The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1891-06-04
COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES
or the Western School OF ElocutiOn and
Oratory-The Cultured OF the City Enter
tanned by Some High Class Speaking.

The first annual commencement exer-
cises OF the Western School of Elocution
and Oratory were held in the Y. NJ. e. A.
auditorium last night, beginning promptly
at o'clock. The auditorium was packed,
| to the discomfort of many, with an audi
| ence composed of the most cultured people
of the city. Many were only too glad to
find standing room and great crowd was
turned away unable to gain entrance.
The exercises were conducted by Prof.
G. W. Hoss, principal of the school, and
the appreciation shown by the audience
best bespeaks the great credit due him for
his successful care in arranging the even
ing's entertainment.
The rUstrum was very tastefully arrang-
ed with flowers and evergreens, which
were much admired by the audience
The first part of the program was opened
by Rev. l. T. Van Cleave, who asked the
invocation, which was followed by a well
rendered vocal solo by Mr.. J. Shields.
Following this came number of read
lngs. the first being one by Miss Anna
Boyd, entitled Life" which was delivered
with grace of gesture and mastery of
voice that brought out applause of ap-
prevail Besides this Miss Boyd recited
the Chariot Race" selection from Ben
Hur, with very forcible mien, giving the
piece all OF its exciting features.
Next was the ''Creeds OF the Bells" by
Miss Eda Kemp. This is a particularly
difficult piece TO render, requiring a
finely cultivated voice to bring out its
many delicate points. and to say that Miss
Kemp done the subject ample justice is
only paying to her talents the high tribute
which they deserve. Miss Kemp also
favored the audience with recital of
''Guinevere, y" pathetic piece, very diff
cult to render.
Mrs Louese Mckee followed with the
rendition Of the "Old Clock on the Stairs"
which was received with hearty applause.
Mrs. McKee's thoroughly developed pow
ers as an elocutionist were given a strin-
gent test in the delivery of this
piece and her mastery over voice was
strikingly brought out. Even more pleas
ing than this was her recital of Yin
garella," an Indian girls passionate and
wild story Of her recreant lover.
Mrs, L. T. Even rendered a piano solo
in her usual accomplished manner that
was well received.
The vocal solo, Loves Request" by
Mrs. Z. P Hovey, was received with long
applause, as her grand singing always
does. She also gained the gratitude of the
audience 10y fayoring them with Thine
Image" another vocal solo.
Professor Hoss in a neat address of
farewell to the graduates then presented
them with their diplomas. Upon Mrs.
Louese Mckee he conferred the degree of
bachelor Of oratory, and TO Miss Anna
Boyd he gave the certificate Of promotion
which admits her TO the graduating class.
He complemented these ladies highly upon
their diIigent and successful pursuit of
their studies.
After the presentation and the ladies had
taken their seats number of large and
beautiful bouquets were placed before
each
The second part of the program was be-
gun by a vocal solo by Mr.. J. Shields,
your Eyes are Pictured on My Heart, "
which was very much appreciated.
Little Miss limo Creditor then recited
the Painter Of Seville very we'll For
one so young as she is she certainly showed
remarkable talent, and her recitation was
well received.
Following her came Miss Fay Packer
with the recital Of ''Sandalphon," which
was most cleverly done. Her delivery was
splendid, and the grace of msvements
were much admired.
Rev. David Winters was booked for the
commencement address, but owing to the
threatening weather, he begged to be ex-
cused after having told very good story.
He said he did not wish to keep the people
there listening TO an address when he
thought they would rather be at home un-
dressing.
The exercises very highly pleased the
immense audience present, and the pow
ers of eIocution and orartory shown by
the students who were presented lastnight
are living examples OF the great success of
the school from which they came, and it
is just declaration TO say that as teach
er in these branches Prof. Hoss is highly
successful.