Deseret University.
Yesterday, being the last day of the Summer term, at the Deseret University we dropped in for awhile to hear the close of the examination of the pupils of the institution. The exercises consisted of select readings, recitations and orations; the examination in mathematics, history, the languages, and other studies having been brought to a close on previous days.
The teacher of elocution is Professor Riggs, and the efficiency attained and evinced by some of his pupils yesterday afternoon certainly reflected the highest credit upon his as a teacher.
Among the pupils examined, deserving especial praise, were Messrs. Harmel Pratt, B. Young, O.F. Whitney, and J.L. Roberts, and the Misses Slade, Susie Young and Kittie Hayward. Their recitations were given not only perfect in word, but they were spoken with the spirit and the understanding, and gave evidence of considerable knowledge of the principles of elocution. The exercises in the mathematical, commercial and other departments of study, we are assured were equally as creditable, and the fact that an institution exists in our city, where pupils may graduate, as in the best colleges of the East, should be a matter of gratification and gratulation to our citizens generally.
The Institution, in its present form, has existed not quite eighteen months. It is ably conducted, and provided with competent professors in every branch taught, and they are enthusiastically devoted to the advancement of education. The success of their labors, as exemplified in the progress of their pupils, in abundant proof of this; and as such they merit the thanks, and substantial gratitude and support of the community. Too much importance cannot be attached to education, and we are glad to see that it is claiming that share of attention from our people generally, which it deserves. We sincerely hope to see the pecuniary support absolutely necessary for the support of such institutions as the Deseret University rendered by the public, that the blessings and benefits of a thoroughly liberal education may be enjoyed by all the young folks throughout our whole community for years.
[Deseret News, Aug. 3, 1870]
[transcribed and proofread by David Grow, Aug. 2006]