Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1882-06-20
HOLLY SPRINGS, MISS.
Work the Memphis. Selma and
Brunswick Road TO be Commenced
The sweet Girl Graduates.
Address by Mr. Greer, of Memphis-The
PIcsIc and the PrizesELfterary and
observation-disclosures visit.


AcademicaI-ChaIme visit.
Special Correspondence of the Appeal
HOLLY SPRINGS, June 1S.-The Men,
phis, Selma and Brunswick railroad is now,
aud has been for the last six mouths,
the all-engrossing subject of thought and dis
cussion to those who live in the vicinity OF
It's proposed line, and any news concerning
either its construction or the men who are at
the head of the enterprise is received with
interest and read with avidity. This is
espe cislly true OF this city, for in the build
ing of this road our future prosperity is be-
lieved TO be deeply involved. Our citizens,
therefore, were highly pleased with the news
received here this week from New York.
Captain Sam Frank, who, with his family,
recently left for Europe, and who remained
over for a few days in New York city, writes
TO friend here that while in Gotham he
called upon Mr.. Fred Wolfe, and as the
result OF his visit can confidently state
not only that the road is
certainty, but that the work of
building it will begin next week. This is
certainly good news, and if verified by the
actual beginning of work, Holly Springs will
soon cease to decline in population, wealth,
and Importance. On the contrary, there are
many reasons to believe that the completion
of this road will be the turning point in her
history, and that the day the iron-horse ar
rives will mark the beginning of an era of
prosperity such as her citizens have never
before witnessed.
This was commencement week at the
Franklin Female College, one of the best
schools of the kind in the State. The exam
nations passed off in a manner highly cred
liable 10 the institution and gratifying 10
both patrons and teachers. An entertain
ment was given on Tuesday evening, at the
college, by the Juveniles and juniors" aud
in spite Of the oppressive heat OF the weather
the study-hall was crowded with an inteli-
gent and appreciative audience. The hall
was tastefully adorned with flowers, with
drawings made by the pupils, and with APP
propriate notices and graceful festoons of
evergreens. The entertainment was both
literary and musical, consisting of recitations
and vocal and instrumental selections. The
programme was divided into two parts; part
second consisting of a juvenile play, entitled
The Crorning Of a May Queen, which was ex-
ceisntly presented. The audience dispersed
highly pleased.
On Wednesday morning the young ladies
of the graduating class gave one of the finest
entertainments of the kind we have ever
witnessed. The programme consisted OF es-
says, many of which were compositions of
higher order than is usual upon such occa-
sions; and vocal and instrumental music,
selected with taste and remarkably well rem
dered. At the conclusion of this part of the
programme, the Rev. E. H. Miller presented
the diplomas, with few appropriate words
OF advice, to the fair recipients. james
Greer, Esq, of Memphis, the orator of the
day, was then introduced by Mr.. Miller and
amid the applause which followed, Mr..
Greer stepped forward and began his address
to the graduating class. Our limited space
torbIds even brief abstract of the just senti-
ments, sound views and good advice con-
tanned in Mr.. Greer's address. At its close
he was warmly applauded by the large au-
dience which had assembled to hear him.
On Wednesday evening the pupils of the
college gave the thirty-third annual concert
since the foundation of the institution. A
very large audience again filled the study
hall, and listened with delight to one of the
best concerts ever given by the college. SUI
fee it to say that the commencement exer-
cises of this year were, from beginning TO
end, Of the highest order OF merit, and that
they reflect great honor upon the faculty of
the college as well as upon the scholars in
attendance.
Thursday morning was bright and clear,
and almost everybody iu the city, as we'll as
in the surrounding country, prepared to at
tend the picnic, which given by the Sill
yer Cornet band, at Strickland's grove. This
grove is beautiful ground for the purpose
chosen, and by noon an immense crowd had
gathered under its cool and pleasant shade.
All the hacks in the city were busy driving
to and from the ground, but they were not
sufficient to carry all who wished to attend.
The Water Valley band, which had been in
vited to attend, arrived on the morning train,
and was conducted by their hosts to the
grove, where the visitors soon became favor
ties and, we hope, enjoyed themselves thor
oughly. They had not been upon the
grounds long, however, before one of their
number was handed a telegram informing
him that his brother-the advance agent of
a circus travelling in Texas-had been shot
and killed. This gentle man, Mr.. Brown, i'm
mediately informed his companions of this
sad news and FASTENED to the depot, where
he took the o'clock train to Water Valley.
This event cast gloom over the ground for
the rest of the day. The festivities, however,
continued. Mr.. Ben West won the cake in
the sack race, one of the most ludicrous OF
contests. The pig race, in which dozen or
more negroes chased a shaved and CREASED
porEer, was won by big black fellow in the
service of Mr.. Wilkins Wallace, one of our
popular Dung .me rchan;s, who offered his
man half sdollar besides the pig as re-
ward for catching it. The walking-match
proved an interesting and well-contested
race. Five gentlemen entered the ring. The
track was in good condition, and was nearly
an eighth of a mile in circumference. The
contestants, John S. Hastings, j. Millham,
Levy Manning, J. McClockey, and G. W.
Crook, stood at the end of the race, upon the
scorers board, in the order named. Hast
ings made eighty-fve rounds, and won the
race, the others leaving the track one after
another, until Hastings was alone
and two rounds ahead of his colored
competitor, Millham. The judges declared
Hastings entitled to the prize of S25, which
was delivered to him. The picnic would
have been the finest of the season had the
weather. been favorable. Toward o'clock
in the evening the skies began to darken and
look very threatening. The crowd became
alarmed and great number OF people left
the grounds. Just before o'clock thun-
der-storm burst ever the grove, the wind
blew nearly a gale and a drenchipg rain
poured down. There were but few places of
shelter, and the ladies were hurried to these
as quickly as possible. Most of the gentle
men, however, and some of the ladies also,
were drenched with the rain. The picnic
was broken up, and what promised to be a
day of pleasure was spoiled by the rain.
1t Is our sad duty to record the death, on
Monday last, of Mrs. w, J. Brannon. She
was an estimable lady, and leaves husband
and several little children, besides host of
friends, who mourn her death. The funeral
took place on Tuesday, from the Methodist
church, the Rev. Mr.. Boone officiating.
The teachers OF the Holly Springs 1nstl-
tute have passed a series of resolutions ex-
pressing their high respect for the character
and deep sorrow at the death OF Major T. c.
Anderson, the late principal of the Institute.
The Literary and Musical Circle met on
Friday evening, the 10th instant, at the resi-
dence of Mrs. Topp. The meeting was in
terestipg and instructive.
General James r. Chalmers visited this
city in the early part of the week and re-
manned here several days.
General ]. A. Smith, state superintendent
OF public instruction, was in this city last
week, in attendance upon the closing exer-
cises of the State Normal School. ZoRAB
The Irish Labor League.