National Republican., 1883-06-12

an immense crowd quickly filed in. 1t was
representative gathering Of tho best elements
of colored society in Washington. The floral
decorations we're profuse, some Of the designs
being exquisite, and the display Of rare plants
and exotics pleasing and brilliant. The
front portion of the stage was covered with
a variegated bed of roses and flowers that per-
meated the air with a soft perfume. An ex-
cellent band of music was on hand, and after
n well selected overture, prayer was offered
by the Rev. Walter Brooks. Following an
other musical part, tho presentation of the
certificates Of graduation by President Arthur
took place. Some delay was caused by the
nonarrival Of the President, the band enter
tanning the audience for half hour.
At 8 o'clock the President reached the hall
and was escorted to the stage by the side en-
trance. The audience greeted him with pro.
longed applause After the President had
been introduced by Mr.. Henry johnson,
trustee Of the Miner Normal school, the class
Of graduating young ladies stood up, and rs
the name of each was called, she came for
ward and received her certificate from tho
presidents hands. The list of graduates Is
as follows Margaret Anderson, Anna S.
Bailey, Harriet II. Beason, Emma q. Brooke,
Hattie f. Bruce, Alice Il. Cole Daisy II. Cole
man, Elizabeth A. Cook, Susie G.. Cox, Clara
A. Cropper, Mary A. Edwards, Mary p Evans,
Sarah NJ. Janifer, Emily b. Lee. Sarah V.
Mary A. Wayman.
Hon. B. X. Bruce, register Of the United
States treasury, then delivered the address
to the graduating class The address was
characterized by a fine strain Of eloquence,
and was frequently applauded. After point
ing out the methods that should bo pursued
by those young ladies who proposed to devote
themselves to the duty of teaching, Mr.. Bruce
said
i venture to make a suggestion which
deem appropriate and important to you on
your advent to q new fold of life work. Any
special calling, because IL Is special, tends to
become formal and mechanical The ply
sician, the lawyer, and even the minister is
liable to perform the functions Of his office as
matter of routine and in perfunctory
way-not always with any special interest
in tho duty DONE and without the
inspiration that springs from thorough COM
prehension of the importance # his act.
This tendency attaches to teachers as to any
other profession, and will breed mannerism
and eliminate from the mind of the teacher
and pupil alike much of the interest and en-
joyment that legtimately belongs to the work
of instruction.
"Do your work in temper worthy of you
and it, Do not do it drudgingly, mechani.
cally, wearily, as the slave works for the
master, but do 1t tcheerfully, joyously, royalty
| exhibiting pride in IL, and inspiring in tho
scholar an honest emulation for success.
"Conceding the favorable auspices under
| which you close your academic career and
enter upon the yet untried arena of practical
| life, you must anticipate failure sometimes,
disappointments often.
"We probably aggravate the ills of life by
the temper with which we meet them. We
intensity our SORROWS in irritating them. We
assume burdens that neither God nor tho
world imposes The best lowered life, how
ever, has its ills. Every runner is handi-
capped by his peculiarities or his surround
ings, and there will be in your paths not only
roses but their accompanying thorns.
You will sometimes iLadequately conceive
of your work. sometimes carelessy and
| imperfectly perform it, sometimes be misun-
derstood and censured and fail to meet ex-
pectations. The pupil and the parent each
will be wanting in appEeciative recognition
of your labor, and there will be periods in
your career as teachers when, hedged in on
every side by embarrassments, brave pa
thence will be your only recourse, and you
must need, as Moses did, stand still and
see tho salvation of God. You will
not infrequently fail in your work when
seemingly assured of success, but such failure
need not bring you evil, but if understood
and its lesson well learned may bring you
great benefits. But there are some things
young ladies, which you can always do you
cannot always conquer. but, IL true to your.
selves, you may do that which is better for
the world and better for you !; be worthy to
wear the victor's CROWN
After the awarding Of diplomas to the clas:
| of 1882 had been made by Hon. j. R. West,
commissioner of District of Columbia, a
"Class Song" written by Miss Alice f. Cole,
one of the graduates, was sung with fine
effect, producing enthusiastic applause. This
| Terminated the prOpramme