Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1883-06-18

they acquitted themselves with tn
first honors. One of the number
Miss Emma johnson, is q niece Of MI
R. D. Groves, of this city, being tn
only daughter Of his only sister, an,
therefore the pet and pride Of tn
family. She little dreamed that he
uncle was in the audience watching
her every movement with bated breatl
land that he was one Of those whit
sent Ter SO many floral compliments
Her delight upon discovering the gen
tleman car be imagined better thar
described. There is no pleasure Il
be compared to that Of finding (
good uncle at the right time ant
place. They are so convenient
Then again there was vocal duet
Reuben and Rachel, by Miss 0ccit
Williams and Master Church Buck
which brought down the house. The
hit and wisdom of these little ones wa:
a real feast and this will be under.
stood better when it is stated that
Miss Occie Williams is only eight
years old. But she is quite mature in
mind and manner and could put many
older pupils to the blush. Another
feature Of the evening that it may be
said made an impression was recita-
ton Of the famous piece, THE Sioux
Chiefs Daughter" by a young lady
graduate who has been taking lessons
in elocution for about a year. This
difficult and tragic composition was
rendered with great intensity and fer
vor. 1t was realistic almost to a
painful degree and elected applause
CORRESPONDENCE.
Judge Reads address to the alumna
is described as a unique paper, strik-
ingly original, out Of the beaten track,
refreshing, Astounding in agreeable
surprises and evidently created sen
Sation. "The duty and obligation of
woman to herself and society" was the
burden Of his song. He drew a bold
picture Of the necessity Of woman to
properly exert her influence for the
good Of mankind. He gathered many
illustrations from history to show the
achievements, heroic endurance and
sublime influence of woman in differ.
ent ages. He admonished those who
had children to rear them in the
proper way and Undue them with en-
terprise and with a correct idea of
their duties to themselves and society.
He dwelt long and tenderly upon an
example in our own midst where a
mere youth had tore himself from the
pleasures Of home, joined the Ameri-
can navy, and now holds an important
relation to the great naval affairs Of
the world. He held up the name Of
John Paul Wendell, his heroism and
as worthy Of all imitation.
Throughout the address was well re-
ceived and well delivered, and it is
well worthy of publication.
The essays, six being read
On Tuesday and four on Wednes.
lay, we're exceptionally bright
md sensible and were lis
tened to with eager interest as the
production Of minds widely varying
in characteristics. That each one was
absolutely original as to general ideas
md structure Of thoughts was self
evident.
Miss Katie Williams received the
medal for proficiency in music, pre-
ented by DR.. Tudor, on behalf Of Mrs.
Watkins. Miss Katie is very &C. |
'omplished performer; and Miss Sallie
Z. Whitmore received the Latin
honor, which is rare in a female col.
eye and difficult to obtain. DR.. Tu.
Tor delivered the address to the grad, |
iating class, and this is described as
Iomething at once practical, impress.
i've and appropriate. The theme he
reated was Patience"
The exercises Of the day closed with
he comforting Of degrees upon the
which President Williams
lid in his usual happy and impressive
manner.
Altogether, the commencement OK.
'rcises Of the Wesleyan College have
been unusually interesting through>
tut, and reflected infinite credit upon |
he teachers and pupils. President
Mrs. Watkins and their |
'ble corps Of teachers deserve the
most sincere congratulations for the
success Of the commence
nent, and have many good wishes for
The continued prosperity of this excel |
lent institution Of learning.
President Williams has taught for
many years and is one of the leading
as well as most successful educators
in the South. He is the right man
In the right place, and follows noble
vocation. All his influence is thrown
on the side Of morality and human
progress. He is useful and con.
scientious gentleman, who deserves