Bristol news. [volume] (Bristol, Va. & Tenn.) 1867-189?, 1882-07-04
(CoMMrNIcMED0
Closing Exercises Of Villa Ma
ria Academy.

Mr.. Editor.-A brief account Of the
lllh Annual tOmmCucementOil the above
excellent female College, which took
place last week, may be Of interest to
some of Your readers. II would hc tres
passing ON your valuable space TO ask
you to insert the programme IN fun, nj
though am sure 1t would be very inter-
csling to many of your readers who are
doubtless blessed with taste for litcra-
tlrr and the fine arts. Suffice 1t 10 say
that 1t was Il rare selection from the most
approved authors and was carried out to
II degree OF perfection. which clicitcd the
unqualified praise Of all present, many
Of whom pride themselves, and just y
too, on their abilities to judge of sucn
matters.
The evening was one Of those most
pleasant ones with which our delightful
climate Is so providcntlHlly favored, aud
the balny breeze laden with the odos of
sweet smelling flowers, fresh from the
scqucstcrrd ground Of the Convent, eN-
crciscd Il honlthiul influence over the
minds and bodies of the large and APP
preciHtiyc audience, who promised them
selves an agreeable lctc on the occasion.
Nor were they disappointed, PocIica
selections, readings essays &C., Inter
spcrscd with choice music, both vocal ana
instrumental, became the order of the
day. After each performance, round
upon round Of applause accompanied the
young ladies to their places In front of
the auditorium where they became the
handsome recipients of numerous COM
gratualons on the part 0l their parents
and friends. Many were the bouquets,
floral, offerings, gallands &C., bestowed
upon them rs well In recognition ol their
merits MS In token Of unfcignCd udnllA-
ton aud esteem.
An eloquent poem from the gifted pen
OF Father Ryan, the poet-prlest Of the
South was rendered with telling elect,
aud wns enthusiastically received and
highly appreciated.
Another agreeable feature Of the en-
lertalnmcnt was n French reading by
four young ladies', whose sonorous yolc-
a. were In full accord with tho musical
accents Of that polished language As
| the recitation advanced, 80 perfect was
the pronunciation Of these talented Ia
dies, that some Of the audience imagined
| themselves llsllcntlng among the vine
clad hills Of lovely France. Valuable pre-
miuns In The shape Of useful books were
bestowed upon those who distinguished
themselves during the yenG BY their
proficiency In the various departments
OF music aud literature, embraced IN the
course. But whilst thc fine arts thus ir-
culycd their full need Of praise, the more
useful ones were by no means neglected
| many premiums were awarded for slrll
domestic accomplishments ns sowing,
tlnrning nnl npedlc-work OF different
kinds. Acndcmcul honors were then
conferred upon those entitled 10 them,
consisting ul'lcny Of beautiful lorl
crowns, more or less ornamental in pro-
portion 10 the merits Of the fulr young
candidates.
with tlis last ceremony tile cNercircs
terminated TO The entire satisfaction Of
nll pnrtics, students, patrons. irlendsSc"
aud 10 ilc great credit Of the Sisters whc
have charge Of the institution, and who
have Away proved themselves eminent
ly worthy of the liberal patronage lllth.
crLo bestowed by their many warm ane
generous friends.