Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-06-29
Vermont Conference Seminary.
The examinations in this institution took place
Monday and Tuesday and passed of creditabiy
10 both teachers and studenta

The examinations in this institution took plac
Monday and Tuesday and passed of creditabl,
to both teachers and students.
AESTHETIC LECTURE
Tuesday, June 2ist. Miss Abbie Gould Woolsor
delivered the annual address before the Fstheti,
Society, the latter organization with the Band .
attending In body. We noticed that for som,
reason which has not yet been given the othe,
two societies, the " Adelphi " and Ladies' Liter
ary," did not accept the invitation extended t.
them to be present The exercises were opened
with piano duet by Misses Lewis and Wilson
Prayer was offered by Rev. A. L. Cooper, fol
lowed with a solo by Miss Ella button. Mr.
f1adley presiding at the piano. The speaker
was introduced by Miss zilla Styles. Sub.
| ject, "Dr. johnson and his Friends" Miss
wooson first spoke Of the times in which DIR.
johnson lived; OF the influences exerted upon the
public mind politically, socially and morally; OF
the reasons why he might be Justly termed the
central figure among the literary men Of his day
She divided his history into three distinct peri
ods,-hs life in Litchfield, his departure to Lon
don and his career in that city, and the latter
years Of his life. She spoke Of the many hard.
ships he endured; his thirst for knowledge; his
life in college; his peculiar traits OF character; OF
the misfortune which compelled him TO 20 to
London; his struggles for success; Of the many
difficulties he encountered his disposition to cul-
tivate las far rs possible) the acquaintance OF
men OF letters his gradual rise to popularity; the
high position he at last gained, socially, finan-
cially and a. man of genius, placing him at the
head OF the scholars OF his own times The
speaker then mentioned some OF his more import
ant works and the public favor which they at
tracted. 1t Is not, however, so much on account
Of the value fhis writings that we should admire
him. 1t is OF the man himself, considering las we
must) the age in which he lived and the senti-
ment OF the times The more we become ac-
quainted with Johnson's life and what he accom-
plished, the more we appreciate him. We cannot
study him rs man, or the works Of which he
was the author, without admiring him. She
spoke OF the great influence exerted by DIR. John
son upon his many associates; of the great friend
ship which ever existed between James Boswell
Zone OF his early acquaintances) and himself,
whose principal claim to respect was his Life of
johnson; Of the many friendly meetings that
were held by the literary men OF his day, am ong
whom might be mentioned David Garrick lone of
his former pupils), Burke, Goldsmith and others
AT these gatherings Dr. johnson was the &C
knowledged leader, His powers OF conversation
were remarkable and his many peculiarites must
have lent great interest on various sons. His
acquaintances were many, embracing a large cir
Gle OF men OF wealth and culture His company
was sought for on every hand despite the pecu-
liarties Of his character. He was thoroughly a
man OF letters. The lecture was very instructive.
MEETING OF TRUSTEES AND ALUMNI
Wednesday, June 22d, at ten o'clock, A. NJ, oc-
Cured the annual meeting of the trustees; at two
o'clock in the afternoon the annual meeting of
the alumni.
CLASS EXERCISES
Glass exercises took place at three OF clock We
noticed departure from the usual custom In
these being held upon the Campus, under the
shade Of the class tree. First, singing by Misses
Putnam, Styles, Ayers and jackson, and Messrs.
Newcomb and Hale, with a cornet accompani-
ment by W. A. Woodwork, Mr.. Hadley presiding
at the organ. Miss Emma Cooper then read the
class poem, which was fine. The Grafton was de-
livered by Mr.. II. H. Newcomb the class orator
Mr.. George o. Webster then presented the key to
the class of 'S2, Mr.. c. p Thacher respond ing.
This was followed by music by Misses Putnam,
Styles, Ayers and Jackson, and Messrs Newcomb,
and Hale, with cornet accompaniment by W. A.
