The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-09-27
LETTERS FROM THE PEOPLE.
Hlgh-sehool oommeneements.

AAgA-SenOOk commandments
TO the Editor of the indianapolis JenrnaIs
Our public schools are the pride of our city
Indianapolitans congratulate themselves upon
their excellence and thoroughness, Yet in
these very perfect schools, imperfections exist
Parents complain of the burdens laid upon
teachers and pupils One, recently, objected to
so many hours of study and confinement These
are criticisms worthy the attention of our hon
ored school board. When we attend the pri-
mary, intermediate and higher schools our plea
is ever for more gentleness, more courtesy,
more love. Have you ever observed
the refining influence of those lovely
undergraduates, on the corner of st. Joe and
Pennsylvania streets, whose law is loVe2s
Have you seen the happy faces of the children
under their instruction. Have You heard their
glad songs9 Have You observed their gentle,
polite expression of thanksl Taught by teachers
| Of irmness and patience, governed by the law
of love-" Perhaps you attended our recent
High-school commencement and noticed that
nearly every charm pertaining to graduation
day had been laid aside. There were very few
essays and orations, little music and no flowers
The majority of the class sat silently by; each
one arose, when called, and made, in the first
president. Every one, without a single
exception, made this very grave bow
The number of invitations to this commence
ment were very limited, as only one evenings
entertainment was given, aud the large numbers
that desired to attend could not be accommo-
dated.
The pleasure of the entertainment was sadly
married BY persons entering late, walking noisily
down the aisles, and slamming seats. There
were, perhaps. twenty. five good seats in our i'm
mediate locality unoccupied, while the junior
class of the institution was crowded up ia the gal
lery, and hundreds of our citizens anxious
to attend, were not invited. No wonder that
some of the graduates themselves
were not present They were not allowed to
rsad--this privilege was assigned to about twelve
of the very large class. They were not to receive
flowers: they were not to sing, and only few Of
their friends gained admittance We believe
cur bright girls and boys should highly respect
and esteem their president and manifest toward
him courtesy and genuine politeness; but on this
happy occasion viii not one bow suffice for ail4
It becomes decidedly monotonous to the audi
ence, and is oppressive to Young America on
commencement day, May we not in future have
this literary feast last four evenings instead Of
one, inviting the friends Of onefourth
the class one evening, and so on,
until four times the usual number
of pupils, have delivered their orations or read
essays. and four times the customary number of
people have had the pleasure of hearing the very
beautiful ESSAYS and orations written and de-
IVered by the cultured young ladies and gen
temen of our High-schooll If those invited
would be in their places at the hour Of com
mencing it would be marked expression Of
courtesy to the pupils and teachers All who
are late might, at least, remain quietly stand
ing at the door, until the reader has concluded
her exercise.
Teachers and people of our beloved city. will
we ever be able practice the code of politeness
taught by the divine Masterg whatsoever We
would that men should do to you, do ye even SO
to them" Can it be possible that we need a
Charles Dickens right here in indianapolis to
portray some Of the workings of our schools
Let US hope that not another such commence
ment viii occur in our city. Throw about this
glad day all that is lovely and joyous. Let nota
tear glisten in a single eye not pang Of disap-
pointment be felt Grown the girls and boys
who have completed the twelve years course
with honor and fiowersl We want to hear them
| all read and sing; we want to see them glad and
happy. We wish them to look forward to aud
remember this day as one of gratified ambition.
We wish our teachers to rejoice with them, and
to know that there is sympathy and hearty APP
| probation amongst all our people. We desire
every father and mother to be entirely gratifed,
| and happy on our coming glad commencement
day A. IL W