The times., 1899-05-31
GRADUATES OF MOUNT
Vernon SEMINARY
Seventeen Young Ladies Re-
ceiye Their Diplomas.
The Commencement Exercises at
Luther Memorial Church.
An Interesting Address DeIived by
+. HOpISinson Smith-The MUSICAL
Features of the Programme.

Seventeen young ladies, comprising the
class of 1899 of Mount Vernon Seminary.
were graduated at the Luther Place Me-
mortal Church last evening. The church
was filled to the doors with friends rela-
tives and associates of the graduates.
The appearance of the interior of the
edifice was picturesque. The platform in
the south end Of the auditorium was bank
ed with a luxuriant growth of tall palms.
mingled trailing vines. Roses and summer
flowers were scattered here and there TO
lend color to the decorative scheme. In
a balcony directly over the platform. and
looking out upon the crowded assemblage,
through three tall Gothic windows, was
chorus composed of young ladies attired in
white dresses. Amid the palms, in sort
of vista. on the platform, sat the seven
teen graduates similarly attired in becom-
ing, cool, white garments.
The commencement exercises were open
ed with an organ voluntary by Harvey
Murray which was followed by rendition
of Mendelssohn's chorus, The Lord Is My
Shepherd" by the choir in the alcove. The
invocation was offered by the Rev. Bishop
Hurst, ID. d. Saint Saens' spring chorus
en- prior to the address to the graduates,
which was delivered by the genial paint
er, author. and lecturer, F. Hopkinson
Smith. The address occupied fully an
hour but was delivered with rare charm
and interspersed with such an interesting
series OF anecdotes that at no time was
there a lack Of attention on the part of
the audience.
Mr.. Smith opened his umbrella in sunny
nd ha in hrfIl liar
word pictures the scenes which were
painted on the canvas of his memory. re-
cited some of the thrilling experiences
which painter meets with in CCrdova.
Toledo. and among the happy Andalusians.
He told of the thrill of enjoyment which
he experienced in watching a hungry
Spaniard devour a large meal at a cafe.
The gourmand was one Manuel, Span
ish youth, who had offered his services
as a guide and easel carrier in the vicinity
of Cordova. II seems that the artist had
left his brush case. mahl- stick. easel, and
umbrella lying near an ancient cathedral
while he returned to his quarters, nearby,
to secure something which he had forgot
ten. When he returned he found Manuel
in charge OF he materials. He asked why
Manuel was Going this. and was informed
that the youth was desirous of bearing the
burdensome materials OF his outfit because
he was desirous of obtaining a solid meal.
They repaired to a nearby cafe and Man
uel ate heartily.
The youth proved TO be devoted COM
panion. and turned out to be a picturesque
character. He was always descanting upon
the beauties of dusky senorita living
near a certain cafe in Cordova. The artist
could never learn her identity, and only
did he one evening by the merest chance.
He entered a cafe chatant on a certain
Saturday evening. Among those gathered
on this gala night he saw Manuel. A SEN
orita tripped lightly upon the platform
and began bewitching dance. While she
was swirling Manuel rushed to the stage
of the cafe, clambered over a handful of
students, and emptied the contents of
caraffe over the black and yellow costume
of the dimpied senorita. A row ensued,
knives and red clothes were flourished and
everyone was arrested with the exception
of the artist and Manuel, who had escaped.
Manuel was not seen for many days, as
the officers of the law were looking for
him. and the artist, who had now begun
to doubt the existence of a Clorita. and to
think that Manuel was only a decoy OF
some band of mountain brigands who had
cleyerly offered his services as guide, de-
cided to cut his acquaintance AS he was
journeying once along one of the dusty
roads leading from Cordova one day, the
artist. however. was approached by an
aged man, who handed him note from