Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1884-07-04

mer thunder storm, the early spring time.
and the glories Of the autumn we're described
In such way as to show real sympathy
with nature in her varying moods.
Then followed a defamation, 1.-THE Pa
triots Password" by George Horton. given
with dignity and earnestness, aud one by
Fred Oressy on 1.-THE future of the United
States, which showed the true oratorcal spirit
and won the applause Of the audience. The
next number was a chorus, 1.-THE Chapel"
Mary Ayres found her subject in Dreams"
In sleep we enter the paradise of dream land.
II is full of familiar forms and faces, yet ev-
, erything is strangely mingled. Here we
travel over the world in an instant. We are
free from the limitations of our waking hours.
The essayist touched upon the superstitions
connected with dreams. The delightfulness
ofdreams consists in their unexpected changes.
n they we're at the command of our wills
they would lose half their charm.
The essay of Martin Austin on 1.-THE UNI
pire,' is to be especially commended for its
clear and vigorous style and its originality of
treatment. Starting with the development of
the office of umpire in base ball, plea was
made for the same method of settling disputes
elsewhere. There was q need for some um.
pire in the conflicts between capital and labor
Courts of arbitration are the natural umpires
between hhAiuhhs OuhholbuCb 10 lnb ulNluBlY
appointed umpire for each individual Young
Austin's defamation, THE Dignity of La.
Dor. which followed was given with self
possession and a manly directness
Annie Horizons recitation, IAN Order for a
Picture showed in its manner Of delivery a
correct appreciation of the sentiment of the
selection, and was a fitting close of this part
Of the program.
OF the performances of the neveral men,
bers Of the graduating class it is a pleasure
to be able to say that in the essays the clear
ness with which the points we're mado was es-
pecialy noticeable, as was also the lack of
much attempt at fine writing, showing that
the writer's had been taught the value of sim
pcity and drectness. The delivery of the
Rotations and declarations showed that
there had been some good teaching in articu.
ation and the essential points of elocution.
One of the most agreeable features of the
evening was the singing by the school in cho-
rus The harmony of the fresh young voices
was complete, and tho confidence and pre-.
cision with which they sang showed that the
class had caught very much of the spirit of
their indefatigable and efficient director, Prof.
D. L. Bingham the principal of the school,
Following the numbers of the program al
ready mentioned came the presentation OF
diplomas, an office which was impressvely
performed by E. W. Stoddard, ESQ, of the
school board. Mr.. Stoddard spoke in sub
stance as follows
Graduating class Of "a: 1t is unnecessary for me
to compliment you this evening, for the presence Of
many Of the district and the interest manifested
by them, Notwithstanding the oppressive heat, is
greater compliment to your achievements and sue
cess tonight than any words can speak. II has
been the custom Of the district through its educa-
oua board to present to the graduating class token
or memento of their school life and school work.
Heretofore this token has been in the form of a
UtCate, setting forth that the named therein
had completed the studies provided in the High
school, year ago was announced to your class that
those who should elect to take and pass satisfactory
examination upon certain tests of your work should
receive diploma, signifying that you had passed
satisfactory examination and competent to teach
the studies which you have pursued. We graft
fed to learn that every member of the class of S4
chose to submit to those tests, and the district, well
as ourselves are pleased to know that you have all
passed successful examination therein, one better
aud of higher rank than was passed by of the
graduating classes of one of our normal schools up
on the same questions of one branch of study. 1
now, in behalf Of the district present you with these
diplomas, tokens of work well done we would not
have you understand that regard your course Of
learning and culture accomplished. Your education
has simply commenced. What your teachers have
aimed to do, what you have sought to accomplish, is
the discipline of your minds for future work II the
BratteborO schools have taught you how to think,
how to train aud apply your mental powers and ca
plcties how to meet, grapple with and the
problems Of life, then contout with our work.
As You enter upon the battle of life you will often
meet with failures and Disappointment, but by perse
yerance and industry you may win through failures
and defeats a most triumphant victory.
We shall all feel an interest in your future
and welfare. You going forth, to pursue
further studies, to engage in business all to
gage in the competitions and conflicts of life, and
opponents Of this school, look to you to reflect
honor and credit upon II. You will find as you go
through life, that underneath your mental training
aud culture there must be that high moral training
which lies at the base of all true greatness. As time
moves on you will appreciate this truth more and
more. 1t matters not how often you drink from the
well of knowledge, you will far short Of true
greatness unless you actuated and guided by the
principles of Him who taught and spake as never man
Taught or spake.
thus guided may lead; may 1t be to you OF honor,
that may reflect honor upon u.s.
After the presentation of the diplomas Miss
Howe and Mrs Elmer. the High school as
sisants, distributed bouquets Of choice flow
ers to the graduates, and we may add that
throughout the evening the floral favors from
friends of the young people in the audience
were numerous and beautiful. The benedic-
ton by Rev. S. II. Lee closed the evenings
exercises. The admirable manner in which
the program was carried out made listening
pleasure and spoke for itself of the hard and
careful work which MIR. Bingham had put into
his arrangements. He will find his reward,
we are sure, in q consciousness that the peo-
PIE present must have gone away with full
er appreciation than ever before of the
value and excellence of the work which our
village schools are doing.
We have never seen the stage arrangement
more effective than on this occasion. On the
wall at the rear hung large gilt horse shoe
on background of cardinal red, the class
color, enclosing the clover leaf class badge,
with the legend 1854, Non NOJiS ,SOiun."
Under this, and at either side of the proscen-
ium arch bright flowers were massed, produc
ing a charming effect.