The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1897-06-23
Montpelier High School.

Institution - The Attendance Limited
Only by the Capacity of the Auditorium.
The graduating exercises of the class of
97 OF the Montpelier High School were held
last Friday evening in Blanchard Opera
House. This was the eighty fourth ami
versary of that institution. The stage was
profusely decorated with white and yellow
daisies, tiger lilies, buttercups, ferns and
palms. Over the front Of the stage two
large flags were suspended, caught up with
the class motto Esse Guam Videri," To
be rather than to seem. Prayer was Of
fered by Rev. j. Edward Wright. and
music was furnished by the Montpelier Or
chestra. The class numbered twenty-one
members, and although each had a part on
the programme, the exercises were not
overriding and were anything but tedious.
Miss Nellie Moulton was the first essayist
and her theme was "Indian Legends"
She told in an interesting way OF Indian
folklore and mythology as affecting the life
and religion of the Indians, aud gave peril
nent examples. Miss Julia Peck then read
an essay on It's Queer World, Of It's
Queer World" This was supposed to be
written fifty years hence and contained
many bright hits at the eccentricities and
foibles Of those who attempt to-day to 80
closely follow the fashions.
"The Power OF the Newspaper " was the
subject of an Grafton by Roy Morse. In
well-chosen words Mr. Morse gave the
newspapers Of to-day the credit OF being
the most powerful influence to mould pub
lie opinion and to enlighten men. In the
newspapers to-day rest great power to do
good or evil, they are powerful educators in
science and give invaluable hints in music
and art.
The theme OF Miss Hattie Woodbury's
essay was " Home" 1t was a charming
tribute to the home q" Be it ever 80 humble"
with suggestions how to make it happy.
Love and industry lay the foundation not
only of our earthly habitation, but of our
heavenly home. The memory OF happy
home is the richest legacy man can leave
to his children.
Miss Minnie Perkins then read an essay
on progress of Education" This was an
| ingenious comparison OF education from the
| rude types of primitive days to the splendid
| facilities Of the present time, and showed
careful thought and study on the part of the
essayist. Miss Daisy Lane next read a
dainty essay on emusic Divine Art" She
| showed that music not only has power to
| charm the savage beast, but exercises a
great power over the human heart. She
| quoted several musical gods OF mythology
| to prove that it is not a tradition that music
| is a divine art.
With resonant voice and appropriate ges-
lures, Patrick Cory delivered the next ora
ton on Distinctive Qualities Of American
Citizenship" Among the most prominent
| qualities mentioned were equal rights to
all, civil and religious liberty, and that
equality and not class were, in this country,
the best test Of citizenship.
In an essay on "Greatness" Miss Bertha
Stratton showed in an interesting way that
greatness does not consist in riches but in
kind hearts, kindly dispositions and en-
deavors to help all sorts and conditions of
men. Notable examples OF men OF this
character were quoted and the essayist
closed with a touching tribute to the late
Prof. 8. j. Blanpied.
"Witchcraft in New England" was enter
tainiDgly treated by Miss Florence Ferrin.
She referred to the first case in which there
was conviction for witchcraft in Massa.
chusetts, and gave succinct history OF
witchcraft in Salem, Mass, in the early days
OF the history Of this country.
In an essay on yesterdays" Miss Edith
Blanchard drew vivid picture OF the dis
trict schools Of other days, the homes of the
and compared them with what we to-day
enjoy. In an Grafton on military Instruc-
ton in Public Schools" Charles Edward
Wheatley pointed out the advantages of
military drill in that it is means OF physi.
cal and mental development; it fosters q
benefit to the country. The military educa-
ton gives greater interest in public schools
and prepares the young men to defend, If
necessary, the country that has educated
them.
In "Object of Study" Miss Mabel Silver
pointed out the benefit of study and mental
development. Life is a matter OF earning q
living and the school room is the place in
which to learn the alphabet. Study is es-
sentially matter OF development and in 1t
we obtain the truest and best command Of
our faculties for use in the common duties
Of life.
"The Practical Side" was next treated by
Miss Emma Merrill. She showed that
Americans want practical ideas in business
life, in educational halls, and in everyday
oil - 70 0hA
the studies taken up by the class then grad
uating that were practical and helpful and
showed that the greatest possible good edu-
cation can do for us is to prepare us to be
able to get out Of life the best it contains.
Miss Mary, Stevens in an essay on "Tal-
emit" pointed particularly to the fact that
talent and genius are often confounded. II
we use the talents we have with a firm will
and working ability, the highest results
will be reached.
Stanley Blanchard next delivered an ora
ton on A Goal for Ambition" He said
that ambition to obtain the best results
must have some we'll defined goal. and gave
prominent examples to illustrate this point
The student should have some goal for his
ambition and look forward to attaining it,
not letting his energies run to waste, but
striving to reach some high mark.
Miss Daisy Nichols next read carefully
prepared essay on Genuine Courage" Sol
and even on the battlefield the highest
type Of courage is not always shown. We
betray cowardice morally more than physic-
ally. II takes courage to dare to maintain
an unpopular principle or to maintain an
upright business character. Moral courage
is needed in every place of duty.
Past Cost OF Present Good" was the
title OF an ingenious essay by Miss Mabel
Wheelock. She showed that this country
was secured to us by the War Of the Revo-
luton, that it cost us civil war to free the
slaves, and not only the wars of the past,
but the inventions have contributed to our
good She cited the names Of many OF
those through whose works we enjoy count
less benefits In this age.
Miss Eva Fuller had Home and School"
as the subject OF her essay. Our deport-
ment at school is a true index of our bring
ing up, and, on the other hand, the home
has great influence on the school. The
educated man and woman 10 the one who
shines in the home.
The last Grafton was by Leslie Hayford,
and his theme was Fourth of July" The
speaker thought the real meaning of
the day was now ignored. The true spirit