The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1876-06-30
The Convention then adjourned.
CLASS OF 1866, p. e.. s
Graduating Exercises of the Centennial
Glass

School Of our city has graduated its yearly
quota of young hopes and great expectations,
and the world at large is increased to the num-
Der OF seyenty-three gentlemen and ladies, who
but yesterday called themselves scholars
City Hall was magnifcently, periodically and
appropriately decorated with flags, bunting,
evergreen and flowers in profusion. Over the
stage were the notices o. N. N, ard N. G, NJ,
being the mystic symbols Of the girls and boys
respectively, while in the rear of the hail, in
large letters, was emblazoned the class motto
V. @. S. V. AS the hour approached the hall
was filled with the friends of the graduating
class and at 230, the time announced for COM
mnecing exercises there was scarcely standing
room. The usual delay, of course, ensued,
which enabled the curious to discuss the mot
toes, old alumni to exchange greetings, and
under graduates to yearn for their exit. The
exercises opened with the class song, followed
by the inevitable salutatory in Latin, which
was finely written 1--WE suppose) and well deliv-
cred by Fred W. Hamilton. Then came the
Legend of Bregenz, a selected piece, delivered
in graceful style by Mary E. Looney. "What
Shall She Be?" was we'll written appeal for
the elevation of woman to her proper sphere.
Charles M. Hays "True Greatness the De-
mand of the Present. was wall on the cor
ruption of the times and hopeful expression
for the future.
OF Emma Gould's essay "rhe Last Man,
we have nothing but praise. 1t was Astounding
in wit and originality and was cordially ac-
knowledged by the audience.
discussion of the morals of the 'Past ar
Present. was remarkably well written COM
position and moreover was finely delivered.
Mary Mapes Dodge's admirable buIlesque
argument on the "Insanity of Cain"-a cut
ting satire on the dodge which has saved 50
many murderer from the gallows-was deliv-
cred with much dramatic force by Miss Jessie
E. Adams, and received a generous APP
plause-from the front seats. Why wont
those ladies speak louder.
''The Traitors Death" was presented in a
life-like manner by E. G. Spring. who has ora
torical abilities of high order.
Cora Ready delivered Beranger's "Lafayette
en- Anaeriqote," with careful attention to accent
and style.
sWritten and Unwritten History" was Mar
cha j. Lords essay. and she showed much
thought aud study.
Charles II. Gilman grappled with knotty
subject, 'cLabor and Capital" He showed
some very practical ideas on the subject
Harry B. Wilson tickled the audience i'm
mensely by an exceedingly comic recitation
'There She Goes, and There She Goes
Mary O'Brion closed the literary exercises
by an essay on Spheres with the valedictory.
Nl,a til
are many voices in the class Which we hope to
hear in public hereafter. Willie H. Hollands
piano solo is to be especially commended
A parting address to the class was made by
Rev. DIR. Thomas Hill of the school committee,
followed by the singing Of the Latin ode
Mayor Fesseuden then awarded the Brown
medals to Masters Fred w. Hamilton, William
Call, Charles FL. Gilman, Charles M. Hay, and
to Misses Mary L. O'Brion, Marcia j. Lord,
year the medals have been increased to eight
and will keep increasing yearly hereafter. The
comforting of diplomas aud "Auld Lang Syne"
closed the exercises.
AS whole the exercises were very interesting
although there was notable lack of original
pieces, there being but nine out of the eighteen
numbers that were productions of the speakers.
What is the reason? There is certainly talent
enough. Where was it?
We suppose that a Latin salutatory and a
French recitation are indispensable. but it
seems waste of energy and time to repeat a
foreign language to an American audience
We missed valedctorv-such an one as we
were accustomed to have impressed on US in
years past by the oratorical power of young
gentlemen, and we think it belongs to them.
Last evening the class party was held 10 Re-
ception Hall.
The girls of '76 showed their good taste in
graduating in cambria dresses. No dressmak-
ers bills for them. Vale rs.
The following are the names of the gradual
ing class: