The free press. (Poplarville, Miss.) 1890-19??, 1895-05-23

The commencement exercises of
the PoplarvilIe High School, which
were opened last Sunday week by
a commencement sermon by Rev.
L. E. Hall, of Hattiesburg Omen
ton of which was made in last
weeks paper), were concluded at
1890 p. M, Friday, by grand
concert and exhibition. The school
chapel was crowded, scores Of peo~
pie not being able to secure even
standing room. At 10 a. m, Fri
day, the commencement address
was delivered by Hon. I. Oabnev
Marshall, of Vicksburg. Mr.. Mar
shalPs subject, "Milk and Water"
was we'll handled in ali eloquent and
mastery manner, and elected
rounds of applause. The exam.
nation of classes, the dialogues,
declarations and Rotations, and
the music and plays, were all rem
dered in manner so perfect as to
surprise and delight the large aue
diences present on each occasion.
Too much can not be said in praise
of the pains-taking efficiency of
Prof. W. |. Thames aud his able
assistants, Prof. J. E. Abney, Mrs.
E. L. Whyte, the Misses Ellis, and
the conscientious application of the
pupils. At the conclusion of Fri.
day nights exercises, Prof. Thames
made a short and well-timed
speech. Just as the professor
was dismissing the audience, Mr..
Jas. s. Smith stepped forward, and
in behalf of the members of the
training class, in neat little speech,
presented Prof. Thames with an
elegant silver cup, saucer end
spoon. The professor was taken
completely by surprise, and was SO
feelingly impressed with this evil
dence of esteem, that he found il
difficult to express his thanks fol
the gift and his appreciation of the
n olives that prompted its presen
tation. We regret that want oil
space and time forbid a description
of the common cement exercises in
detail. Suffice it to say, that we
feel satisfied there is not more
able corps of teachers nor more
su ccessfully conducted institution
Of learning in the State than the
faculty and High School of Pop.
Iarvllle.
The Marion County Record Of
the 18th, has the following to say
of our school:
awe regret exceedingly that we
were not able to attend the com.
mencement exercises suf the Pop
larville High School this week. Prof
w. /. Thames, the principal, is
conceded to be one of the best ed.
ucators in the State, and has suc-
ceeded III building up at Poplar>
vile an institution Of learning that
is a credit to the county. The cit
liens of that enterpris;ng town re-
alize the advantages and the power
and tendency and influence a well
conducted school exerts in mold
ing the public mind, stimulating
and terrifying 1t against evil ten
denotes, and put no stumbling
blocks IN his way. The school will
be improved next year more than
ever. A new building for the &C,
c0mmodation of boarders is to be
built, which is much needed, and no
pains and expense spared to make
| luo ScsSiOu piOuldDlo anu SuCCesS-
full. The commencement This year
was largely attended and very
gratifying IN it's results. The pro-
gram was varied and interesting,
and the pupils showed proficien~
cy only to be acquired by close
and constant application"
Three of our popular and efficient
High School teachers, Prof j. E.
Abney and Misses Maud and Mabel
Ellis, left Monday morning. The
professor goes to Goldthwalte,
Texas, and to the sincere regret of
patrons and pupils will not return.
The young ladies we're bound for
their home at New Iberia, La,
Their many friends wish them
Joyous vacation, and hope and