St. Thomas' Commencement

The couimencement exercises cf the St. Thomas high school were held in the school hall Jime 25th, in the presence of a large and appreciative audience. Tlie exercises were of especial interest from the fact that the school has heen put on the University list, and that the class of last evening was the first to complete the work of the regular, approved Latin course. The graduate3 were Misses May Clarken, Victoria Fohey, Lizzie Fitehe' Gertrude Kress and Clara O'Hearn. The program was an excellent one the essays by the graduates showing 01 iginality of thought and care in prepara tion. The first number was a beautifu waltz from Chopin rendered on th piano by Miss Katharine Burns, tli winner of the free schol arship in the conservatory. Miss Burns proved herself well deserving of the houor conferred upon her. It is only fair to say tliat in the coutest for the scholarship Miss Burns was crowded closely by the Misses Isellie Brown, Lulu Rinsey and Amanda Johnson. The first essay entitled, "Here and There in Hope," was read by Miss Victoria Fohey. The writer pointed out that hope bids us emulate the grand masterpieces in literature, music and art. This essay was followed by music by the St. Thomas Banjo and Guitar dub. Miss Gertude Kress followed with an essay on "Roman Characters." She pointed out. the simplicity of the Roman character in domestic life, religión and eovernment. She spoke of the magnificence of the Caesars and followed this with a discussion of the fall of Rome. Next carne a vocal selection after wbich Miss May Clarken read .an essay on "A Glance at Republics." Miss Clarken spoke of this as an age of republics, holding up the United States as the model. She thought that the [talians, clinging as they do to a kingly from of government, showed the least ntelligence in government. She said hat it looked very much as thouah some Chicago individual of designing turn of mind ivith a facility for cornering the market, luid delivered to the Italians goods tliat had become mildevved in the elevator." Af ter a musical selection the last essay on the program was read by Miss Clara ü'Hearn, who took as her subject "American Characters." She spoke of the simplicity of the characters il' Washington, Adams and Franklin, and also discussed the characteristics of some of the leading American writers. This essay was followed by a beautiul rhapsodie from Liszt, played on tuo nanos, eight hands keeping perfect i me. The valedictory was given by Miss Lizzie Fitchel. The young lady spoke n a very pleasant and fitting inanner of he closing days of school life, speaking he farewell words of the class to teachers, scholars and friends. The address of the evening was given by Rev. Frank Kennedy, of Ypsilanti, vho took as his subject, 'Good Readng." He pointed out the advantages of good reading as a companion in sickness, in youth and in old age He showed how it broadened the mind and served as a daily teacher. The address was full of good, wholesome thought on the subject of general literature and the advantages to be derived from a study of the same. Ainong other clergymen present were Father Fleming.of Dexter, and Father Goldrick, of Northfield. The presents were e-xceptionally fine and numerous. Gold watches, chains and riugs were among the presents, while every gradúate carried away enough books to make a very respectable library. The distribution of the presents and the conferring of honors marked the close of a very interestiug and successful program.