The Emporia weekly news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1881-1889, 1881-06-23

not only have the sword of the spirit, but
of the understanding"
The admirable address commanded
the most absorbing attention through
out its entire delivery and at the close
was heartily applauded by the delighted
audience, who dispersed with clearer
and more intelligent views on the great
problem which underlies the stupendous
fabric of our American institutions
GRADUATING EXERCISES.
The graduating exercises of the class
of 81 took place, as previously announc-
ed, al Normal hall Thursday, beginning
at ten O'Clock a. m, and were attended
by large and intelligent audience COM
posed of citizens of Emporia and friends
of the institution from other parts of
the state. The hall was bea utifully dec
GRATED for the occasion by the class, as
sisted by D. Thomas & Co., who kindly
furnished necessary bunting for cover
ing large arch over the front of the
platform and also the wall in the rear,
on which was placed in letters of ever
green the class motto, Through Trials
to the Stars" On the stage
were placed elegant oleanders
IN full boom, also other plants
and flowers, which added greatly
to the other pleasing decorations. The
stage itself was raised and extended al
| most the entire length of the room. On
the wall above the east entrance to the
chapel was placed the motto of the jun
Tor class, "Our Star is Dawning," and
stringers of evergreen extended to the
centre where hung suspended star of
evergreens.
The exercises were opened with pray
er by Rev. j. F. Hendy, followed by mu-
sic, the ''Hallelujuh Chorus" by the
Normal choir On behalf of the grad
uating class
MR. JAMES T. BRADLEY
delivered the Salutatory Address.
Theme: "The Promblem of Life" Mr.
Bradley is a deep thinker and deliv-
cred his address in an earnest yet DELHI
crate manner and his effort was credit
alike TO himself, his class and the insti-
tuition. The speaker compared gradu-
ates TO boats at the wharf of an unknown
sea. Some launch forth without
thoroughly preparing for the
voyage, and when overtaken by storm
are dashed to pieces in its waves; others
go bravely forth and sail smoothly until
a storm approaches, when they shrink
from meeting it and anchor in some Sc
cludcd nook where they remain un-
| known and unmOurned; still others
launch out fully equipped and well
manned ready to stem the widest storm
and meet the most dangerous foe, and
overcoming all difficulties they land safe
ly on the opposite shore. The problem
of life is one of the highest importance
and no one should start out without
carefully estimating the troubles to be
encountered as well as anticipating the
pleasures which life affords.
The Grafton on the subject of "Mis-
taken Ambition" by
MISS FLORENCE AxTELI.
was q pleasing discourse, the speaker
maintaining that many fail in life be-
cause they mistake their calling and try
to do something for which they are not
qualified rather than doing well the
work that lies nearest them and for
which their talents adapt them.
MISS ELIZABETH NJ. ARNOLD
followed with an interesting essay on
monuments of the Ancients" and CON-
pared the worth of these MASSIVE dead
heaps of stone, with the living monu-
ments which the present generation will
hand down to pOsterity in the shape of
railroads, telegraph, electric light and
other wonderful modern inventions.
MISS CAILIE BROWN,
on the subject of "LOngings" believed
that while contentmcnt is a good thing,
no one should be satisfied with that kind
which sits with folded hands and longs
not for the higher attainments of life.
Miss Brown is a forcible speaker and
claimed the. closest attention of her
audience.
MIR. SAM C. COMBS,
the next speaker, made a stirring speech
in favor of free trade.
MISS MAGGIE E. EsDEN
being still confined to her bed by sick
ness, was represented in an excellent es-
say on "Straws," read by Miss Callie
Brown. The writer truely asserted that
our lives are not moulded by the greater
events, but by the little things which
constantly, though unconsciously, in
fiuence US and shape our destinies.
Mr.. GEORGE B. GALLAGHER
delivered the next Grafton on the sub
ject, THE World Moves" taking his
theme from the assertion of Calico,
who used the expression in physical
sense, the speaker applying il
to the intellectual progress of
the human race. Mr.. Gallagher cited
the fact that in all departments of human
activity there are evidences that the
world moves. Wars are being supplant-
ed by arbitration; sectarian dOgmas are
giving way to practical religious truths
scientific investigation is reYolutiOnizing
the world. The advance guard in this
progress may be scorned and Knocked by
old fogies to-day, but there is time
coming when these men will be under
stood and honored.
The subject of Beauty" was treated
in an interesting essay by
MISS ALvARETrA E. HAssLER,
who thought the highest type of beauty
to be that which beams forth in the
human face, the emblem of the soul.
EMORY D. KIRBY's
address on Ambition was full of good
thoughts but for want of physical
strength its force was somewhat lessen
cd in delivery. The central thought,
that rightly directed ambition Is fraught
with greatest benefits was clearly set
forth.
Some wholesome truths were present
ed on the subject of "Shams" by
MISS NETTIE p sEACORD.
Many cOnventionalities of modern socie-
ty were touched upon and especial at
tentiOR was given To the shams which
have invaded the house of God
and appear in the form of
Goddess choirs, which sing hymns
that no one can understand.
The essay closed with an earnest appeal
TO those who disapprove of shams, TO as
sist in Kidding society of them.
Italy Lies Beyond the Alps" was the
theme Of a carefully prepared essay by
MISS RACHEL A. STOUT,
urging the necessity of surmOunting all
difficulties with Napoleonic courage if
we would reach the goal of success.
The Valedictory Essay, "If we knew"
nv