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Baccalaureate.

Sunday morning the class and their friends listened to the baccalaureate sermon delivered by Rev. M. Rhodes, pastor of St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran church, St. Louis, Missouri. His text was taken from 1 Cor. 8:6, 11, 12, 15, 28, and Romans 11:36. His sermon seemed prompted by the tendency to forget the recognition of God. In eloquent and forceful langnage it was shown that this recognition is essential to higher individual and national life. The speaker enforced his statements by examples of the lives of agnostics and reference to France under the influence of Voltaire. Towards the close he showed how important is the teacher's influence in developing the religious tendencies of the child.

The following thoughts were projected by the speaker: Recognition of God is essential to any rights we may demand for ourselves. Man has progressed most where God has been recognized. Recognition of God is consistent with the construction of the human mind. He who forgets to kneel before the Divine soon becomes a worshipper of self. The highest art is always the most religious, the greatest artist is a devout man. When a nation forgets God it fades from among the nations. The most senseless battle is the battle against the supernatural, the most degrading infidelity is that which makes a man believe he is no one.

Oratory Rehearsal.

Monday morning the friends of the members of the oratory

MISS MAUD BROBST.

class were allowed to be present at the annual recital of the oratory class. While Miss Marsland and the class had expected and prepared for no public rehearsal, the audience were agreeably surprised by the success of the rendition of the different parts. Personal mention of those whose work was deserving would mean almost an entire list of those participating, and the audience were left longing to see what might be done were ample time and opportunity given to prepare.

Graduating Recital, Music Department. There was but one member in the graduating class this year. Miss May Whims, the graduate, was assisted in the recital by Miss Robb and the Orpheus and Euridice Clubs. The work of the graduate gave evidence of the thorough training received in the music department of the Normal. Probably the selections from Chopin and de Kontski were most highly appreciated by the audience although all the numbers were of especial merit. The singing by the vocal clubs was well appreciated by the audience. It was announced that tuition would be free hereafter to the seniors in the courses in piano, voice culture, and stringed instruments.

Junior-Senior Banquet.

Monday evening the junior class tendered the seniors a banquet. Immediately after the graduating exercises the juniors, seniors, faculty, board of regents, and friends repaired to the main corridor of the first floor which had been converted into

J. F. GRAY.

a banquet hall replete with brilliant lights, flowers, and sparkling silver and glassware. The ladies of the Christian church were the caterers for the occasion.

Professor M. A. Bailey acted as toastmaster and filled the position well, introducing the toasts of the evening by witty and appropriate words. Professor Cora Marsland responded to the toast, "Whither You?" with earnestness. Miss Minnie Wohlford, addressing the juniors, wittily replied to the toast "Naughts to the Right." Mr. E. B. Gift arose to the toast "Lifeless and Blooming." Hon. F. S. Larabee, president of the board of regents, next replied with much humor to the toast "A Slide In." Mr. Larabee is a believer in a healthy athletic spirit in school, and a success as an after dinner speaker. President Taylor then responded to "Keep to the Right," by his words stirring old memories and fixing new resolves in the minds of his hearers. And so passed one of the pleasantest evenings of the year.

Class Day.

The exercises of Class Day are always interesting. Despite the fact that many had gone home, a large crowd filled the assembly room Tuesday afternoon. Mr. Oveson, representing the seniors, addressed the juniors. After recalling the many difficulties which the seniors had successfully encountered and brushed away in their solicitude and care for the juniors, he finished by chosen words replete with wisdom and advice and presented to the juniors on behalf of the seniors, a gold ring. W. A. Ward replied for the juniors. Remembering and acknowledging the greenness of the juniors, he admitted the ripeness of the seniors, remarking that "things were usually ripe when soft." As a return for the gold ring he presented a dime and pin (diamond pin) He brought forward a hobby-, horse, and a hat band which could be taken up considerably, and recommended their use. He advised them, now that they were going out in the world, "to hitch their wagon to the stars but not to leave the endgate out."

