Memphis Daily Appeal

The Commencement Exercises at the Normal Institute-A Most Delightful Programma Very Well Interpreted- What Pluck, Perseverance and Industry Can Do.

IUKA, Miss., June 19.-One of the most interesting events that has transpired at this place for some time was the commencement exercises of the Iuka Normal Institute. The programme was something out of the usual way in which schools are generally closed. It was not an exhibition, nor yet an examination, but rather an exposition. The object of the principals seemed to be to expose their manner of teaching rather to show off the smartness of the pupils. On Wednesday and Thursday (the 13th and 14th) the doors of the Institute were thrown open to the public. Regular lessons were assigned, and the pupils recited as they do every day. And if an occasional mistake was made, instead of being excused by the teacher it was corrected by the scholars in the class. To prevent the exercises from being too dry, short and spicy recitations were interspersed between the lessons. And the tedium of the day was further guarded against by delightful music on the piano by Prof. Charles Nelson and Mrs. Neblett, of this place, and Mrs. Collier, of Corinth. On Thursday night original readings were given by the rhetoric class. And a more choice selection of subjects, or a more original treatment of them, it has never been our good fortune to witness. And so determined were the principals that the work should be honest, that they allowed an occasional grammatical error to be made, stating it to be their object not to fill the mind of the student with knowledge, but rather to teach him to apply the knowledge which he already has to some practical end. The method class was conducted by different members, who presented the most approved manner of teaching the various branches, the pupils themselves deciding all questions arising in the class, the principal giving the final decision, in case the class arrived at a wrong conclusion. The idea of the principals seemed to be that the surest plan of sharpening the pupils' wits was not by criticism from the teacher, but from the pupils themselves. On Friday all written work of the pupils, including maps, botanical and geological specimens, were placed on tables and visitors were requested to ask pupils any question concerning them which their curiosity might suggest, thus finding out if any improvement had been made by the children. This feature is something new, and proved to be quite enjoyable to all. Friday night was reserved for the final orations of the graduating class. The first oration was by Miss Bessie Johnson. Her subject was the 'Peri.' It was appreciated by all the audience, who testified to their appreciation by a floral shower. She was followed by Mr. A. H. Flynt, who proved in his plain and logical manner 'Knowledge is not Power.' The next subject was the 'Lady of the Lake,' by Miss Lula Pettey. This was presented in a very impressive manner, calling forth the applause of the entire house. Mr. Arthur Harvey followed by pointing to undeniable 'Footprints of the Author.' 'The Story of a Dewdrop' was rehearsed by the poetically-inclined Miss Mattie Dearing. Mr. C. Kendrick had for his subject, 'Science and the Bible.' W. A. Bell delivered in a very eloquent manner his oration, 'Wise Men Never Sit and Wait Their Loss.' Under the title of 'Iconoclast,' F. W. Malone brought in striking contrast the new and old methods of teaching. Prof. Newhardt conferred upon the class the degree of 'bachelor of didactics,' except Mr. C. Kendrick, who received the degree of A.B. After addresses by Profs. Dean and Newhardt, the audience were dismissed by singing of the 'class song.' If pluck and perseverance are of any avail, it seems as if the Iuka Normal Institute is destined to be a success. Besides this, the good water, fresh air and beautiful girls ought to be a sufficient inducement to teachers from a distance to attend.

F.M.M.