The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-06-12
THIRTEEN Hind GRADUATES,
The Commencement Exercises of the Indiana
Blind Educational Institution.

The annual commencement exercises OF the
Indiana Institution for the Education of the Blind
were held yesterday afternoon in the chapel OF
the institution. The hall was crowded, every
seat being occupied and the aisles filed with
chairs. There were thirteen members in the
graduating class and the programme was quite
long. Three of the efforts would have done
credit to any school where the pupils have the
advantage of sight These were an essay on
"Woman's Sphere" by Maggie G. Kelley; an
grafton on Charles Stuart Parpell," by James
]. Pratt, and the valedictory, Standing on the
Threshold" by Lizzie Burst who, besides being
blind has to use crutches.
The exercises were opened by an overture on
the organ by Charles F. Hansen and a chorus by
the choir-"Hail Smiling Morning." Miss Ma
randa Il. Benson gavean essay entitled, 'Self-re-
lance;" Mr.. Frank Balou rendered a very credit
able piano solo, and Miss Eckla 0. Spore read
an essay on Voice Culture" Mr. Thomas w.
Kennedy delivered Grafton on the Social
Problem" He thought that only by generous
education could the evils of society be remedied,
and that Ignorance by creating jealouses, made
all the troubles between capital and labor.
Every one should in an intelligent manner.
strive to rise above his present plane by the
light and power of education. Miss Mag
gle g. Kelley took 'Woman's Sphere"
as a Suolect, asserting That CIVILIZATION mad
advanced in proportion as education had spread
and that time and education Of the masses would
yet place woman in her proper place All that
was asked was an equality with man in all
things woman's place was where she could
do the most good Women who are following
professional lives are paving way to higher ed
ucation now as much as did Aristotle in his day.
Grant s. Housh spoke on Hope" Influence
of Example" was Miss Carrie n. Athertons sub
ject Man. she said, is the creature
of his surroundings. and is made by
the examples of others. The exam
pie is what makes the lasting influence
Clemens Niemeyer read an essay on the Uses
True Happiness" Miss Minerva E. Pavy had
an essay on THE Hearthstone," but was excused
from delivering it. Mr.. James J. Pratt
delivered Grafton "Charles Stuart
Parnell" receiving close attention through
out, and showing considerable oratorical ability.
Miss Alice Greenwood read an essay on There's
No Joy Without Pang of Sorrow" and
thought that. though there was sometimes sor-
row without corresponding joy, the reverse
was never true until the Christian life was COM
menced and the trust put in the Creator. The
valedictoran, Miss Lizzie burst, read an essay,
Standing the Threshold,' which was quite
long She regretted to say the word farewell"
with all it implied. and paid tribute
to her teachers. the class and the institution.
A trio. Miss Minerva E. Pavy. Mr. Frank Bal
lou and Mr. Chas F. Hansen. then sung. 20
Restless Sea-" A brief address was made by
Mr.. Howard Briggs. a member of the board of
trustees. and the diplomas we're presented by
DR.. L. II. Harrison, president of the board. The
class consisted of thirteen, their names being
Lizzie burst, Miranda f. Benson. Carrie NJ
Anterior, Almeda Bone, Thomas w. Kennedy,
Frank Ballou, Maggie G.. Kelley. Eckla O. Spore
Minerva E. Pavy, NJ. Alice Greenwood, Clemens
Niemeyer, James J. Pratt. Grant S. Housh.