Newport daily independent., 1903-05-23

l students or the Newport PubHc School into the ranks of alumni of this hon ored institution of learning, which each year becomes the alma mater of, a larger element of our citizenship. And the men and women who go forth each year into life's field of la Dor better equipped and skilled to fight the battles of the world by req son of the impress of such walls upon their minds and characters, constitute a portion of our people, who reflect credit upon the school aud contribute magnifcently to our commercial, nor al and intellectual upbuilding.
 In recognition of this service of our school system, the public never fails to manifest it's approval and support by turning out en masse to the final exercises of the graduating class and the seniors in turn respond to the de- mands of the hour through orations and essays of high standard that af- ford pleasure to the assembled audi ence of friends and patrons.
 I The commencement of 1903 was i'll keeping with those of past years. The opera house had been decorated lavishly in the class colors of lavender and white and the stage upon which were seated the board of directors, teachers and graduating class, seemed massive bower of roses, potted plants, palms and ferns.
 Mrs. T. H Reamey's rendition of a catchy piano solo, pleased her audi ence, being the opening number on the program.
 Rev. T. 0. Maban invoked the blessings of the ruler of the universe and Mrs. Maude Marshall followed in fine voice, with vocal solo "The Angels Serenade."
 The first oration was by Hugh $. Parish who found the "Secrets of 1 Success" to be energy, application and economy, evidencing marked ability in the treatment of his subject and a gift of fine accentuation.
 I Miss Fife May McCollum in an essay entitled "The Psalms of Life" dwelt with force upon the Christian idea of life, remembering the immor- tality of the soul and closing with that beautiful stanza from Thanatop- sis closing lines of how to live, so that when the final summons comes, | !,
 The second essay by Miss Jamie Irby followed the line of thought sug- gested by the subject "Unconscious Influence" The reader impressed with force the responsibility of man for his influence, which to be ever helpful and benefeent, requires one to be constantly on guard and watch ful of the purity of his own heart.
 Garland Hurt, Jr., has the elements of public speaker, being gifted with a voice that is capable of oratorical infection and stage presence that gives him magnetism. His oration was a thoughtful treatise upon the "Uses of Adversity" in developing character.
 The other musical numbers met with vigorous applause from the audi ence and are deserving of specific mention, but for lack of space upon our part. They consisted of vocal solo "Burst Ye Apple Buds," by Mrs. E. D Bracy; very pretty solo "All is Fair in Love and War;" by Mrs. George Hillhouse; quartet, Messrs. w c. Wharton, J. D. Neal, B. w. Stain back and o. M. Bowen and a vocal solo, "Please Leave the Gate Ajar, ? by Miss Hazel Jones.
 Hon. John H. Hinemon, state sup erintendent of public instruction, de livered the address to the class. He is not man of oratorical power and his voice approaches very closely the conversational, yet the subject mat ter of his address is replete in good advice and the simplicity of his man. ner of presentation does not impair the force of his thought. The speaker by numerous illustrations of men who have arisen from the lowest walks of life to greatness dwelt upon the possibilities of the American boy in contrast with those countries where class distinctions, birthrights and prejudice curtail such opportunities. His advice was to aim high and to be energetic in the accomplishment of their ambitions.
 The awarding of diplomas was made by the president of the board, Hon. Gustave Jones in a few appropriate remarks The active interest in the schools, which the speaker has mani fested as a member of the board caused his words of advice to be re- ceived with closest attention. He app pealed to his hearers that they build
 1ot+ov fIafr cobOalo