Birmingham age-herald., 1895-09-25
THE INTERESTING EXERCISES
The Large Attendance at Both institutions Be-
 speaks Very Successful Sessions,
STUDENTS FULL OF ENTHUSIASTS TIRE
The Programmes Were Elaborate and At tractive-Speeches Were Good and Well Received-The Men Who
 Made Them-Details.

Yesterday, September A, was ihe orf IT, ing day for Birminghams colleges, and truthruly speaking, it was the most suspicious day in the history of the city and of the colleges.
 Birmin eha m and Jefferson county is in deed blest in possessing schools and col ]eges which afford the children of our citizens and young men and young women from all portions ot Alabama the opportunity of obtaining for them selves an ideal education The great part that education plays in the life or the times is so patent to everybody that argument in it's behalf has long since become unnecessary. The first thought of the fond parent for the future welfare of the child who may some day be called upon to return the kindness and self sacrifice lavished upon it, is seen in the preparation being made for the cultiVa- tion of the youthful mind. In these days of vast achievements, of unparalleled undertakings, of gigantic investments and bold enterprises the man or woman who is unprepared for the battle of life with mind well stored with valuable and useful material, characterized edu- cation, must content himself or herself with occupying an humble place in their generation-"a newer of wood and a drawer of water Before the eye Of youthful hope spreads the future. cloth ed in all the glowing coors Of imagina- tion; it promises him happiness, honor and fame. and tells him that his most ardent expectations shall be more than realized. Would he climb the hill of science and stand first among her vota- ries, he hears a whisper that nothing can be more easy Does he long for wealth, hope whispers it shall be his. Would he ha a IiatinRuiShpI and have his name written in golden letters on the pages of history, hope tells him this, and even more than this. shall be accom- plished. But one and inseparable with hope, which gives all these blessed as surances is-education. Without the lat ter the realiZations of the former are rarely seen We are well supplied with excellent educational facilities in our two adjacent colleges, and all that is now needed is a hearty cooperation in their upbuiding. The foundation is laid and nov we need 10 perfect the super structure.
 East Lake Athenenm.
 More than 800 pupils, patrons and friends of the school gathered in the spacious chapel yesterday morning to witness the opening exercises. The ex- ercises began at 10:30 a. m. and contin- ued until F m., and were of a delightful and interesting nature. Dr. solomon Palmer, the president. was in general charge, and in the opening made short speech of welcome, saying that this open ing was the most successful and pleasing of any in the six years of Its existence. The matriculation has already reached 100 day pupils and fifty boarding pupils, which is an increase of twenty-five in excess of last years opening; and next year on opening day he expects to en- roll POO.
 The directors and faculty of the school and many prominent citizens occupied seats on the rostrum
 The formal address of welcome to the girls was made by Miss Ludie Palmer, teacher of physical culture and artistic reading and it was so exceedingly pretty and appropriate that We reproduce 1t for the benefit of our readers:
 The faculty of the Atheneum cor dially greets and welcomes to this as sembly hall all who have gathered here on the occasion of our sixth opening day. After our vacation of recreation and rest we gather here as teachers to take our positions in this institution with minds invigorated and strengthened by the ad- Vantages enjoyed by Us during the hot summer months.
 '"The scene before ns inspires us With renewed energy for the labors of the com ing session.
 First of all we ire reioiced to meet and greet so many that were With us last session Your return is an expression of confidence in us as your teachers more potent than words can express. We hope you may find the session upon which you now enter if possible. more pleasant and more profitable than the last one. We also gladly welcome those pupils who are here for the first time. Our building and our faces are now new to you, and you can but feel a sense of loneliness after leaving the cheer of you own homes, but we assure that we will do our part in making you love us and love all that per tains to the building so dear to us.
 Olal fO have With today so many of our honored trustees. Yes, we give you a double welcome to these walls. and within these halls erected and dedicated by you to the cause of higher education.
 You who have brought your daughters with you are thrice welcome; it is to you we look and upon you we rely for that material support so necessary for making the Atheneum the best college for the thorough and higher education of girls in the south.
 ..To our visiting friends who have come to lend us the influence of their presence and the inspiration of their words we give a most cordial welcome and greeting.
 The prepared programme of the occa- sion was as follows:
 Prayer-Rev. l.. s. Handley.
 Formal welcome address-Miss Ludie Palmer.
 Address-Rev. T ]. Beard
 Recitation, "The Convict's Christmas Miss Linda Haralson.
 Vocal solo, "Gaily Chant the Summer Birds''-Miss Mime Morgan.
 Address. EducatiOn"--Professor Me Adory, county superintendent.
 Violin duet-Professors Boyce and Weber.
 Clarionet solo-Professor Weber.
 After the rendition of the numbers on the programme short and interesting speeches were made by number of gentlemen present Among the speakers were: Judge Miller of Wilcox county, . Rev. L. s. Handley of the Central Pr -s- byterian church, Birmingham: Dr. Hos .ns~ nresiding elder of the Birmingham