The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1894-05-31
A BRILLIANT OCCASION.
Commencement Exercises at the
State Normal and Indus trial
School, Greensboro.

GREENSBORO, n. c., May "a, "a.
EDITOR GOLD LEAF Probably
the most brilliOnt commencement any
North Carolina school has ever en- jOyed
was that of the Normal and Industrial
School which closed here last night
with the lecture of Gen. Gordon on
The Last Days of the Confederacy.'
Yesterday, Congressman Bryan, the
brilliant Nebraskan, delivered the adj
dress before the students of the institu-
ton. He took as his subject, s. Money!
and handled it superbly. Mr.. Bryan
while conservative, is an ardant BIZ
metallist, and in speech of great
porwer he gave ample reason for $ the
faith that is in him. Many of the
most prominent men in the State were
seated on the platform. Governor
Carr introduced the orator, and did it
well. Mr.. Bryan was frequently in
terrupted by bursts of applause, and
the immense audience that crowded
the chapel was completely captivated
by his address.
In the afternoon the party of dis
tinguished visitors was taken to the
Guilford Battle Ground, and seemed
delighted with that historic spot.
In the evening, the graduating class
held its exercises. At the close of the
interesting program, Mrs. Bryan who
had done the institution the honor to
accompany her husband to the COM
mencement, made few remarks to
the graduating class. All were charmed
with her.
This morning, Bishop Rondthaler
preached the commencement sermon.
1t was eloquent, appropriate; in fact
a sermon better fitted to the occasion
has not been heard in this state. Presi-
dent McIver presented the diplomas
to the eight young women ofthe gradu-
ing class.
Rev. Jesse II. PAGE presented the
Bibles to the class in brief, bright,
strikingly original speech.
General Gordon delivered short
address to the young ladies'.
This evening was the occasion of the
lecture of General Gordon on The
Last Days of the Confederacy." A
very large audience heard the lecture
and hundreds were turned off for want
of room in the spacious assembly hall.
Judge Avery introduced the speaker,
paying an eloquent tribute to his
record as warrior and statesman. The
lecture teens with wit, humor and
pathos, and was enthusiastically re-
ceived.
One of the most pleasing incidents
of the commencement was the present
alton Of copies of the Constitution OF
the United States and Of North Caro-
lima to the members of the graduating
class by Chief Justice Shepherd. This
was regarded peculiarly appropriate,
as emphasizing the idea Of the duty OF
the public schools to prepare children
ia become useful and law-abiding citi-
Zens
! An unusual number of State officials
and prominent men and women from
! all over North Carolina were attracted
by the brilliant program.
The State Normal and Industrial
School closes its present session will
nearly four hundred students in atten
| dance.
This record far surpasses any ever
before made in North Carolina. |
shows what the young women OF NORTH
will do when the State begins to give
them chance similar to that givel
to young men. The success of thu
school has exceeded the hopes Of it
! g.; md hoe haar tho agfanjs hmnnt
of those who predicted its failure.