks appropriate to the occasion, after
which the audience dispersed.