The National tribune., 1895-07-18
nber of inmates of over 600, moro than half

number of inmates of over 600, more than half
being boys.
The grounds are finely shaded, and consider
able attention is given to landscape gardening.
Old Glory waves from tall flagstaff in front
of the Administration building.
The commencement account of which
follows by the Press Correspondent, WR.C.,
took place in Lincoln Hall. where the orphans
assemble for devotional exercises and enter
tanment. II has seating capacity of 1900,
with ample stage room, balcony and scenic
| equipments.
The Home has library of about 1000 vol
umes, and in the school course attention is
given to patriotic teaching. The Balch salute
is given daily.
Missouri F. Wood ward writes: indiana is a
proud State. She is proud of her Statehouse,
proud of her Soldiers and Sailors Monument.
proud Of her numerous institutions for the
afflicted part of the community but proudest
OF all of her home for Soldiers and Sailors
Orphans.
This institution is guarded with the most
hopeful and tender care by the officers of the
State, and the @. K. and W. R.C. are constantly
on the watch that everything be done by those
in charge that will be conducive to the health
and happiness of our wards.
Judging from the intelligence man ifested by
graduates each year In their essays, music, and
other exercises at commencement, we con-
fident that the children are grateful to State
and teachers for all that has been done for
them.
"They are not only taught from books, but
the girls are drilled in cooking, needle work
and general house work, while the boys
taught gardening, printing tailoring, shoe
making and many other useful occupations
that will be a great help to them in after
years
They have for several years published a lit
al nd .1,n all
the writing. editing, printing and general
work about establishment of that kind be-
ing done by the graduating class of that year.
AT the commencement OF 1855 they had the
unlucky number H. yet they had grand time
lasting almost week. They had sermon
Sunday. following the gala day, when they
went to the woods and had a rollicking pic.
mic, including dinner and everything that
goes to make up good time. Then came the
commencement, with all the friends and Wis
itors, the big officials with their badges of
honor, together with many who wore only the
GAR. button or a simple W.R.C. recognition
pin.
There were long speeches and short speeches
some good and some better; essays witty and
essays sad-all this interspersed with music by
the Home band or the sweet warbling of some
pretty girl graduate.
Then came the presentation of diplomas by
Prof. Graham than whom the soldiers Or
phan has no better friend this side Heaven.
"Tbe presence Of Department President Eliza
J. Crisler and her participation in the exercises
added interest 10 the occasion, and beautiful
feature was the presentation by Past Depart
ment President Julia S. Conklin of Bible to
each of the graduates She quoted an appro.
pirate passage of Scripture upon handing the
book to each, receiving in turn fitting re-
sponse
" The graduating class gave little operetta in
- Hall ID c.. 4 A =
well rendered and well appreciated by the
large audience.
' But there is always a serious side to life. and
it now presents itself The farewell aud the
parting Of all these dear girls and boys, just as
they are budding into manhood and woman
hood, just when they need a mothers care and
q fathers helping hand and advice to cope with
the cold, unfeeling world, with perhaps very
little to rely upon until employment is Sc
cured.
Comrades of the GAR. and sisters of the
W.R.C, here ID where you can show your