The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1855-06-13
From tho Weekly pOH.
COMMENCEMENT AT CHAPEL HILL.

tai az thS ~ INCONSISTENCIES AP~ftl
the exercises connected with Commence
menss we venture 70 give our readers hasty
sketch Of the proceedings. The occasion was
rendered unusually favorable by delightful
weather, and the increased facilities for
reaching the place. A large number Of Vi
sitors were in attendance. and among them
many Of the most distinguished sons Of North
Carolina. The turn out Of ladies was also
good, and both beauty and fashion lent their
attractions TO the scene,
The Annual Sermon was delivered by the
Rev. B. Nj. Palmer, ID. d., Of Columbia,
South Carolina, ON the text, John vi. 68, So.
BY common cunsent the effort is represented
as one Of the most powerful and brilliant ever
made on a similar occasion. We regretted
yery mpch that we were unable to reach the
University in time to hear it. and cannot
therefore speak specifically OF the manner IN
which the reverend orator discussed his sub
ject.
On Tuesday the examinations were con-
cludcd. and at night the audience were en-
tertained in the Chapel BY declarations from
the Freshman class.
On Wednesday az 9 o'clock, procession
consisting II the Officers, Trustees, Alumni,
&c was formed by large detachment from
the celebrated Armory Band Of Richmond,
Va, marched TO the chapel, which was suon
filled with large and imposing assembly OF
spectators. The forenoon was occupied BY
an address BY George Davis, Esq, Of VIII
mington. before the two Literary Societies
Of the University. aud that Of The RI Rev.
Bishop Atkinson before the Historical Socic-
ty. We had the pleasure Of arriving in time
to hear the concluding part Of Mr.. Davis's
address. and heartily joined in the general
admiration with which it was received. His
subject was " The Early Times and Men Of
the Lower Cape Fear" and was handled in
thorough and eloquent manner, worthy the
patriotic names whose claims to the grateful
remembrance Of posterity il was designed 10
exhibit. Mr. Davis's address will be pub
\ lished in due time, and will thus add another
golden link to the growing chain Of our reso-
lutionary history.
The theme selected hy Bishop Atkinson
was "The character Of Oliver Cromaell."
II was discussed in spirit d candor and
1 mpartiality, and in that calm aud dignihed
manner for which Bishop Atkinson Is distin-
guished. We followed the speaker throughout
with undated interest. Notwithstanding the
triie character oil the subject, and were charm.
ell with the learned ingenuity aud philoso-
phital discrimination he displayed through
out. The character of Cromwell has long
/ been a yexed question with historians, and
We were happy TO hear from Bishop Akin
son solution Of il which appears TO be free
from tie extreme errors Of his biologists and
his enemies. The conclusion, IN which we
/. fuily agree, was favorable TO the honesty. the
patriotism, the heroisn, and genius Of the
Protector, whilst il condemned 10 proper
terms his errors and his vices.
In the afternoon, the Address before the
Alumni was delivered BY Mr. Wm. J. Bing-
ham, of Orange, on the Comparative Civil
zatiun Of tile Ancients and Nloderns.
II was admirably conceived in lpany 81 its
parts, and elected, hy il, frequent humorous
aud sarcastic uehcs, hearty applause.
The thorough acquaintance Of the speaker
With the vast range Of ancient learning, was
clearly exhibited, and the conservative views
he enirTiains Supported with Ingenious arsu-
ment The attic Wit, displayed throughout
the address, made ludlcrous havoc among the
IullIes and irIy0iities 81 the modern world.
In the evening a large and fashionable au-
,lienre assembled ~ tie Chapel, 10 listen Ia
The exercises II the Sophomore class in dec.
lanmtiun, which alirrnated with appropriate
periurmances by the Baud. There Wa, du.
ring these exercises. an interesting inter
fude, when a Young gentleman 81 the class
Mr. Alphonso z. Avery 81 burke, was pre-.
.cnle,l 10 the President by DE-. Wheat, PRO-.
lessor IT Rhetoric, az the successful cnmpe.
titor in eUmlhsltion, and received as th,
prize a magnificent cupy 81 shakespear.
On Thursday morning the procession wa,
again formed, and repaired Ut 9 o'clock I,
the Chapel, where the addresses frum IN,
i. graduating class were delivered in routin,
with the usual musical accompaniment.
Tie following lrom tie printed psugramm,
will show the order Of proceedings:
Latin saluta,ory. lanes Hooper Cotton. Ashebo
rough.
Influences Iimi,able IN Extent and Duration. Pc
+ ier Evans spruill. Haucnton. 49,
sc, colltss Ela.,. i,. nd i. D''es. -
College Education and is Defects. Dueah EliEa
beth scNair. kpheron county.
The Ansriean Explorer. William CASTOR Levi,
Chapel Hill
Commemorative Monuments. james Neil Turner
Harneit county.
he Pate Of tho Cited. Je,,s Rankin Wharton
Gniliofd county.
Geology. not an,l.chrsiian. James Campbell, Hir
nett county.
/. Science: Mature. Complement Charlton whila
I ksr Yellowiey, Jackson.
Scottish ChiyalTy. Evandcr J. MeI,cr, Moore co.
Which Way Edmund J. Gaines, Moniei mery 6,
Grafton IL Greek. John Marshall PuttifE Rslrigl
Grafton 10 ffench Daniel McDougald. lIsuri; e
!. The Wcll-bcing 81 Man. Robert Erwin Jamcs, soul
Carolina.
: The sefMads Man. James Robert Calling, Gate
|. county.
The slilor's Destiny. William Hunt Hall. wi
ningt0n.
Annual Report. Degrees conferred.
The yaledIcioly. Edward Winsow Gillian, Ia,
. elissle.