Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1895-06-22
FAIR GRADUATES.
Tie Commencement Exercises of the
Msrtinsburg High School.

Another vessel OF human freight
has been launched upon the sea OF
life, and its crew OF passengers may
well be proud of the gala day that
witnessed the launching. Last Thurs
day night was the Commencement
exercises of the Martirsburg High
School, and a happy day it was for
the seven graduates. The exercises
began shortly after eight o'clock.
The Opera House was crowded by
the friends of the school, but not
withstanding the crowd, good order
prevailed, and each Of the speakers
were listened to with rapt attention.
After a short announcement bv the
principal. the band rendered the
pretty ov, rture, Jolly Robbers
The ball was so arranged that the
band had their usual place on the
right of the stage SO that the music
could be appreciated BIZ all, and at
the same time the musicians posi-
tons would not interfere with the
view of the stage. The stage was
beautifully decorated with flags and
the class-color which is crimson"
A fter the overture, Rev. j. A. Hoff-
helms made the opening prayer, in
voking the Divine blessing on all
participating i'll the evenings exer-
cises. Prof. Carman then made
few remarks, introducing Miss Abbie
Harley, the first speaker of the even
ing, who had as the subject of her
Grafton, "Sketch of Irving" She is
a very pleasant speaker, and receiv-
ed large share of applause from the
liberal audience. She was followed
by another selection by the band.
The next speaker introduced was
Miss Martha Shaull. Her subject
was, "The Trials Of School Girl"
which was delivered in a very pleas
ant way. She set forth in her re.
marks the fact that the trials of
school girl are not all pleasant, and
that the average school girl has
many trials to contend with, not
known by any one save herself. She
was loudly applauded. Miss Ger
trude Lance chose as her subject,
"Is Wealth Conducive to True Cul.
ture ?" and handled her subject in a
mastery manner. She also received
a large share of applause after which
the band played another selection.
"Should the Board of Education
Furnish Text Books" was tie sub
ject of a debate, the affirmative of
which was sustained by Miss Bessie
Harley AMI the negative by Miss
Grace Lindsay. Their arguments
were highly enjoyable, showing plen-
ty Of research and deep thought, and
each presented able views Of the
question. The band then played the
selection, "My Promise" which was
heartily applauded. Miss Mildred
jenkins had as her subject "Those
Good Old Times" which was beau
tiful and inspiring. She is a very
pleasant speaker, and received a
share of applause from the audience.
The last speaker was Miss Maud
Gatrell. Her subject was "Class
History and Prophecy" which was
amusing in the extreme. She dwelt
jestingly on where the class would
be thirty years from now and what
the young ladies OF the class would
be dong. Her humorous remarks
were pleasantly received and brought
forth much applause. The band then
followed with "My Country 'Tis
of Thee" Prof. Carman then made
a short address, and his remarks
were terse and beneficial. In his re-
marks he showed how the schools of
Martinsburg should be conducted,
and how much more prosperous they
could be made in the future. He
dwelt chiefly on the crowded condi-
ton of the schools, the need of an
individual school superintendent and
compulsory education. His remarks
were plain and forcible and was re-
ceived with much applause. Mr.. II.
Mcdowell, the President of the
Board of Education, then presented
the graduates with their diplomas.
His remarks, though short, were full
of beneficial advice. He clearly
showed that the commencement of
life was then being enacted, and that
individual la Dor and continuous en-
ergy alone was the guarantee of sue
ross in hn futurn Mr. n n Raknr
then, in behalf of the class, made a
pleasant little speech and presented
the principal with bible, in appre-
citation of his labors during the past
school year. After the singing of
the "Class Parting Song" Rev. H.
Thomas pronounced the 5encdictlon
and the exercises were at an end.