Waterbury evening Democrat., 1892-04-09
GRADUATING EXERCISES.
"NoNpuM FINS EST" THE MOTTO
 OF THE GLASS OF 'e2.

l Long before the hour set for the open. ing of the graduating exercises, sittings were at a premium in Jacques audito rum, last evening. The friends of the seventeen young lady graduates and the sole representation of the sterner sex with all the admirers of our public schools, were early in their places. The stage was decorated tastefully and rich, potted palms predominating in the floral appendages. In the center of the stage hung the class motto, inscribed on banner of white satin, fringed with pink tassels, and written in. latin, ''Non- dunn Finis Est" which, in the vernacu- lar, means, the end is not yet.
 At 7:45 the class marched out and sat in a semi-circle and the Philh armonic quartette followed and sang a selection from "Mikado," which afforded time for the audience to contemplate the the approach of what was to them a solemn moment. They were on exhibi- tion as the product of our system of pub lie education; that system so dear to the hearts of all our people.
 When the singers had con cluded is was announced that the salutatory address, written by Katherine J. Smith, was, at the request of Miss Smith, read by Myra M. Somers. It
 
 much sentiment. "In welcoming you to the closing exercises of our school days we do so with gladness," said the fair speaker, but her words to her class mates showed sorrow mingled with joy. "Although we have looked forward to this day we can but feel deep regret at the sundering of ties which have bound us together during our school life." With the poet she sang that memory is the only friend that grief can call it's own," and prayed that the class of '92 would ever remember the days that had been spent together. Her tribute to the board of education, superintendent an l teachers of schools was admirable, and the remarks to her schoolmates were touching, concluding thus: "Your turn will come and we hope to be present and rejoice with you. Our class motto is, 'The end is not yet and we look for ward hopefully into the future."
 Verona c. Fitzpatrick followed with a carefully prepared essay, embellishing and illustrating her deeper thoughts history. Success depends upon the power to attain the end at which one aims. Men are neither mentally nor morally what they ought to be-" said the speaker, and young men were especially eXhorted to place before their eyes the examples of those who under diff culties have succeeded.
 Stella l.. Kilmer's task was to portray American Women of Note." Her open ing sentence, 'EOur country owes a great debt of gratitude to women, ,'' demanded the attention of the large au- dience, and as she went on to explain how, the interest increased. To a wom- an, Queen Isabella, she attributed the discovery of America, as early as 1492, on account of the aid she afforded to Columbus. Some say that the debt has been paid in the elevation of women to practical equality with the men in this country. But much of women's progress must be due to her own efforts. The female writers and singers of our country were deservedly praised, and the concluding sentence is worthy of note: E'lf we cannot, like Harriet Beech CT Stowe, write Uncle Toms Cabin we can at least like Mrs Frye visit the poor in their cabins"
 E.Gertrude Garrigus had for subject "Our Furbearers. ."- Her description of the various furbearing' animals mani fested geological lore. From the nature shown, but the fault was with the au- dience. The speakers manner of settling the question of closed sea would gladden. the heart of James G. Blaine.
 ''The Advantages Derived From the Study of the Higher Branches" were next unfolded by Minnie B. Keenan. To stimulate and to lead to greatness of soul, are the aims of the higher branches of education. "The High school and the college have to prepare the mind for after studies" said the fair essayist, "but it is not our mission to study the ways of others, we must advance ourselves. If our High school would produce but one Webster or one Grant would we not feel fully repaid for all that has been expended upon it. If the mind is so great and capable of development is it not worth while to cultivate it What greater dover can parents leave to their children than that of a good educa- tion ?"
 After the Philharmonic quartette had rendered a pleasing selection Katherine G. Becton spoke on ''Tax Revision in Waterbury, During the past few months, the question of taxation has been the subject of great concern in Waterbury. The subject was one that we would not expect much familiarity with from youg lady; yet she sur the election of assessors for long periods met with approval, and her reasons, viz: That there would be then less evasion, when each was required to pay his rightful share, and the promotion of good will among our citizens and the stimulation of business which it would be. productive of when all were taxed alike, were things to be hoped for in the near future. a ..
 Ellen Francis Clohessey had for the subject of her essay "The Literature of the Days of Queen Anne." To follow her description of authors, poets, sa- tirists, novelists and newspaper writers of that interesting age, required some knowledge of books, and the impression must have been left on all who listened, that the speaker had to do much read ing to produce her essay
 The class history written by Myra M. Somers was easily discovered to be a re. liable one. Every member was given a chapter. Every chapter was brimful of wit and it's rendition was by no means l it's worst part. ttFrom oyer the river in