The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1900-05-25
BRIDGEPORT'S GRADUATES
Give Pleasing Performances at the
Twenty-sixth Commencement *
ercises-only One Larger Class in

Schools History.
Last evening occurred the big event
for the sweet girl and bright boy grad
uate at Bridgeport. In the Union OPP
era house of that town an audience
which overtaxed the seating capacity
as well as the standing room, assembled
to witness the exercises incident to the
twenty-slxth annual commencement OF
the Bridgeport public schools. The ex-
ercises were unusually interesting and
very instructive, every member Of the
large class covering themselves with
great credit. Each grafton was deliv-
cred in a manner that was pleasing to
the audience and from the substance OF
the same 1t was plain that much time
and research had been devoted by the
pupils in their efforts to prepare re-
marks which would be interesting to
their hearers. 1t was one of the most
successful commencements ever held
from the over-the-river school, and re-
fleets great credit upon their leader
Prof. James Duncan.
The class graduated last evening was
the second largest in the history Of the
school, numbering twenty-three in ALL
twelve young ladies and eleven young
men. 1t was noted not alone for Its
numbers. but for its intellect as well,
being one Of the brightest classes ever
turned out from school life in that
town. The decorations In the opera
house were very elaborate. Both siueS
of the stage were adorned with potted
nlants flowers and the patriotic and
class colors, which combination OF the
beautiful, together with the arrange
ment Of the large and brilliant class
upon the stage made a most handsome
and inspiring scene. A pleasing tea-
ture of the exercises were the musical
selections by Meister's full orchestra
which varied the literary programme at
intervals.
The exercises proper began at s
o'clock, with an earnest invocation
offered by Rev. ]. S. Secrest, pastor or
the First Methodist Episcopal church.
Clyde H. MaIln led OF, taking for his
subject, that much noted work OF
Henry Slenkiewicz, QUO Vadls." He
discussed the subject translation,
"whither Goeth Thou" He submitted
several Illustrations why this question
should be asked by everyone. His talk,
while short, was to the point and was
well received.
The next address, delivered by Miss
Carrie B. Moore, was entitled "A queer
Family" The word family was applied
by the speaker to the school family, and
81 tnNu n
lowing. whereby they might find the
road smoother and easier. She advised
all the classes to follow the path pur-
sued by the class OF 1900. which was
"the wisest and most brilliant known"
Miss Moore's address was well deliv-
cred and received much applause
1.-THE Clodhopper" was the topic OF
an interesting talk by C. H. Marcellus,
colored. He made beautiful picture
out of the life of the clodhopper and
gave many examples wherein the hay
seed" life was preferable to the city
life.
Miss Lillian Mae Muhlemans address
was entitled 1.-THE Critic" She sternly
criticized all preceding classes Gradu-
ated from the high school and ac-
knowledged that while her class might
have faults, as none Is perfect, still 1t
was the highest type of perfection
which has yet been obtained. She closed
her remarks with the prediction that
one of the future text books which
would be used in the schools would be
formed from examples set by the class
Of 1900.
Charles Howard Arrick delivered a
most excellent Grafton on Words" He
clearly demonstrated why the greatest
care In the handling of these little
things should be exercised. The speak
err remarked that word might change
the course of a human life and the
secret OF their use Is the knowledge of
what to say and when to say 1t.
Miss Maud Poole spoke Of What
They Did in the Ark" She compared
the ark to their voyage in school in
most pleasing manner.
Roy Cope's Grafton had for its theme,
"White or Gray-Which?" The white
brain matter. he stated, was the ply
steal power and the gray matter the
mental power. He advocated in elo-
ton Of the gray matter.
Miss Margaret Elizabeth Adolph fol-
lowed with a well prepared talk on the
question. What Shall We Strive For?"
She impressed upon her hearers the
necessity Of hard labor II success is to
be gained.
Roy C. Jump took for his theme,
GLASS Couplets." In rhyme he gave q
resume Of the history Of the class and
eXpounded pretty praises for each
member His performance made de-
cided hit. which was followed by
beautiful song by the class.
"Frailty, Thy Name is Woman" was
the subject admirably handled by Miss
Lima Mae Thompson. followed by an
excellent address delivered for the ben
eft Of the Juniors by Robert Z. WILL
son, which was responded to in
hearty manner by Clyde Hardesty.
Eleanor NJ. Kennedy then delivered
an grafton Of great merit. taking for
her subject, "Glimpses," Her remarks
were full of thought and wisdom and
It was one Of the best performances Of
the evening.
"A Waterfall was the subject Of
beautiful word picture painted by Miss
Estella Finney
THE Devil" was the unique tonic
dwelt upon by Edward Franzell. He
said that everyone was acquainted
with Satan and II he did not exist
there would be no need for ministers.
Sum Culque" was the topic chosen
by Ward Williams. Dividing men into
three classes. he continued to give the
merits of each and closed with the as
sertion that the greatest Of our men
were born amidst the greatest poverty.
Miss Margaret Secrest's subject,
stand Aside. Please" provoked much
favorable comment and showed careful
preparation.
This effort was followed by another
gem by Earl Lee Brown, "Cnno" being
his topic upon which his remarks were
based.
THE Love OF Fame" was n subject
most ably handled by Miss Lula Nc
Mahon.
That Potato Patch" was the subjpct
carried by Isaac S. Russell. His re-
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