In beholding these ten graduates—six from the normal course, three from the college preparatory and one from the theological—one could not but compare the present with the not distant past, and rejoice in the compensations of prudence. The proud father of one of the girls who sat in the audience was once the body servant of Jefferson Davis. The mother of one of the boys who acquitted himself with more than usual ability came forward at the close of the exercises and looked him in the face for several moments, too utterly happy to speak a word.
The exhibits of the industrial department as well as the work of the grades, notwithstanding the shortness of the year, showed no sacrifice of quality.
Thus, in spite of many adverse circumstances, the year has been one of signal blessing in all the departments; the religious life was never sweeter or more earnest, the school was never more thoroughly dominated by Christian motives and principles. President Atwood may justly felicitate himself and his co-workers upon the good results obtained.
COMMENCEMENT AT TOUGALOO UNIVERSITY, MISS.
BY PRESIDENT FRANK G. WOODWORTH, D.D.
The commencement exercises on May 19th closed one of the most memorable years in the history of the institution. Quarantine delayed the opening of the year until November 23d, and on the next night the girls' dormitory was destroyed by fire. These two things greatly reduced the attendance, and of course the fire entailed a great many inconveniences. The school has gone bravely on, however, and the year is now looked back upon as one of the most satisfactory in work and general results that has been seen. Students and teachers have labored with unusual diligence, crowding nearly the full work of the usual school year into six months.
The year has been signalized by having a Freshman class, the first to enter on college work. Four students have successfully completed the year, and another class of the same size or larger is expected for next year.
The president preached the Baccalaureate sermon from Gen. 5:24. All the graduates are Christians; all but two of the Academy, and three-fourths of the grammar pupils of the year have been Christians.