Los Angeles herald., 1890-06-24
CLOSING EXERCISES.
The Commencement of St.
Vincent's College.
Orations and Essays of the
Graduates.
The Senior Class-Day of the High
School.
Entertainment at the University-Other
Affairs to Take Place Here
This Week.

The graduating exercises OF st. Vim
cent college took place last evening in
Turn Verein hall. A large audience as
sembled to witness the ceremonies and
every seat in the hall was filled. The
stage was occupied by the faculty of the
college and by a number of prominent
citizens, among whom was Mayor Haz-
ard The hall was handsomely decor
ated for the occasion with flags, stream
tendance. The galleries were filled
with the students of the college. The
opening address was delivered by Joseph
H. Glass, one of the graduates. In a
brief but forcible fashion he described
the work of the course through which
the class had passed and paid hand
some tribute to the instructors who had
acted as their guides. He then narrated
the principal events of the year at the
college and told of the loss with which
the class had met, in the death of two
of its members. The speech was excel
lently written and delivered with good
effect, and when the young man con-
cluded he was treated to good round of
applause.
After some music by the orchestra
Henry l.. Lunnigan delivered an Grafton
upon the subject of Popular Educa
ton" The government of people. he
said, varies, as does their intelligence
and their morality. Contrasting various
forms of government, we find despotism
ever exercising her sway over ignorance.
Liberty, which crushes the tyrant, is the
reward of intelligence. The march Of
knowledge has been the march of civili-
zation, and civilization demands free
government. If an intelligent people
demand free government, SO does free
government demand an intelligent peo-
pie. The people must be the conserv-
ators of the happiness they possess.
Make educational institutions public
| and attendance obligatory. The vital
axle of the republic is the right of suf-
frage. In exercising this right, intelli-
gence is demanded in the highest degree.
Education alone will preserve a pure
ballot. Our nation has thrown open
wide the door to the sanctuary of knowl-
religion should enter as an element into
parents must decide what form of re-
ligion should be taught. While forming
the individual we mold the character OF
the nation.
The class oration was delivered by
iect of "Science and Christianity. He
said Into the nineteenth century have
converged the forces generated in other
ouaS n ratrOSnactiva yiaIv &c niuili1-
alton it is evident that Christianity and
scientific knowledge are the two most
potent agencies that have worked for
its advancement.
The speaker then made brief review
of the work done by science in the
worlds history and that accomplished
by Christianity.
"The intelligent world" he said sis
profoundly agitated with regard to the
mutual relations of these agencies.
Are they antagonistic to one another?"
After recounting the history of this an
tagonism in the past, showing that there
was no cause for the disagreement, he
said: ''The infdels OF the last
century based their opposition
to Christianity on philosophical
grounds; now they base it on
the natural sciences. But the truths Of
science do not seem to be absolute, as
their theories are constantly being aban-
doned. As science frees herself from
antiquated errors it will facilitate the
transmission of Christianity throughout
the world. A word in conclusion to
those with whom | have spent a period
of life which will be always happy rec
objection. We feel a spirit OF gratitude
| for the reason of life. | stand here to-
night to pronounce my farewell to alma
mater. To those by whom the world OF
learning has been unfolded may memory
appreciate their labors and life apply
their examples. To those who graduate
tonight let us hope that fate will not di-
vide us, but that we may meet again in
the world often, as in our school days.
Reverend father and schoolmates, | bid
you all farewell.
AS the speaker retired he was
greeted with round OF applause.
Degrees were then conferred and di-
plomas awarded by the Rev. Father H
G. Dockery. David S. Snedden, of Ven
tura county, received the degree OF
bachelor of arts, and the following were
presented with the diploma of gradua.
tion in the commercial course: w. II
Workman, Los Angeles Especial honor)
Stephen n. Lopez, San Fernando; Emile
G. Ganahl, st. Louis, Mo. James Rim
pau, Anaheim; John Teahan, Los Ange-
les; and Benjamin A. Rimpau, Ana
helm.
A gold medal for general scholarship
was given to Emile G. Ganahl, with
Henry L. Dunnigan, the nearest com.
petitor.
The gold medal for the English essay
contest was awarded to Henry l.. Dun.
negan, with Richard Dillon next on the
list. The gold medal for the best com.
position on Christian doctrine was
awarded to James f. Kenealy, with
Benjamin A. Rimpau next in merit.
This medal was donated by John +.
Moran.
After some music by the orchestra
the Rev. j. z. Fisher came forward and
delivered the commencement address
He said: Graduates and students of St
Vincent's college, rise to utter a few
parting words to you. The honor con-
ferred upon me by the invitation to ad
dress you brings with it duties which
almost hesitate to undertake, but an
here to contribute my mite. This is one
of the most important events of youl
life. Your beloved alma mater has
conferred upon you her highest honors
How worthy you will prove yourself O
this honor must depend upon yourself