The Morning herald., 1876-06-30
WILMINGTON. DEL. FRIDAY JUNE 80 1876
" QUE BOYS"

"OUR BOYS"
Annual Commencement of the High
School No. 1, Boys' Department., at the
! Opera House. Essays and Mwstc-The
y TaledictOry Addsess.
Despite the threatning and very warm
weather last evening, the Grand Opera
House presented sight we'll worthy of our
town. The auditorium was decorated very
gorgeously with flags and flowers, ,and music
from the best of Milmington's orchestras
made glad the hearts that were interested
in this fete of the year. It made them glad
iudeed to see the elite of the city congregat-
ed to witness the power ofour public schools.
On the stage were many eminent men,
among them members Of the Board of
Education.
Tim entertain ment was opened with prayer
by Rev. Lafayette Marks Of this city, after
which the salutatory was delivered with not
the vim or voice which characterized some
of the others, but the composition of 1t was
such that reflects very much credit on our
common school education. ECONOMY"
by John Palmer, was very able
discussion of that subject. He said
that strict economy was necessary to the
times, and also spoke of the extravagances
of the day, which could be corrected. Mr..
Palmer deserves praise.
"The Constitution" by James Perry
Holmes, was fine production of Centen-
NAL "reminiscences. 1t was quite interes-
ting.
''Life's Battle Fields" by Frank Slo-
comb It was about all the great men who
had gained name by fighting the battles
of life.
"Failings," by Charles Reynolds, was
tainIy the orator as well as the hero OF the
perfect. He brought to light the failings'
our drunken and gambling statesmen; also
giving credit where it is due.
"Work,,' by VIM. Elwood Hawkins, was
well composed, and very we'll deserves no.
tice. He said that work was mans proper
sphere.
"Ciuil Service Reform" by Alfred
Scott Robinson, was a speech
against our civil service. He compared this
country to England, and spoke with very
good common sense, which was well deliv-
ered
"Ambition, by A. D. Baker, followed.
He eulogized true ambition, but spurned the
bow treacherous ambition so prevalent
among great statesmen.
Selections from Eranai followed this well
delivered discourse. Frank Merrehew then
entertained the audience few minutes with
an admirably written essay upon "News-
paper Literature"
Christopher Murgatroyd followed with
very five production upon "Courage."
Poetry by William Stewart Almond, was
the next essay, and like the others, was
quite worthy production.
Walter Bacon, on "Self Government" did
himself justice, and called forth deserved
applause. More music was then in order,
when James Hill Semple came forward and
descanted quite crediiably upon "Things
that have Passed"
Upon John G. Patterson, Esq, devolved
the duty of presenting the Adams
prize awarded for the highest
proficiency in English grammer. Mr.. Patter-
son made q lengthy, but quite fitting
speech, at the conclusion of which he said
that it grve him much pleasure to present
the prize, and he then awarded it to the sue
cessful competitor, Master Frank Merriheu,
who out of &c was the successful one.
The prize was handsome gold medal,
upon one side of which was engraved min
ature representation of Minerva. and the
quotation, "Scisstia est Potential"
The presentation Of prizes for the highest
standing in the three years. course, then
took place.
Hon. Joshua Maris officiated, and after
neat little speech, presented the prize, five
volumes of Bancroft's History Of the United
States, to James Hill Semple.
Charles B, Lore, Esq, delivered the ad-
dress to the Graduating Glass, after which
DR.. E. G.. Shortledge, President of the
School Board, awarded the diplomas, as
follows:
HIP. Scott, John Palmer, J. P. Holmes,
F. F. Slocomb, Chas. Reynolds, VIM. E.
Hawkins, A. Scott Robinson, A. D. Baker,
r. Merrihew, W. T. Almond, w. Bacon, j.
H Semple, P. H. Rigney. The last named
gentleman came forward at the conclusion
Of Mr.. Lore's address and delivered
THE vALED1cToRY.
The time has at length arrived for US to
take lasting leave Of that institution in
which we have passed so many happy hours.
Unlike the last graduating class, we have
not, at least all Of us, have not been pupils
in the school since its erection. But, during
our last three years in it, as pupils of the
High-School, we have been constantly to-
gether. and have had ample time for observ-
ing each others characteristics, peculiarities
and eccentricities.
During those three years many Of our
former class mates have dropped off until
now at this Commencement Night, we alone
remain to reap the present honors. AS we
are here for the last time, we can hardly re-
frain from wishing that the time had not
passed 30 rapidly, and that we had yet to
part. We are now about to take
leave, for the last time, not
only of our companions, and of those
occupations which have engrossed our atten.
tion for years, but what is yet harder, OF
the smiling faces of our instructors who
have always treated US with the greatest
kindness, courtesy and civility.