Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-06-02
HOWARD UNIVERSITY.
Interesting Graduation Exercises in the
Chapel Last Night.

Interesting Graduation Exercises in the
Chapel Last Night.
Six young men were last night awarded the
degree Of bachelor of arts by the faculty and
trustees OF the Howard University. The exer.
cises in connection with tho presentation Of the
diplomas we're interesting to such degree tina,
it was necessary to carry benches from the
other rooms to the chapel of the university to
accommodate the friends Of the graduates who
were in attendance. The exercises were of a
musical and literary character, and that por-
ton Of the program III which the graduates
participated reflected the greatest credit on
their alma mater. Four Of the young collie
gians delivered lorations which proved the sue
cess Of the faculty in preparing these young
men for the strife OF business or professional
life. They were delivered with excellent elocu-
tionary power, and in their discourse showed
the work Of we'll trained minds.
The chapel was festooned with the nation 9
flags and over the platform was the shield of
the class with the motto "Aut vincere aut
mort" On the stage were the faculty Of the
college department. the graduates and Com
missioner Ross. the speaker Of the evening. A
section Of the Marine Band was present and
made the program diversified one with enjoy
able music. Rev. DIR. Rankin in opening the
exercises invoked the Divine blessing on the
university. the faculty and the young men who
we're about to start out on the real battle Of
life. He introduced Rev. DIR. Fairfield, the dean
Of the faculty, who presided during the cere-
monies.
THE oRArfoNs.
The first GRAFTON was delivered by William s.
Hagans Of Fremont, N. c., who chose as his
subject 1.-THE Negro as a Soldier" He had a
good voice. spoke distinctly and with earnest
ness. From the days when Egypt was great
nation down to the present day he traced the
deeds Of valor and heroism accomplished by
the members of his race. He laid particular
stress upon the part they played in the civil
war, when they had given up their blood to
keep the American flag from trailing in the
dust But, he said. the negroes were only half
free as the result Of the strife and their duty
was to free the other half.
"Egoism Vs. Altruism' was the subject Of
the Grafton of Cal A. Leftwich Of Lynchburg,
Va. He took the ground that egoism within
proper bounds was the very essence Of altru-
ism, for self-regard brought self-respect and
happiness, and the happiness of self is the
happiness of others. The logic Of his remarks
was lucid and his delivery was much above the
average. This. grafton in some respects was
the best Of the evening.
Nelson E. Weatherless Of Bedford City, Va,
addressed the audience on "Colorphobia." In
closing his address he expressed the hope that
the progress Of the colored and white races to-
ward harmony would continue until they were
a united people devoted to our country, our
common cause. our destiny and end.
The final Grafton was made by Newton j.
Williams, jr., Of Orangeburg, s. c., on 1.-The
Safety Of the American Union-Upou What
Does it Depena?' In short, his answer to his
own question was-the thorough harmony Of
the people, by which there would be a higher
and better sentiment regarding the recognition
of the negro at the polls in the south, which was
M a hot had Of oil ntou
Before comforting the degrees upon the
graduates DR.. Rankin, the president OF the
university. made q short address, in which he
congratulated the collegiaus upon attaining the
highest honor that their alma mater could con-
fer upon them. and spoke of the facilities
which had been offered them for obtaining a
liberal education in all departments.
The graduates we're W. S. Hagans, c. A.
Leftwitch. J. W. Morris. n E. Weatheress, N.
]. Williams, jr., and ". d. Winston.
COMMISSIONER ROSS SPEECH.
Commissioner Ross was introduced and said
that he deemed it great honor to take part in
these exercises, and he had taken the opportu-
nifty to say few unprepared words for the
courtesy which had been extended to him in
the invitation to be present and to do honor to the
university. He had watched its progress with
interest for many years, and was very proud
not only of the power which it was in the Dis
trict, but the reputation that it bore through
out the country. Mr.. Ross spoke in the highest
terms Of DR.. Rankin, whom he characterized
as man peculiarly well fitted and qualified for
the place he occupied. He had watched the
career Of the graduates Land as a class they had
conducted themselves in a way which reflected
most creditably uopn the institution. For the
clerical forces of the government departments
he knew of no place where there was better ma
terial than from the schools and universities Of
the District. when one considers, he said,
...that twenty-five years ago the ancestors Of
these young men were boudsmen, no one can
place a limit on the achievements of this
race"
THE PRIZES AWARDED.
Aprize Of So was awarded TO Miss Corinne L.
Gibson Of the sophomore class and George w.
Mitchell Of the junior class for having obtained
the highest rank in mathematics. To Miss Nj.
c. Alexander a prize Of SIS was awarded for
the highest rank in the junior class and to Geo.
W. Mitchell prize Of $40 for second place in
the same class.
After the pronouncing of the benediction the
exercises closed.