The southern press. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-07-19

We copy with great pleasure the following ar
ticle from the Enquirer of Friday. The college
Of William and Mary has been STEADILY rising in
public estimation since the appointment Of
Bishop Johns to the presidency, and we doubtnot
that under his able management il will regain
its former distinguished literary reputation. 1t
deserves the patronage of Virginians, and we
should be happy TO see itgenerously supported
by them.
sWe attended the commencement of William
and Mary College, on the 4th instant, and were
never more gratifed with visit to our Alma
Mater
At an early hour large number Of ladies and
gentlemen of Williamsburgh, and the adjacent
counties, and visitors from other portions of the
State, assembled in the college chapel, forming
a brilliant audience which might have unnerved
the most practiced speaker. After the exercises
of the day were opened by prayer, addresses
were delivered by Messrs. Mason, of King
George, and Johnson, of Illinois, Bachelors Of
Arts. and Messrs. Naper, of Alabama, Christian.
of Chaslss atty, and Blame, Of Halifax, Bach
elors Of Law, which evinced much efudition ard
mental training. These young gentlemen may
well be proud of the applause which greeted
their efforts. Honorary degrees were then con-
ferred on the graduates, and certificates Of good
conduct and proficiency on those students who
have distinguished themselves in their respective
classes.
We listened with great interest to the vale
dictory address of the president Of the college.
He briefly explained the course of instruction
pursued, and the successful effort made TO min
gle the knowledge Of religious truth with the
acquisition Of pure science and then, In few
eloquent remarks, babe the students alden, ex-
horting them 10 keep always before them the
bright example of their elder brethren--Mar-
shall and Madison, and Wythe and Lee--and to
emulate the deeds which had gained for these
alumni Of William and Mary, an abiding place
ia tho hearts of their countrymen.
We rejoice that the causes which temporarily
depressed this venerable college are. rapidly
passing away: for, apart from the maternal love
we cherish for IL, we feel commendable State
pride in an institution which trained 10 useful
ness and honor those illustrious men whose lives
are part, and the proudest part, of the history
Of this renowned commonwealth.
The college Is row established on firm
&c undaton--and we know Of no literary institu-
ton which affords greater facilities to the stu
dents, or which more deserves public confidence.
The president; Right Rev. Bishop Johns, is
distinguished for his urbanity and intellectual
requirements, and for possessing, 10 an eminent
degree, that rareet Of all gifts--eioquence-sc
potent in the government OF young men. He
Is ably supported in Nd management ofthe
college by professors, all Of whom are favorably
known 10 the literary world.
The prospects for the next session, we are
are very cheering, and we are salts
fed, from our own observation, that II the
Alumni scattered throughout the State--and
what county In the commonwealth IL not
adorned by graduates Of William and Mary p
would now exert themselves for their ALMA
Mater, her balls would DO flied to overfowing.
She ought and does look to them for support
Let them zealously sustain her, and the later
days ofthis old Institution, famous as the nurse
of Aulericsn statesmen, will be more prospesous
than her former.--So mote Il be. ALUnEus.
NEw vrsw OF NIAGARA FALLs.-A NiaRarn
Falls correspondent Of the New York Journal
Of Commerce remarks that some three years
ago, Mr.. Prime, the editor Of the New York Oh
server, invented the idea Of lying on the back
and looking over the edge Of Table Rock. at the
sheet Of water. He published an account Of
his success in thus obtaining new view, and
since that time Il has been adopted BY the guides
as part Of the performance. IL seems to have
become A highly popular mode of viewing the