The western sentinel. [volume] (Winston-Salem, N.C.) 1887-1926, 1897-05-13
THE SLATER ACADEMY.
GRADUATING EXERCISES AT
COURTHOUSE LAST WEEK.
Fine Music and Creditable Essays
Five Graduates-Synops of Lieu
tenant Governor Reynolds Ad-
dress-"Good Night'.


tenant-Governor Reynolds Ad-
dress-ssGood Night'.
The graduating exercises of the Sla-
ter Academy took place May 4th. in
the Court House, and concluded the
series of exercises for this term. As
on the night before, immense crowds
gathered to witness the last of the in
teresting programs which the school
has offered throughout the series. A
most commendable feature of all
these exercises has been promptness.
Exactly at o'clock last night the
doors were closed, and the time an
nounced for the execution of the pro-
gram. The music of last night de-
serves especial praise. IL was all
taken from the masters, and the rem
dition showed very careful training.
The program consisted only Of the es-
says of the gratuates-f1ve in num-
beI-intermingled with song, and the
address of the LieutenantGovernor.
The essays were carefully prepared
showed what the negro had done, was
doing, and what he was capable OF do
ing, and the sentiment expressed in
them was freely applauded by all.
After brief introduction by Prof.
Atkins, in which he recalled the
faithfu.nes of Lieutenant Governor
Reynolds to the cause of education In
the last General Assembly, and his
special interest in the Slater Acade-
my, the Lieutenant Governor came
forward amidst round of applause.
He said IF Prof Atkins had asked
me to come up here and split rails in
stead of to make speech, l could
have split the rails-although rail-
splitting is not in my llne-and this
amt either" Mr.. Reynolds compli-
menttd the Legislature, Democrats
Populists and Republicans alike, for
their faithful attitude to the educa-
tion of all the people. regardless Of
color or race.
He said that to day North Carolina
offered to the negro what it did not
offer to the white man of several gen
erations back, and urged upon the ne
gro the full appreciation of such priv
ileges. He emphasized the impor-
tance of industrial education. and
complimented the progress of the
Academy along Industrial lines. He
compared the schools Of the North
and the South and explained why the
South had always been behind in in.
dustry. He urged the cultivation of
friendly relation between the races,
which he said he was gratif1ed to see
in such evidence In this community.
His speech was plain, practical and
forceful, and left an impression upon
all whose privilege it was to listen.
After the speech Rev. J. Q. Alston,
President of Jae Board of Trustees Of
the school, presented certificates
to the graduates: Hattie B. Evans,
Lille Hayes, f M Matthews, S I'll
Plato aud Myrtle Sprinkle, in very
appropriate manner.
Just before the close Mr.. W. J.
Ellis was called On for few words.
He responded in an expression of his
great satisfaction with the evenings
program.
Prof. Atkins made a statement,
thanking all the speakers which the
school had been honored with during
these exercises, and thanked the
County Commissioners for the use of
the Court house.
The school then sang the closing
chorus, "Good Might" which was fol-
lowed by the benediction by DR..
Blackwell. of Charlotte.