The Clarksburg telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1874-1926, 1903-06-05

q source of qualification to members of
the race to be present ut the commence
ment exercises in the assembly hall of
the colored school building Friday night.
The building itself, a handsome, large
brick structure, commodious and conven-
iently arranged, was something worthy
OF thought to the stranger, the man
who had not been in it before that
occasion. 1t is far in advance of school
buildings for white students in many of
the towns of 5000 and 1000 population
IN West Virginia, and there are but few,
if any cities in the state which can
boast of such fine building for coll
ored schools. That the race appreciates
the consideration shown by the city
school board in the erection of such
building for its use is evidenced by the
kindly and grateful feeling the colored
people have for the board
The commencement exercises, COM
pared favorably with thcse OF the white
schools, in fact they were on a par, con-
sidering everything and especially the
fact that the curriculum of the colored
school, while quite extensive, is not SO
complete as that of the white schools,
but which in time viii be advanced un-
I'll It is equal 10 that of the other
schools. The intelligence of the colored
race and its rapid strides demand greater
educational facilities and the time is not
far distant when 1t will vie in a measure
at least with the white race for honors
in inteIlectuaIfty and scholarship.
The program WIS executed in brilliant
manner and pleased mott only the large
number of colored people present, but
was enjoyed by the white people in at
tendance, among whom were members of
the board of education and white school
faculty and other white educators and
citizens. The appreciation of the white
people WIS shown by their hearty ap-
plause and expressions of admiration for
the efficiency shown by the performers.
The audience were entertained in a
profitable manner by the rendition of
the following program:
SOLO and Chorus, "The Spirit of '76"-
Mary Bean and School.
anvoc4tion, Rev. j. G. Young.
Solo and Chorus, s'The Convent Bells"
Adele Wilkinson and School.
Essay, SThe Progress of the Nine
teenth sCentury" -Mossie Clay.
Solo and Chorus. 'sThe Golden Autumn
Time Blanche Bean and School.
Trio "The Violet Misses Lee, Wat
son and Bowyer.
Eiano Solo. .Come Back to Erin"-
Adele Wilkinson.
Address, serhe Advantages of Educa-
fici REV. g. K. Arbuthnot-
Presentation of diplomas.
Trio, Protect Us Through the Coming
Nlghtr- AtieIle Wilkinson, Eva Colston,
Mary Brent.
Solo and Chorus, "How Can Forget
You Ida Watson and School.
Benedicticn, Rev. j. A. Watson
Glass motto, @Constantia est fundamen
sirtufis..'
Glass R6ll-slessie Clay.
The first number was cleveriy execat-
ed and the hall was filed with that su-
perb quality OF music for which the col
ored race Is noted the world over.
The invocation by the Rev. J. c. Young
WAS fervent prayer for the guidance
of the Almigrty. and expressions OF
gratitude for His 1.indnesses and mercies.
The third number showed training and
capability ON the part of the perform
ers and was especially pleasing on ac-
count OF the perfect control of the voice.
The essay by the only graduate, Miss
Mcssie Clay, cultured. refined, mod
est and unassuniing young lady, was a
production, worthy OF a much older
head. A. the subject suggests, she be-
gan At the beginning Of time and pointed
out the gradual strides made by civil
lied humanity, but her contrasts. when
she came to the nineteenth century, were
the real essence of the production. She
review in entertaining and profitable
manner the progress of that century and
exhibited thorough knowledge of the
most important and leading events of
the period. dwelling particularly upon
the iron industry rs the leading Of the
century.
Miss Gays delivery was very good
and she acquitted herself with great
credit
This was the only graduation produe-
ton, there being but one member Of
the class. It was followed by a pleas
ing musical number.
Next on the program was the most
pleasing musical feature of the evening,
by Misses Lee, Watson and Bowyer.
They acquitted themselves with such ef-
Aeiency that they were encored by ev-
cry one In the house. There was a dis
position among many to applaud them
to the rostrum for the third time. but
the extensive program forbade.
The seventh number was executed with
superior ability and the performer ex-
hibited mueA training IN and knowledge