Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-06-10


The Virginia Female Institute is the last to
close the usual Commencement exercises of the
-four large schools Of its kind located in this city.
Reference to the Board oftrustees as constituted.
at once informs the distant reader, particularly
of the extended interest which attaches to this
Institution, and the care exercised over 1t by
the Diocese OF the Episcopal Church. Bishop
Whittle is the President Of the Board, upon
which are representative gentlemen from ev-
cry part Of the State, with Local Board of
which Judge Sheffey is Chairman, and Maj. T.
C. Elder, Col. Jas. n. Skinner, Maj. H. M. Bell,
and Geo. M. Harrison, ESQ.,, are members.
The selection, by the Board, a few years since
of Mrs. General j. E. B. Stuart as the Principal
has been followed by the most gratifying sue
cess, though the Institution had been conduct
ed previously by learned and experienced ad-
ministrations. Mrs. Stuart is especially quail
fed for the high and responsible duties she has
assumed. The well weighed and much to be
approved principles laid down In the discipline
OF the school lave long since furnished par ents
who placed their daughters under her care with
many illustrations of the browning excellence
ofthat feature of the school.
These are in these words 1.-THE Principal de-
sIres to cultivate the Christian graces, and by
precept and example mould the undeveloped
character intoa high type of womanhood," the
essential groundwork upon which woman
throughout life will best achieve her rightful
position and fill the stations she is designed to
adorn.
THE ART EXHIBITION.
The Class in Painting and Art culture. under
the instruction of Miss A. H. Little, as evidene-
ed by the exhibition, has been most Industrious
ly engaged. The display embraced demonstrates
that, in the large number and variety Of
pieces on exhibition. The crayon- work for be-
beginners and pnpils in study and effort is
worthy in many respects of the old masters in
the drawing from objects. Transferring from
small photographs to life-size in design, ex-
hibits the well laid ground. work which the
teacher has successfulIy made her pupils I'M
derstand as the basis of true proficiency. This
feature was finely illustrated in portraits of Dr.
b. M. Atkinson, of this city, by Miss Glenn, his
daughter; and of DIR. and Mrs. Miller, of Shenan-
doah, by their daughter, Miss Ida V. Miller.
Miss Louise daughter Of the late Hon. N. K.
Trout. of this city, has evidently won distinc-
ton in the accomplishment of her pencil in the
likeness of Miss Lewis. of West Va, which ar
rests the eye of the observer as 1t glances along
the group richly displayed on the west side Of
the hall. The full figure of little girl in her
gambols-the child OF the Rev Mr.. Lloyd, Of
Norfolk-is also by Miss Trout. Miss Ellen D.
Stuart. of Wytheville in her faithful delinea-
ton from object in oil painting, by transferring
from an endless variety of lights and shades,
gives evidence of superiority in the cast Of
genius which selected SO difficult q subject for
specimen work.
The class in this department would be here
named, but 1t was not convenient to obtain the
list, nor can the pupils gaining distinctions be
referred to, because they will not be announce
ed till the day after this issue of the SPECTATOR
is published.
SoIREE MUSICAL.
Under the direction of Professor Webb this
feature of the occasion, was. as witnessed. the
source ofmuch pleasure to the large audience as
1t deserved to be gratifying to those who took
part in it. 1t was in two parts and concluded
the exercises Tuesday night. The programme
Of Wednesd ~ will be the distribution of dis
tinctions medals and diplomas which will be
interspersed with rich selections of music and
as the SPECTATOR goes to press Tuesday night
cannot in this issue 1t is regretted be further
ferred to.