Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1826-10-20
CONTEMPLATION.
ron THE ENQUIRER.
Commencement at Hampden Sydney Co,ieee
Prince Edpdrd count,I po

+, commencement at Hampden Sydney Coiiee c
Prince Edward county, pa
Inc examination OF the classes in this Collier,
J commenced on the 22d day of Sept, and close,
ne |o.h' us the Tnfe in this institution, ,hr e,
tifnes In the year. TO subect the students TO nj
gorous examination on all the studies of the tern
immediately preceding; that is to say, during tn,
last week in April, the last week in September
ana Just before the recess at Christmas. These
examinations are held by the College Faculty, in
presence OF Committee of the Board of Trustees
called the Examining Committee. and any GEN
lemen, whether members OF the Board q, noi S,h,
may choose TO attend.
al Tie close of the College course candidates
ior Degrees are carefully examined on MI th.
stpdes OF the Junior and Senior wears, and ON an .
par's oil The preceding studies which may be though,
necessary 1t is understood that the Candidate p
ea 10 De ready tor thorough examination on
the whole course, should the exsnining csmm;,t,e
call for it. The writer of this. after bav;nv ,;5
particular attention to the most distinguished lite
rary institutions OF the country feels himself au
.nofiseu 10 say, that probably where else are the
students called 10 go through drilling so thorough
ana endure an examination so severe, as a, Hamp-
den Sydney.
The result of all this appears a, commencement.
ne young men then deliver in public oraiions on
subjects of their selection, written by them
selves without aid, and without correction. exceo,
| IN cases Where matters are introduced which
youth ought to let alone
HE range OF thinking, and the style of thought.
IN 'hese exercises. may, in part, Re seen from the
isl OF SUBJECTS inserted below. The last Anniver-
sary was celebrated on the 9th of September. 1t
may be proper to observe that there are four Ora
tons, the pronouncing of which is understood to
confer distinguished homer. The Satisfactory
addresses in Latin; the Ciiosophic Grafton: the
Philosophical and the Paledictory
The following is list of subjects with the
names annexed OF the young gentlemen who treat
ed of them:
Grafton in Latin. De rebus ges,is famaque
Ky Andrew Hart OF Albemarle
1.-The moral Influence of History
By H. p. Walker, of Buckingham
. influence OF the advancement of civilization
on Poetry.
BY G. w. Read, of Charlotte
The Snperstitions of Europe in the Middle
Ages, compared with Pagan Supersti,ions in their
influence on the Imagination.
By Thssdorck Pryor, Of Dinwiddie.
Tie influence Of rational anticipation on HUI
man happiness.
BY Thomas Read, Of Charlotte
! 3 The Cliosophic Grafton. Poeical cbarac,e,
OF Camoens, author of the Lussd.
by VIM. y. Daniel, of Lynchburg.
| The genius of THsst.
BY N. C. Read, of Charlotte.
The character OF the heroic ages of Greece
compared with the chivalry of the Middle Ages.
by W. q. Cook, of Richmond.
. The Philosophical Grafton. Comparison be-
tween the happiness of political and private life.
BY g. b. Dabney, of Campbell
10 Character of the Saracen Empire in Spain
and lis Influence on The subsequent character of
the Spanisrds.
BY James Newman, of Orange
II The VaIedictory. Duties of American
Scholars Citizens.
BY John Watt of Richmond.
On these orations, in general, i will remark.
that 1t was highly gratifying to me, and TO many
others, TO observe that The young men resorted 10
none oil the hacknIed subjects in politics, with
which the audience, on such occasions. are too
frequently pestered. 1t was evident that thew did
not take their themes and thoughts from the news
papers OF the day. They had the prudence To alb
stain from abstruse topics of political economy
lhey did not undertake to regulate the affairs of the
nation, and T." teach our Senators wisdom" But
while would thus commend their sound discre
uon, IN foroearlng 10 NEEDLE with things too high
| tor them; it is due TO these Young gentlemen In
observe, that they showed diligence of research.
and sobriety of thought, from which we are au
thorsed to derive the best augures in relation 10
| their future usefulness
| The subjects selected show taste for literature
and the arts. which we have right to EXPECT from
| young gentlemen, who have enjoyed the bens6ta
oil classical education. Al the time it is ap-
parent that their attention has not been confined
entirely to the studies of The College course There
is an excursiveness Of thought and a range of en-
quiry be,okening unfettTed minds. The men who
direct our literary Institutions deserve well of their
country, when they send out the youth committed
! to their care, so accustomed to free enquiry and
to Philosophical observation, that they are fitted
to take hold of any subject and pursue the proper
train of investigation.
1t is not my intention in this brief review. IN
enter into the particular merits OF the several
ers. The performances on The whole were highly
creditabe 10 the institution, and very gratifying TO
all VINO truly love the Old Dominion" And
it would be nvdious to notice individuals. when
all deserve the praise of having done we'll
One general remark, respecting this institution
then, will close this brief notice Its principal
value IS founded on the judicious course Of study
pursued In College, and on the rigorous exarnina-
TONS TO which the students are subjected.
The whole secret of mental Improvement. con-
slsis in vigorous and patient mental effort On at
tending tie examinations this College I observe
that the students are required to anayse with great
care their text books; and, instead Of answering
questions so framed as TO suggest the expected an
swers, 20 give in continuity the substance of a ser
ton or chapter, as the case may be. And thus
1t happens, that they cannot get along Mt all with
out diligent study and strenuous intellectual exer
tons.
The Degree Of A. M. was conferred on Jesse
s. Armis,esd, Robert Burwell, William Clarke
Beverly Crawford, Allen ID. Metcalf, Robert +,
Turnb1ll and Samuel L. Vensble, Alumni of the
Institution.
/ The Honorary Degree Of a. NJ was conferred
on The Rev. Matthew Lyle, of Prince Edward; and
the Rev. Clement Read, Of Charlotte; and that a
l.. j.. d. on Chapman Johnson, Esq. Of Rich