The daily gazette., 1880-06-18
wesIeyan's commencement

IhO0hAmmE.
The annual commencement of the
Wesleyan Female College took
place at the Opera House last even
ing, before fair sized AUDIENCE
There was an entire absence of dec
orations on the stage. Upon the
stage were arranged seats which
were occupied by the students and
faculty of the College. Among
those who occupied seats on the
stage were: Revs. Scott, Caldwell,
Willitts, Tompkinson, Prof. d. w.
Harlan and Enoch Mccullough of
North East, Md.
The programme was short but of
very interesting character and
highly e1ipyed by the audience, if
applauseeis criterion to judge
from.
The exercises opened with piano
duet, Fra Diavolo," by Miss Nc
Cullough and Miss Jones. 1t was
well executed, the performers being
so well versed in music, that they
did not drop anote. At the conclu-
sion of the piece, they were loudly
applauded.
A chorus "Eventide" by the Glee
Club, under the directorship of Prof.
Rhoades, was we'll sung, the class
showing unusual proficiency in sing
ing. This was followed with prayer
by Rev. J. +. Willis of FELTON,, Del.
Miss Pearne followed in a very
difficult piano solo, entitled LA
Deuxieme Ballade," by Dohler,
Miss Pearne, by her graceful man
ner of play proved to the audience
that she was an adept in the art of
music. Miss Pearne was followed
by Miss Annie l.. Russell, of Mil
ton, Del, one of the graduates, who
made the salutatory address, and
read an essay on Something New"
In her salutatory she welcomed
those present, and said that it was
encouraging to have them present.
In treating her subject of "Some-
thing New" she at first referred to
the changes that take place during
| the existence of a generation. 1t
had been ever for centuries, that
every generation had different from
the proceeding one, in their modes OF
living, dress, and opinions. She re-
vealed the multiplicity of sensations
to which human life is capable Of,
moments Of pleasure, care and dis
appointment.
We are daily involved in perplex-
tiles. No sooner are we possessed
of the ability to perform duty than
we are filled with anxiety and fear
that we cannot pelsorm it. What
attainments that would have been
required to fill our lives in the past,
would not do for the present. Life
is complicated, but the accomplished
actor is never foiled in his endea.
vors to overcome all obstacles. In
this country, there is tendency to
abandon the real and solid and seek
that which will startle, and be called
new and original. Something new
is the popular delusion, and is the
crv of every progressive mind. Il
has been said by one of our greatest
men that genius and perseverance
are one, and every thing that is done
should be done with an earnestness
of purpose. Miss Russell delivered
her essay in a well modulated voice
and was asapparently not disconnected
by the audience. She was loudly
applauded at its conclusion.
The Glee Glass followed by sing
ing chorus entitled, "The Fairy
DELL" by Abt.
Rev. j. NJ. Williams, President O.
the College, in a few well choser
remarks, presented the diplomas tc
the graduates. He spoke of the
pleasant relations that had existed
between teacher and student, ant
regretted very much that the tint
had come to separate. He hopet
that their future life would be Al
happy as their past, and that Cod
blessing would ever rest upon them
Miss Abbie w. Dickerson, o
Philadelphia, the valedictorian
read an essay entitled, "The Powe
Behind the Throne" The essa,
was exceedingly well written, ant
showed that it had been prepare,
with great care and deep study
Some of the passages were exceed
ingly witty, while others were deel
in action and thought. 1t was deliv
!, cred in clear we'll modulated voic
! and could be heard distinctly in al
u portions of the auditorium.
In commencing her subject, sh
said there is beyond prize fo
q which every one more or less is strug
: Cling, the prize is called by som
o perfectness, by others completeness
a but she would designate it greatness
o This prize was attainable by all. n
0 one has right to be small in tn
8 position which he occupies, whethe
3 it be that of King on the throne
n or fagman at railroad crossing
h the work, if worth doing at all,
IS worth doing well.
70 Young men think it great to 60
= Colorado, others to study One OF Ii
t. learned professions, while Others THU
n 1t great 10 occupy seat i'll the Unite
10 States Senate. Greatness is not alwa.
found in this manner. Those who ha'
labo si in a humble position have b
come great, while those who have stal
ed out to become great have failed
40 reach the goal. Greatness is not alws
M M recognized or rewarded, and it has be-
= truthfully said that the world kno'
o. not the greatest men. Few see the po
'. er behind the throne and which NOV
III the throne itself. A nations greatne
no comes from the willing hands and hea
| Al. .,at. H.. .nf I.s, a IN hn w.