The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1879-06-20

Although not strictly feature of Commence
meat, it will long be remembered by the ''par
ties interested, Z" rs one Of the most thorough,
enjoyable oecasions Of the week. 1t was held .
The pleasant home Of Mrs. W. E. Sutlin, and il
| success was largely due to the accommodation
and personal interest of this lady and her accom-
plised daughters.
On Sunday evening the city churches gave WAY
! to the Baccalauredte service and University Hal
| was again crowded to listen to Rev. DIR. McHarg,
of Blue Rapids, who preached logical and elo-
quent sermon.
Monday morning came the prize rhetorical con-
| test. The defamation was only fair, owing
principally to the fact that the speakers were
restricted to simple didactic selections. 1t re-
suited in the awarding Of the first prize, a Web
ster's ''Unabridged'' to Mr.. j. O. Hayes, of the
Junior class, and the sec ond, Ruskin's ''Stones
of Venice, " to Miss Julia Watson, of the Sopho-
more class. The graduating exercises of the
Normal class occurred Immediately after the
rhetorical contest.
The storm on Monday evening efectually
squelched the entertainment Of the Dread Liter
airy Society. The storm was terrific, taking OF a
third of the tin roofing of the University and
sadly marring the frescoing Of the great hall
The wind also unroofed several houses, blew
down the lofty spire Of Baptist church, and
strewed the streets with hundreds of shade trees
During its continuance. cellars were quite pop
ulOus.
Tuesday was "Class Day" Particularly
worthy of mention in this days exercises were
the Grafton of Mr.. S. NJ. Smith, on ''Oratory
and the Press and the "Address to the Lower
Classes,' of Miss Alma Richardson. Mr.. Smith
will be heard from in no uncertain manner before
many years. A young man ofextraordinary tai
ent, he has in addition, to q remarkable degree,
the sine qua non of perseverance and indefatigabe
industry. Miss Richardson's effort Of this day,
as well as her graduating Grafton, was elegantly
written and delivered with admirable grace and
expression.
On Tuesday evening was delivered the able
Grafton before the literary societies, Of Dr. Kel-
logg, of Philadelphia. The societies have cause
to feel proud of THAR orator Of 70.
Wednesday, of course, was the great day
Commencement in all its pomp and circumstance
One cannot help feeling sense of dignity on
such an occasion, even If he doesn't add his
presence to the cleaning array of white cravats,
gold-bowed spectacles and bald heads on the ros-
trum. The dignity Of the class orations, the
stateliness of the orchestral music, and the back
ground Of state dignitaries are all IN striking
harmony with the character Of the time and
place.
The Orations We're, as q rule, excellent. The
class of 80 consists of thirteen members, eight
gentlemen and five ladies', and is an honor to the
University and the State. Tine member receiving
the first honor is Mr.. j. W. Gleed, of Lawrence,
a gentleman of rare ability, and possessing be-
sides, the attractive qualities of true gentleman
and scholar.
The concert on Wednesday evening by Will
liams' orchestra, of Kansas City, was fitting |
close TO the proudest week of the University of
Kansas
Chancellor Marvin, backed by IN able Faculty |
and an efficient and united Regency, is doing
grand work for the University. Four hundred
students responded to roll-call during the last
session, representing forty -four counties If
Kansas and fourteen States Of the Union. :.