The American Missionary — Volume 50, No. 8, August, 1896 by Various
page 19 of 121 (15%)
page 19 of 121 (15%)
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conquer the hindrances of life. He showed how the law of struggle is the
law of strength and of possession. The duty and necessity of overcoming evil, as well as the rewards, were illustrated and urged. The various alumni associations are now endeavoring to raise a fund of one thousand dollars for the university. They are faithful to their alma mater. The graduating exercises of the Normal Department were largely attended, and the thirteen young women of the class would have been listened to on any Northern commencement platform with earnest and thoughtful attention. President Cravath's address to them was on "The New Woman." "The educated young colored woman of to-day," he said, "is, in a peculiar sense, the new woman of her race." He contrasted the opportunities of the young women before him with those which their mothers had, and besought them to consider their peculiar responsibilities linked with their opportunities. For the regular college graduation exercises every seat in the spacious chapel was filled. Plants and wild-flowers had been used to decorate the platform, while large flags were artistically draped on either side. The class, numbering fifteen, occupied the front seats. President Cravath, Dr. Beard, and other guests were on the platform. The orations were, without exception, highly creditable. The speakers chose subjects of current interest instead of recounting the exploits of the ancient Greeks and Romans or making Napoleon fight his battles over again for us. They bore the marks of thoughtful and accurate study. After the conferring of the degrees, the audience rose while the Mozart Society rendered the Hallelujah Chorus. What a debt of gratitude we owe to Handel for giving us that Chorus! General Fisk used to say that there |
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