Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1853-07-04
L. PCRYEAR, SccreIar
UNIVERSITY or VIRGINIA.

Closing Ceremonies Address Of Professor H'lcombs
The ctsag ceremonies the University the 29h Gt
were Of Innre than ordinary interest
Al an early hour in The morning large audience assent
tled in the new and cummodons hall which has Just been
completed adjoining the Rotunia, ahxiousy awaiting the
commencement OF the proceedings. As IS usually The cse
many OF lie ia present. cheering by Their bright
smiles the youthful orators una dunn9 iesh phau'y :"
the whole scene. ... .i....
After The accustomed routine OF dispensing diplomas and
certificates Of proficiency were concluded highly credllaot
essays read by three OF The students VINO mad taken
The degree Ut Master Of Arts-Mr A. L. Nelson, OF Angus
a. on the War Spirit in the United States Mr. j. WILCOX
Brown of Petersburg, on the power OF Iruh and MI
r s Joynes OF Accomac, "Grecian Mythology" Next
in succession The crownng event OF bc day Tie deli
very of annual address before the Society OF Alumni b
Professor James p Hocombe. From The known reputation
of the gentleman expectations had been raised ID very
considerable height Those expectations were nevcrtheles
pote than realized The address was certainly model OF
complsltio and delivered in style and manner not less
impressive pleasing Commencing win very happy
exorduln which ihs difficulties Of proper selection Of
theme ected The orator proceeded to announce as Inc
chief subject Of his remarks Tho proper use and adaptation
of University
We shalt not attempt consccutivcy tho OF
observation pursued by Professor n cufsofy we" - al
that we can pretend TO give. ....''
Having classified The general requisites 10 thoroughly
organised University he then went on 10 eat each division
in styc cogent and convincing showing the va
uc not only OF thorough training in The acquisition OF
what Is generally liberal education but also the
Importance Of mach greater amplihcaon IN some studies
Than Is NOV practised Defects he hesaled not say
seu in the course pursued at State University and that
more particularly with regard 10 the historical department
Than any othel protssorship Of History was greatly
needed and such additional assistance 10 the chair Of An.
cicnt rs would enable the Professor pay
attention 10 the Latin and Greek Literature. Those mmor
sI authors have thrown such halo OF glory around
the age. which they lived should no longer be permitted
10 mouder in comparative oblivion BY organization
such as hc prdposc large amount Of reading could be
done during the daily rccitnons in the lecture room the
result of which would b. far beneficial than any other
arrangement that could be- adopted
Mr. nocombc lamened the absence OF proper Cultva
ton OF letters prominent defect among the Alumni Of
the University BY the absence of literature Of our own.
productions aud such have only deletcous influence
In this was that eloquent rebnke given
10 the famous production OF Mrs. Stowe.
The aposrophc Monticello and Mr. Jefferson not
among the least striking of the many eloquent and touching
passages in This address.
Indeed the whole replee with the true fire Of Genius
aud 10 adopt the words Of another whose literary and
critical acunrn generally acknowledged, il may be truly
said that "MG launched his shafts with the grace Of Apollo
and the strength Of Hercules and moved pillar light
alung the path he would have us 10 travel.
In conclusion will only add that trust the mimi
table address 81 Professor Hucumbc may be without its
practical and beneficial effects upon those having the
authority in the premises
The So,iey of Alumni Of the University, az their late
meeting elected Dr. Levin s. Juyncs of Accuac to deli
yer the next annual address, Dr. j. is spoken of as gen
lleman ni talents and requirements Morning Mail.