The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1856-07-18
METROPOLITAN CORRESPONDENCE.
NEW sKRIEs--LrffrR VII.
KNoxyILLE, July IA, 1855.

10 the Editor of the Poa -
Since wrote you last there has been some
STIR In the literary world of Knoxville You
have, doubtless, noticed the accounts in our
papers Of the Commencement exercises Of
East Tennessee University. 1t was gratifying
o observe the manifestations Of an increased
Interest in the prosperity Of this institution
on the part Of our citizens. Too long has 1t
been suffered to languish, in spite Of the ex.
ertions Of its officers and to the shame Of the
citizens whose duty and whose interest alike
1t 10 to encourage and sustain It. am com.
PEELED to say that this deplorable state Of af-
fairs Is due in great measure to their indif.
ference, not to say hostility Under the in.
fuence Of the new feeling which seems to
have sprung up amongst us, and with the able
superintendence and fostering care of its pres.
snt worthy and efficient President, am led
to hope that this noble institution-noble
and glorious in the times Of q Carrick, a COT.
fin, a Sherman, and no less prosperous and
useful in the later days Of on EsrABnooK,
whose comparatively recent death has claim.
GU byHbphbncbiC tchT, HcEo hHu tueTe, III
nearly every Southern State-will speedily,
PhGnix.like, rise from its ashes and resume
its place in the front rank Of Southwestern
halls OF learning President Cooke, besides
being every way qualified for his responsible
position, is, l am happy to know. a gentleman
in his social intercourse. In learning, he is pro-
found without pedantty; In religion, he is
pious without bigotry; and although he is
doubtless firm and decided in his doctrinal
opinions, his good sense and consideration for
the feelings Of others are sufficient to protect
those who enjoy the pleasure Of daily associa.
ton with him from the constant oLtrusion Of
controversial subject. In short, he is a man
eminently calculated for the post he fills, and
If we are disappointed in the revival and III
innate success Of the University, the fault
will not be at his door.
The discourse delivered by JosErH B. HE'S
xELI. E.q, Of Rogersville, before the asso.
ciated Alumni was listened to by a crowded
audience, and with degree of interest that
have not often seen equalled on an occasion
of the kind. Mr.. II. attributed the sickly
condition Of the institution during the past
few years chiefly to the blghting influence Of
sectarianism. His remarks on this subject
were quite felicitous, and were received with
evident satisfaction. Yet, strangeAs it may
appear. l observed that much Of the applause
which greeted the speaker during this portion
of his address, proceeded from some of the
most violent, Incorporating seetarians we
have in our midst There they sat, compla.
Gently smiling and clapping their hands. and
no doubt saying to themselves, 'that's it
give it to 'em--the bigots Of" such and
such Church, Oh. dead If it were not so
hackueyed, should quote, right here, Burns
celebrated exclamation, in which he invokes
the aid of some invisible power to endow
him with the capacity to view his flair pro.
portions" in the same light in which they are
beheld by his neighborsl Notwithstanding
Mr. Heiskell's just severity and plain Ian.
gusge. in denouncing this mischievous and
unchristian spirit, can scarcely hope that
any permanent improvement amongst Knox.
Vile christians" will be the result. The de-
mon may be "laid" for season. but let any,
even the slightest occasion arise and the fire
will burst forth agair, and with ten fold fury
from its temporary suspension. The wither.
ing effects of this fell spirit have already told
upon the prosperity and progress Of this city.
1t has contributed, in no small degree to re-
tard its growth, when other circumstances
seemed to be conspiring to promote and fos.
ter its interests. Let any one call to mind,
for moment, our most prominent men for
some years past-those who have been most
active and efficient in any scheme for build.
ing up the town. Have any Of them escaped
the arrows of sectarian prejudicei Does
Railroad President, or Agent, happen to af.
filiate with the "New Schools" or the "Old
Blues" instantaneously, and, as it were, at
the tap of The drum, are arrayed against him
the entire forces Of the opposite wing Of the
Church, not to mention the countless sharp.
shooters that annoy and harrass him from the
Businesses Of the various other sectsi Pray,
why is thisi Has a mans religious belief
anything to do with the performance of his
civil dutiesi II it were not SO much to be
lamented this thing, in its operation, would
be somewhat amusing As for example:-A
enterprising, public.spirited citizen is chosen
TO manage tlfe affairs of a Railroad; he be.
longs. cay to the "New Blues" Now you
will see little groups Of "Old Blues" whisper
ing mysteriously, and sagely shaking their
heads: "Look sharp, now-cunnng fellow.
that --, snake in the grass-after some.
thing-what can it bei-no doubt he's going
to cireumvent us, some hour Or, again, he
may chance to be an "Old Stocking" The
other side begin to 'smell )" "Here is a
fellow who is always scheming, wiring about
and we don't know what for-the best way
10 to oppose everything that he says ought to
be done. The weight Of some Of our names,
when simply mentioned, will crush out his
schemel Meanwhile we will be very quiet,
smooth and oily-we'll wheedle the public,
csjole and Aatter them, and we will be the
honest men-this shrewd, cunning, reckless
fellow. the roguel' 1t may be that some
other patriotic citizen takes it into his head
to go and legslate for us-perhaps to Con-
gress. Some think him well adapted for the
business-useful man-would make o good
Representative. Fortunately, he belongs to
no church-he's sinneri Oh ! but. says one
of the congregations, which, as the individu.
al happens to be imam Of money" is only
sorry they didn't get him: '"Ah, but his wifs
is member of the .- concern, down
yonder-hs attends there regularly with her,