The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1902-06-04
COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES.

Bertha WlnhuTn, MISS Edna MorGlmef.
COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES.
The Military Academy and the Female
College.
The; first of the series OF attractions
of the. commencement was held Sunday
afternoon in the Opera House. The
Y. Ne. G. a. and 7. W. G. A. were
addressed by the Rev. Messrs. Jones
and Grossman. They spoke of the
ideals Of Christian manhood and wom-
anhood and gave wholesome advice as
to their peaceful attainment. The as
sociations were congratulated upon
their work of the past.year and a re-
view made Of their benefcence. Rev.
G. G. Brown said he would not make a
third address, as his predecessors had
SO ably preceded him and included his
choicest thought.
The baccaiaareate sermon was
preached in the First Baptist Church
BY Rev. Il. IL Covington. The audi
ence was very large, all services for
the evening having been dispensed
with, In view Of afording the oppor-
tunity OF attending to all.
\ Monday morning at 10 O'Clock the
elocution and declaration contests took
place The Opera House was pretty
well filed with friends of the institu-
tion, who Witnessed very credi liable
exhibition OF talent and ability. The
.declaimer's medal, contested for by
Cadets Woods, Smith and Green, was
won by Cadet J. M Woods; subject,
The New South. -
The young ladies then contested for
the elocntion medal. Misses Hogan,
Wells, Chandler, Wells, Owens and
Brailsford made splendid examples of
the study of the art of expression,
and reflect credit upon both them
selves and their instruction. Miss
Annie Braiisford, of Sammeton, was
the lucky lady, and she receives the
heartiest congratulations and admira-
tions Of her many friends.
Gen. e. w. Noise was chairman Of
the committee OF elocution. Gen.
Noise congratulated Miss Brailsford
upon her graceful and earned success
and presented her with beautiful
gold medal.
s The first celebration of the Timred
and Gagner Literary Societies of the S.
NJ. A. and F. S. was witnessed Monday
night by large audience. The music
was furnished oy the Second Regiment
band Of this city, and the crowd which,
- Is - =f>,. S1n 11cph% do
lighted on being welcomed by its
music.
Tt is needless here TO explain again
the unfortunate occurrence of last
evening. The public have been
already convinced that the fault did
not lie with the officers of the military
academy and they have been duly
exonerated.
The first number on she programme
was an essay by Miss Ruth McLaurin.
Miss McLaurin rendered her essay
with ease and grace, giviRg a charm
ing portion to the evenings entertain
ment.
Then President Smith, of the Gag
ner Society, introduced the debaters-
Messrs. Woods and Edwards. afirma-
tive, and Messrs- Green and Jackson,
negative. They Resolved, That the
conduct OF Admiral Schley at the bat
tie Of Santiago should he condemned. -
These gentlemen conducted them
selves we'll, and deserve great credit
for their successful efforts. The audi
ence was held to close attention
throughout. The decision was a diff
cult one to render, so closely had each
one Of the debaters approached the
standard of excellence.
After much thoughtful considera-.
tion, however, the decisions was given
TO the affirmative.
During the time for she judges to
decide, Mrs. Henry Hardy sang song
from "Florodora'' It goes without
saying that Mrs. Harby's voice was
charming attraction.
Then Hon. Mr.. Brantley, of Orange
burg, addressed the societies. His
oration was fine. His apology at the
end at having sroken too long was
needless, for his entire speech was en-
joyed.
Yesterday there were four gentle
men contesters for the ready speakers
medal. The subject, given a few
moments before the speeches, was
"The Posi- sibilities of the American
Boy.' The speeches by Messrs.
Woods, Edwards, Green and Smoak
were fall of wit and humor. Mr..
Smoak was the winner, having made
plainest how the boy Of our country
had most advantages and broadest
influence of the youth of any other
nation.
Next came the military contest. Mr..
MIntosh evinced the best knowledge
and practice of tactics and by his
splendid soldiery won the gold medal.
Just here Rev G. G. Brown award
ed medal to Cadet Hal Hardy for
having best transposed piece of diff