Omaha daily bee., 1889-06-14
BELAEvUE COLLEGE.
Fifth Annual Commencement Exer-
cises-The Graduates.


cises.-The Graduates.
The fifth annual commencement of Belle
vue college took place yesterday morning.
A word or two as to the history of this insti-
tuition will probably not come amiss. 1t
stands on commanding bluff, just west of
the ancient hamlet of Bellevue, and from its
lofty tower a magnificent bird's-eye view of
the surrounding country, with long reach
of the beautiful Missouri valley, is obtained.
1t is a sweet, pastoral spot, well calculated
for the purposes to which 1t has been
adapted. The college itself, an imposing
brick structure, was erected by Ii: L.
Clarke, and donated to the synod of
Nebraska. 1t is three stories in
height, ornamented with a towering
turret or observatory, and stands on the
very apex of Elk hill, the site OF the grave
of old Chief Logan, of the Omaha nation.
The college building affords accommoda-
tions for three hundred students or more,
with spacious study and recitation rooms.
The foundation for an excellent library has
literature, and a full catalogue of textbooks.
The regular course Of study embraces art,
music, modern languages, English language,
literature and history, ancient languages,
history, mathematics, natural science, men,
tai and moral sciences. The college is stu
ated as above described, a trif1e over nine
miles from the city, and is in flourishing
and growing condition.
spectators, this morning, and promptly at
half-past 10 o'clock the exercises opened
with an Invocation by Rev. DIR. Lewis.
Misses Henderson and Lodge performed
piano duett from Rossini, which was re-
ceived with rapturous applause.
Following this delightful overture came
recltations by Bessie Burtsch, Anna Vastler
and BERTHE Brownley, all of whom acquitted
themselves with exceeding credit.
The quartette, Messrs. Palmer, Mitchell,
Lyman and Kratz, sang "Kathleen Avorn"
with good effect, and were literally ap-
plauded.
An essay OF considerable strength was
read by e. F. Stauffer, on "The Triumph of
Steam" while that of David Vastler, ''The
Elements of Success" was equally merito-
rious.
.Welcome Pretty Primrose" another num-
Der by the quartette, was much enjoyed.
Succeeding this melodious interude was
brilliant Grafton by James b. Miller, when
the musical contest on the piano forte, with
Misses Emma Wright, Blanche Davies, Vera
Kayser and Helen Lodge as contestants, was
announced Miss Wright's selection was the
"Heather Rose" and, while prettlly exe-
cuted, she lacked force and brilliance.
dreams Of Happiness" by Blanche Davies,
was sweetly rendered and evoked an out
burst of applause. "Chant Du Berger" from
M. de Colus, by Vera Kayser, was brilliant
performance, as was also the "Serenade de
Don Pasquole," by Helen Lodge.
The graduating class consisted OF but
u.
Tekama, Milton E. Lewis, Lincoln, and w.
Roland Williams, Omaha.
Mr.. Paddock's Grafton, washington and
the Constitution" was fine production and
impressively delivered
The title of Mr.. Williams grafton was
'"Ihe Minister" and MIR. Lewis ''The
Greek Bard" and both showed careful
thought IN their composition, and were de-
livered with much oratorical force. Each
one of the graduates was fairly overwhelmed
with floral tributes, and their proud, beam.
ing faces told that the occasion was one OF
almost supreme happiness.
A. postgraduate course has been arranged
at this college, by which those who have
graduated at any regular college may con-
any of the above departments, either as o
resident or non resident student.
Rev. p S. Davies, of Missouri Valley,
delivered lengthy address to the post
graduates on John Calvin, His Influence on
Literature and Civil and Ecclesiastical
Society Throughout the World"
The presentation OF the diplomas by Rev.
+. S. Blayney, president of the college, was
an unusually impressive feature. the re-
marks of The reverend gentlemen being par
ticularly timely and feiicitous, and at the
close he was applauded to the echo.
The following prizes were awarded:
Prizes for declamations, Bessie Burch
first. and David Vastler second.
On essays, David Vastler.
On music Helen Lady first, and Blanche
Davies second.
Latin language and literature, Blanche
Davis.
Greek language and literature, G. A.
Mitchell.
Ancient and modern history w. L. Bur
CESS.
Natural science, j. b. Miller.
Mathematics, A. y. Mitchell.