The western sentinel. [volume] (Winston-Salem, N.C.) 1887-1926, 1897-06-03
4 GRAND OCCASION.
THE ,97 COMMENCEMENT OF
SALEM FEMALE ACADEMY
Eloquent Grafton by Hon. w. w.
Kftchin, on ssThe Glory of Wo-
man''-A Brilliant Scene-Pre-
sentation of Diplomas.

man''-A Brilliant Scene-fre-
sentation of Diplomas.
In harmony with the bright, beauti-
full aud balmy morning was the lovely
and attractive scene at the Home
church on Monday OF last week
when the Commencement exercises
proper Of the Salem Female Academy
opened.
There was a large audience present,
attracted thither by anticipatiOns OF
the inspiring scene and interesting ex-
ercises, and by regard for the venera-
BILE institution of learning.
The programme began with a scrip
ture lesson by Rev. Jas. E. Hall of the
Board Of Trustees who read the
9th Psalm. This was followed by an
earnest prayer by Rev. DR.. FL. A.
Brown, pastor Of the First Baptist
church.
Prof Clewell them in pleasing and
complimentary terms, introduced the
orator Of the occasion, Hon. w. w.
Kitchin, the brilliant young Congress
man from the Fifth North Carolina
District.
Mr.. KItchin thanked Mr.. Cleweil
for the kind introduction and express
ed his pleasure at being present, and
after indulging in some fears, not
borne out by the result, that he would
be unable to measure up to the expec-
tations of the occasion, the speaker
addressed himself to the subject
which he had chosen for the hour ::
1.-THE GLORY OF WOMAN"
The reputation Of Mr.. Kitchin as
an orator had preceded him and this
reputation was we'll sustained by his
effort today. His handsome physique.
his clear voice, his self-p0session. his
ready flow of language, his familiarity
with events Of historical Interest and
his tender regard and sublime admlra-
tion for the subject under considera-
tion all combined to produce an ora
tion that was at once eloquent, pleas
ing and impressive
Time and space will permit only a
bare hint at the text Of the Grafton
and this can give but faint concep-
tion Of the scholarly production.
He referred to the scarcity, admira
Bile scarcity, Of reformers among wo-
men in history, yet she had her part
in them all, in her influence upon in
dividuals Her silent power and bles-
sed influence, like the sunshine, pene-
trates every part of the world. Her
unrecorded deeds have made the world
a fit dwelling place for humanity. She
has aided man in all his best purposes.
In her presence he has found strength.
The noblest, best, purest earthly being
is woman.
In the past we find woman regarded
as slave, little better than the
beast of burden, but now she is a
queen. From every struggle .civiliza-
tion rises higher. AS civilization has
advanced so has regard for woman ad
vanced. She now has responsibility
and glory never before known. Her
social persecution has ended. When
we consider woman's high pc SitiOn we
| feel that it will never decline. 1t is
her duty to mould the early thought
of man, to cultivate his love and
sympathy, to make broad and strong
the foundation Of civilization. In the
home, in the church, in the school
| room are her best spheres.
In the home. There true duty lies.
Who can estimate their influence
there? Back of all heroes and states
| men are the homes, the sisters, the
| wives, the mothers. Back of mans
best deeds is woman's inspiration.
| The thought that woman should re-
| main ignorant Of science and art has
been forgotten. This Institution is a
| living monument to the forgotten
| idea The higher woman has been
| placed the greater has been mans
4
been denied the physical and mental
| strength of man, she has been en-
| dowed with purity of character and
| sweetness of disposition more eff.
fective than mere strength. A queen
of happy home deserves the highest
honor.
Referring to woman's desire to ap
pear we'll, the speaker said a fine ap
pearance usually betokens fine sub
stance. Usually, you can Judge q
person by appearance. He blamed M
one who liked to appear we'll There
is little use in being honest If yoI
don't appear honest. Seeming and be
ing should go together. Wear you
flowers and humming birds, etc
Don't do it for the sake of style O
dressing better than somebody else
but for the love Of the beautiful.
Deal with spiritual rather thai
material things, and yet you shoult
know well the world, understand gov
ernment and everything men have t.
deal with.
Today many graduate. You leav
these halls forever. Next year yo
will be shedding an influence for good
he hoped. You have spent years her
preparing for the great realities of life
Here have been impressed upon yo
|, equity, justice and the Christia
religion. The speaker called after
tfon to these words Of St. Paul:
"Whatsoever things are true, what
soever things are honest, whatsoeye
things are just, whatsoever thing
are pure, whatsoever things are lOvel.
whatsoever things are of good repor
r il there be any virtue and il thel
be any praise, think on these things
Z You may forget geology, algebri
: astronomy, but you will never forge
the moral effect of the time sper
: here with these good men and womeI
f You have already built beautiful a
+ castles and dreamed of the sweet da,
g to come, but remember that tods
you live. You know no tomorrow
We have but one moment. Space
everywhere. but we have but one II
tie space. if you would be good, pur
( true and happy, today is the tim
4 Today, regardless of the hard tim
i that aIe pressing upon our land, tod;
d is the happiest and best time of q
l. ages. Your duty is to brighten al
}, make glad, TO elevate and make pur
Your duty is great and great Is yo
glory.
At the conclusion of the addres
Prof. Clewell arose and return
thanks to Mr.. Kitchin for his able al
J. eloquent oratiOn.
9 class.
g After which, pleasing incider
4 lot upon the program, occurred,
II the presentation by Prof. Clewell,
behalf OF her uncle, of gold wat
and chain, to Miss Fannie JohnsC
: OF Asheville, N. c., member or {
3 graduating class.
e PROF. CLEWELL RETURNS THANH
= Prof. ClewelI then rendered than