The Normal Record. July 1898

              THE NORMAL RECORD.
15
Social   Department
On Wednesday evening, June 22, 1898, a
joint meeting of the societies of the Normal
School was held. This meeting ushered in
the festivities attendant upon Commencement
week.    The following program was rendered:
1. Address by the President. . . .Lucy Jesser
2. "Valley of Summer  Flowers,"	
 Ladies' Double Quartet
3. Recitation, "Sail On and On "	
 Margaret McQuade
4. Essay, "The Bible " Ora V. Combs
5. " Fairy Song " .Glee Club
6. Debate upon the bill:    An Act to Provide
Homes for, and confer Citizenship upon.
the Indians of the United States.
For the bill Luther Parker
Against the bill Scott Hendricks
7. " Freedom To-day ".'... Glee Club
8. Talk,  " The Stimulus "	
 Gabrielie Flanagan
9. Paper, " The Country School "	
 Rosa Mcintosh
The songs gave evidence of Miss Wilson's
indefatigable exertions as well as much hard
work on the part of the singers themselves ;
all were exceedingly well given. The recitation by Miss McQuade merited the hearty
applause it received. The essays, talks, etc.,
which were given, are here reproduced,
either partially or, when possible, in full:
president's address.
Fellow Students, Teachers, Friends: It
has fallen upon me to address you to-night.
In the name of the Literary and Debating
Societies and the Y. W. C. A., which are
about to entertain you, I extend a most
cordial welcome. We want you to feel yourselves one with us to-night and enjoy the
program with us.
Now just a word in regard to the work
and purpose of the different organizations
that our school is proud to claim. The Literary Society has for its aim the upbuilding
of the intellectual sphere of the teacher. We
meet from time to time and are strengthened
by thus gathering together. "In union
there is strength." The ideal Literary Society is one in which each member takes
some part at every meeting, whether it be in
presiding,   singing,   reciting,   reading, or   in
debating. It is a most valuable help to the
student or teacher in the preparation, as
well as in the delivery, of his or her individual part ; and then think of the pleasure
and benefit derived from listening to thoughts
expressed by others. Every well organized
school should have a society of the kind to fit
its members for after public life. I would
advise all who have not yet taken part in the
Literary Society to do so next year. Improve every golden opportunity therein
offered, for when you go away from school
you will probably sometimes be where no
such organization exists ; and then, if never
before, you may feel what you have lost.
The Y. M. N. D. S., beside enabling its members to stand upon the floor like men, and
talk without having their knees knock together from fright or bashfulness, fosters
the love of patriotism in its members. The
Senate, which the young men have resolved
themselves into, affords fine opportunities
for its members to become acquainted with
Parliamentary and Congressional law. Here
such measures are introduced as will be of
benefit to the several states represented.
It is an excellent place for the Normal
boys to freely discuss the leading topics
of the times. If they are interested in
their society they will, most likely, be interested in their school work.
The Y. W. C. A. is an organization the
purpose of which is to raise to the highest
degree of pure womanhood the young women
of the school. Though the members of our
society are but few in numbers, we feel that
the spiritual and moral conditions of its
workers may nevertheless be broadened.
Never let the interest for this dear cause decrease, but build it up all you can, and may
you, both active and associate members,
come back in September with fresh vigor
and renewed determination to labor for your
Master.
In closing, permit me just a word to you,
fellow graduates, to whom this entertainment is chiefly given. Let us never forget
these dear old halls, which have been our
home for the last few years, nor the many
pleasant surroundings  we  have so much  en-