Newport weekly independent., 1903-05-29


 into the ranks of alumni of this hon ored institution of learning, which each year becomes the alma mater of larger elemsnt of our citizenship. And the men and women who go forth each year into life's field of la bor 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 and contribute magnifcently to our commercial, mor- 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.
 The commencement of 1903 was in 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 l. massiv 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 or the program.
 Rev. T. 0. Mahan 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 Success to be energy, application and economy, evidencing marked ahilitu in the treatment of his subject and a4gift of fine accentuation.
 Miss Fife May McCollum in ar essay entitled "The Psalms of Life' dwelt with force upon the Christian idea of life, remembering the immor- tality of the soul and closing witt that beautiful stanza from Thanatop- sis' closing lines of how to live, SC that when the final summons comes death may have no horrors.
 The second essay by Miss Jamie Irby followed the line of thought sug- gested by the subject "Unconscious Inf1uence.' The reader impressed with force the responsibility of mar SSr his influence, which to be evel helpful s4cd beneficent, requires one to be constantly on guard and watch ful of the purity of his own heart.
 Garland Hurt, Jr., has the elements of a public speaker, being gifted witt voice that is capable of oratorica infection and stage presence that gives him magnetism. His oratior was thoughtful treatise upon the "Uses of Adversity' in developing character.
 The other musical numbers me with vigorous applause from the audi. ence and are deserving of specific mention, but for lack of space upor our part. They consisted of voca solo Burst Ye Apple Buds,7 by Mrs E. D. Bracy; very pretty solo "Al 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 voca 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 ano his voice approaches very closely the conversational, yet the subject mat ter of his address is replete in gooC 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 oi life to greatness dwelt upon the possibilities of the American boy ir 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 oi 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 tested as member of the board caused his words of advice to be re-