The Indianapolis sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1880-1904, 1885-02-07

OF child. The real work OF shaping the
mind depends upon the child himself. The
development of the mind from infancy to
manhood was traced by the essayist in
faithful manner, which was appreciated by
the audience because of its correctness.
Miss Ida NJ. Webb spoke effectively Of
perseverance," Principally by illustrs-
tons from life did she elaborate the thought
that perseverance, means q persistence of
purpose for the successful accomplishment
OF nearly every great work in the world,
Many persons possessing nothing but nat.
uTal or ordinary ability and perseverance
have won their way to sf1iuencs and fame.
THE Gilded Hand" was Miss Ella Ped
lows subject. The system of bribery, of
corrupting officials by payments of large
sums OF money was condemned in unsparing
tennis. When public opinion is aroused the
giving of brides Will cease to be considered
good joke. Sappe's Overture to Poet and
Peasant" was rendered by the organisl after
this essay.
Miss Cora Donough spoke of Liberty En-
tightening the World" She said that with
the loss of liberty Athens lost her position
In the literature of the wo rid. So also
Rome lost her position and name when she
lost her liberty. England stands to-day ia
the front rank of science and literature, fos-
tered by liberty. The gift OF France TO
America OF the great statue is recognition
of the position America is taking in tie
ranks of enlightened nations.
Mary Hayes spoke of Ruins" She also
found II most natural and convenient 70 be-
gin by a reference to cities o. other
coun tries IN which ruins predominant to-
day. America has also claim as q country
OF MAGNIFICENT ruins. these being discovered
IN every part of the Mississippi Valley.
Miss Emma l.. Bacon chose for her sub
Ject Men and Trees Man is compared to
tree planted by the rivers Of water, by the
Pea lmist, The figure was further
followed by the esssyist IN a COM
psrlsoD OF the growth of trees to that OF
man. The winds Of adversely NAV make the
strong man bow before it for q time, but
be soon rises again al the stronger for the
struggle with the blast Different men are
like different trees.
Miss Anna NJ Hssely spoke OF "Our Posi-
bilities-" Following out the thought, the
essayIst had occasion 70 refer to Florence
Nightingale, Hanna Moore and Elizabeth
Barrett Browning as noble examples of
women who have held high places in the
worlds history of individuals Not all may
reach their elevations. but no good effort
is lost in this world. The social con-
ditlon OF women is improving with each
succeeding age of the worlds history. The
impulse OF Christianity first and of chivalry
later, assis ted to lift woman from the de-
graded position she had held through long
dark night IN the history of the world.
1.-THE Prancing of the Colts was Miss
Grace Phillips subject. The average
American prefers first-clsss minstrel show
to an intellectual entertainment. The
essayist thought that q colt without a
"plance" is but sorry spectacle. Not al
are built for the race course. but it is better
to be first rate family horse than a third
rate race horse.
George A. Reisner delivered the Grafton OF
the evening, his subject being Whatever Is
IS Right" He did not think the sentiment
is meant to be construed literally, still the
most bitter wrongs and the worst institutions
are 0fttimes their own cure. Revelations
never go backwards.
Following the essays and Grafton Professor
Grant, Principal of the High School, pre-
sented each of the graduates of the school
with diploma. Rev. L. ID. Robinson then
pronounced the benediction, after which the
audience dispersed There was quite an at.
tendance of coOred people present during
the evening to hear the essay of Miss ida NJ.
Webb, the only colored member OF the class,
and it Is but justice to say that her essay
compares favorably with those OF the other
graduates.