Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1881-06-02
CLOSING of the ST. CIairsyiIle Schools

and lodged in Jail. On Saturday Sheriff
Carver and Ingram Clark, Esq, of Cadiz,
came over and took him home.
Closing of the st. Clairsyille Schools.
During all the fore part of last week
the exercises attendant on the close of
our public schools were in progress. A
committee of four gentlemen having
been requested by the Board of Educa-
tion to examine into their condition, its
members were faithful in the perform
ance of the duties entrusted to them, so
| that every room, came under their in
spection, and the educational facilities
afforded by each were carefully noted.
On nThursday morning the High School
pupils gave very satisfactory evidence
of the training they had undergone un-
der the tutilage of its very efficient .Prin-
dipal, Prof. c. w. Elliott, in the. produc-
tiop of the literary exercises which had
been assigned each of them. The essays
and debate showed originality of thought,
and the faculty of expressing ideas in
clear and concise terms.
In the evening the Commencement
exercises proper were. held in School
Hall. The stage was tastefully decora-
ted with pictures and flowers, while over
the curtain was worked in evergreen
"1SS1." Early in the evening the entire
available space in the Hall was occupied
and many were turned away unable to
gain access. At s o'clock, the st. Clairs-
vile Orchestra, under the leadership of
Prof. Gus Fox, played the opening piece
on the program, 'Hail to the Prince"
during which the Superintendent teach
lar pnarA nf ctuac p6
invited guests, occupied the platform.
An impressive prayer was then pro-
nounced by Rev. Robt. Alexander, after
which quartet, "Come where the Lilies
Bloom" was beautifully rendered. The
first literary performance was an Grafton
by Rufus Rose, entitled, 81 go, but l
leave my Character Behind Me-" 1t was
creditable production. showing CON-
prehension of the subject worthy an old
er head, and was we'll delivered, and en-
cored by the audience. Music interve-
ming, Miss Annie White delivered an es-
say on Making the Best. of Things"
The essay abounded in good things, and
the writer drew from the subject many
wholesome lessons of practical value in
life. 1t was delivered in clear voice, and
was highly appreciated by the audience.
John w. Riley treated his subject,
"Mormonism," in narrative style, giving
history of that sect.
Miss Ida Anderson well described
how eNature Fits all her Children with
Something to Do;" this essay was well
written, and the beautiful thought was
clothed in chaste and elegant language
her effort was warmly encored at its
close and number of handsome bou-
quets were bestowed by appreciative
friends.
Rufus Rose delivered the farewell
werds for the class, acquitting himself
most creditably. At the close of this
performance, Rev. Thomas Balph, on
behalf of the committee appointed to
examine the schools reported that they
had found them in most satisfactory
condition, and that excellent work was
being done, after which the Rev. w. K.
Kirkwood, d. D., of Wooster University,
delivered a most admirable address,
(Which we print in full on the first page
of this paper, to the graduating class,
concluding with the presentation of Di-
plomas to the following members of the
class, viz: Misses Annie White and Ii
da Anderson, Rufus Rose and John w.
Riley. Miss Stella Close, unfortunately,
was taken quite sick week before the
close of the term, and was unable to be
present; her standing in the class being
high, the Board awarded her diploma.
The exercises as a whole were of as high
character and as enjoyable on any previous oc-
casion. The class acquitted themselves with
much credit.
The orchestra, composed of Messsrs, James
McMonies, c, E. Hughes, Thos. Cochran, F. NJ
Cowen, B. F. Talbot and E. F. Cash, under
the leadership of Mr.. Gus Fox, with Miss Nc
Clelland at the organ, discoursed most excel
lent music, delighting the audience. The vocal
music was well rendered, and thanks are due to
the ladies and gentlemen who kindly assisted in |
its preparation.
It was evidenced on this occasion that our
schools are in high states of perfection; that
most thorough work is being accomplished in !
them and that together with the faithful labors |
of the corps of teachers, much credit is due to |
Superintendent Hitchcock for the patient and |
well directed efforts which he has put forth |
during the past year to bring the schools up to |
a high standard of excellence. May orr schools |
ever be the pride of all the people of st. |
Clairsville.