People's Pilot, Volume 3, Number 50, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 1 June 1894 — COMMENCEMENT. [ARTICLE]

COMMENCEMENT.

The Graduating Exercises of the Rensselaer High School. The commencement exercises of the Rensselaer high school occurred last Thursday evening in Eger sopera house. The house was crowded with spectators who came out to hear the gradual es. The’.stage was elegantly decorated with potted plants of the most beautiful character, which seemed in perfect harmony with the occasion. The progam was opened by music from Healey’s orchestra, which was highly complimented all the way through. This was followed with invocation by Rev. Dr. Utter. After another selection by the orchestra Orren F. Parker gave his ideas of “Compulsory Education,” and we have not the time or space to give his oration either in full or p.<i t, but will say that many excellent snuges’ions | were offered that v. -i I prove! beneficial should th-.y be enforced.

“Territorial Growth of the United Statss” was the subject chosen by M. L. Spitler, Jr.,and we doubt if a better one could have been selected. He gave the growth of our nation from the time of the landing of the Pilgrims at old Plymouth Rock down to the present time. The subject of our own country is always an inspiring one to the true American, and the easy manner in which the oration was delivered by Mr. Spitlei’ made it very interesting to the audience. Ray D. Thompson talked upon the “Coming Nation” and impressed upon the ears of the audience what the future had in store for us. This is a broad subject, but showed much study and thought in its prepartion. He presented the fact the manner in which this government was established makes it the greatest of any, and that there is a desire for federation among the different nations throughout the world. Petty quarrels and mortal combats among the nations were almost a thing of the past. Peace now reigns supreme. Arbitration is the manner of settling questions of national importance and not the sword and bayonet. Benhart Fendig gave “Literature and the Age,” and it was

one of the most interesting orations of the evening. He has an easy delivery and every word he uttered was plain aud distinct. The subject of literature is a grand one and the full understanding of it can only be obtained by the most careful study. To know literature one must study it. He gave numerous quotations from various authors and showed conclusively that he had not been idle during the preparation of his subject. One of the greatest questions before the people of this nation is that of “Good Roads.” Jesse M. Coen described at length the benefits resulting from good roads and gave many bright ideas during his oration. This great thing has been before the people of this country for several years and many a scheme has been devised by which the highways throughout our laud might be bettered. Riad congresses have been held that have brought together the ablest minds on this subject, and t/Le time will come when we will have good roads from one. end of the country to the This oration was followed by a nicely rendered solo on the violin by Miss Mary E. Utter, with Miss True Alter presiding at the piano. Miss Florence Neal read a most interesting paper on the life and works of that great phil-, anthropist. George W. Childs. 1 Sue reviewed the many kind and noble deeds of this large hearted man, w’ho done so much to re-. lieve those in distress. Thaft i there were more of his generous nature, throughout the laud, we

know that it would be better. The use to which he placed his riches benefitted many and tilled with gratitude the hearts of those whom he chose to help. One of the most interesting things connected graduating exercises, is the class history. For the class of ’94 this work was selected by Joseph H. Marshall, but we regret to say that his reading was inaudible to the audience and could not be heard at all. This was a sad feature, as all were eager to hear the class history.

After another beautiful selection by the orchestra. Prof. Bohannon presented each of the (graduates with their diplomas. Benediction was pronounced by , Rev. B. F. Ferguson.