The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1878-06-26
cement Exerci-es of ar
Zealey's Seminary

1he Baptist church was packed to its full
capacity last Thursday night by one of those
splendid audiences which jackson turns out
on great occasions-such as a school com
mencement. The exercises begun at 9
o'clock-just one hour behind the time
stated in the programme, but that is pecu
liar TO nearly all our public assemblies. so
that to commence prom ptly at the moment
would be regarded as an innovation. After
the entry of the Faculty, Trustees and pu-
pills, the Rev. DR.. Watkins opened the exer-
clses with prayer. After which, Miss Liz
zie George delivered an address of welcome
Maj. L. FL. Babb, Principal of Jackson High
School, was then introduced and de-
livered the literary oratiou-a carefully
prepared and well delivered discussion of
the subject of female education. Its only
fault was its length for the occasion. When
a long programme is 10 follow an address,
and especially at night, brevity should be OBJ
served The best disposed audiences, under
such circum stances, will exhibit mpatience
Maj. Babb is not only an original thinker
but good speaker, and we congratulate
him on the favorable impression he made
upon all who heard him.
Miss Lizzie Cooper then favored the audi
dience with an essay on newspapers" ia
which she expressed her adherence to
leaders" and her preference for ''patent
outsides." The essay was we'll written and
well read, and was perhaps better relished
by the audience of Thursday night than it
would be by Press Convention.
Miss Alice Lusk then read an essay on
the Immortality of Action followed by
Miss Belle Patton, her subject being "What
Can | Do ?" Then followed the presentation
Of medals-David Shelton, Esq, having
been pressed into service for that pleasant
duty. For excellence in photography, gold
medals were presented to Miss Belle Patton
Miss Lizzie Carraway; and for excellence in
department, a medal was awarded to Miss
Lee Barfield. Miss Addie Strauss was an
nounced by DIR. Zealey as the best speller in
the Primary Department.
The Junior Academic Glass was then in
PRODUCED to the audience as distinguished
class in English Composition. This class
had been very thoroughly examined, and no
member was found who could not reply
promptly to every question asked in Quack-
enbos' First Lessons in English Compost
ton. This class was taught by Miss Mary
Lester, anu It's success Is evidence Ol HeT Cd
pacity as teacher.
We learn from Dr.. Zealey that there are
several classes in the Seminary who deserve
the highest commentator. Honorable men
ton was made of Misses Mamie Cam pbell
Florence Nicely, Ellie Nicely, and Mast'
Joe George, as among the good spoilers in
their espective classes.
The Graduating Glass was then addressed
by DR.. Zealey, who presented to Miss Alice
Lusk and Miss Belle Patton the diplomas
setting forth that the Board of Trustees had
conferred upon those young ladies the De
gree of Mistress of English Literature.
Miss Lusk then delivered the Valedict0ry
Address, and Miss Maria Louise Taylor the
Parting address to the graduates. Then
came the presentation of boquets one by
Miss Lizzie Pierce to Maj. Babb; another to
the band, and several to the President and
other teachers. Our splendid Band inter-
spersed sweet music through the exercises.
At half-past eleven o'clock, Rev. DIR. Wat
kin's pronounced the Benediction.
DIR. Zealey has had full corps of teachers
during the session just closed. Miss Lester,
Miss Todd and Miss LusN have taught III the
various departments. The music depart
ment has been under the control of Miss
Mary Fearn. Tbs next session will begin
on the 10th September.