Lancaster daily intelligencer. [volume] (Lancaster, Pa.) 1864-1928, 1881-06-30
THE HIGH SCHOOLS.
the coNNENCEMENT AT THE OPERA
HOUSE.

A Gala Day Among the Pupils--Bsiillsns
Musical and Literary EXERCISES.
The crOwning event in the scholastic
year of Lancaster's public schools took
place in the opera house this morning,
when the twenty ninth annual commence
ment of the boys and girls high schools
was observed. As is customary on these
occasions the hall was literally packed,
above and below, by parents. brothers,
sisters and loving friends Of the gradu-
ates. The floral decorations Of the stage
were very tasteful. There were large
stands filled with cactus in the foreground.
Upon a wire suspended directly across the
front Of the stage hung an immense floral
horse shoe. and the inscription "Class Of
81" in floral design, was conspicuous
fully drooped from the centre
baskets of flowers depended from the
flies overhead. The effect Of this beauti-
full scene was heightened and enlivened by
the great number Of bouquets, baskets,
hOrse-shoes and Othe, emblems visible
throughout the immense audience and in
tended as gifts for the graduates.
The graduating classes met at the high
school building and shortly before o'clock
with their teachers at their head pro-
ceeded in q body to tho opera house. the
front portion Of which had been reserved
for the pupils of the public schools. The
exercises began promptly at 8.
As the curtain rolled up disclosing the
graduates seated in semi-circular rows on
the rear Of the stage, Keffer's orchestra
played a brilliant overture, "Enchant-
ment, e Hermann). j. i. Hartman, esq.,, an
nOunced that in the absence Of the hODOred
president Of the school board ON account
Of an accident he had been requested to
preside OH this occasion. After which
Rev. DR.. Greenwald offered . fitting and
impressive invocation. The pupils Of the
girls high school sang with fine effect the
selection, Lift Thine Eyes," from Men
delssohn's elijah
The first essay was by Miss Minnie E.
Raub. the subject of whose paper was,
sSunshine and Shadow" All Of Gods
work, said the young lady, is filled with
sunshine, feeling the genial influence Of
its ruddy light. The shadows that sweep
across our youth are mere April showers,
and if later on in life's journey rainy days
grow darker and more frequent, we may
recOllect that kind providence has pro-
vided also the grateful sunshine. The
young lady filled her arduOus position Of
first speaker on the programme with u
high degree Of credit, her essay being ex-
cellent throughout and her delivery un-
embarrassed, yet witi,al modest. She was
handsomely remembered in The way Of
flowers.
Essay" Independence Of Character -
Miss Sallie E. Mccormick. There is no
more sublime virtue than moral inde-
pendence it prcsuppOses the highest
self respect and esteem, which can only
rest upon real worth, for however much
the individual may deceive others he cannot
deceive himself. The young lady pointed
ont the manner in which independence Of
character may be properly cultivated.
This was 4 very we'll written composition.
delivered in a manner distinguished for
the deliberatiOn aud entire self possession
Of the young essayist.
Address, Duty of tho Citizen -
Christian l.. Frantz. The study OF tho
fundamental law under which We live was
designated by the speaker as tho basis of
good citizenship Onr minds can only
thus become imbucd with correct appre-
ciation of the liberty we enjoy. This ora
ton was devoted in large measure to the
prevalence of political corruption, against
which the young gentleman entered his
vigorous protest. A manly effort that de-
served the loud applause and abundant
floral gifts that rewarded it.
Address -''Study of the Heavens. "A.
l.. Wilmer. This was q glowing culOgy
uDOn the magnificencc Of the science Of
astronomy, its tendency toward the puri.
flying of the soul and exalting the moral
and intellectual condition OF the student.
The address was thoroughly practical, and
the young speaker displayed a familiarity
with his subject that was surprising. His
delivery was free from embarrassment and
he spoke in tOne of voice that was au
dible in the remotest corner of the crowded
auditorium. Liberal and handsome floral
offerings rewarded the young orator.
Mr.. Hartman's announcement at this
point of the programme that the reading
of the annual report Of the experimenting
committee would be dispensed with, was
greeted with cordial applause. The docu-
ment will be read at the next meeting Of
the school board.
Messrs. Spindler, McClain, Erisman and
Kelly sang "Thc Two Roses" (Wcrncr)
in admirably style and wero warmly ap-
plauded for the proficiency exhibited by
them.
Essay" Charity Miss Alice Flora
Eaby. And now abideth faith, hope and
charity, these three, but the greatest of
these is charity. ''By charity" said the
young lady, sis not meant the mere giving
of aims, but the quality mast be regarded
in q broader scope, and the essayist's
prayer was that when the Recording
Angel writes our names in his book Of
life, it may Ike like that of AbOu Ben Ad-
hem, as one who loved his fellow men.
This was charming composition embOdy-
ing many pure and refining thoughts and
distinguished by the sincerity of it's ut
teranccs. Applause loud and long and
many pretty flowers testified the audi
ence's appreciation Of this really creditable
effort.
Essay" Higher Miss Lulu B. Long.
The natural impulse Of the human spirit
is to rise above present surroundings, and
the fair essayist seemed to think it u most
admirable trait, whether exhibited in the
physical, mental or moral spheres. Her
language was well chosen, and the many
pretty thoughts with which the compost
ton abounded were aptly expressed.
Many very elegant floral offerings were
laid at her feet.
Address-''Unchanging Nature John
A. Hoover. The orator pointed out that
| whilst in the busy domain of human action
change and improvement are continually
going on, time cannot change the face OF
| nature. a hundred years hence man will
A thoughtful production, we'll written and
l Il