Rensselaer Republican, Volume 25, Number 40, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 1 June 1893 — OUT OF THE HARBOR [ARTICLE]

OUT OF THE HARBOR

INTO THE SEA.” Is Now the Class of ’93. The class of ’93 graduated with all honors, at the opera house, last Thursday night. In spite of the fact that an admission fee was charged, the building was filled to the limit of its seating capacity. A very excellent effect resulting from the charge of an admission fee was that there was SUehtire absence of the element which has almost always, heretofore, made a vast amount of disorder at Commencement exercises. In this case the most perfect order prevailed, from beginning to end. The graduates were eight in number, feur boys and four girls. Bright and promising young people, whose very creditable performances, Thursday evening, proved that the class of ’93 averages well with all former classes in intellectual ability and extent of mental developement. After a brief opening prayer by Rev. B. E. Utz, and a solo by Dr. Brown, Miss Effie Cowden gave her essay upon the rather odd subject “Black the 'Heels of your Boots.” The idea of the writer was to show that people devote too much attention to matters which show the most prominently and neglect others which are of less apparent prominence, but which have a really greater effect in moulding the character of the persons. or in winning the respect and confidence of others. Frederick S- Tyler treated of the “Unity of Nations.” He showed how much progress the enlightened nations of the world have already made towards unity and harmony of sentiments * and how much still remained to do before the sublime vision of the poet could be realized: “When the liattle flags were furled In the I’artliament of man, the federation of the world.” “Weaving a Life” was the title of Miss Flora Harris’well written essay. As its title indicates, the essay showed how the daily acts, thoughts and wishes of each individual were woven and combined together to form each person’s history and character. Another rather strange sounding subject was “Mother’s Apron Strings” chosen by Chase Kelley. He 2 showed what a wise and true and ever faithfill friend and courseljor the mother always is, and how well and wisely the young man chooses who loves, honors and obeys his mother ; and what harm comes to so many youths from allowing themselves to be turned away from that guiding star, by the foolish pride which fears to be accused of being “tied to mother’s apron strings.” Miss Maude Irwin choose the modern and practical subject, “The World’s Fair” for her essay. The wonderful scope, beauty, success and probable far reaching influence of that crowning achievement of Ninteenth Century civilization, was depicted in glowing language. Frank L. ’Hoover’s oration was upon the subject “School for Scandal.” He first treated the subject in a very humorous manner, and one that was highly appreciated by the audience. Then in more serious strain, he depicted the vast harm

done by the wagging tongues of malignant scandal mongers, in all ranks and stations of life, and in all times and places. Miss Daisy Warner gave tne “Class History.” She briefly sketched the general history of the class, from its first entrance into the high school with some 45 members, until with constantly diminishing numbers, the senior year was entered upon, with only the eight persevering ones,

who remained faithful to the end. Short biographical sketches, with more or less fanciful predictions of their futpre careers, were then given of each of the graduates. B«nj. E- Coen spoke upon the subject “Immigration” treating it, as it is, one of the vital questions of the hour. The great and ever increasing dangers of unrestricted im-

migratjon, with the evils that are threatening the very foundations of government and society, were shown. The urgent necessity which exists for shutting out the great tide of ignorance, indolence and depravity which certain parts of Europe and Asia are spawning upon our shores was strongly urged. At the same time warning waagiven of the danger of going to far m the principle of exclusion. Desirable immigration is one of the greatest and most Jndispensible sources of our wealth and well being and should be carefully encouraged. The musical features of the evening, besides tnose already mentioned, were a vocal solo by Mrs. J. G. Campbell, a piano sclo by Mrs. Delos Thompson, an instrumental duet by Prof, and Mrs. Baas, and a quartette by Mrs G. K. Hollingsworth, Miss Nellie Hopkins, W. B. Austin and H. L. Brown. The diplomas were presented by M. F. Chilcote, in behalf of the School Board. Another innovation upon 1 ormer practices was that the bestowal of floral and other presents was deferred until the audience was dismissed. The stage was handsomely decorated with flowers and plants. Also with a very large and beautiful executed banner, tearing the class motto, “Out of the Hai tor,! Into the sea.” 1