The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1892-07-01

Everything and everybody about
the Normal was at its best on the
morning of June so, 1892.
This was Commencement Day and
right heartily did everyone enter into
the spirit of the occasion. Each We'd
with the other to do his part to make
somebody else have pleasant time.
There was perhaps, never time be-
fore on Commencement Day when
there was as much hand shaking, re-
newing of old acquaintances. and
general good will noticed as to-day.
Long before the hour appointed for
the exercises to begin, long lines of
people from the town. from the sur
rounding country, and far off towns
were seen coming toward the Normal.
Promptly at 10 o'clock the Faculty,
and the largest class in the history of
the school, ninety-four in number.
entered the large auditorium, and were
seated on the right OF the stage within
the parquet circle.
ON THE PLATFORM.
On the platform were seated mem
bers of the Faculty, the President and
members of the Trustees, and many
friends.
THE PROGRAMME.
At 1918 the programme was begun
with most thoughtful and fitting
prayer by the Rev. Mr.. {. H. Fitz-
williams. OF Shamokin. Pa.
Following this came most teauti-
iul instrumental Overture by Misses
Burns, Everett, Westover and Prof.
Butts. Mr.. +. l.. Deavor, of Nesco-
peck. Luzerne Co, Pa, was the first
on the programme. For his subject
hehad chosen: Ours Free Country,
and right well did he trace the rise and
the unprecedented growth of our great
nation.
Among the many good things OF
this Grafton we note these:
History begins at the cradle AS
we turn the pages Of time We observe
the rise, the momentary glitter, and
also the fall of great and mighty en-
pires. Some have left no record worthy
of imitation, while others have written
high upon the scrolls of worldly honor
record that can never die.
Reviewing rapidly the discovery, the
character and perseverance OF the
early settlers, he fastened to observe
that-Our Country is free.
When we began we were few IN
number, to-day we are sixty millions:
In this land Of ours the gates OF
freedom stand always open. Entering
in man finds a safe retreat from the
oppression of all despotisms, and
Freedom in her onward march, Is
proclaiming to the world that upon
Americas free soil shall be solved the
great and mighty problems OF the
future.
THE RUSSIAN FAMINE.-MARY o. WoK
RAIL-.
The mere mention of the subject OF
the next essay-"Ihe Russian ram,
me" will at once suggest the line OF
thought pursued in 1t. -
The writer, Miss Mary u. Morreii
of Media, Del. Co. Pa, under this
subject reviewed huriedly the causes
present condition, and probable effects
of the terrible suffering in tar-otl Rus'
sla.
War Famine Pestilence what
volumes of sorrow, distress and PAIN
these three words convey In the
history of every country is recorded
the terrors, but still the rejoicings OF
war. 1t has not ceased, but happily
war is now the exception peace, the
rule. Throughout the region OF tam
inc, sorrow and distress hold full sway
Close in its wake pestilence is sure 10
follow, carrying yet more and still more
misery to the already most miserable
victims.
Russia to-day maintains an army
equal to that of the half civilized ma
tons of antiquity. What use has she
for this army /? Eighty years nave
passed since Russia was invaded,
therefore, she has no need OF this vast
army for defence. Neither does she
need it for conquest, for there Is no
territory in Europe, which if conquer
ed, would add materially to the I'M
mense power already welded by her
The ills arising from supporting TINS
vast army are very apparent ne
country is depopulated OF ITS aDle
bodied men to recruit the ranks ana
thereby, deprived Of labor whicn,
would serve to place the agricultural
resources on former basis.
Add to this the miserable conditions
Of education among the lower classes
and We have at once peasantry
illiterate and almost wholly untutor-
ed. They slavishly till the soil IN
most primitive methods, and reap
but seanty harvests. -,