A very interesting and beautiful flower drill was given by twelve young ladies. The audience were entranced by the grace and beauty of the evolutions, also by the grace and beauty of the young ladies. The closing number was a parody

on "Just One Girl" sung by members of the class, Mr. Page acting as director.

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Educational Address.

Professor Moulton of the University of Chicago, delivered the educational address. His subject was "What to Read and How to Read it." He advanced fiction as the best of all literature. Making the statement that truth is truer than fact, he balanced the minds of the audience in judgment by referring to the statistics of the fellow on the other side of the silver question. Then he proceeded to show that fiction is the truth of life prepared and condensed for use. "Daniel Deronda" was truer than the "Life of John Smith." He showed how fiction might teach a great truth by citing and using King Lear in illustration.

One ought to read a book three times; once to see what it is about, the second time to see what is said and the third time in an attitude of friendly hostility. If this rule should be followed it would eliminate all trashy literature. One would have no time to waste on anything but the best.

After the lecture nearly everybody stayed for a short talk by Professor Moulton on what he termed the "Interpretative Recital." He illustrated his talk by a selection from Marlowe's "Faust". This talk and the selection were much enjoyed. Everyone felt that the address had been one of the good things of the year.

Mass Meeting.

The last assembly of the school occurred Wednesday morning. After the opening exercises each member of the faculty gave a short talk. Some were reminiscent, some were full of advice. Professor Bailey spoke of his future work briefly, following by words of earnest counsel. Protessor Hill proved that his fund of humor is inexhaustible, and while not intending to add to the advice already given, certainly did so. Professor Stevenson was in favor of having examinations after commencement, or at least mixing them up with the exercises of commencement week. Doctor Chrisman talked on the value of athletics. Some little girls gave a pretty doll drill. President Taylor closed the meeting by a short talk on the practice of the school relative to athletics.

Reception to the Alumni.

President and Mrs. Taylor received the members of the alumni Wednesday afternoon from four to six. Many former graduates were present and by mingling and comparing old experiences, freshened the memories of old school days and brought the affection for and interest in the old school into new life. The date of graduation of some of those present ran as far back as the 60's.

Sherbet was served and the animated conversation betokened the enjoyment of all.

Open Meeting.

Wednesday evening the alumnal association held their open meeting. Many students, friends and former students were present. In some instances the voices from the past took the form of written messages. More often some one came to the platform and by selected words recalled the old times or testified to the onward march of progress. Good addresses were given by Mr. A. T. St. Clair, Miss Elizabeth Spencer, Miss Carrie Kelson, Mr. T. B. Henry and others. Music was furnished by Messrs. Kline, and Smith and Miss Elsie Stratton and a male quartette. The association and the alumni are potent factors in making school history.

Graduating Exercises.

On Thursday morning at 9:30 the graduating exercises for the class of '99 were held in Albert Taylor Hall. A large num

ber of friends from the city and others from a distance attended this, the most interesting and impressive program of the year. The first number on the program was a march by the Normal orchestra, which was rendered while the late arrivals were being seated and the audience was getting the proper focus on the platform. Professor Hill then invoked the divine blessing upon the occasion and the assembled multitude. Next came a pleasing anthem rendered by a chorus composed of some of the best singers of the institution and of the city.

Miss Edna Roberson, the salutatorian of the class, was then introduced. She delivered an excellent oration on "The Mission of Fun." She exalted this mission by showing the influence of fun in softening the hard lines of life and in developing the finer sensibilities of the soul.

Mr. Elihu Bowles then followed with a well written oration on the subject, "Sunshine and Shadow in Literature." Mr. Bowles showed the tendency of some writers to look on He the dark side of life as evidenced by their productions. also pointed out the optimistic tendency of other writers. Mr. Bowles demonstrated by his discussion of the subject that he is thoroughly conversant with the literature of the time. Professor Butler now entertained the audience with a delightful violin solo.

