Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-11-30

The academy finished the first term, under It's |
new corps Of teachers Tuesday evening, Novem-
Der 22d. The term has been one Of success all
the students, the upper classes In particular, hav-
ing done most excellent work The academy
with Its present instructors, Professor A. N
Wheelock, at their head is able TO do and Is do
ing much better work than formerly. We feel
more than justified by experience and by the
authority of those that are well able TO know, In
saying that the academy offers most excellent OPP
portunities for gaining thorough academic train
ing, and, with good heart, we recommend Its
instruction and instructors.
The rhetorical exercises of the two upper classes,
closing the fall term we're held at the academy hall
on last Tuesday evening. We were much pleased
with the exercises, and consider them fully up to
the standard Of its former exhibitions The num-
Der Of speakers was quite large, and we expected
tedious evening, but the exercises were over In
good season, and our interest held to the last
The exercises Of the evening opened with pi-
ano solo by Miss Lizzie Cushman OF Rochester.
This was followed by prayer by Rev. p. Mcmillan.
The first speaker was Henry Knights North
Hero, who spoke upon Ethics OF Popularity"
lie spoke Of the catering to popularity as over
INDUCED in by authors and politicians, and
showed the mistaken causes and the bad indu-
ence Of their course Of action. His style Of ad-
dress was easy, and his words abounded in com
mon sense
Miss Madella Hines next read very dainty
essay, discussing books and their merits, under
the theme, y" A Book Is not Known by its Cover"
The next speaker, Robert Mcdonald, Granville,
delivered an GRAFTON upon the subject, /" Inventor
vs.. Conqueror,' contrasting the selfish ambition
Of one with the worldwide benefcence of the
other.
The life and works OF Charlotte Bronte,"
were next discussed In very pleasing essay by
Miss Laura Gale Plainfeld.
Next, Clayton Clark, North Hero, speaking OF
Literary Glory" brought out its different phases
true and false and spoke particularly Of Burns
and Shakespeare.
Natures Lights was the theme Of quite
pleasing essay upon the heavenly bodies, by Miss
Eva Nichols, Barre.
"Fremont's Expeditions In the West :" and
their result, were discussed in detail by Fred
| Fisher, Cabot.
Next, was a song Davy Jones " by Professor
A. N. weeelock. Whatever Mr.. wheelock may
sing, it is always a treat to hear him.
Miss Minnie Page, Eureka, Nevada, then read
Little Things" Her injunctions were to the point
and such as it would profit all to obey.
An excellent Grafton upon Opposition to
Science" by Oscar Davis, Waits River, followed
It's excellence was marked in both style and de.
livery.
"Ancient Psalmody" was traced to modern
times In a clearly-written essay by Miss Georgia
Scott Barre.
Next, Frank Townsend, Barre, spoke upon
Carthage, its Rise and Fall"
The famous actress, Charlotte Cushman" wa
much Landed by Miss Lou Andrews, Pittsford He
essay was excellent. Miss Lillian Lane, Plainfield
followed with an essay upon "Work and Days.
Next was beautiful song" Expectancy b,
Miss Upper.
The power of "Public Conscience" in putting
down vice and promoting virtue, was discussed Ii
quite meritorious Grafton by Oscar Dodds
North Hero.
Next came an essay upon "The Sunny Side o
Life," by Miss Estella Cheney, Barre which wa
followed by an exceedingly clear and interesting
Grafton upon the career Of the distinguished au
thor and statesman, Beacopsfeld," by Jenni
Carlton, Marshfield.
Miss Lizzie Cushman, in an essay upon OIL
Coins" discussed quite pleasingly their place as
factor in history.
Union is Strength" was the theme OF the fol
lowing essay by Miss Julia McCarty, Mortified.
The next speaker was Emmett Hazen, Mort
Hero, with an Grafton upon Nihilism in Russia.
The orator discussed its causes and prospects
! and was most excellent in elocution, rhetoric an
logic.
This was followed by trio, The Mariners" b
| Miaa Tnnnar and Meaars Raucroft and Wheelorl
The next essay was upon "A Chance for Girls,
u by Miss Flora Lane, Plainield. 1t was very fu
+ OF common sense, and the pith OF it all as well
u the truth Of the matter was summed up in tn
+ last sentence: !" Educate man for manhood,
y woman for womanhood and both for humanity
"Triumphs OF Truth" was the theme OF ii
: next Grafton by Justus Perrin. Jr.. Berlin.
= A biographical essay upon the poet and drami
= fist, Richard Brinsley Sheridan" was Thu
: which was next read by Miss Anna Ladd OF Ea,
: Corinth
il Fred Woods, Rochester, spoke next upon tn
"Spoils System" He was very earnest in h
condemnation of this curse of American pc
tics, and the Grafton was, all things considered
perhaps the best Of the evening.
The query, "Was Mother Goose Goose?' WI
answered in the negative in an essay by Miss L
:, fie Avery, Cornth.
The best speaker upon the platform was Damn
Waterman, Orange. He spoke of "The Indian
Rights" and his Grafton was exceedingly we
:, written and delivered.
The exercises OF the evening closed with
!, ano solo by Professor William A. Wheaton. TT
:, speaking, as we have said, was excellent, and
credit to both the instructors and those who toe
part.