Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1889-06-08
COMMENCEMENT.
The Rock Island High School Class
of 80.
Last Evenings Exercises at Harper's
THEATRE Grafton and Essays---In-
structive Address by Principal Ray
Of Hyde Park.

Harper's theatre has not before con,
tanned a larger, more appreciative or more
pleasantly entertained audience than that
which was present last evening on the occa-
sion of the annual commencementexercis-
es of the Rock Island high school. 1t was
the graduation of the class of SO. and
not only was the large attendance, but
the great number of floral testimoni-
ais an evidence of the deep in
terest felt in the graduates. Such
wealth of natures fairest and
choicest treasures IS seldom seen. The
bulk of the circle, where the graduates
were seated, was bank of flowers. while
above, hung in white letters. the class
motto, 81 can. / ought. will"
As the curtain rose, it revealed seated
upon the stage the class of SO. President
Reimers and Directors Thomas, Barth
and Knowlton. of the board of education.
Supt. Kemble, Rev. G. w. Cue, Rev.
Father Thomas Mackin and Principal w -.
III. Ray, of the Hyde Park high school.
At the side were Principal W. H. Hatch
and Miss Briggs, Mrs. Nessenson and
Mrs. Eastman. Of the high school corps.
THE EXERCISES
opened promptly with an overture THE
Tar's Farewell" by Woodyatt's orchestra,
of Moline; then the High school chorus
under the direction of Prof Housed, sang
Springs Bright Chances" The invo.
cation by Rev. G. w. Cue followed, and
after it two numbers by the chorus,
Coming of Spring" and "Our Hearts
Are Light"
Mr.. John X. Scott then delivered very
strong Grafton on "The Public Schools, 4"
during which he touched upon their
original, history, growth, develop.
ment, the advantages of the public
school system. the influence upon
the general intelligence, and closed
with vigorous denunciation of
the lawless and ignorant methods OF
anarchy.
What shall we read?" was the SUBJ
ject of very tn oughtful and carefully
prepared essay by Miss Jennie Dickman
"a review of the various classes of lit
erature. those works that are best calcu-
lated to inspire the mind. and that trashy
cheap novel stuff that is degrading and
demoralizing in its effort. She suggested
the reading of books of good influence,
and the names of authors who would
have good effect on the reader.
The orchestra played as an overture,
Bohemian Girl" when Miss Grace M .
Sturgeon read highly credtable essay
on "Our Presidential Campaigns" pro-
duction which proved, however, more of
the nature of a general criticism of meth
DDS and practices of American politics.
The young lady dwelt at length in well
chosen language upon the character of
presidential campaigns, the influence a nd
interest attending the same and the patri-
otto aspirations, personal and political
feelings that enter into the shaping of
the party policy and platform and the
selection of candidates. She also spoke
of the numerous factions that contribute
to the formation and success of party
policy.
Miss Charlotte F. Kenworthy read an
essay with the title of "a Question of
the Day." paper devoted to the subject
OF woman's work, her advancement and
her position in the world and in society
Woman, in the mind of the essayist, was
what she made herself. She should edu,
cate and equip herself for the struggle OF
life. The reason of the poor compensa.
ton in the world for woman's work, wa,
the fact of lack of preparation and con.
centration of labor on her part; an
unwisely spent girlhood and lack of
pride in the work. There was too much
waiting for choice for lie than in
preparing to meet the obstacles
of life. 1t would be better, too, in q.
stead of crying for the ballot box
for woman to devote herself to the edu>
cation and salvation of those of her sex
who need such attention.
Under circumstances such as that
of last evening where all did so
creditably. it would be invidious to
discriminate as to the merits of
any essayist or essay, but the production
OF this young lady. savOred so little OF
the ''sweet girl graduate" and was SC
out of the ordinary run of commence.
ment papers, that TO reserve spe-
cial mention or to hesitate to say
that she carried off the hono-s of the
evening would be equally unjust. Not
only was there so much common sense and
natural ability reflected as to composi-
ton and preparation, but the enunciation
and delivery were so clear and pleasant
as to give promise of her own attain
ment, if she continues. of the high plane
she pictures as the proper station of trut
wOmanhood.
The orchestra rendered 1.-THE Silver
Bell" after which President Reimers
introduced
PRINCIPAL W. II. RAY,
of the Hyde Park high school. who de-
livered one of the most instructive, forci.
BILE, logical and cultured addresses thai
has been heard in this city. In com.
mencing. Mr.. Ray expressed his AGO lain
lance with many of the people of Rocl