Miss May Chandler then delivered an able argument in defence of the Jews, her subject being, "A Plea for the Jews." Miss Chandler argued that the persecution of the race ought to cease; that the universal prejudice against it ought to be broken down; that it ought to be given a chance to redeem itself in the eyes of an exacting world.

Miss Mabel House chose for her subject, “Art and Children." She discussed in a graceful manner the important mission of art. She pointed out clearly the ennobling influence of art upon the child life. The oration of Miss House is the work of an artist.

Miss Edith Wilkinson continued the exercises by rendering a pleasing piano solo.

Miss Kittie M. Taylor discussed the reign of many kings as she developed her subject, "The Rule of the King." Miss Taylor showed, in a happy manner, that king "Custom" stands above all others in absolute power. The people of every age

and clime bow before the throne of the monarch. No one will go far beyond the limitations he has prescribed. Miss Taylor's oration was well written and was well delivered.

The valedictorian of the class, Mr. Albert M. Thoroman, then discussed the subject, "God's Call to the Nation." He pointed out the responsibility resting upon the educated citizen. He impressed upon his classmates the solemn obligations resting upon them as they go out into the world and begin their life work.

This oration was followed by a piano duet by Misses May Whims and Lucy Robb. President Taylor, in a feeling and appropriate speech, presented the class to the board of regents. Mr. Larabee, on behalf of the board, responded in an eloquent address as he conferred the diplomas upon the class. He was generously applauded.

The class of '99 certainly has every reason to feel proud of its representatives upon this occasion. The addresses were uniformly good. These orations show that the students of this institution are being trained to think and write. This practical work along the line of oratory is one of the many recommending features of the institution.

With the pronouncing of the benediction the exercises closed and another school year at the Kansas State Normal passed into history, J. E. C.

Notes.

The tree episode of Arbor Day furnished much amusement at the junior and senior gatherings.

Everybody regretted the absence of Regent Ross. He was detained by the serious illness of Mrs. Ross.

The Vernon mandolin club furnished the music for the Junior-Senior banquet. It added greatly to the enjoyment of the occasion.

One of the old guard says that the commencement exercises throughout were the best in the history of the institution. Many friends say amen and amen!

The ladies of the Christian church served the Junior-Senior banquet and the ladies of the Baptist church the alumni banquet. Both menus were elaborate and called forth words of hearty commendation from every one.

President Larabee's address to the graduating class was delightful and refreshing. He is an orator to the manor born and promises to make this address a popular feature of commencement day as long as he is president of the board of regents.

Mrs. President Larabee was a welcome visitor during the week and made many friends among faculty and students. She and President Larabee, together with Professor and Mrs. Bailey, received with President and Mrs. Taylor at the alumui reception at the latter's home.

The five year reunion plan is already a fpronounced success. The members of the '4's and '9's took prominent parts on the alumni open meeting program and were everywhere especially honored. The '5's and 'o's will hold their reunion next year. Begin to save your pennies now.

The juniors are very happy over the result of the Junior-Senior banquet. In addition to the fact that it was a great success, they turn in an excess of thirteen dollars to meet deficiencies that may occur in future junior banquets or to be used in some other way to be designated later.

The entire membership of the class of '67, Miss Ellen Plumb and Mrs. Mary J. Watson Short, were at the alumni reception at President Taylor's and were also honored guests at the alumni banquet. Mrs. Short's delightful talk struck the keynote to the entire hour. At its close, she and her class were given the Normal salute.

The stage decorations were never finer. Professor Gridley was particularly happy in the special designs for each occasion. It was worth while for a student to remain over commencement week simply to study the decorations. They were simple, tasteful, and expressive. Those of Sunday morning and Tuesday and Wednesday evenings were strikingly beautiful and attractive.

For the first time in the history of the school, a representative of the colored race received the diploma. Two members of '99 are of genuine ebony and have right royally earned their sheepskins. John R. Smith is a popular teacher in the Kansas City, Kansas, schools and the other, Gaitha Page, has been elected to a good position in the Topeka city schools. We hope others of their people may imitate their example.

