San Marcos free press. [volume] (San Marcos, Tex.) 1877-1892, 1886-06-17
Closing Exercises OF the San Marcos
Public Schools,

The annual examinations which were held
in the San Marcos City graded schools last
week. show that the schools haze been
managed very successfully during the past
season. II Is evident that the teachers have
labored zealously. and that the pupils eS-
hibited proficiency in their studies,
The classes were rigidly examined and
came OF with great eclat. The supcrin-
tendent has made departure from the
usual public exhibitions and commence
ment exercises attendant ON the closing OF
school One week was devoted to q care
full written and oral examination for tho
purpose OF Regarding for the ensuing seho-
lastic year. Tho examination during the
last week was conducted in the several de-
partments separate, and visitors invited.
Grades A. and b. acquitted themselves with
honor during an extended and thorough
examination in arithmetic, Grammar and
Algebra. Topical outlines were placed on
the black. boards and slips of paper on
which were written questions and problems,
we're placed in n box. Each pupil drew
several cards and stood before the audience,
answered the question, solved the problem
or recited from topical outline.
A more fair, impartial and thorough
method of testing their proficiency could
not be devised. The readiness with which
the pupils responded to all demands upon
thom, and the proficiency manifested clio
tied compliments from the large assembly
of appreciative listeners.
Grades @. and D., Miss l.. Wilcox teach
or, passed critical examination with honor
to themselves and their instructor. Miss
Wilcox has certainly accomplished wonders
in training and teaching the children and 1t
would be difficult to fill the place OF this es-
teemed lady in the school.
The pupils in grades E. and F., Miss May
Joyce teacher. handled geometrical blocks
with great confidence and talked of penta-
CONS, hexagons, octagons and rectangles
with rs much ease as veterans in the alb
struse science. The children gave evidence
that Miss Joyce is an untiring worker and
that she is highly gifted as q teacher of
reading She has made an excellent record
in her department and we doubt not tho
future has in store for her honors brighter
and more to be desired than the costliest
gems that ever flashed in royal crown.
The exercises in Mrs. A. Duncan's de-
partment were very interesting throughout.
The children marched with blocks LIN hand
to make their calculations. The results of
her work more than sustained her we'll
known reputation rs q teacher of the pri-
mary, that most difficult department, in
which she has no peer. Mrs. Dnncan's
culture of mind and kindness of heart have
won the love and obedience of all her pu-
pills.
The history class recitation, grades E.
and F., was an enjoyable feature of the ex-
animation work. The pupils rapidly wrote
ON the blackboard topical outline and
dates of the first period of History. Their
recitations were topical, accompanied by
constant reference to a large outline map.
Each pupil seemed anxious to recite the
entire work.
The manuscript work done by the pupils
was on exhibition and it elected praise from
all who gave 1t careful inspection. Man.
uscript work is novel one in our system of
education, but it is rigid and severe test of
the pupils proficiency. Many specimens of
penmanship were arranged for inspection
and indicated great improvement and also
indicate the great care in this department
to promote excellence.
The examination exercises were not got
ten up for effect and display, but were the
every day workings of the schools, showing
that the best Normal methods have been
introduced.
The regular examination exercises were
interspersed with dialogues, select readings,
ESSAYS and declarations. Especial excel
lence was displayed by the little Misses and
Masters who maintained self possession
which was remarkable, and their express
ion in every instance exhibited careful elo-
cutionary training. The little people did
themselves great credit, but want of space
forbids the pleasure of special mention.
Miss Annie Vogelsangs Excuse for Not
Writing an Essay" was Factions compo-
sition containing many capital hits. Her
enunciation was clear and distinct and her
peculiar reading WAS responded to with lusty
applause. Upon special request she gave
the essay second radeing.
Miss Minnie Robertson, from the begin
ing, held the attention of the audience.
Her recitation "John Maynard" was fault
less, the enunciation the clearest possible
and delivery in excellent taste.
Twenty-Five pupils from G. and d. grades
made the representations of the "Pres:-
dents" brimful of interest. Eddie Fortson
in defamation and Eddie Fromme in select
reading acquitted themselves with credit.
Miss Neva Mosher read her essay grace
fully and with fine effect. Her essay,
''Flowers," was pointed burlesque on
"School Girls Compositions" Its reading
was highly enjoyed by all who caught the
spirit of her composition.
Miss Mary Daley read 1.-The Bells OF
Shandon" in an artistic and fascinating way
For proper expression and polish of style
her rendition cannot be surpassed. Her
graceful manner won the hearts of all in at
tendance.
Miss Gertie Garth, in "Caudle's Umbrella
Lecture" made happy hit in that capital
piece of comedy. Her recitation was pro-
nounced to be unexceptionably good.
Miss Cornelia DALEY read the Valedictory
essay. which was OVERLOOKING with beautiful
passages and rendered in manner of sur
passing pathos and excellence. Her happy
thoughts were more precious than matchless
orient pearls. May no ''sorrows sigh" ever
dim the radiant pathway of her young hfe's
bright dream.
For chronic catarrh, induced by scrofu-
lous faint Ayers SarsaparIlla is the true
II stops catarrhal discharges, re-