Woodwork. Immediately upon the close of the
exercises and before the class usher had recog-
nzed his closing duties Of the day, four Of the
class Of 'S2 commenced singing " The Decoration
Hymn" We noticed the class leave for the
quite suddenly. But the usher,
u o where was hep" This seemed to be quite anus
ing to the spectators and perhaps TO the students.
PRIZE SPEAKING.
In the evening, at forty five minutes past seven
clock, occurred prize speaking. Long before the
appointed time the chapel was crowd ed every
AVAILABLE spot being taken up, all seeming to have
1ne common object in view, and that was to get |
good seat. Prayer was offered by Rev. H. A. |
Spencer, after which the following program me |
was carried out: |
solo. Wandering jew Waltz "............ Burgmuiier
Myrtilla Jackson.
$780, " Who was the Victor"
William Jackson. West Winfield, N
-, Kentucky Belle"
Ande nj. CARTON Waterbury Center.
I" IIerve Riel."
u warn hoWlhnu South Woodstock.
"Cicely and the Bears.'
,tella e. Hardwck.
American Battle Flags"
ieny A. Waitsheld.
"a Second Trial"
Hattie j. Parker. .......... Waterbury Center
bay Billy"
clarence V. Roberts. . Berlin
Misses Forrest and Gould.
liking Robert OF Sicily"
lara A. liopklns..... Rochester.
- The Keeping of the Bridge"
william A. Woodwork. South Tnnbridge.
Wreck OF the Pochahontas."
,ancy A. feck North Montpelier.
"Toussaint Louverure."
teoige W. WeDster Chelsea.
The Last Hymn"
)rpha o. VIII imson. Middebury
rio, Overture Tancred Rossipi
Misses jackson, Dana and Gill
The speakers in all respects, conducted them
elves with great credit, and met the highest an
icpations OF their many friends For want of
pace we cannot criticise separately. The music
vas especially fine, showing that the students
ombine natural ability with ease and self-pos-
ession.
GRADUATING EXERCISES.
The public exercises Of the graduating class
ook place Thursday, June sd, at half-past nine
!. NJ The chapel was filled long before the ex-
rcses were to commence with old students, pa
rons, friends Of the school, and citizens The
tage was nicely trimmed for the occasion. The
rame work upon the front Of the platform used
or such occasions was covered with evergreen,
lpon the center OF which appeared the class
hields the figures 49," the number in the class.
n the background there was great profusion Of
louse plants. Directly over them suspended in
he center window hung huge bell OF natures
,reen." The exercises were opened with prayer
~ Rev. Mr. McAnn, followed by piano quar-
cite, Overture from Calph OF Decentralization
by Misses Gill, Daley, and jackson, and Mr..
Iadley. This was faultless, excellent time and
,ood expression. Latin salutatory by William A.
Noodworth. Pronunciation excellent. Essay,
Masks" by Miss Zilla Styles of st. Johnsbury
ENTER. She spoke of the deceitfulness we meet
With in everyday life, that we must avoid as far
" possible this feature in every character we
ome in contact with. The essay had many good
IDEAS. The Grafton, Enthusiasm" by II. A.
iae of West Windsor, was well written and de-
ivered with good effect, although perhaps little
more Of an enthusiastic spirit manifest in the
peaker would have been acceptable to the audi
,nce. Miss Florence l.. Ayers Of Barre had a
,icely written essay upon Stars The sub
ect, although lofty, was well studied and gave
Use to some nicely-framed thoughts. Music,
waltz, Hortensia "-Iange-by Miss Josie c. Gill,
executed, followed by an Grafton,
Every man has his Alps" by Fred M. Sheldon
II Mortified. This was a well-treated produce
ion, suggesting many good ideas Essay,
Words" by Miss Myrtilla A. jackson OF Bethel,
vas good We seldom stop to consider the deep
ignifcance embraced In "A single word how |