Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1893-06-15
COMMENCEMENT DAY.
The Class of 1893, Out do their Pre-
GeCeSs0rS.

toons of evergreens gracefullv centered
around bell, that only needed a tongue
to proclaim ring out 1e old, ring in
the new" to the seven graduates of the
Howe High School who on that evening
finished their four years course of study
and received their diplomas as a well
earned reward of merit. The stage was
| beautifully decorated with cut flowers
and rare plants, and hung with pictures,
| beautiful draperies, expensive lace cur
tains, and elegant portieres. Rugs and
the accessories Of drawing room made
the place hOmelike and attractive The
universal verdict was that the class of
1913 were unequaled in their elegant
decorations. A pansy frieze of rare
| beauty graced the rear center of the
stage where the graduates were ranged
in a semi-circle. Across the entire
front Of the stage in the form of frieze
was painted in large letters the class
motto "Honor waits at Labors Gates"
The young gentlemen were all fine
looking, manly fellows dressed in con-
ventional black, wearing buttoniers and
carrying large fans bearing on one side
in red lettering Howe High School, on
the reverse side were the mystic figures
'93. The young ladies we're dressed in
| regulation graduation gowns. They
were prettily and simply made showing
a rosy tint through tbs thiness of the
material, typical of the dawn of woman
hood. Both carried boquets and wore
flowers as garnitures for the bodice,
and both looked syeetly. They had
fans similar to those carried by the
young men, souvenirs to be cherished
for their uniqueness and for the associa-
tons they recall.
On the stage were the national colors,
fitemblems of loyalty and patriotism
to be conspicuous in the crowning event
Of the young lives Of those composing
the class. The Twin City Band with
Miss Lynn accompanying them furnish
ed the music
There can be no just comparison be-
tween the graduates. Each was original
and all did well with the subjects chosen.
OSCAR WINGER,
bad for his topic Electricity a favorite
study with him. He handled the sub
ject ably, eylncing a thoroughness Of
understanding and traced the history of
his theme through the evolutions Of
science. He spoke with enthusiasm of
the progress of electrical science during
the last decade, and predicted marvel
GUS developments in the future.
FRANK E. COMPTON
was second to speak. His theme was
"Civil Service Reform" From the
manner of handling it he demonstrated
that principals not party are dominating
him. He scored ex-president Andrew
Jackson for removing from Office two
thousand tried and true men, for strict
ly partisan reasons. Frank evidently
believes that civil service reform will
vastly help toward remedying the spoils
system in vogue, and purify party
government. He has good voice and
speaks easily and naturally. Next on
the list Of speakers came
LAURA L. CANNING
who was picture of refinement and
dainty grace She rendered her Grafton
on ''The Influence of Music" in clear
and distinct tone. She prettily referred
to the lasting influence of the songs
heard at the mothers knee, and the
sacredness of hymns; of the power of
music to elevate and enthuse men,
whether on the field Of battle or in a
quieter life. Thought in music one
would find inspiration, comfort and
hope.
GLENN II. WILLIAMS
gave his views on the much talked of
topic of Immigration" His style of
speaking is conversational, his voice
we'll modulated and in delivering his
Grafton he sought to impress his hearers
by sound logic and facts, rather than a
display of oratory. He showed a know
ledge of his subject, and was followed
by an attentive audience in his remarks
from beginning to close.
CARL II. DONALDSON
distinguished himself in his Grafton on
"Public Monuments" by a pleasing
oratory, in fine voice. He referred to
the historic monuments of Bunker Hill,
Washington's, Pilgrim Fathers, near
Plymouth Rock, as embodying in their
erection sentiments and undying princi-
pies, Lincolns Emancipation monument
he referred to in eloquent words fraught
with loyalty and justice to all men. The
Statute Of Liberty he counted as en-
blematical of American and universal
love Of liberty. Carl has had many dis
advantages to labor under in his student
life but has bravely won in the front
ranks, and deserves the many en-
"Oniums that were pronounced on bis
oration. The Howe High school is
a worthy monument, that with each
name written as graduate, grows more
stately and enduring until it becomes
through some life work immortalized
STEPHEN D. BRAZEAU
took 'fThomas Paine" for his subject
and gave biographical sketch of his
life, as a citizen, soldier and patriot
He referred to his works as an author,
and his fame as a revolutionary states
man and soldier. 4 hint Of the narrow
ness Of the times in regard to liberal
/, L.,