Los Angeles daily herald., 1888-06-22
COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES
At the University OF southern Cali.
fOrnia.

At the universally OF southern Cali
fornia.
In Chapel Hall, in the main building
of the University Of Southern California,
College Of Liberal Arts, the commence
ment exercises of the graduating class
were held yesterday morning. When a
HERALD man entered the chapel hall he
found it filed with ladies and gentlemen
gathered to witness the exercises. The
chapel was tastefully decorated with
evergreens and flowers, and presented a
most attractive appearance. Meine's
string orchestra was in attendance and
between numbers on the programme OF
exercises arranged, discoursed sweet mu-
sic. Athalf after 10 o'clock the exercises
we're commenced with music by the or
chestra and an eloquent prayer by Rev.
Mr.. Stevens, of Monrovia.
"The Influence and Culture of Public
Opinion was the subject OF an oration
by Miss Olive May Harrison, one of the
three graduates. Miss Harrison handled
her subject with mastery skill, that de-
noted deep thought and close application
to the problems involved in
the important issue che presented.
Public opinion, the young lady
held to be the hereditary prerogative Of
society. 1t might be used 30 as to bene-
fit amassed mankind, and yet could be
made powerful element of evil. Its
influence was all powerful-wel nigh
omnipotent-and in the proper cultiva-
ton of public opinion mankind in general
should take an active interest. Miss
Harrison had evidently posted herself
well regarding the subject she treated,
and when her Grafton was concluded she
was the recipient of much applause from
her auditors.
Miss Cora Effie Snodgrass addressed
those present next with an oration enti-
tied, Opposition the Herald of Pro-
gress." Miss Snodgrass' address was
possibly the best delivered. Throughout
the lady engrossed the closest attention
of her auditors, and when she concluded
was enthusiastically and continuously
applauded. Without opposition, Miss
Snodgrass submitted, the world, from its
advent as universe, would have
remained upon its original plane
of thought, action and temperament.
Opposition might be styled the father
OF ambition, OF progress, development
and expansion. Opposition had worked
the formation of the greatest nations,
had brought out the greatest inven-
tions; had go taxed the human mind as
to cause it to expand in ideas and
arrive at conclusions and desires COM
mensurate with the progression of the
world. Miss Snodgrass' argument was
logical, eloquent and pithy, and there
appeared every indication that the lady
is possessed of an extraordinary degree
OF intellectual capacity, seen seldom in
one other years.
William Sherman Bovard, the sole
gentleman graduate, after the orchestra
had rendered an overture, arose and
delivered an Grafton. He selected for a
subject: obedience to Law the Highest
Liberty" Mr.. Bovard, who is a son of
the learned and popular President of the
University, has been student at that
institution the past four years.
He ranks the brightest scholar in
the college and won new laurels
on commencement day. Possessed of
elocutionary power of high standard and
mental capacity, enabling him to handle
the discussion!of almost any subject, the
young gentleman fairly outdid himself.
He held the attention OF his hearers
throughout his somewhat extended
ulsSerldtlOl, presenting III luclu, YET elo-
quent diction, his ideas governing the
subject OF his Grafton.
After more music the Dean of the Fac.
ulty, Rev. w. 5. Matthews addressed the
graduates briefly, and then formally pre-
sented them, as graduates of 1885, to
Prof. Bovard, who in turn presented
them with diplomas and conferred upon
them the degrees to which they were en-
titled. The exercises were termin mated
with benedction by Rev. DR.. Chase.
At s O'Clock last evening the Dean and
Faculty OF the College held a reception,
in Music Hall, in the College grounds.
There were present all the preceptors OF
the College, many OF the students, their
relatives and friends. A most enjoyable
evening was spent. Dean Matthews an
nounced the following promotions: Geo.
Sinsabaugh, class of 'S7, promoted from
degree OF Bachelor Of Philosophy to de-
gree OF Master of Philosophy. Eva Wal
ton, class Of 'S5, promoted to degree of
Master of Philosophy. Rev. E. NJ. Cur
rier, class OF 'S5, promoted from degree
OF Bachelor of Arts to degree of Master of
Arts.