The Delaware ledger. (Newark, Del.) 1879-19??, 1885-06-20
COMMENCEMENT WEEK,


opened in the College Oratory on Friday
evening Of last week. A prize of $50 10
offered by the Alumni for the best de-
and reading by the junior de-
partment and freshmen. There were
sixteen entered the contest-seyen young
ladies and nine young conference.-the
prize to be divided. The defamation
exercises were held in the oratory, and
the hall was crowded, not even standing
space left. 1t has been the custom to APP
point committee of three to decide, but
on this occasion Gen. w. $. lMcNair Of
Wilmington, acted us judge. The efforts
of the students We're highly creditable,
and many wondered who the two lucky
ones would be. Those present greatly
enjoyed the exercises, and left the Ora
tory much pleased.
Invitations had been issued by the
sophomore class, stating that zoology
would be inferred on Friday evening.
The audience after quitting the Oratory
fingered ON the campus to witness the
last sad rites of the study-Ioology. An
improptu platform had been erected in
the walk and ON this, the mourners took
seats. The funeral exercises were open
ed by j. f. j. Whistler as master of cere-
monies. After short address II. L. De-
Meanwhile, (the English orator. was in
troduced. lie made short address on
the difficulties, trials and failures of the
now deceased Zoology. VIM. II. Smith
followed with Latin Grafton, and w. l..
II. Benton delivered the Greek Grafton.
The lid was raised from the bier, and
the spectators invited to view the re-
mains of Zoology. The cortage proceed
to a rather shallow grave and deposited
the box. The mourners then chantcd II
dirge over the departure Of this study.
The tune was "Hang JEFF Davis on a sour
apple tree" but the name of one of the
professors was substituted. So ends the
first day.
The campus presented an animated
appearance Saturday morning. Students
were seen hurrying to and fro, and by
noon two large tents had been erected.
The program had this day set down as
class-day. This custom was first institu-
ted by the class of "a, and the class of'S5
was but following the steps of its illus
trious predecessors. Under the large
tents Il large number of people congrcga-
ted to witness this pleasing and interest
ing feature newly instituted with Della
ware College. Prof John b. Richie of
Wilmins ton, furnished the music dur
ing the intervals of the program. Mr..
j. II. Whitcman master of ceremonies,
made Il few Introductory remarks and
then introduced Mr.. John Niven, who
delivered Il short poem, in place of Miss
Grace ID. Chester, who was set down as
the class poet. Mr., Niyen was followed
by Victor i. Wooley as the historian.
He gave an account of the class from the
beginning-fOury years back to the pres
ent date. Out of Il class of twenty-SiX
but nine completed the full COURSE Sew
eral amusing jokes and incidents were
related how college widows were made;
the class had been very healthy with the
exception of the mumps and measles;
how one of the members was down some
time with the mumps His remarks
were received with loud applause by
those who understood the significance OF
his sayings. Mr.. Wooley spoke very
fcelingly ON the death of class-matc,
w. S. Donaldson. Miss Maggie w.
Blandy, address, as the prophecies, was
very interesting, showing the future OF
the class of 50, caused considerable
laughter. Out of the five gentlemen,
three would be lawyers, and two would
mount to the honorable position OF
Judges, and one of the lawyers will bloom
into ward politician in Wilmington
another gentleman TO devote some time
to base ball, and the remainder of his
life devoted to living comfortably on his
surplus cash. One to be farmer and
one ofthe ladies to be school marin,
while the other two be society bellies;
and marry rich, and be happy.
The tree Grafton was by Mr.. Chas. w.
Cullen, who delivered neat Grafton on
a healthy looking maple, which was
planted and to be nourished by the classes
as a memento to others and welcome
to the returning members of the class.
Mr. Richard T. Pilling delivered the ora
ton. Subject, Liberty" An intellectual
and highly interesting address.
Charles Evans, of class 'S6, was wei
coined to the platform, and the "smok.
ing the pipe,"-which was handed tc
each member in succession, of which
each took a puff; most of the Ladies
making wry fuces. After this wa,
dispensed Mr.. Cullen on behalf of tn,
class of 'S5 presented the pipe to class o
'SG, in neat and appropriate address.
The presentation of the presents
which was the prominent feature of tn,
afternoon was next on the program
which was carried out in good style by
Mr.. Whiteman: The first called was c
w. Cullen, and with the comment: 81
extend you that which may recall many
tender rccollections. 4 fit symbol o
one who may accompany you through
sunshine and sorrow, Il companion il
winter Us well rs i'm summCr-A Fannie
who may ever blow 4 breeze" Mis-
Miss Lizzie l.. IIearne was next called
although we have never seen som,
things we can imagine what they are
and present to you what imagine wa
DIrwin's missing link, ami here he is il
the shape of curly-headed mischic
making monkey" 1t was little brown
paper-mache monkey; when prcssec
would squeak. John Nivin was next. ii,
has by strenuous efforts endeavored t.