The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1891-07-01
Additional Local.
Commencement Exercises.
GRAMMAR CLASS.

last Wednesday afternoon at LongwelPs
opera house. The attendance was large.
The program was interesting, and the
eighteen graduates who participated in
its rendition demonstrated that their
training had been of the nature which
produces SCHOLARSHIP acquitting them
selves with distinction. Miss Hinckley,
teacher of this department, is to be con-
graduated on sending to the high school
one of the finest classes ever gradu-
ated from the grammar room. The
floral offerings were profuse.
HIGH SCHOOL.
The rink was filled to the doors on
Thursday evening to witness the COM
mencement exercises of the class of 81 q.
Under the artistic management OF Mrs.
Will Miller the stage, which stretched
entirely across the south end of the
room, had been made a lovely picture.
At its back, on a large panel of ever
greens, 1881" stood out in bold relief
in water lilies, while surmounting its
front the class motto, "Hewn, not Pol
ished," occupied a prominent place.
Fleecy laces, rare flowers, soft and
yielding carpets and luxurious rugs,
disposed by skilful hands guided by a
delicately refined taste, combined to
make fitting frame for the picture
presented to the admiring gaze OF the
thousand or more specta tors.
Through the courtesy and generosity
of the Electrict Light Co. the auditori-
UNI was brilliantly illuminated by four
arc lights, which materially added to
the beauty of the scene and the enjoy
ment of the occasion.
The class of 81 comprised only four
all ladies: Miss Lena V. Snow, Miss
Vern Van Fossen, Miss Melissa CRANE
and Miss Rose Dillon.
Sunrise and Sunset" was the title of
Miss billions theme. She advanced to
the foot of the stage holding her manu-
script Ito which she seldom referred)
lightly in her left hand, and commenced
her essay She spoke slowly, de-
liberately, distinctly, and in tone of
voice to be easily heard in the remotest
part of the room. Indeed, the same
may be said of each member of the
class-a notable and important depart
ure from the usual key of voice adopted
by young persons in reading or speak
ing in public. Miss Dillon compared
the apparent course of the sun with the
life Journey of nations or individuals.
No matter TO what height either might
attain, the decline and setting must
come, but it was largely in the power
of either to make the setting glorious
or gloomy one. Nothing is immuta
BILE but the Creator and His laws"
"A Tour to Mars" was the theme Sc
lccted by Miss Vern Van Fossen IA
weird, fanciful, visionary theme, to be
sure, but it was manipulated in man.
ner which demonstrated this young
lady's talent for executing realistic pen
pictures. AS truth is stranger than
felton," so fiction is more difficult of
portrayal than demonstrated truths or
theoretical probabilities. But Miss Van
Fossen made her tour to Mars a pleas
ing feature of the evening, notwith-
standing the fact that her rendering
was made difficult and painful by an
accidentally scared throat.
THE Race Question" was selected by
Miss Melissa CRANE (the first and only
colored person graduating from our
schools) and she handled the topic with
a masters hand. The only possible So
luton to the problem is in the educa-
ton of her race. She acknowledged no
natural inferiority, and cited many in
stances where, under adverse circum-
stances and surroundings, individuals
various avocations which refuted the
claim of many that her color was but
the brand of inferority. The essayist
spoke without notes and at times be-
came so enwrapped in her theme that
she seemed to lose sight OF her present
surroundings and scared away in pas
sionate burst of eloquence which found
its zenith in wall of anguish for her
ill-treated people. But the day is not
far distant, she believes, when the only
difference that will exist between the
races will be in the hue of their skin.
Miss CRANES department on the stage
was easy, graceful, lady-like, and she
left most favorable impression with
her hearers.
Hidden Hands" was the title of Miss
Lena Shows topic, and its treatment
evidenced careful study, patient re-
search and much well-directed thought
The "hidden hands" of nature are con
stantly at work, changing the contour
of the face oil the earth, the course of
rivers, ocean boundaries, etc. "Hidden
hands" control the destinies of nations
and individuals-for good or i'll accord
ing rs their aspirations are pure or
otherwise. The work of the Hidden
Hand" of God is everywhere visible,
molding, fashioning, directing in all
things according To His divine will.
Like Miss CRANE, Miss Snow spoke
without notes, and like her every sylla-
bic was SO clearly cut and so distinctly
articulated that not word was lost.
A perfect deluge of flowers and many
books were presented to each of the
graduates by admiring friends and no
trace of favoritism was discernable in
any quarter.
Hearty applause greeted each essayist
on the conclusion of her theme, and the
same mark of approval was awarded
Miss Edith NJ White and Miss Sadie
Whitman on the rendition of beautiful
vocal selections. and Miss Belle Cook
and Mrs. Ida Hudson in an intricate
piano duet.
An orchestra of five pieces from Kali
amazoo discourscd some fl ne music at
intervals during the exercises
Prof Roberts, in few well chosen
words, thanked the officers and patrons
of the school for the manner in which
they had supported and upheld him in
his administration, and said feeling
good bye" to the class, after which Dr.
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