Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1886-06-17
DsnAw4ns ooIIEos.
Fisey-sccond Anniversary OF the
Athen@an Literary society of Deit.-
ware C0ilege-Progrnlmn OF she


Special Correspondence Of Casette and journal.
NEwAnK, june 49, Since class day has
become Il regular and recognized iustitu-
ton in Delaware College commencement
events the attendance has commensu-
rately increased with each successive year,
and the class day of the class of 'S6, held
in the college oratory on Saturday after
noon, was not less interesting to the large
audience than those of the two preceding
classes. The overture Suppe's Poet and
Peasant" by the Keinpa orchestra, TEN
porarily amused the audience, while the
individual members of the class were con-
templating the most disagreeable things
that could be said of their fellow class
men.
William Du Hamel acted as muster of
ceremonies and in that capacity babe n
hearty welcome 10 the assembled friends
and introduced Charles Black Evans, ms
the class historian, to whom the unpleasant
duty befel of relating the crnel and
embarrassing incidents of n four years
college course, Intentionally leaving out
nil those pleasant "reminiscences which
might serve to ameliorate in a degree
their natural regret of the termination of
d college course. MIR. Evans, after re-
garding the class as a unit, entered into a
diagnosis of its personnel and IL was this
that made the audience laugh. Truth is
not an absolutely essential attribute of
these stories, yet they were extremely
entertaining to the audience.
Edward Henry Eckel of Wilmington, in
his class poem was prophetic in the ex-
| treme, and saw the male members of his
| class in his extended vision in a very
different light, as may be explained by
| the title of this poem, "As it Were"
The traditional pipe was next on the
programme, and as last year played prom-
inent part on the comfort Of the audience.
Its mission was accomplished when it
had sent the non-smokers of the class
into paroxysms of choking and had
descended to the junior class.
Miss Mary Gardiner Reynolds, of Will
mington, endeavored to picture the future
of her classmen in her prophecy" which,
while amusing, was not strictly in har-
meny with the present characteristics OF
| its subjects. The tree Grafton was de.
livered by William Lansendale. Miss
Anna Todd Reynolds then read nm essay
upon a serious subject, after which fol
lowed the feature of the occasion, the
presentations. This consists of the pre-.
seutation by the master of cere-
monies of numerous small gifts
not for their intrinsic value
hut ostensibly to publicly expose pecr.
liarities and failings. This was done
good naturally, and received with reeip-
rocal good will, although there was Otter
n perceptible blush upon the counte-
nances of their unwilling recipients
Among the presents was an artificial
moustache, given to smooth-tared stu
dent rs tribute of tender sympathy
from his bearded classmates. To the in.
veterate smoker of the class was given {
complete outfit for that particular pur
pose. 10 the ladies were given gingel
cakes, 'tsweets to the sweet, !" and this Of
course was gallant end to the pro
gramme.
NEWARK, June 1G.-The oratory helt
the largest audience of the commence
ment season last evening. The stage wal
prettily decorated with flowers Thu
Kempa orchestra entertained the audience
and supplemented the enjoyment by it
excellent playing during the interms.
The opening prayer was made by thu
Rev. Mr.. Prettyman which was followed
by brief and appropriate remarks of wei
come by the chairman of the committee
Thomas M. Morrison 'S7, TO the audience
on the observance of the so-cnlled fifty
second anniversary of the Athenmal
Literary Society. The question has beer
l long and fruitlessly discussed, concernin!
U the priority of organization of these con
temporaneous rival societies. II has beef
settled beyond reasonable doubt tina
there were but few hours or days differ
ence in the date OF their respective date
of organization.
william i. II. Benton delivered tn
society address upon 1.-THE Three Grea
, Eras of Student Life"
The orator of the evening, the Rev. w
S. Robinson of Milford, was next intro
duced, and proceeded Immediately afte
defining his title to be "The Duty of til
Past to the Present." to enumerate tn
primary and efectual means of civiliza
ton and religion during the early Ger
turtles, stating that 20 centuries ago me
7 could not with impunity worship at hi
| own volition, nor could scientific me
endeavor to explore and investigat
nature and science without being regarde
as vice regent to his satanic majesty
There are, then, material evidences {
! this lasting debt over our broad lant
Then are included our great colleges, I'M
yersities and valuable institutions hui
by the indomitable courage and philal
throphy of great aud profound men. An
+ then to our armies of the country HAY
I they not the profound and unspeakab
n gratitude of the present and all succeed
q ing generations?
y The address was not, strictly speaking
Y literary one, but it was certainly
n sound, political and practicable addres
d The Grafton was read from notes, and
g pleasant tone of voice, commander
[. strict attention and worthy applause
/ the finish. Edward Henry Eckel, Is
h then spoke upon 'tThe Hidden Soul
o Harmony" excellently and to son
length.
The farewell address was modest OF
of sufficient fervor.
" The graduating exercises proper, W
ID be held in the oratory to-day at ii o'clo'
d when the following young Indies and ge
l. tlemen will graduate and read theses.
10 Edward Henry Eckel of Wilmingt'
lie will deliver the Latin salutatory in co
ID neetion with his essay on symbolism
m Miss Mary Gardiner Reynolds OF W
is mington, can English Hero; !" VILLA
le DnHammel of Maryland, '"rhe Unity
u ChrIstendom y Miss Laura Kelso Macke
ne "The Pit from Which We We're Digged
I'd Charles Black Evans, ''Fhe School
le Life I" Miss Anna Todd Reynolds OF W
d. mington, "a Liberal Education" in &C
nection with the valedictory.
The Delta Phi anniversary Will be he
promptly in the oratory at 7.30 this eve
ing, when the Rev. Addison Ballard
&C. Lafayette College will deliver the orati
or of the evening, and Charles b. Evans
nd William Du Hamel, respectively will
rs, liver the farewell and society address
mt The trustees of the college met here
Wv day with 80 members from the State.
of NEWARK, Juno 16.-The commencem
he exercises were held In tho oratory
ID. morning Mt IL O'Clock, with opening pra
ia by DIR. Valandighnm.
IL The graduating essays were delivered
- the order givon in EVERY EVENINGS 1
hk edition.
prizes and degrees were conferred us
lows:
ell in chemistry for the junior year, to Hl
mo- NJ. Davis of Maryland.
~ The Soule prize, a Bryant Il STRAIT
IA, scholarship, to Miss Anna Clark Reynt
ith of Wilmington, the valedietorian, for hi
ion est average in the senior year.
ect The alnmni oratory prize, $50, 10
the winner of last weeks contest, to Tho
hin NJ. Morrison of West Grove, Pa, OF
q n sophomore class of '8S.
~, Honorable mention to Harry A. HicST
~ of Wilmington, and J. A. j. Whistler.
.er- Degree Of b. A. on all the graduates '
ION the exception of Miss Clara X. Mackey,
So was awarded tho degree Of b. u.
Honorary degrees were conferred as
lows:
b. A. on Dr.Peter Keysor OF Philadell