Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1884-06-28
PROMISING PUPILS.
The Commencement Exercises Of
the Public Schools.
Fine Results Shown by Good Glass;
interesting Literary Efforis---Pre-
sentation of Medals and
Diplomas.

The commencement exercises of the pub
lie schools, yesterday afternoon, were th,
best, beyond a doubt, of all Whelling's ef
forts in that line, this season. A more
pleasing and fattering testimonial the pub
lie schools could not have had, and happy
man, yesterday, was Superintendent Birch.
Eappy too, are the patrons of the schools,
to have such superintendent
1t took just seven minutes, By the watch,
to fill the Opera House from the orchestra
pit 10 the top of the gallery, and as four.
hiths of the auditors were ladies, the scene
presented was pretty one. Not less pleas.
ing was the stage setting. Flowers and
evergreens had been tastefully disposed
about and hung. in anchors and other de-
signs, from above. The graduates, in their
neat costumes, sat in semi-circle, hanked
on either end by Superintendent Birch and
Superintendent Butcher, and backed by the
Board of Education. The Opera House
orchestra occupied the box and enlivened
the performance with some exquisite music.
THE GRADUATING CLASS
is as follows:
Washington School-Walter Fl. Chap.
man, Ross T. Chew, Laura A. Fox, John
A. Crawford, j. Howard Mcdonald.
Clay School-Albert Hibberd, David
Krsus, Hermina Vogel, Bette C. Wilson.
Union School-Minnie f. Crowther, Otto
G. Hess Lucy E. Robinson.
Centre School-Lizzie Z. Brakmann,
Matte j. Hare Annie c. Colbert, Sallie ID.
Roemer, Lizzie g. Davis, M. Emma Moffet,
Birdie N. Robertson, Rosa F. Steinfeld
Webster School-Libbie M. Moore.
Madison School-Wm. G. Etzler, Stella
NJ. Morrison, VIM. I. Nicoll.
OF these, nineteen had received IS per
cent and over, on marks, and we're entitled
10 appear in the programme, which was
opened by prayer by DR.. j. L Smith.
sALUTAToRY.
Miss Lizzie E. Brakmann, the second
honor lady, delivered pleasant and digni-
he'd welcome, as salutatorian. "a Plea for
the Public Schools" was her theme, and
he first thought suggested was that the
treasury surplus could not be better expend-
ed than in the cause of education 1t is
not difficult 10 find strong argument in
support Of her position, and those at her
command she handled very successfully.
Ross T. Chew is a rising young orator.
His original Grafton on the Possibilities OF
Life" was delivered with an easy grace OF
gesture that would have done credit to a
much older man. The subject matter was
NO less commendable, and showed dep,h
Of thought and knowledge and breadth OF
view that spoke volumes for our public
schools. 1t was difficult to decide which
deserved most praise, the excellence of the
composition, or the grace Of the delivery.
Another Grafton followed close upon it,
John A. Crawford being the speaker. 1.-THE
Men Who Lead was his theme, and purity
of motive and integrity of purpose, the
bought expressed. The Grafton evinced
bought and feeling, and was well re-
ceivcd
Miss Minnie E. Crowther' S essay, on "0n
What Page is the Lesson TO-DAY" was read
with modest confidence and bespoke the
enQuiring mind and studious thought of its
composer. 1t was not school girl gush, but
solid matter that commanded the respect of
her auditors. The lesson Of to-day is found
on the lSS4th page of the 10Th volume of
lime, and is the broad purpose of life itself.
The Nightingale Polka" was delight
fully rendered by the orchestra and proved a
pleasing intermissiOn.
Miss Lizzie G. Davis was TO have recited
Famine" but was unfortunately detained
~ the death of her uncle. The place was
Tiled by Otto e. Hess, the graduate in Ger
man, who recited German poem very &C
ceEtably.
on FASHION.
VIM. c. Etzler had a very interesting and
amusing essay on Fashion" The whims
md caprices Of this universal tyrant were
humorously treated. Since Richard Ill. set
he fashion on hump-backs in England, we
ire d crooked-backed generation metaphor
cally speaking, bending under the rod OF
he capricious goddess. Poodles are more
fashionable than babies and women are de-
generating into mere fashion plates This
vas the first departure from the sober strain
and was quite refreshing.
Miss Laura A. Fox's essay treated of
Builders" life was the edifce her paper
cared, and the questions considered were
he material the design and the skill OF con,
Struction. Our motives are the blocks OF
life and our virtues the mortar that binds
them together. Character rears the fabric
Of life and circumstances form the design
These were the leading thoughts of her es-
;ay which was ornamented by many happy
conceits and forcible illustrations. Her de-
livery was exceedingly good and her voice
penetrated to the fartheSt corners OF the
house.
REGULATIONS.
The first recitation Of the programme was
by Miss at J. Hare on "The Rising" by
{. Buchanan Read There was plenty OF
ire in those stirring lines, and they could
not fail to please.
After pretty piece of music, Albert
Hibberd recited Macaueys famous poem
'Horatius at the BIidge." He threw into
it great deal of dramatic action and force
and succeeded in vastly pleasing his
audience.
John H. Mcdonald in his grafton on
Gold and Gliding" told the difference be.
tween the true and the imitation. As gold
is to gliding, so is real lie 10 .the laise
Outwardly they are the same, but once be-
low the surface the truth is real. The true
man stands the test of time, growing, like
gold, brighter with time, but the false life,
ike gliding, will surely disappear at last
"Pockets" was the topic Of Miss Libbie
NJ. Moore's essay. Without any special
profundity, it was
BRIGHT AND PLEASING,
and served as the leaven to some of the
heavier efforts. The audience enjoyed some
of its flashes Of wit and smiled at its humor-
Gus touches, so that it was entirely enjoya-
BILE.
"a Schoolgirls View Of Life" by Miss
Stella NJ. Morrison proved to be q very
bright view, all smiles and no tears. Ii
was necessarily a very circumscribed view,
ms all the views of youth are, and shut out
these clouds which come all too soon. The
only shadows are the small miseries of les