The class of '99 decided to establish a students' loan fund and deposited its surplus in its treasury, $113.25, with a board of trust, composed of the president of the faculty, the vice presi dent, and the head of the department of physics and chemistry. It is proposed to loan this fund to deserving students, the accumulating interest to become a part of the principal. If properly managed this fund will approximate $100,000 in a hundred years. Already one student has been accommodated from it.

Professor Bailey Resigns. Professor M. A. Bailey has at last received his marching orders and will begin his work as professor of mathematics in the New York City training school on September 11. His salary will be $3,500.

PROFESSOR M. A. BAILEY.

Fourteen years ago he came to us from Keene, New Hampshire, and immediately became one of the strongest and most popular teachers in the institution. He soon developed statewide interest in methods in arithmetic in the public schools and issued a small pamphlet on the subject that had a liberal sale. Some five years since, The American Book Company published his handy little Mental Arithmetic, and two years later his American Comprehensive Arithmetic. They at once placed him among the first mathematicians of the country. He has for many years been a popular lecturer on mathematical subjects at summer schools and institutes, everywhere stimulating enquiry and winning adherents to his methods. His clear notions of principles, his accuracy in details, his intense earnestness, his loyalty to truth, his genial humor, his love for his friends, combine at once to make him an ideal teacher, a valuable citizen, and a trusted friend.

His standing in the State of Kansas is too well known to need any word of praise at our hands. Everybody agrees that the School and the State suffer a great loss in his going. The editor desires to express his profound sense of obligations to him for his generous and unwavering cooperation during these twice-seven years. His judgment has been invaluable, his courage infectious, his sympathy unfailing.

At the close of the exercises on Thursday morning, Professor Wilkinson stepped forward and in a happy speech presented Professor Bailey with a handsome gold watch as a token of the esteem and good will of his friends, the students and faculty of the State Normal School. He replied in fitting words,

embarrassed greatly, however, by the emotions that would not down. At the alumni banquet he indulged in a few reminiscences that showed the strength of the bond that binds him here.

The fine compliment Toast-master Stevenson paid Mrs. Bailey as he introduced the Professor, found a hearty amen in every heart. She has indeed been to him a most wise counsellor and sympathetic companion. Her friends are also legion and she will be greatly missed by all classes of people, but particularly by those who have so often been admitted to the inner circle of her hospitable home.

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Blessings on them both!

Minnie Luella Shaw.

The exercises of commencement week were not without a shadow, for many beside the members of the faculty and of the senior class missed a dear face whose patient suffering and unrivaled faithfulness had stimulated many a weary heart and inspired to a more unselfish endeavor.

Minnie Luella Shaw was born in Illinois about twenty-three years ago. She graduated at the Wellington high school, taught three years, and had almost completed her course here when she yielded to an insidious disease which at last claimed her for its own on Wednesday evening, April 27. During many long weeks of suffering, she patiently, hopefully looked forward to a time when she might resume her work with her classmates, but became resigned toward the end and went to sleep in assured faith of the resurrection. Many little tokens of love and sympathy were sent from time to time by her immediate friends and classmates and they always touched her deeply.

She was a member of the Literati society and always took a great interest in everything pertaining to her society and the school as a whole. She was a woman of warm friendship, of unswerving devotion to duty, of varied resources, and of great promise as a teacher. She was laid away in Maplewood cemetery, loving hands having covered the grave with evergreens and flowers. The services were conducted by Rev. L. E. Sellars, of the First Christian Church of this city. In our own sorrow, we are not unmindful of the deep shadows that have fallen over the widowed mother who found no sacrifice too great in her desire to serve her suffering child. We mingle our tears with hers and assure her of tender sympathy.

The Alumni Business Meeting.

