The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1877-12-22
A PLEAsaNT OccAsIor.-Thanks TO an in

A PLEASANT OCcAsIos. Thanks to an in
yitation from Dir. Julian P. Thomas. the
efficient principal OF the Bethel group Of
public schools, we had the pleasure OF
being present yesterday afternoon at the
achool-building on Twentieth street, and
enjoying most agreeable entertainment by
the pupils. It Ia customary at this school
every Friday afternoon to have these enter
tainments, but that of yesterday was in
vested with special interest, rs it was the
last before the closing OF the schools for the
Christmas holidays. The exercises en-
braccd singing. readings, recitations, &C.,
and the chiIdrea taking part therein deserve
mitch praise for the very effective man.
ncr in which they acquitted themselves.
The pupils OF Bethel have always
been noted for the successful rem
ditfon OF their fine programmes at
their annual closing exercises, and right
we'll did the little ones sustain their reputa-
tion on this OCCASION. Their teachers are
specially entitled to commendation for de-
veloping and improving the varied talents
OF the children under their care, in addl-
tion to instilling into them the rudiments Of
sound, practical education. The discipline
OF Bethel school, without intending dis
paragement to others, is Of the best, and
speaks we'll for its principal, to whose man.
agement this very desirable feature is mainly
due. Mr.. Thomas, besides being good
scholar, is an excellent disciplinarian. The
following is the programme rendered:
Song by the school, .'The Sleigh-Ride -;
song 1rlsh( "The Hat Ne Father Wore,"
Ralph Bingham; reading, ''ATiss Polly
Wog," Charlie Anderson; song, "Touch
Me Gently, Father Time," Miss Browns
ol,o1, nrn
Mary Wacher; reading, 'eThe Night Be-
fore Christmas,n Rachel Brill; song, "si-
mon the Ccllarer," Henry Cohn; speech,
"McLanc's Child" Ralph Bingham; song,
'sThere's Nothing Like a Freshening
Breeze" several scholars; song by the
whole school, "The Watch on the Rhine
CThis was splendidy sung.)
The name OF Miss Ida Granger was in
the programme for the song Goodnight,
Farewell" but severe cold and hoarse-
ness forced her to give itup. She attempted
to sing, but her voice completely failed her.
Every one did well. But the most pleas
ing features Of the programme were the
two pieces by Master Ralph Bingham, the
boy orator OF Bethel, OF whose performances
we have had occasion to speak several times
before. He is genils-a prodigy, in fact
and he is born to make his mark in the
world. We learn that his father proposes
to give an exhibition of little Ralph's quail
ties at matinee entertainment at the Thea
tire next week for the benefit Of the Lee
Monument fund, when our readers will
have all opportunity OF seeing and hearing
the little wonder.
At the conclusion of the exercises Mr..
Charles p. Rady, Superintendent Peay, and
Mr.. Albert L. West made short addresses
to the children, expressing qualification at
everything connected with the school, and
cougratulating the young ones on the visl-
bic benefits they were enjoying, and upon
their admirable decorum and good behavior,
which, as one OF the gentlemen said, was
equal to any and surpassed others Of the
schools Of the city.