National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1876-07-11
A PLEASING EPISODE.
Commencement Exercises ct wavsriey Semi


An evening or two since stole away from the
| piles Of heated bricks, dusty streets and the
| myriad din Of Babel and turned my steps to one
| of Natures choicest spots, Waverley Seminary,
| near College Station, on the Baltimore and Ohio
railroad, q place hallowed by memories long
| agone, though none the less sweet. The annual
commencement of the seminary was to take place,
and as drew near many happy faces greeted me.
An audience large and emnently distiague had
assembled, and vale rang out from old, familiar
bell, as it swung steadily from the creakng yoke,
calling the futtering hearts to stiffness while
they formed in double line and stepped silently to
Getze's Grand March from the school hall to the
main building, then through the auditorium to
the music room and ranged themselves on the
rOstrum. musical feast by Misses Duvall
Danenhower and Gross was followed by poetical
recitation, exquisitely given by Miss Matte
Moore, these being but a prelude to a succession
OF rare selections appealing continuously TO heart,
ear and taste One should hesitate to mention
any one as excelling, since all pleased, but spe-
cial interest will often prompt us to this rather
than ability to judge of superiority.
Among the musical performances particularly
pleasing was q quartette, parting Whispers"
by four tie girls, Misses Larner, Barnard and
Murphy. The latter In her alto, gives great
promise as a vocalist. "Dlstant Chimes, :" one of
Glover's sweetest compositions, gave us infinite
pleasure as sung by Misses Walker ard keech.
Never sounded so divlnely welcome the time
honored air, ''Home, Sweet Home" as it was
softly and deity drawn from the keys by Misses
Cough and Wilcon. "Jephtha's Daughter" s'St.
SiIvans Bell, "Grandpa's New Home" end The
I'VE listened to New Years Eve, "by Miss Susie
Keecl, one could fancy that they saw the winter
chilled Christ child as she lit her last match,
while were opened the gates of eternity to admit
the "Jolly Old Pedagogue," by NILS Clara
Kamm, was concluded, many emile Of sympathy
for the old dancing the faces of a
pleased audience. The last recitation, THE Ma
mac" by Miss Agnes Walker, was perfectly
given; indeed, go entirely assumed was the role
that, as she left the stage, the wild tones of de-
spair, rs the manaclcd wrists were wildly raised,
made us sh1Sder The Rt Rev Bishop FBckney
also were Rev. Dir. Phillips, rector Of the parish
with his lay reader, MIR. Lowery. Miss Kent, of
HarriloI; third, Miss Danenhower: fourth, Miss
Walker, all of the Bay State. Each girl had an
evidence of appreciation.
Offering himself for the next commencement
medal 10 the best scholar. As the organ swelled
every voice Joined instfnctiyeIy. Far, lar in the
distGnce foated out the grand old air, and 1t
rolled on and on until lost in the hills and forests
which environ the dear old seminary. Before We
turn from this truly home school let us look at the
mPny things which these girls have to urge them
to excel in morrl worth and science. Here are
books, music, pictures and flowers, which laden
the pure, unsulied air with their fragrant breath.
Above all, they have kind gentle, firm and true
hearts for their guidance-hcartsa and hands which
will root out evil, nurture and strengthen the
GOOD leading them carefully upward TO the great
white throne and over the jasper The mot
toes, Tight onward and That our daughters
may be as the polished corners of the Temple"
glcam rom the walls, placed there by loving
hands row afar off. Let thee beautiful texts be
incentives to rise up and on. Scenes such asthese
enamel the great dream of life, fixing and bright
ening bygones in coming years. Should not life
be a success to tho who labor so earnestly to
polish the corners of tho temple and help these
untriCd b-.rks 0 ar Choir safely: Let us give our
hand in earnest to thee -rithIul ladies, who .Ol-
low Sc intentlY the divine CON uand for training
I'D the Young VIDE.