Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-06-22
Agnes Lambing, and Messrs George E.
Swan and Walter AmsleY.

Agnes Lambing, and Messrs. George E.
Swan and Walter Amsley.
Miss Sadie E. Burnett then gave the
famous Course scene" from Brinsley Sheri-
dams "Richeliu," in which she displayed
very flexible and musical vocal organ.
The best conceived literary effort of the
evening was Mr.. Edward s. McClelland's 3
grafton upon the Motives of the Drama, -
in which he claimed for human action OF
the past all the glory and credit Of the
present as q matter of natural and uncon-
scious imitation, and for all the steps beyond
that which has happened the ambition to
excel past achievements. The oration was
happily conceived and intelligently de-
livered.
In the subject Possibilities, Miss
Emma L. Woelfel enlarged upon the ever
increasing scope of woman's work, and in
dulged in speculations as to the ultimate
limitations of the female portion of the COM
munity.
A CHARMING CHORUS.
The popular "Gypsy Chorus" from Balfe's
Bohemian Girl" was then rendered bv the
local club, Miss Annie Orr singing the score
allotted to Arline with expression. 1t must
be said that the musical portion of the pro-
gramme was of high grade of excellence,
and gave evidence of careful training and
attention.
Both the salutatory by Miss Elizabeth B.
Locke and the valedictory by Mr.. William
S. Langftt were conceived on high plane
and delivered gracefully, receiving we'll
merited applause.
The entire programme was alike credit
able to the participants and the faculty of
Curry University, and was really surprise
to the audience by Its general excellence
and the smoothness of rendition. The large
audience evidently appreciated the form in
which the programme was arranged, as none
of the numbers were Of extreme length and
the liberal distribution of musical and
dramatic numbers formed an agreeable and
interesting whole.
The annual address was delivered by Mr..
II. Il. Byram, who chose for his theme
Higher Education" and prefaced his re-
marks on that subject by saying: II had
intended to entitle che few words I have to
say "a Plea tor Higher Education" but
after listening to the interesting essays and
orations of this evening, such a preface
seems superAuous. What we have heard
indicates no practical need of higher edu-
cation than is accorded the young ladies
and gentlemen of the Curry University"
Proceeding, Mr.. Byram advocated the
ceaseless study of books, and not alone as
factor in graduating course, but in after
life when added education forms the step
ping stone to an upward course in the walks
OF life, not only commercial but social. He
quoted literally from the most able think
ers, both ancient and modern, in support of
the position that
EDUCATION Is NEVER COMPLETED,
even by illimitable absorption of book and
natural knowledge, and deprecated the
sometimes prevalent idea that a sound busi-
ness and commercial education is not of
permanent value because the recipient
thereof may have been destined for indus
trial life-work. While some colleges may
impart an education of a non-practical
nature, most of the American colleges are
not hampered by traditions, and furnished
useful and thoroughly useful and available
education. Mr.. Byram's address was schol-'
arly and dignifed, and was accorded the
closest attention by the members of the
graduating class and the largeI audience.
Mr.. Byram closed his remarks with the
following apt quotation:
Ignorance is the curse of God;
knowledge the wing wberewith
WE FLY TO HEAVEN.
The presentation of diplomas came next
upon the programme, the graduates Srising
from their seats to receive their coveted
parchments. Professor Williams, President
of the University, said: It affords me pride
to allude to a matter which has been the
serious study of the faculty and trustees of
Curry University. 1 refer to the elevation
of the standard of education in every de-
partment of our institution. The class
which take a just pride in presenting to-
night to their friends and the public is
NOT ONLY THE LARGEST
We have ever graduated, but it has passed
through standard of examination fully 25
per cent higher than any preceding class
which has passed from our portals into the
business and social world. We are not yet
satisfied, however, and shall continue to
elevate our standard and make our useful
ness more and more marked as our class
years commence and end. I maintain that
the best investment parent can give his
child or children is business education
to the common school eduea-
tion.
"As for the use to which the business COM
munity of the twin cities puts our graduates
to can almost say that situations seek our
alumni instead OF the reverse, as is custom
ary. Fully 80 per cent of our 1888 class is
at work in business and mercantile situ-
ations, and 1 think from past indications
that these practical results of our existence
will continue to crafty ourselves and our
patrons. These young men and women
have been diligent students, and have fairly
earned the certificates which I shall now
bestow. l hope that they will continue to
be an honor to themselves and to their alma
mater"
DISTRIBUTING DIPLOMAS.
The heads OF departments in the universi-
ty assisted President Williams in the dis
tribution of the diplomas, and the benedic-
ton by Rev. DR.. Cowan brought the even.
ng's programme to a close. A number of
The graduates of the business college were
not either upon the programme, nor did
heir names appear in the list of graduates.
The total enrolment OF the present year in
The various branches of the university i
reaches the astonishing total of AIT stu
tents. For the fall term, commencing in
the university has secured for
The head of the Latin department Prof.
Francis Schmitt, A. NJ, late of Trinity
Hall, Washington, Pa, whose recommend
ltions are OF the highest. A set of books
we're presented to Mr.. Langftt, the valedic-
orian of the class; a handsome watch was
,iven by her parents to Miss Cochrane, a
member of the stenographic class, and Miss
was presented with bracelet,
he presentations forming pleasant feature
# the very successful occasion.