The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1878-06-22


versary Grafton by Mr. J. w. Miles, one Of
the graduating. class, was, to express our
oninion in a few words, mastery effort.
His theme, sPatrick Henry" was well cal
culated to inspire, and the orator gave elo-
ouent evidence of his ability to handle 1t
successfully. The entire entertainment was
n success, and reflected credit upon the soci-
ety. We must not forget, however, to note
the placing of wreath of flowers on the bust
of Irving, by Miss Mary Shellman. AdVan-
cling to the stage. Miss Mary encircled the
neck of the bust with beautiful wreath amid
a storm of applause, making a pleasant little
episode which will long be remembered by
the society.
Thursday, the closing day of Commence
ment, and the day upon which the Graduating
Glass steps into the new life for which the
course prepares them, was mild and delight
fully pleasant. By nine o'clock the large pa
yilion was almost filled. The procession,
composed of the Board of Trustees, Faculty,
and students, entered, the Board of Trustees,
Faculty, and Graduating Glass occupying the
rostrum. The exercises were opened with
PRAYER by Rev. d. w. Bates, President OF
the Maryland Annual Conference, followed
by Mr.. Frank H. Peterson, the salutatorlan,
in an Grafton entitled 'Genius and Industry
The subject is one necessarily demanding care
deem it not too complimentary to say that
Mr.. Peterson fully and proudly sustained his
established reputation as close, systematic
thinker and concise writer. The Salutatory
Essay, by Miss Lulu Fleming, and the First
Essay, by Miss Alice Wilson, were both well
written, showing careful preparation and
knowledge of rhetorical beauty. Mr.. j. W..
Miles, in the First Grafton, took for his theme
William Writ, and from the opening to the
closing sentence held his audience in eager
attention. A deep strong voice, added TO an
earnestness and impressiveness OF uttterance,
render Mr.. Miles a powerful speaker, ana
we predict for him a brilliant future in his
chosen profession-the Law. The Valedlc-
tory Essay, by Miss Mamie Swormstedt, was
pleasing and nicely written composition.
The subject, "Woman's Destiny" is fruit
full theme, and the essayist did not fail to ex-
press distinctly her views for woman mis-
sion and influence, as compared with man S.
The Valedictory Grafton, by Mr.. ID. w. y.
Ingle, displayed mature Judgment and the
earnest practical truths with which 1t aboun-
ded present themselves to us all with force
that must be acknowledged. Although lack
ing the power of voice possessed by many
speakers, Mr.. Ingle's compositions speak for
themselves. Besides the degrees conferred
upon the Graduating Glass the degree OF Doc
| tor or fnilOSOpny WAS cOHlcIIcu upon i0S''
G. B. McEIroy, d. D., President of Adrian
College, Michigan; the degree of A. NJ, was
conferred incourse upon Rev. Thomas o.
Grouse, Rev. Thomas H. Lewis, and Prof.
George w. Devilbiss; and the honorary degree
of A. NJ, upon Rev. H. c. Cushing, Vice
| President of the College.
The occasion was most delightful and MARI
ed, perhaps, only by the realization that soor
the parting hand must be given, and man!
separate, purchase, never to meet again. Al
exceedingly pleasant phase of the morning,
exercises was the presentation to DR.. Ward
by Miss Lulu Fleming, one of the graduates
a most exquisite glass-enclosed vase of wa;
flowers. The gift speaks strongly of the higt
esteem in which the DIR. is held by thos
under his kind parental charge.
Thus closes the scholastic year of 1877-7o
and we trust the lessons it has taught us a
may never be forgotten. The season of res
for professors and students is with us. Ma
we all, by enjoying it, gather strength 10
better and nobler efforts in the future:
c. I. w.