Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1881-07-13

We have received copy Of the George
town ID. Co. College Journal, in which our
attention was attracted to the distribution
of prizes at the Academy of the Visitation.
Among the young ladies highly comph-
mented for their performances on the occa-
sion we find the name Of Miss Marie
O'Byrne, of this city.
"At $3.50 d. m. :" says the Journal, "the
young ladies entered the hall from the rear
and grouped themselves upon the stage to the
movement Of march By Bethoven-Misses
Evelina Heap, Mary Ryan, Marie O'Byne
and Fannie Bogue being the pianists, and
Misses Annie Gleason, Marie Brown, the
performers on the harp. Here we may put
on record judgment expressed by many
familiar with educational establishments
throughout the country, and 1t is this
that rarely can one find an assemblage OF
young ladies on whom has been impressed
in equal measure the stamp that is given by
gentle birth, intelligence, beauty and
maidenly modestY."
Describing the excellence of the musical
performances, the Journal says: zone of
Gabassi's exquisite duets ~ Rivedere.' twas
as exqusitely sung by Miss Marie O'Byrne,
of Georgia, and Miss Bella WE'LL, of Wash
ington. The famous solo, from The Bar
ber,' Una VOce Ibca Fla, was the vocal
feature of the programme, and the manner
In which 1t was-sung by Miss O'Byrne iusti-
fed the boldness OF her instructor In en-
trusting so trying a piece to so young a
singer. The pure quality of her voice, its
reliability, as displayed In the bird-like
manner of singing her roulades, and the
ease with which her notes were
taken, rendered the programme
remarkable. And there we're many who
drew additional pleasure from the fact that
In the sweet singers notes there was much
to recall the beautiful voice of her lamented
mother whom they had seen graduated
from the same place. We could not but re-
greet that in the allotment of new medals
for the present year place had not been
found for one in vocal music, since in no
other branch was such recognition better
deserved"
San innovation upon precedent" con-
cludes the Journal, twas the singing rather
than the reading of the Farewell of the
Academy and 1t was a change that met
with general favor. The farewell, an ex-
tract from which we subjoin, was composed
and sung by Miss Marie O'Byrne, and
never, we are sure, had graduates from the
Academy a more fitting expression of their
feelings on leaving its walls than the sweet
tones of the valedictorian as she sang
w uli6 Dying hours OF the summer Jay
Let fall their saddeniDg shade,
And zephyrs watt perfume sweet
From Towering hedge and glade,
We turn once more to thee loved home,
While soft the vesper bell
Chimes forth her silvery call to prayer,
To breathe our last farewell
Companions loved the golden links
OF Friendships mystic chain
Grow strong, as here in fearful tones
We voice our sad refrain.
OH may bright blessings crown your years,
Your steps but roses treadl
May memory snatch for nights to come
Some light from days now dead.
~.
"a long FAREWELL Our hearts, too sad
For voice, too grieved for tears,
Enshrined shall bear our Convent Home
Adown the course of years
OH evening breeZes! bear afar
Sweet childhood's parting Knel;
Stay, flying hours, one moment more
From heart to heart, FAREWELL"