The log cabin Democrat., 1907-06-13
BRILLIANT CLOSING EXERCISES
Hendrix Commencement a Splen-
 did Success.
col,.Vs Now on a Firm Financial Basis and Board Plans Great Improvements
 for the Future.


 drix College came to close yes terday afternoon after a series O brilliant commencement exercises
 which were attended by large, number of visitors than ever be fore in the history of the insaitu ton.
 The graduating exercises begar yesterday morning at ten o'clock The class orator, John A. Phelps delivered the oration for the sen iors. He was followed by Prof I. H. Reynolds of the University of Arkansas, an alumnus and ( former member of the faculty, who held the vast audience spellbonnc for about forty-fve minutes with one of the most inspiring baccalau- reate addresses ever heard within the college walls.
 Dr. J. H. Riggin, vice-presidenl of the board of trustees: then pre- sented the diplomas to the gradua' ting class, each of whom received the degree of A. B. The class is composed of John A. Phelps, pres ident and orator of the class; Joe A. Youngblood, faculty represen- tative; Rupert H. Weems, Will liam B. Mitchell, Miss Anna Prince.
 Rev. M. N. Waldrip of Fort Smith, in his usual charming and humorous manner, then awarded the prizes as follows:
 Academy-Essay, Carroll Ren- froe; Reclamation, w. H. Cox; scholarship, Earl Winsett.
 College-A. s. M Kenn Il scholarship, C. D. Nelson; Western Methodist oration, w. B. Mitchell intersociety Reclamation, J. H. Bell; Mirror literary, Roger Weems; T. H. Ware mathematics, M. J. McHenry.
 Hon. Garner Fraser and A. C. Curtis, alumni members of the board of trustees, made short ad- dresses, and were followed by Dr. lanes Thomas, educational com- missioner of the college, who made some announcements showing the splendid progress made by the col 1ege during the past year. He dis claimed, however, any credit for the great work he has done in lift ing the financial burdens from the college, asserting that the records of the faculty and students for the past eighteen years had been such as to inspire confidence on the people of the state and make the securing of an endowment an easy matter. D.. Thomas stated that the productive endowment of the college now amounted to S132, ,ooo and predicted that it would reach $3oo, 900 within the next two years. During the past year he said over S3ooo had been expended for re- palrs and Improvements on the campus and buildings and that all current expenses of the institution had been met. He extended thanks on behalf of the board to the three societies of the college, Mrs. Millar, wife of the former president and Mrs. Anderson, wife of the president, for valuable as sistance in improving and decorat- ling the buildings.
 Future Improvements Planned.
 Referring to additional improve ments contemplated for the lmmed- fate future, Dr. Thomas said that during the present summer hot water or steam heat would be ln- stalled in all of the buildings and dormitories, and that the trustees had ordered plans drawn for $25 ,ooo or $50, ,ooo science hall which he expected to be erected during the next year. A large auditorium and new library building were also among tne Plans of the board in the near future.
 Pres. s. Anderson announced Tn conclusion that all members ot the present faculty had been retained, with the exception of Prof. $. $, Waters, who resigns to take charge of the Conway public schools. Two new members have been elected on the faculty; Prof. J.. L. Leonard of Wesleyan University, Ohio, who will be associate pro lessor of economics and physical director; and Prof. Wm. M. Craig of Southwestern University, Tex as, who will be associate professor of science and teacher in the acad- emy.
 Commencement Sermons.
 'Tba bocCo1aureate sermon was