Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1878-06-16
GRAND JUNCTION.
commencement Exercises of the West
Tennessee Military Academy-Ad-
dresses by Generals Luke L.
Wright, j. j. Dupuy, Geo.
w. Armstead and
Others.
Occasional Correspondence of the Appeal.

Occasional Correspondence OF the Appeal.
GRAND JUNCTION, June 15 l878.-Yester
day the West Tennessee military academy,
in charge of that accomplished scholar and
gentleman, Colonel Edward Becton, closed
its seasonal exercises. Thursday was primer
pally occupied in the examination of classes,
and we must say that the scholarship of the
pupils, as exhibited, was very creditable TO
both teacher and pupils. This school had.
two years ago, only ten scholars, and now 1T
has one hundred. THIS success is owing
largely to the enterprise and tact of Colonel
Becton. He is an interchangeable worker, and
success he will have, if possible. The people
here are thoroughly In accord In sustaining
this academy. But they can do more. They
should have erected at once a suitable build
ing for the accommodation of the pupils and
the future growth of the school. 1t is COM
PEELED to grow under the present manage
ment. Colonel Becton is In demand as an
instructor, and we hope he may not
be induced to go elsewhere. Bolivar
and your city are each bidding for him.
1t was with regret that Colonel Casey
Young could not leave Washington and de-
liver the annual address yesterday, but his
duties required his constant presence IN con-
gress, and hence he was excusable for not
attending. General Luke E. Wright, of
your city, came on invitation, aud on very
short notice, and delivered the address. His
speech was very acceptable and opportune
He discussed the elements necessary to the
best success In life, and made fine impress
sion by his timely and eloquent speech. He
is a cultivated gentleman, highly popular,
and has made host of friends among our
people. General J. J. Dupuy read an excel
lent essay In the afternoon, which was highly
appreciated by the audience. The young
gentlemen as speakers acquitted themselves
finely IN their dec.am atoms. The medal fer
oratory was won by ID. c Wells, jr., the tall
ented son OF Rev. ID. C. Wells, of this place.
joseph H. Prewitt, G. F. Stinson, Walter
Evans, NJ. II. Wells and others pushed close
after d. C.. Wells in winning this prize. The
young ladies last evening read essays and
dialogues. They were well written, and read
with ease and grace. The entertainment yes
terday in the shape of barbecue was royal.
The open hearted hospitality of those good
people was equal to the demand of the vast
crowd in attendance. IL was a splendid din
ner. The exercises closed last night with an
address on Life WORTH" by George w.
ArmIst=ad, senior editor OF the Bolivar Bul-
ietia His speech was one of the most ee-
CANT and instructive ever delivered at Grand
Junction. He lis one of the most popular
men in this section. Thus closed one of the
enjoyable days in the history of Grand juno
ton. This place is prospecting, and its pop
ularity is chiefly due to toe educational en-
tarprise represented by Colonel Becton This
school is the life of the section. Success to
the principal, aud may his future be full of
the highest and best usefulness. VISITOR.