The age-herald., 1899-05-12
LAST RECEPTION OF
 GRADUATING GLASS
Pupils of High School Entertain
 Friends.
AN ELABORATE PROGRAMME
The Class Was Addressed by President Ullman of The Board of Education And Former Mayor Frank V.
 Evans

The interior of the high school building last night was a beautiful scene. It was the occasion of the last reception of the graduating class. Around four tables ar ranged in a hollow square were seated the pretty young girl graduates, the boys of the same class and a score of parents and friends of the successful young women and men.
 On next Monday night the graduating ex- ercises take place and according to custom the reception was held several days pre- vious to thls event. After partaking of refreshments, consisting of ice cream and cake, speeches were made by several members Of the class. Then, after hear ing addresses-from some of the prominent citizens present, the last social meeting of the class of 99 passed into another chap ter Of the schools history. The following is the programme as rendered by the closs: President of Class-Ben Smith. Hstorian-Jesse Shearer. Statistican-Kate Simpson. Orator-Ed Solomon. Prophet-Eva Mac Hays. Song, "Flee as a Bird. Mamie Lee. Essay, "Heine. "-Eloise Jackson. Sketch, "On the L. & N."-Emil Love- man.
 'Ine WdICnmanS call. '-Da1Sy wyatt.
 Song, "Watchmans Call."-Class.
 All the speakers read from manuscript, which had evidently been carefully pre- pared, with the exception of Ed Solomon, the class orator. He spoke from the stage in the rear of the hall, and in an able manner Gellve1 ed an extract from Senator 1hurston's speech in the United States senate after his return, from Cuba. Miss Mamie Lee in her rendition of "Flee as q Bird,' exhibited a remarkably sweet con- tralto volce and was loudly applauded. All the numbers on the programme were good and showed considerably study on the part Of the students, as well as a liberal display ot wit, which kept the crowd in jolly good humor until the close of the entertain ment.
 Address of President UIIman
 When the class program had been finish ed. Dr. Phillips introduced to the class President Ullman of the board of educa- ton, who delivered short but fo.ceful and instructive address. In opening his re- markks, MT. Ullman said:
 If an inspiration was wanted to begin a speech, wien 1 look around at this bright bevy of faces, know it is at hand. As a member of the board of education, I am proud of this class. They have studied hard and deserve all the praise they may get. In short time these boys and girls will be called upon to make use of the
 
 in this school.'
 MT. Ullman concluded his remarks by paying high tribute to the superintend- ent, principals and teachers of the Birmng- ham High school.
 Dr. Phillips then arose and said that the schools of Birmingham had suffered on ac- count of financial troubles, but there was one man who had always stood by them ready to lend his support. This man was ex-Mayor Frank V. Evans. who he then introduced.
 After thanking pr. Phillips for the com plimentary remarks, MT. Evans said that in regard to what was said about the finan- cial troubles of the city he wished to amend the statement of Dr. Phillips. "If it had not have been for the associates I had with me in the cause of the Birmng- ham public schools could have done noth- ing. I had with me several men who ap- preciated the value of the public schools and did everything in their power to main tain them. I can say to you now that light is breaking and strong future for the schools is visible. In two more years Birmingham will have no such word as tui- ton in the high school, and before great while I think we will have a new high school building.
 School Interests Kept Him The next speaker was Colonel Altman, and he said he was very glad to indorse everything that had been said by the gen. temen preceding him. "I would have resigned my position as alderman some time ago. said Colonel Alt man, eff 1t had not been for my interests in the public schools, and as long as I am a member of the board I intend to work for those institutions" The colonel said he had a speech to make later on about the high school building, but he did not wish to say anything about 1t on this occasion, as 1t might infringe on his coming speech. Short speeches were then made by Dr. Ballard, MT Solomon, Richard F. John- ston, Professor Cunningham and Mir Simp- son.
 The entire class then sang 'The Watch mans Call," ad tho guests departed.