The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1878-07-03
commencement VVeek-MIs-i>siP.
nj College and Central Female
Institute, Clinton.
EDITORS CLARION :

EDITORS CLARION:
By special invitation. | ATTENDED the
closing exercises of these long-established
aud weil-conducted school. 1t was my
privilege to enjoy the refined osritality of
Dr. Hillman and his accom- plished lady.
NV wife and elder daughter were most
comfortably housed and charmingly enter
tanned by DIR. Rice aud his most estimable
family | must not omit to mention that
Mr.. Hicks opened his house TO a large
number of guests from Jackson The good
people of Clinton are noted for their hospi-
tality, and are deeply interested in the
prosperity of these excellent schools. L
cannot dojustice to my own sense of obli-
CATION without indulging in these COM
mandatory statements.
l learn, Mr. Editor, that the students in
both Institutions passed most credible
examination. This L was not permitted to
witness, as home engagements prevented
my presence.
On Sunday the Commencement Sermon
was preached by Rev. f. T. Winkler, D. d.,
of Marion, Alabama. wish it could have
been heard by all our youth. 1t was mas
terly from first to last-rich in striking
luOu8DI3 III Cl3cStc purity OF OiCIlOD, III
practical application, aud Ornamented with
beautiful gatherings from the realm of
literature. Tue audience Was large aud
attentive, and the highest enconiums We're
lavished upon the eminenty appropriate
and impressive discourse.
1t is said that the exhibition of the lite
rary Societies of the College was entertain
ing; the elOcuUiCn of the young men good,
but their attempt at something theatrical
and comical only passable Would it not be
Ttl n F6GA va W hat ht1i1 he
for some other occasion? Commencement
week, l think, should abound in literary
display and intellectual feast.
On Tuesday, DIR. Goodwin of Columbus,
Mississippi, addressed the Societle of the
two Institutions. Earthly Immortality was
his theme. DIR. q. is a young man, but Els
rising rapidly, and bids fair to stand very
high among the popular speakers of his
pressive. His address will not be soon for
gotten
On Wednesday morning occurred the ex-
hibition of the undergraduates of the Insti-
tute. This consisted of essays and recita-
tions by the young ladies. All the essays
were good. indicating much care in their
preparation. Some of them would have
done credit To older and wiser persons. The
recitations deserve cOmmendatiOn some OF
the fair speakers seemed to catch the spirit
OF the pieces recited, and. in one or two
inSt auceS, there were wonderful exhibitions
of most exact and retentlve memories.
The Cantata on Wednesday night called
togt ther an immense audience. 1t was es-
timaJed that over fifteen hundred persons
witnessed this imposing spectacle. But
for the noises it would have been a splendid
success. Let no one suppose that [ mean
to intimate that the Cantata was in any way
failure. At times there were presented
some of the most attractive tabieAux of
grace and beauty l ever witnessed. The
coronation march was simply grand and
every eye in the vast assembly seemed fixed
upon the beautiful figures upon the stage
moving to the sound OF music.
On Thursday morning, in the presence of
hundreds of persons, DIR. Hillman conferred
diplomas upon the regular graduates of the
Institute. Too much praise cannot be
| awarded Miss Banks for her beautiful essay
aud touching Valedictory. Miss Baum also
acquitted herself with great credit. And
DR.. Hillman's address to the graduating
| class timely and tender. l could but
think, as | listened to his utterances, OF
some loving parent addressing words of
counsel to children about to leave their
home. l suppose the DR.. feels quite paternal
on such occasions. think L heard him,
when speaking TO the Alumn8, call them
his children.
And this brings me to one of the most
enjoyable affairs OF the week--the meeting
of the Alum nae Association of the Institute
| Some twenty or thirty graduates Were pres
ent. A poem was read by one of their
umber-Mrs Jones--full of tender senti
ment and beautiful imagery. And the
same may be said of the essay read by
Mrs Hughes. How pleasant such meeting
must be to these ladies! Several improm ptu
addresses We're made by. gentlemen who
had been invited to be present. The closing
address was made by DIR. Hillman--full of
| feeling and moistened with tears l could
but think of the enviable, 'earthly immor-
tality' to which the DIR. is destined.
Thursday night President Webb con-
terred diplomas upon four young men.
This was preceded by The OratiOns usual
on graduation. Then came the address to
the graduates by DR.. Webb, and it W as just
| what | expected from one of his eminent
ability. 1t expressed great confidence in
the ability of the graduates to attain dis
tinction in the world. and the young men
were urged to aim high and to live IN the
memories of this age and country.
o. the whole, Commencement Week at
Clinton was highly entertaining. Long
may these Institutions live to bless the
State, and to elevate, intellectually and
reigiously, the people of our Comm on
r