The Cairo bulletin. [volume] (Cairo, Ill.) 1872-1878, 1876-06-21

tie "lapsus memorial" made it all the
more funny. The string band added
much To the interest of the evening.
a few remarks from the president OF
the society. Mr.. Hanna, closed the cxer-
ciscs of the cvching. All went away
feeling they had enjoyed a rich intellec-
tual treat. Long live the /rtetics May
success ever attend them. VISITOR.
We hope the third annual entertain
ment of the Zetetics will he such as we
know they can give. Bring out the best,
friends. and then rehearse every day or
night for six weeks. Nothing less
will DO
COMMENCEMENT PROPER.
Thursday morning dawned unpropi-
tiously. A heavy rain storm lasting over
an hour threatened to defeat the closing
exercises. At ten o'clock, however. the
rain ceased and the Normal hall was
well filled The music during the whole
exercise was vocal and exceptionally
good. Prof. Browtlee was the leading
singer, and Mrs. Jerome presided at the
piano. Did space permit we should give
more extended notice of this part of
the programme for it was really excel
lent. Among The lady singers we take
the liberty to mention Misses Lanterman.
The whole class. young men and ladies.
did well. Part of the music we did not
hear. We are informed that credit should
be given Mrs. jerome for the manner in
which the vocal music was rendered.
Mr.. Beverly Caldwell delivered the sa-
lutatory, which was characterized by his
usual well cb Jsen phraseology and at
tractive sty)1. 1t would have met our idea
of strictest cxcellence.i if delivered with
more warmth. 1t was really very fine.
We are unable TO give any notice of
the next exercise, an Grafton by Mr..
Hawthorne. as it was delivered in a tone
inaudible where we were seated. just
here we will say that a thorough drilling
in defamation would have rcmedicd this
fault. His subject was History of Edu-
cation.
Mr.. j. n. Brown followed in an ora
ton on Moral Education that indicated
thought and careful preparation. fis
delivery was very good. AT the close ne
was roundly applauded.
Mr.. George &. Ross delighted the au-
dience by an Grafton on Political lntelli.
gence. 1t is but giving well earned
praise to say of this effort it was first
class. II glistened with pungent truths
and had a directness that was refreshing.
1t manifested wide range of vision
and power 10 draw correct inierences.
Mr.. Ross is undoubtedly a forcible
speaker.
field. for one and a half hours engaged
the attention of the audience while dis
cussing "Thc Education Problem" This
gentleman read from printed slips. His
essay pointed out the many and almost
insurInounIable obstacles connected with
the question Of the correct and rapid edu-
cation of children in our schools. He
confined his remarks principally to I'M
graded or country schools. Many posi-
tons he assumed are untenable and
much he said was merest sophism or at
least bold assertion without proof.
We accord high praise to the effort
from literary point of view but must
dissent from its assumptions. The gen
tlemen said If a man entered the Normal
a fool he would 60 away fool despite
his training. and yet strenuously argued
that the right kind OF teachers in our
public schools would make ACCOMPLISH
ed men and women OF our children. 1t
Is human nature to strike. and hence
what was deemed sound doctrine, was
only hit at some supposed error. The
fact is the honorable gentleman stated
the problem tersely and correctly but
that is all he did not solve it, nor make
any approach thereto.
He assumed that grammar as a text
book is useless and that its rules should
be taught orally, and its laws enforced
by example. The same argument would
destroy all text books, or guides. or
standards, and close our school houses.
Miss Mary Wright read an essay on
The Beautiful In Education" 1t cam
not be praised too highly for its concep-
tons and taultless delivery. Without
stopping TO point out particularly excel
lencies we must say it was decided sue
cess
This young lady, Immediately upon
the conclusion of her essay. read the val
edictory, which was beautiful and pa
thcuc, and drew tears from the eyes OF
many listeners. AT the conclusion of
her address perfect:shower of bouquets
fell upon the rOstrum. Miss Wright
goes to California to teach, and leaves
behind her host of warm friends.
The principal then delivered an inter-
esting and earnest address to the gradu-
ating class, and handed to each the d.
ploma granted by the university. After
The doxology, sung by the audience, and
the benedictiOn, pronounced by the prin-
,ipal, the assembly dispersed. rejoicing
In the privilege they had enjoyed of at
tending these exercises.