Birmingham state herald., 1896-06-14
ALABAMA.
CLAYTON.
Second Annual Commencement of Eufaula
 District Academy.


 Second Annual Commencement of Eufaula
 District Academy.
 Clayton, June 13-(Special.) 1.-The sec ond annual commencement of the Eu- faula District academy of Clayton was opened on Sunday last, the 7th instant, with the bacalaureate sermon by the Rev. c. l.. Mccarthy of Troy. His text was taken from Il Timothy xxi, 15: Study to show myself unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing thesword of the truth" It was one of the most powerful sermons ever delivered in this city. Abounding in beau- tiful thoughts and expressions and clothed in splendid rhetoric, it was most thoughtful and interesting dis course, and was listened to with interest and with profit by the entire audience, which filled the church.
 On Monday evening, June S. the exer- cises of the primary department took place. Mother Goose family al- bum was exhibited by Miss Ma rie Feagin as Mother Goose, herself in the manner in which she turn ed the leaves of the album and told of the numerous faults and accomplish ments of her numerous family. This was followed by the play, in three acts, of Golden Hair and the Three Bears" by
 
 On Tuesday morning, June g, deciama- tions by class of eleven young men fer the medal was the order of exercises The young men and their subjects were: Willie Martin, Appeal in Behalf of ire land;' Phillip Aston, "rhe Perpetuity of the Union;" Walter Passmore, Tine Assault on Wagner" Wynn Blair, "I he Chariot Race;" Robert Martin, "The New South;" James W. West, "The Last Charge of Ney;;" Marvin Long, "The Trial of Warren Hastings;' Lamar Jennings, ''The Hour and the Hero;' Gary Vinson, "The South is Rising Up" Wade Orr, "The Unknown Speaker" Edward An drews, "The Black Horse and His Rider" The orations were all good, but, after de- liberation, the committee awarded the medal to Edward Andrews of Clayton.
 Tuesday evening was the popular occa- sion of the week, and the chapel of the academy was crowded to its utmost to hear the contest in elocution by the young ladies, who were: Misses Minnie Winburn, "The Dukite Snake, Edna Lasseter, "Jane's Conquest" Willie Me- Leod, "The Life Boat;;' Della Watson, Sister and l." Lena Williams. "The Ride of Collins Graves" Ella Nix, The Road to Heaven;" Lucille Bowden, "The American Forest Girl;' Weltha Fenn, "Inge, the Boy King;;'' Rubie Mcleod, 'Lasca;;' Ella Passmore, "The Sioux Chiefs Daughter" Nell Williams, Sur ley Tims Trouble" While all the young ladies deserve praise for the way In which they recited, special mention should be made of Misses. Nell Williams and Ella Passmore. These young ladies possess great talent, and So close were they both to perfection that the commit tee was unable to decide between them and presented them both with medals.
 Wednesday morning, June g, was com mencement day, and the exercises con- sisted of a debate, the question: being: a 0Qr Of I. a actuated more by ambition than patri- otism?" The affirmative side was rep resented by Messrs. c. M. Powell and George Andrews, and Messrs. Sam Ben nett and George Hollingsworth appeared for the negative. The debate was a spir- ited one and abounded in lucid argu- ments and was won by the negative. While not on the winning side of the de- bate, special mention should be made of the speech of George Andrews of Clay ton and the manner in which he deliv- cred it.
 The debate was followed by the gradu- atipg essay of Miss Alice Ford and the presentation of diplomas.
 On Wednesday evening occurred the annual concert of the academy and the chapel was again crowded to it's utmost capacity. The sacred cantata, "Jeptha," was presented to delighted and enthu- siastic audience. It was pronounced to have been the most beautiful play ever presented in Clayton, and too much praise cannot be given Miss Lila An drews, the accomplished teacher, who in- structed and directed the participants.
 At the close of the exercises Hon. A. H. Alston, on behalf of the board of trustees, announced to the audience that the en- tire faculty had been reelected. This was gratifying intelligence to the friends and patrons of the academy, and it is to be hoped that they will all accept, as the faculty is an able one and every depart ment has been brought to the highest de- gree of efficiency. Professor Andrews is a Christian gentleman of sound judg- ment and excellent scholarship, and the judgment of the trustees has been well proven in his selection.