Sacramento daily record-union., 1882-12-20
COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES.


The commencement exercises Of the Sacra-
mento Seminary, Mrs. Hermon Perry, Prin-
cipal, were held in the Assembly Chamber
last evening. There was q very large and
representative audience present. The dec
orations were confined to the stage, and were
tasteful arrangement of Christmas ever
greens and bright red berries interspersed.
The class motto in white upon q green field
was suspended above the stage and against
the wall, and read, "Festina Lsnte." On the
front ef the stage was representation of the
old-time yule log upon its supporting andirons.
The Faculty occupied seats on the stage. In
one OF the galleries an orchestra was located.
The school entered the hall about O'Clock,
aid was assigned seats to the right and IL
front. The graduating class was costumed
uniformly in French ecru bunting, trimmed
with Spanish lace. The exercises opened
with grand march by the orchestra. Rev.
ID. d. Rice offered an opening prayer The
graduating class then led the school in the
chorus from Meyerbser, Come Merry
Maidens." Miss Lucy Brewer read the first
essay, her subject being "The Utility of
Beauty" She treated it in broad sense |;
considered the beauties Of nature in all its
natures works, and drew tie conclusion
that, turn where we will, nature on every
hand teaches lessons that lead US in higher
paths, and incline Us TO still nobler aims.
1t was very creditable production. Miss
Nellie Pierce sang accsptably cayatina,
Freischutz." Miss May Cummings read an
essay, Innovation" reviewing the life and
career of Disraeli, the English statesman /;
considering his childhood, his mashoot, the
n II. Z L
glanced at his political career, giving most
attention, however, to his literary labors. and
clearly stating her views regarding it. It
was q thoughtful and we'll prepared essay.
Misses Pierce and King gave piano duet,
sonata from Won Weber. Miss Della Guthrie
read an essay, the subject bring IT," It
was witty production, and was consideia.
tion of what might be; of possibilities; of
ambitions and human hopes-ths fatal "if"
ever intervening to check aspiration and cool
desire. 1t was q credit to the essayist.
Mics Lostie Petrie sang solo, "Aria Mi
tranes," by Rossi. Miss Lsttie King read
the next essay, A Peep Behind the Cur.
tain" It was an imaginative and humorous
sketch of the possibilities and probabilities
the future has in store for her classmates. 1t
was very happily done, and the forecasts
were witty and incisive. Miss Cummings
played " Fantasie" from Robert lie
D!able, and Miss Lottie Petrie read the
next essay, "Who Counts the Thorns on
Perished Roses." The essay was more prac-
tical than the title suggests. Itwas young
woman's view of the possibilities of life; the
difficulties we must meet and overcome,
and the success that may be won, 1t
was a thoughtfully prepared paper,
and the theme was we'll handled. Miss
King gave g vocal solo, by Donizetti,
and Nellie Pierce read the class valedietory,
the introduction consisting of historical cita.
tions, to prove that good work alone leaves
enduring footprints. The essay was full of
good advice and practical suggestion. The
valedictory was graceful and touching. Mrs.
Perry then delivered the diplomas to the
essayists, the graduating class, excepting
Miss Cummings'- being withheld on an
issue between her and the faculty regarding
the young lady's esssy-which was not that
announced on the programme and which the
faculty had approved, and for which she sub.
stitutsd another, claiming that she was
capable of the more difficult task.
State Superintendent +. M. Campbell then
delivered the address to the class. The floral
offerings to the members o! the graduating
class were exceedingly numerous and very
rich. In design, execution and wealth Of
flowers, they were notable.