The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1856-07-18
NErRopoLIrAN CORRESPONDENCE.
NEW srRIEs-LErrER VII.

NEW sERIEs-LETTER WI.
KSoxvILLE, July IA, 1856.
7Sths Editor Of tie Post -
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 oil
East Tennessee University. 1t was gratifying
to observe the manifestations OF an increased
interest in the prosperity of this institution
IN the mart of our citizens. Too long has 1t
bean suffered TO languish, in spite OF the ex.
.rtions of its officers and to the shame OF the
o;,;xens whose duty and whose interest alike
IL i to encourage and sustain it. am cem-
PEELED to say that this deplorable state Of af-
fairs is due in a great measure to their indif-
ference, not to say hostility Under the in
auence Of the new feeling which seems to
have sprung up amongst us. and with the able
superintendence and fostering care of its pres
ent worthy and efficient President, am led
TO hope that this noble institution-noble
and glorious in the times Of Carriek, cof-
fin, a. Sherman, and no less prosperous and
useful in the later days Of an EsTABRooK,
whose comparatively recent death has claim
ed sympathetic tear, here and there, in
nearly every Southern State-will speedily,
Phenix-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
&, ham IN Ennw n 0effIe1nHO
in his social intercourse. In learning he pro-
found without pedantry; 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 obtrusion of
controversial subject In short, he is man
emiHently 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 JosErB B. HE'S
KKLI, Esq., Of Rogersville before the asso-
ciated Alumni was listened to by crowded
audience, and with degree of interest that
I have not often seen equaled on an occasion
of the kind. Mr.. II. attributed the sickly
condition Of the Institution during the past
few years chiefly to the blighting influence of
scctar;anism. His remarks on this subject
were quite felicitous, and were received with
evident satisfaction. Yet, strange as it may
appear, / observed that much Of the applause
which greeted the speaker during this portion
Of his address, proceeded IRON some Of the
most violent, incorporating sectaridns 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. 4dean if 1t were not so
hackneyed, / 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 "fair pro-
portions" in the same light in which they are
beheld by his neighbors! Notwithstanding
Mr.. Heiskell's just severity and plain Ian
gpage, in denouncing this mischevous and
unchristian spirit, can scarcely hope that
any permanent Improvement amongst Knox
willie christians" will be the result. The de-
mon may be "laid" for a season. but let any,
even the slightest occasion arise and the hre
will burst forth AGAR, and with tenfold fury
from its temporary suspension. The wither-
ing effects of this fell spirit have already told
upon the prosperity and progress Of this city.
II has contributed, in no small degree to re-
tsrd 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 prejndicei Does
Railroad President or Agent, happen to az
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
fastnesses Of the various other sects Pray,
why is thisi Has 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;--An
enterprising, public.spirited citizen is chosen
70 manage the affairs Of 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--cunning fellow.
that -, snake in the grass--after some.
thing-what can II bei--no doubt he's going
to circumvent US, some how" Or, again, he
may chance to be an "Old Stocking" The
other side begin to "smell a rat:" "liere is a
fellow who is always scheming wiring about,
and we don't know what for-the best way
i, to oppose everything that he says ought to
be done The weight of some of our names,
when simply mentioned, will crush out his
schemei Meanwhile. we will be very quiet,
smooth aud oily-well wheedle the public,
eajole and fatter them, and we will be the
honest men-this shrewd, cunning, reckless
fellow. the roguel" 1t may be that some
other patriotic citizen takes 1t into his head
to 90 and legislate for us-perhaps to Con.