On the evening devoted to the Normal Department, Prof. Salisbury was expected to address us on some educational topic. In his absence, Prof. Smith, of the chair of Greek in Vanderbilt University, kindly filled the place and gave us an excellent address on Thomas Carlyle. Prof. Smith is of Southern birth, but has manifested a cordial friendliness and an interest that has led him to really investigate the work of Fisk University.
On Commencement Day, Rev. R. G. Hutchins, D. D., of Minneapolis, Minn., honored us with his presence and with an address, both wise and eloquent, on "Sublime Motives," holding up three as especially worthy to prompt to action: responsibility for the architecture of our own character, responsibility for the development of latent moral power, and the conservation of moral forces.
Few who heard it will forget the solemn charge given to the graduating class by President Cravath, illustrated by an incident, as told by the Rev. Sam. Jones, of the battle of Nashville. General Hood saw a Federal battery making dreadful havoc in his army, and sent to a subordinate general a messenger, saying, "Give him my compliments, and tell him I ask at his hands the battery in the Locust Grove." The general was in the thick of the battle and could not be found. The same message was sent to another with the same result. Finally to a third he sent the messenger, saying, "Give him my love, and tell him I ask at his hands the battery in the Locust Grove." The battery was speedily taken and the message of affection returned to General Hood. So are these young people sent out with the love of teachers and friends, to capture the batteries that are dealing moral death to this people.
After the degree of B. A. had been conferred on the fifteen graduates, that of M. A. was given to fourteen former graduates, who for three years or more have been engaged in scholarly employments.
To add to the interest of Commencement, Gen. Fisk arrived the evening before, and closed the public exercises of Thursday with an address, whose pleasantry made every one forget the fatigue of five consecutive hours of speech-making. Several members of the Legislature, now in extra session in the Capitol, were present both at the Commencement exercises and at the collation which followed.
A new and interesting feature of this anniversary was the part taken by the Girls' Industrial Department. A basket of cake made by members of the cooking class graced each table at the Commencement dinner and was by general consent pronounced excellent. In the Assembly Room of Jubilee Hall were displayed various garments and household articles neatly made by the sewing classes.
Nothing has been said about examinations; they are like the bread of our daily meals, always expected and very important. A more thorough examination than usual was given the classes in drawing and in vocal music. One exercise in the latter examination was the singing at sight of a tune, in four parts, composed by a member of the class.
Our halls are already deserted; nothing holds our students after Commencement: they scatter at once for work, and within a few weeks, in at least half a dozen States, miniature Fisk Universities will be in operation.
Anna M. Cahill.