The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1888-06-02
1HE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
OF Martins Ferry Send Out Six
More Graduates.
PROF. sHREyE PRESENTED
With Gold Headed Cane and the
People Endorse Words orPraisc
for Him With Hearty APP
plausc-Bright Essays.

The seventeenth annual commence
ment OF the Martins Ferry High School
was held in Lafayette Opera House there
last evening. The exercises began
about eight o'clock, at which time there
were fully l,4OO people present. The
stage was beautifully decorated on either
side with pretty flowers, overhung with
lace curtains The teachers, high school
scholars and graduates were seated in
semi.circles on the stage, with an organ
in the center. Over the front of the
stage hung an evergreen motto, "vincit
Omnia Veritas"- Conquers all
things"
The exercises were opened with
prayer by Rev. Mr.. Lewis. The choir
sang Springs Bright Chances"
The first Of the graduates, Benjamin
Exley, creditably delivered himself in
an oration, "Why we Are Whatwe Are"
The Grafton was worthy Of more ex-
perienced orator, and it is to be regretted
that lack OF space forbids quoting some
OF the admirable passages in which ii
abounded.
The choir sang the "Hymn Of the
Fisherman's Children" and Miss Mag
gle Clarke read beautiful essay, ave,
the heirs OF all ages" Her mastery Of
the subject was clearly shown by the
skillful manner in which she handled it,
and it deserved the ringing applause
which it ELECTED.
An Grafton on the subject, "0ur Boys"
by Mr.. Asa Devault, was probable as
finished and thoughtful production MS
ever came from the public schools, full
OF originality and logical in style.
Thechoir then sang the chorus, "Come
to the fair"
The fourth graduate, Miss Jessie
Swartz, read an essay entitled, "Prepara-
tion," an exceptionally good selection OF
u subject, and handled in askillful man
ner Music followed by the choir, after
which Miss Kate Ralston addressed the
audience in an Grafton entitled, "a Tai
ent for Admiration" acquitting herself
most creditably.
When the especially hearty applause
which greeted her at the conclusion OF
her paper had subsidized, Mr.. Paul Nor
rison delivered an Grafton on "Sparta
and Athens" skillfully handling the
subject from beginning to end, and ex-
hibiting considerable knowledge of these
two great States, their customs and their
wonderful progress. NJ. r. Smylie, Esq,
President OF the Board OF Education
then presented the class with their
diplomas, in very neat little address.
Then came part not printed on the
programme. Rev. Mr.. Brownlee, in
brief efspeech on behalf OF the graduating
class, presented Prof. Chas. r. Shreyc,
the Superintendent, with beautiful
gold-headed cane, as token OF their re-
gard for Prot. Shreve, with whom they
had been associated in school since
childhood. Mr.. Brownlee highly COM
plimented Prof. Shreve upon his success
full career us Superintendent. His ad-
dress seemed to catch the public feeling,
and frequently he was interrupted by
uproarious applause.
Mr.. Shreve briefly replied to the adj
dress, and feelingly thanked the class for
the token of their regard for him.
Mr.. Asa Devault took first honOrs in
the class and Mr.. Benjamin Exley sec
ond. The first honors entitled tho
graduate TO one free term in Adrian Col
lege.
The benediction was pronounced by
Rev. Mr.. Campbell and the audience
dispersed.