The Indianapolis journal., 1889-06-25
GRADUATES OF AN ACADEMY
A Large Audience at 81. Johns Highly
Pleased with the Closing Exercises.
Addresses, Essays and Music Showing the Pro-
iciency of the Pupils-DiplOmas Conferred
by the Bishop-The Schools Art Exhibit.

The chapel of st. Johns Academy was
packed to its utmost capacity last night,
the occasion being the thirteenth annual
commencement of the institution. Al
though the graduating class was not large,
there being but four diplomas given, the
programme of the evening was lengthy and
no less instructive than entertaining. The
chapel had been decorated for the occa-
sion with flowers palms and cedar wreaths.
Occupying front seats near the platform
were the Rt. Rev. Bishop Chatard. the Rt
Rev. Augustus Bessonies aud several priests
while to one side sat the younger scholars
in the institution. The opening exercise
was the salutatory address. given by Miss
Mccoy. who, in her remarks, thanked all
present for their attendance, which, she
said, was to be regarded not only as an ex-
preston of gratitude at witnessing the
commencement exercises, but an indication
as well that they were interested In the
future of each and every graduate. Fol
lowing her address, which was brief, a
choral selection was given, with Misses
Bertha Coulter Kate Ryan and Clara
ODonneil as accompanies. An overture
was also rendered by Misses Ruth Mccoy,
Bertha Coulter, Mary Bedel and Anna
Reaume.
The first commencement address of the
evening was by Miss Caffee, her subject be-
ing 'sChristian Faith is the Key
note of Our Moral Existence There is no
power, she said, but In conviction. Spec
ulation and theory are necessary at times.
but their effect upon human nature is void
of good, unless they are accompanied by
convictions. She defined faith as being the
acceptance of truth, or of facts which rest
upon the authority of another. 1t is two
fold, human and divine, or natural and
supernatural: COMPROMISING is the one
faith, to cOmpanionship. Physical and
even mental existence may thrive without
a Christian faith, but not so the moral life.
After a piano quartet by Misses !,I: Bessie
and Rarth anna %an.e Kea"%G, Me-. ,e Deanprs
an essay on No One Lives for Himself
Alone" The sphere in which man lives
may be great or small, the reader thought,
but regardless of its scope he must act.
Action is necessary for life and this action
must have an incentive. To this end. a
good example before the eyes of mankind
In general. is invaluable. The human heart
is not normally selfish. Life on earth is not
life for the individual, but for his people as
well, and more than one is apt to think, is
the latter Influenced by the good or evil of
the former. The highest aim of all should
be not only self-salvation but good to 9TH
ers. Catholicity of feeling, generosity of
heart and purity of desire are the stepping
stones to earthly happiness.
Misses Caffee. Jennie Beattie and Bessie
Marable again rendered a musical selec-
ton, followed by Miss Fennessy, whose
theme was Virtue Alone is Happiness Be-
low" The essay was strong in every par
ticular, giving the fundamental principle
of life here below as being purity of
thought. word and deed. The passions of
men, she said. are made strong enough to
conquer weak and unexerted will, but
they are ever made to crumble and fall be-
fore a stanch determination. Will power
is not impossible with any man, and its
cultivation for good is blessing. The hui
man heart Is prone TO sin, but this sin
may not be continued against the
the inestimable peace and happiness to be
derived from having lived virtuOus life
unless he has been submitted to trials and
temptations. the strength of which have
only made the contrasts the more pleasant
Virtue was held to be the highest end and
aim of earthly existence so far as relations
with self and the world are concerned.
A vocal selection was then given by
Misses Catfee, Mccoy, May Crawford Lii
lie Beaupre. Mary Bedel, Ruth Mccoy, and
tie as piano accompanist, after which Miss
Shafer read an essay, the theme being In
the Field of Destiny We Reap as We
Have Sown." The young lady's
remarks were rather theoretical
than practical. although they contained
some lessons that We're worthy to be ad-
vOcated. Mans lot is his own work, she
argued. He is the embodiment of freedom
of the will, and whatever he may choose,
whether it be beneficial or injurious, can
be attributed only to his own disposition.
Environment may, perhaps, have some
thing to do with moral. mental and social
develOpement, but it cannot in any case be
considered as the only source of influence.
The youth makes the man, and he in turn
makes himself.
The valedictory was briefly given by
Miss Caffee her subject being "The Be
ginning of the End" She regarded
the position of her class not as one of
completed work. but as one IN which
her classmates were only partially prepared
teachers and instructors on behalf of her
class, and expressed her desire that they
might never have cause for regret in hav-
ing led them through the difficult and tedi-
Gus education of their youth. The Right
Reverend Bishop Chatard then conferred
the diplomas, making some very appropri-
ate remarks to the four graduates. The
names of those receiving them were Miss
Caffee. Miss Mccoy. Miss Fennessy and
Miss Shafer. After the rendition of the
sacred chorus the exercises concluded.
On the first floor of the building an eX-
hibition of art designs had been arranged.
1t was inspected by many during the entire
day and after the performance last night.
In addition to specimens of hand painting
are some in hammered brass, wood carving.
and plain and fancy sewing. Everything
exhibited shows careful instruction on the
part of the teachers and close attention on
the part of the pupils, and, taken as q
whole. is probably the best display of the
kind that the institution has yet made. 1t
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