Semi=weekly graphic. (Pine Bluff, Ark.) 1895-1902, 1896-06-03

originality and brilliant talents.
''Old Things Have Passed Away,
an original production by Miss Eva
Davis, was the next essay on the
programme, in which Miss Davis
manifested great familiarity with
both ancient and modern history.
She pointed out the glory and
greatness and the subsequent de
cline and fall of many ancient ma
tions with all their art, civilization
and culture, in a most pleasing and
edifying manner, and in a way that
ELECTED for her the hearty applause
of tie audience.
The next graduate on the pro-
gramme was Miss Alice Lester,
whose province it was to prophesy
and speculate as to the future of the
individuals composing the gradual
ing class. She was Looking
Backward as it were from the be-
ginning of the second decade in the
twentieth century, and parported
to read from a Pine Bluff news
paper of that date in which was
detailed IN graphic manner the
personal history and career of the
class of 1896. Her essay proved
most interesting and pleasing.
Miss Eda Wolff then read the
Glass Poem, which was doubtless the
fruition of much time and study and
proved her to be a poetess of bril-
liant promises and talents. The
poem was recited in a very perfect
and pleasing manner, and showed
the young lady to be possessed of
powers of elocution and delivery as
we'll as p0etical talents
To Miss Nora Smith fell the high |
honor of being elected valedictorian
of her class, and most handsomely |
did she discharge the delicate and |
difficult task. Her address was
carefully worded, and disclosed |
great care and thought in its prep
aration. Her remarks were very
appropriate, and clearly showed her
to be we'll worthy of the honor
of being yaledictorian of her class.
This concluded the list of gradu-
ates, all of whom in their essays
reflected great credit upon them
selves, their teachers and instrue-
tors, and our school system. The |
seven young ladies of the class of
So and their parents, relatives and |
friends have every reason to feel |
proud OF the evenings exercises,
upon which we extend our congratu-
lations to all parties concerned.
After the conclusion of the com
mencement exercises, Hon. S. NJ.
Taylor, of the School Board, pre-
sented the diplomas to the gradu-
ates, in doing which he addressed
them in words suitable to the oc-
casion and in very impressive
manner. After the presen tation of
the diplomas, Mr.. Taylor then ad-
dressed few remarks to the
patrons of tie schools in behalf of
the School Board. He said that the
Board thought they had greatly inn
proved the system of public schools
in this city and that they proposed
to continue the same policy for the
next year. He highly compliment
ted Superintendent Hinemon upon
his work, and also the latter's corps
of assistants. In the selection of
teachers, Mr. Taylor said, the
Board would not be governed by
wealth, position or sympathy, but
solely by the competency and fitness
of the applicants. He also stated
thai the Board would spare neither
time nor money in improving and
perfecting our local school system,
and that everything would be done
in the Boards power to give
the children of Pine Bluff
the best possible educa-
cation. These remarks were
literally applauded and showed
that in their work the Board had
the approval of the audience.
The marshals, Masters Rigby Val
liant, John Mccain, Garland Brew
ster, Beaurie HUT, James Allen, VIII
Collier, Robert Bell, Thomas
Atkinson and Hinton Ferguson,
where then kept busy for some
time carrying to the stage flowers
and floral offerings to the graduates.
After the presentation of flowers,
the Rev. Penrod pronounced the
benediction and the large audience
was dismissed.
A.. roant;nn IF thic occasion