The new officers of the Alumni Association for the ensuing year are as follows: President, Mrs. G. W. Newman, '70; vice president, Mr. A. S. Newman, '95; corresponding secretary, Miss Hattie Cochran, '90; recording secretary, Miss Mary McCreary, '95; treasurer, Miss Ellen Plumb, '67.

The by-laws referring to the time of meeting were suspended for one year in order to cooperate with the faculty in an adjustment of the program for commencement week, 1900.

The fee for life membership was reduced to five dollars, and the annual dues were reduced to fifty cents, with the understanding that lapsed members are reinstated on the payment of one dollar.

The officers were instructed to call a business and social meeting of the resident alumni not later than the first of November of the present year.

Much enthusiasm was manifested by the alumni at this meeting as well as at all the meetings of the week.

The class of '99 is composed of eighty-stx members. Though not so large as '98, it made a superb presentation on commencement day and will make a fine record in the field.

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THE enrollment for the first two days of the summer school is already in excess of that of the whole of last summer and new students are coming in on every train. Many will be in at the close of the June institutes.

THE band benefit concert occurred on the evening of May 27. For some time past the band has been under the direction of Professor Boyle, Mr. Long having resigned to accept a position with the Soldiers' Home Band at Leavenworth. The band was assisted by other musical organizations of the school and the Sappho Club of the city. The program was unusually pleasing and Professor Boyle received many warm congratulations from those present. The attendance was hardly as large as usual but was enthusiastically appreciative throughout.

WE are in receipt of the announcements for one hundred Kansas Normal institutes and find to our pleasure that the conductors of twenty-five of them are State Normal School people, and that seventy-eight of the two hundred and thirty instructors positions are also filled by them. Of the three hundred and thirty conductors and instructors named one hundred and three of them were trained at the State Normal School. This is an excellent showing for one school.

THE Normal catalogue is out and shows an attendance of over 1800 for the year. This is less than the enrollment for the preceding year, though we are satisfied that the average attendance through the year has been higher. Ninety-two Kansas counties and eighteen different states and territories were represented. It is gratifying to note a marked increase in the number in the second year classes. Copies of the catalogue will be sent postpaid to all applicants.

KANSAS CITY, KANSAS, is reaching out into the state for teachers. During the past year it has called some ten or twelve State Normal graduates teaching in different parts of the state into its force. Among these are Misses Louie Atkins and Laura Murray of the Atchison schools, Miss Minnie Rich of the Emporia schools, Miss Kate Bell of the Valley Falls schools, Miss Nellie Mack of the Clyde schools, Miss Lillian B. Smith of the Clyde schools, Miss Minnie Green of the Effingham schools, Miss Kate Sharrard of the Atchison schools, and Miss Christine Nelson of the Concordia schools.

saw.

GOVERNOR and Mrs. Stanley honored the Normal with an hour's visit on the morning of June 8. They went through the entire building and expressed keen interest in everything they The Governor made a short but sensible and eloquent address to us at devotionals, arousing much enthusiasm. He enjoyed the singing of "Old Gold" and "The Jayhawker's Song," taking a copy of the latter for "three little Jayhawkers at Wichita to sing tomorrow night." He gave the address to the graduating class at the College of Emporia on the same morning. It was most fitting the occasion and will long serve as an inspiration to those who heard it.

MOST of the heads of the departments are at work in the summer school. Professor Jones goes at once to Bay View. Professor Stone will rusticate in the East. Professor Iden will renew his youth at the old home, Irvington, Indiana. Profes sors McNally and Hill will take advanced work at the University of Chicago. President Taylor and family, Misses Hamilton and Clark, Professor Abbott, and probably Professor and Mrs. Stevenson will go to the N. E. A. at Los Angeles and then summer on the coast or in the mountains. Miss Whitbeck visits friends in Ohio. Mr. Picken conducts institutes at Belleville in July and Russell in August. Miss Crary will work in the museum and Mr. Van Voris is teaching three classes in the summer school. The others are enjoying the delights of home comforts.

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