Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1855-02-23
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SEMI ANNUAL LEBANON.

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SEMI ANNUAL N LEBANON.
The discussion of the fl Ih ard last case began on
Thursday morning at 10 o'clock. This case being |
applical,le in some measure, TO the past future
experience Of most Of the younger portion OF the !
there YVES great anxiety evireed to hear
il discussed The Hall if possible more densely
crowded than ever A Miss BLEvIYs w ho set her
cap in vain to win the hand Of Mr. BfEToN seeks
consolation for her wounded sensbilhy and lacera-
ted affections by pumping much money out of
him as the law will allow. Mr.. Stone, of Ten
nessee made the first argument for the plaintiff
His address, though somewhat prosy, was learned
and elaborate Mr. Stone has established the repu-
taton of being one of the most indefaligable stu
dents in the University, and the extensive and
profound knowledge of the law exhibited in his
argument was but the natural result Of his untir-
ing energy and incessant labors. Mr.. Barksdale,
of Tenn, followed, and by the wit and satire
which he employed, frequently had the audience
in a roar at the expense of his antagonist. Nor
was his speech less able and argumenlative on ac-
count Of its more entertaining features. He rea-
soned the case WELL and in our estimation, clearly
showed the folly and injustice Of the plaintiffs de-
mands. Mr. Hutton, of Tenn. attacked the posi-
tons of hlr. Barksdale and turned the laugh, even
on that witty gentleman Mr. Seay. of Tenn,
came next, and advocated the claims Of the defend
ant in an Grafton most richly ornamented, most
deliberately adorned, and to the vulgdr mind, more
darky ncomprehensible than a page of Demos
themes in the original language But we, thanks
to our knowledge of Moore, Of SHAKESPEARE and of
Byron, and the somewhat severe study we had
bestowed upon the most sonorous and Elongated
words in Webster's Unabridged, were partially
able to understand him. He initiates in manner
with success the rapid and imprisoned gesticula-
ton OF Roscius and the Cceronian fulness and har
mony of words Mr.. Baker closed the case in one
OF the best arguments we ever heard from young
man. Wit eloquence and solidity, were combined
to make it entertaining and powerful
Mr.. Hatton, very eminent member Of TIE Leb
anon Bar, presided in this case. The instruction
he gave the Jury, though little diffuse and volu-
minous, was certainly learned and ingenious 1t
proved him worthy of the ermine robe, and we hope
he may one day wear it to his own honor and the
benefit of his country. The cases being through
with, Judge Caruthers proceeded to address a last
admontlcn and encouragement to his class and
deliver them their diplomas. His address to
them was impressive and affecting. He compl-
mented them delicately upon the display of ability
| which had just been made, recommended selfde
NAL and perseverance as indispensable to success,
admonished them to despise mere selfish aspira-
tons, and live for their country and their God. He
spoke of the pleasures of their past association the
| great regard and esteem himself and Judge Green
entertained for them, and when he spoke of their
approaching separation and the affectionate solicit
tude with which he would watch their progress in
life, his voice trembled with emotion, and the most
| profound silence, evnced the impression made
upon all who heard him. Twenty eight individuals
received the honors Of the Institution. Judge Ca
ruthers in informing them that they were now
Bachelors CT Law-kindy expressed the hope that
they "acoatd not remain Bachelors long,"
Next came the valedictory delivered by Mr.. Hut
| ton, of Bedford county. His address was well
written, but somewhat inaporopos to the circum-
! stances and the occasion. AS gentleman observed
| to us, it was all the time Eco and notnos He had
come there stranger he had been Hospitality treat
| ed; he could never forget their kindness he was
grateful to the professors for their instructions &c
either forgetting the existence Of class con-
siderng himself as its individual embodiment. He
employed some very beautiful and appropriate
metaphors, but he spoke too much of the remains OF
ancient greatness. Greece and Rome Baby lon
and Palmyra, &c, those hackneyed themes which
form the chorus and substance of every school.
boys harangue. This was the closing exercise Of
the day.
An examination in the literary depar tment has
also been going on for the last few days, though
scarcely any have attended owing to the superior
attractions Of the Moot Court.
On Thursday night the Presbyterian Church was
crowded with people who had assembled to hear
some speeches to be delivered by portion of the
junior class. All acquitted themselves with re-
markable credit. At present we cannot remember
the names of all the orators the titles of their
productions. George Campbell, of Ala gave us
powerful and eloquent TRADE against the "know-
nothings," 1t exhibited great reading and research
for so young an individual.
A speech on Tennessee was also well written
and excellent production. The beautiful picture
drawn of the chivalry of her sons-the thrilling
romance of her history-the beauty of her scenery
and her rapid progress to pre-eminence, was calcu
lated to excite glow of patriotic pride in the
bosom ofeVery Tennessean. For this noble effort
Mr. Ragand won and deserved the applause and
admiration of his large and intelligent audience. -
"The Youth Of the 18th Century" was the subject
of Mr.. Brown. 1t may be observed that his re-
marks on them were not more satirical than true
and appropriate. The youngjuniors having deliver
ed themselves of what doubtless had long been a
burden and distress to them, the audience now
dismissed with prayer, and thus terminated the
Semi-Annual Exercises in Lebanon.