The state journal., 1884-06-28

ing this morning ard the rain fell in dis
NAL sheets the atmosphere of the OpeIa
House was bright aud sunny, made so by
the hundreds Of pleasant faces and bright
smiles Of those who had gathered to en-
Joy the class day exercises. The inclem
cnt weather doubtless prevented very
many from being present. but nOtwith-
standing this the first and second floors
were well filled. There were not so many
light costumes worn as there have been
on other occasions Of a similar character,
owing to Tie unfayorablc day, but this
fact did not in the least dctract from the
appearance OF the asscmblage. The au-
dcnce was largely composed of ladies.
The stage arrangement WITS similar to
that of last year and the class was seated
in the same way. Chairs were placed in
two semi circular row S, with an aisle in
the center AT the right of the stage was
piano and'on the Lett seats for the fac
ulty. Above the heads Of the graduates.
suspended on almost invisible wire, near
the front OF the Stage, was the class
motto--"Thc End Crowns Our Work"
II was worked in imm0rtellcs fringed
with evergreens and looked very pretty.
Superintendent FOOse, Prof Vert and
Rev w. Ii. Ii. Snyder occupied seats Oh
the left, the superintendent directing the
exercises.
At9 o'clock Miss Annie G. Beck took
her place at the piano, and while she
played 4 march the graduates came on
the stage, entering by twos from the rear
center Of the stage. Marching to the front
through the aisle between the chairs they
faced to the right and left, taking the
places assigned them After all had en-
tered Miss Beck played short prelude
and then striking the beautiful chords of
the magnificent anthem, Praise the
Lord" the class Joined in singing it
through with much expression, the sweet
voices Of the young ladies blending nicely
with the deeper tones OF the young gen
tlcmen.
Following the singing of the anthem
Rev. Mr.. Snyder offered a IeTvent prayer
in which The blessings Of God were in
voked upon the common schools. their
supcrintendent, the directors, teachers
and scholars; upon the termination of the
school course and upon those who were
about to receive the hOnOrs Of graQua-
ton. He bcsOught the Divine blessing
upon the exercises Of the morning and
asked that the occasion might be one Of
happiness 10 the participants, to their
parents, to their teachers and to all
Edwin i. Mess chose as the subject of
his oration, "Tmo Nobility" 1t embod
led many excellent thoughts and the ref
ercnces 10 historical characters evidenced
well-storcd mind. The cminent char
actcrs in past ages, rs well rs those of the
present, were called up, and the qualities
that made them great were III turn dWelt
upon The young gentleman had an
easy delivery, and his manner was free
from that stage stiffness that too often |
charaCtcrizes young speakers AT the
conclusion Of his oration he was warmly
applauded.
4 rccitation by Miss Alberta thinner
man, subject, "Thc Sisters, was most
excellent. The young lady has elocu
tionary powers of,nomean order and very
creditably acquitted herself this morning.
THE influence Of Home was the
well-selected theme of an admirably
written essay by Miss Sadie NJ. Hept0rd. |
She spoke of the happy influences and
advantages of home and the thoughts
embraced in her essay were apuy eX
pressed.
Miss Katie M. Robinson's essay was
based on Songs, and she succeeded III
developing some unique and pretty ideas
with respect to music. Music whispered
kind words in our time Of trouble; it kept
down angry passions. You might
sing to the wicked man, sing TO the dis
consulate, sing to the sufferer, sing to the
old and young-music would inspire them
ALL The human voice was The most per
feet musical instrument ever made. The
essayist clothed her subject in choice Ian
guage and read very distinctly.
NJ: c,1 oI yr-it q
pianO solo from fla Trayiata" by Ascher. |
The young lady rendered the solo with
much expression and her touch evidenced
the thoroughness of her musical educa'
ton.
Don't Give up the Ship was the
subject Of s. Alter Kennedy's Grafton.
He started out by citing incidents in naval
warfare where great heroism was dis
played and then in well rounded periods
spoke of the requisites to success in life.
Two of these were common sense and
perseverance. His line of thought
was well brought out.
Miss Mary O. Sites had an essay on
Baskets. She traced the origin and
uses of baskets and wicker work and said
many good things.
Public Spirit was the dual founJla
ton of George A. Tippctt's Grafton. He
spoke Of the motives which prompted the
public spirit and his oration embraced
very many excellent ideas. His gestures
were good as was also his delivery.
Miss M. Josephine Reese read an essay
on "Fiction as an Educator. " The es
sayist mentioned the classes Of current
literature, the effects of certain kinds of
reading on the mind, ana drew from her
subject numerous interesting points. Miss
Reese read in distinct, pleasant voice.
A vocal solo by Miss Katie H. Robin
son from Gumbeit's "Yc Merry Birds, "
was well rendered and produced good !
effect.
'''Cradle of Our Nation" was the timely
subject of VIM. B. Crownshield' 5 Grafton.
He said in few days we would be cele
brating our 109th anniversary American
independence. During these years how
rich and powerful had our country
grown. That country which de-
manded for itself a place among
the nations Of the earth then numbered |
thirteen colonies. Now forty eight States |
with their fifty millions Of people are en-
closed within its vast boundaries. Its |
wealth has more than doubled every ten |
years and its products are carried to every |
nation of the globe. Although the |
youngest Of the nations it takes its stand |
as the foremost. lie concluded with an |
eloquent pcroration.
Miss Leila Grace Bowers chose Glove |
Lightens Labor as the title of her essay,
and succeeded in saying many pretty
things. Her essay was admirably writ
ten and the thoughts expressed gave cvi-
dancp Of q we'll -matuTcd mind
THE Froward Duster" was humor-
Gus reading by Miss Mary B, Rutherford
The lady read the selection in a clear