Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1875-06-12
THE HIGH SCHOOLS COMMENCEMENT.


THE HIGH SCHOOLS COMMENCEMENT.
An immense crowd gathered early last
evening at the Greenlaw Opera House
to witness the final exercises Of the City
high Schools. The building was
crowded beyond the possibility of com.
fort, and it is to be regretted that a num-
Der Of persons attended who were not
entitled to admission to any respectable
assemblage. The parents and friends of
the pupils, who went there to see and
hear all that was done, were continually
annoyed by the caterwauling, kissing
and shouting Of rude boys, and possibly
others, in the galleries. While this did
not interfere with the programme, it
seriously marred the harmony and in
terest of the occasion. There were
twenty.three young lady graduates, who
acquitted themselves well and evinced
careful training. The compositions were
doubtless ereditable, though not heard
far from the stage, owing TO the
immense extent Of the house and the
continuous murmur and babble that
came from the auditorium. There was
however, one notable exception. Miss
Bertha I. Schwsrzenberg's essay in de-
tense Of public schools was delivered in
such a clear and well ~modulated voice
as to be heard and to command strict
attention all over the house. It bore
evidence of originality, and was a vigor-
Gus but well tempered essay, and was
heartily %spplauded. The exercises were
prolonged until after midnight, when
his honor Mayor League presented
medals to pupils for proficiency in
scholarship and the diplomas were con-
ferred. During the evening a member
of the School Board took occasion to
ventilate his. views Of things in
general and his opinions in par.
ticular Of those who might differ from
him IA matters Of public policy. Just
such an address mas seldom been
inflicted on a graduating class and al
impatient audience. 1t was ill-timed,
ill-tempered and out Of place altogether,
Such a speech might do for a political
rostrum, and would doubtless be highly
edifying to q select meeting Of the Board
of School Visitors, but it made a very
%nnlavOrable impression upon the audi
encs: Even those who sympathized with
him in his almost personal reflections
thought the speech had better been left
unsaId ut that time and place. Aside
from this obtrusion Of partisan views
and the confusion alluded to, the oeea-
sion wa one Of much interest and plea
sure. There is every reason to believe
that the graduates have faithfully earned
their diplomas, and that the prizes
were deserved as a reward for merito-
rious conduct and proficiency in tie
studies pursued. The teachers, some of
them, have been in our public schools
many years. They are all devoted to
their noble profession, well qualified for
the positions they hold and faithful to
their trusts. We are not Of that small
but loud class who attribute all the excel
leneies Of the school system and the ad-
vaneement Of pupils in the public schools
to Mr.. Picket. Whatever has been &C.
oomplished toward attaining thorough
scholarship has been done through the
agency and the daily toll Of the teachers.
Their pay is small, their duties many
and great. All honor to the noble corr 8
of teachers for tie proficiency, the ease
and thorough training Of the pupils thus
far examined and brought to notice in
our public schools.