Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1897-05-27

R11OR THE PAST WEEK those OF
10 our people interested In educa-
tlonal matters have availed them
selves Of the rare treat OF attendance
upon the commencement exercises of
the two very excellent institutions OF
learning situated in our city. BY a
happy and mutual arrangement by the
principal OF Worcester Academy and
the president OF Willie Halsell Col
lege the exercises Of the two instItu-
tions were made TO alternate, so all
have had the pleasure Of attending
| both.
On last Sabbath at eleven O'Clock
the commencement sermon for the
college was preached at the Methodist
church by Rev. DR.. Burrows, presl-
dent Of the Hiram and Lydia college,
Altus. Ark. DR.. Burrows is plain
old gentleman OF large experience in
educational and ministerial work, and
his sermon was forceful and practical
and held the attention OF the large
audience throughout. Ats o'clock In
the evening the commencement SER
mon OF Worcester Academy was de-
llyered at the Academy chapel by
Rev. Preston B. Jackson, OF Little
Rock, from the text: Gas a man
thinketh In his heart, so is he." A
liner discourse on the power and inn
portance Of education was perhaps
never heard in VinIta.
Taken all in all the entertainments
have been imposing and elevating,
and the schools, and those intrusted
with their management, have did
themselves proud, and the cause OF
education has reason TO rejoice.
Friday night the annual entertain
ment by the pupils OF Wotcester acad-
emy took place. Without exception the
program, as published last week, was
rendered in a manner thoroughly
creditable 20 the institution and
TO the satisfaction Of the audience.
The annual concert by Miss Graper's
music pupils, assisted by some Of the
best musical and elocutionary talent
the city affords, was an event which
delighted the audience and brought
out In a practical manner the strength
OF the lady's teaching ability. Chill
dren little higher than the keyboard
OF the instrument played and sung
very creditably and the performance
of the teacher was a treat and a de-
light TO everybody.
Saturdays entertainment by the
primary department at Willie Halsell
furnished no small amount OF pleas
ure, showing the little ones Just as
they are and also disclosing what can
be done for their advancement.
There Is nothing which so truthfully
portrays the success or failure Of the
teachers methods and ability as the
Juvenile exhibition. The elecution
contest excited the interest which
may always be anticipated from
contest. The chapel was filled and
the efforts Of each contestant were
warmly endorsed. The palm was
awarded Miss Grace Butler, her selec-
tion being whlttier's we'll known
"Rlver Mouth Rocks" The judges
were A. L. Kates, Of Claremore, NJ.
M. Edmiston, OF this city, and Rev.
Prim, Of Pryor Creek. Miss Lulu
Mitchell was an easy second, the de-
clslon being very close. To the credit
OF the participants it may be said that
the results attained represented but
six weeks work, no class having been
conducted during most Of the year.
The graduating exercises took place
yesterday morning and were in every
respect credit to the institution.
Mr.. Charles Comstock, the graduate,
gave in an oratlon his conception OF
tho mature OF True Education" I"
II his career through life fulflls the
exDec tation OF those who heard him
yesterday, Willie Halsell college will
have no cause 70 blush at the mention
Of the name OF its 1897 graduate.
A concert last night, attended by
an audience capable OF appreclating
such an entertainment, concluded the
years work, and came as a pleasing a.
male TO the events Of the past week.
Surely Mrs. S. j. Cummins, musical
director Of the college, can look COM
placently back over her years work
as not having been 10 vain.
At the close Of the concert, prizes
were awarded as follows:
On scholarship, free tuition next
year, 10 Charles Collins.
Elocutlon, medal, Grace Butler.
Music, medal, "a tie) Fay Trott, Ad-
die Beck.
Two additional prizes Ia music by |
Mrs. Cummins; Fannie May Browning |
and Lucy Allen, the latter OF Coody's |
Rlun