Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1882-06-28
Randolph Normal School.

The sermon before the graduating class by Rev
S. W, Dixie Of Royalton from the text. " Man
shall not live by bread alone but by every word
which proceedeth out OF the mouth OF God, was
delivered Sunday evening, June Is, and ushered
in the exercises of the week. The sermon was
admirably suited to the occasion and displayed
the learning, culture, and piety, we have learned
to expect from Mr.. Dixie The three days follow
ing were devoted to examinations. The men,
bers of the alumni were favored on Wednesday
evening with lecture by Rev. j. Edward Wright
of Montpelier on the Evidence OF the Senses,
the speakers twc-fold object being to prove that
the evidence of the senses must not be too inn
plicitly relied upon and that, whether willingly
or unwillngy, "all men walk by faith The
executive committee may consider themselves
fortunate in securing so pleasing and profitable
lecture. pleasant incident OF Thursday morn
ing was the qualification expressed by Mr.
Rocheleau, In behalf OF Mrs. Rocheleau and him
self, at the kindly and substantial remembrance
by students and citizens on the NTH anniversary
OF their marriage, which took place on Tuesday
The meeting Of the alumni Thursday afternoon
WAS quite fully attended Miss NJ L, Barker
was chosen president Miss Berry secretary, and
Miss j. Dell Martin treasurer OF the association
for the ensuing year An Indebtedness OF GIG
was reported which it was decided to raise by
contribution A marked feature OF the occasion
was the reading of the neurology of the various
classes OF the school since 1871. touching trib-
ute to Miss Schuster, the work OF several OF her
friends, was read by Miss Barker. Miss Cora e.
credit to a more experienced pen and was received
with much satisfaction. Perhaps the most notice
able of the class-day exercises which followed
were an Grafton by Mr. Sargent Of Union VIII
lage, the class histories by Misses Boyee OF Rox-
bury and Thomas OF Union Village, and the clos
ing address TO the class by Mr. Edison OF Brookheld
Competitive speaking, an innovation by the pres
emit principal which has come to be one OF the
most entertaining exercises OF the week, occurred
Thursday evening, The committee selected to
pass judgment upon the relative merits of the
different speakers gave preference to the follow
ing in their order: S. N, Putnam of Randolph,
Misses NJ. A Lazelle OF Plainfeld, NJ. l.. Da-
Wis Of Norwich, Nellie A, Alger OF Eaton, 2.
O., S. l.. Gleason of East Warren and NJ, s.
Wilson OF East Barnard Mr.. Putnam's So
lection excellent and rendered with feeling
and an entire absence OF rhetorical effect, which
was its chief charm The Rotations OF Misses
Lazelle and Alger were distinguished for certain
airy grace and quaintness quite their own and
were much appreciated. Miss Wilson's selection
was exceedingly difficult OF execution and was
performed with a remarkable degree OF perfection.
A small admission fee was required, the proceeds
to be devoted to the school library; and judging
from the crowded hall, the receipts must have
been large, Friday morning there were light and
heavy gymnastics in the school-yard, demonstra-
ting the fact that the physical culture OF the stu
dents il not neglected, The closing efforts OF the
graduating class took place Friday afternoon
Only eight OF "A class OF thirty lone took part. The
orations Of Messrs, May Of Post Mills, kimeall
respectively of Education in the South, Real
Education and "The Monroe Doctrine" showed
depth OF thought, conciseness and peTsplcnity OF
expression and were well delivered. A discussion
OF the question, Are the dead OF the living our
better teachers p was taken part In by Miss
Smith OF Sutton and MIR. WILDER OF Williamstown
the arguments were well balanced. Miss VIII
liams OF iartland spoke In pleasing manner of
" Popular Names Miss Forrest OF Randolph
spoke of Zoology in a country school and meth.
DDS OF teaching t." Miss Orcutt OF Mortified
had a gracefully written essay on Symmetry,
and spoke with expression aud dstinetness. Miss
Martin Of Union Village, graduating from the
second course, gave many line arguments In favor
OF Principle versus Sentiment, paying at the
close a tribute 10 Longleow and EMERSON. Mr..
Edison presented the diplomas To the thirty two
Graduates with brief but interesting remarks.
The music, both on this occasion and throughout
the week, was unusually good.