Friends in the North, old and new, gladdened the hearts of teachers and pupils by contributions in clothing, books and money for the aid of needy students. One, a contribution of books, calls for special mention. It came from Mrs. Isabella Beecher Hooker, of Hartford, Conn., and contained over one hundred volumes of standard works. Among them was a complete set of the books written by her sister, Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe. These books are greatly enjoyed by our young people. It is earnestly hoped that other contributions of a similar nature will continue to be made.
The examinations at various times, and especially the closing ones, May twenty-sixth and twenty-seventh, were highly creditable. Only a small number failed of promotion.
The programme for Commencement week was carried out successfully.
It began on Friday evening, May twenty-seventh, with a speaking contest and a prize debate, by the Philomathean Literary Society. The discussion was as to the educative value of the study of the classics compared with that of the sciences. The debate was well conducted, and both sides supported their views with interest and energy. The chairman of the judges was the president of one of the national banks of Austin. The prizes, two sets of valuable books, were awarded to the advocates of the study of the sciences.
Sunday, May twenty-ninth, was marked with interest in many ways. In the morning the baccalaureate sermon, from the text, "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ," was delivered in the college chapel. The audience was good and appreciative. In the evening came the closing meeting of the Young People's Society. This is always an occasion of interest with us. The circumstances call forth a review of the work of the year, or of the course, with those about to leave, and many are the requests for prayer, in view of the trials to come in the long vacation or the work in broader fields. The tone of earnest desire to be faithful to Christ and to be helpful in work for Him, was very strong.
Monday afternoon brought a small company of ladies and gentlemen from the city, on invitation, to examine the collections of botanical specimens presented by the pupils in that branch, and to select the two most worthy. A number of very creditable collections were offered, the competition was close, and resulted in the giving of three prizes.
Specimens of work in the sewing department and in carpentry were opened to the public for inspection, and called forth deserved commendation. Instruction in both of these departments is greatly needed, and it is gratifying to note the marks of progress in the use of the needle and in the use of carpenters' tools. The drawing by the boys in the shop work was very noticeable.
The Annual Concert is a strong feature at Tillotson. People come from miles around and fill the chapel to overflowing always, on Tuesday evening before commencement. A slight admission fee is charged, to help meet expense for music and incidentals. Early in the year, it was decided to present on this occasion something a little more serious than usual. It was anticipated that this might not be so popular, and that there would be a falling off in receipts from sale of tickets. Still it was felt that we ought to do something towards elevating the standard along these lines.
Selections from the Oratorio of Elijah were chosen for this occasion. At first the older students, upon whose hearty co-operation everything depended, expressed their fears as to the result. But courage and patience won the day with them. As they went forward with preparations enthusiasm took the place of criticism. All fell into line, working cheerfully and faithfully, drilling for the entertainment. Several of the leading musicians of Austin became interested in the work of the students, and attended the concert. They expressed great surprise and pleasure at the success of the singers. This seems a good start in a much needed improvement.
Wednesday, June first, came the graduation exercises.