The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1857-11-30

Washington College, Lexington, 10 q venerable
,,,l,.ssat. institution. which was richly endowed
by Gen. Washington, and which appropriately
bears HE honored name. II has given 70 Virginia
and the country some highly distinguished states
men and scholars, among whom are VIM Q. Pres
ton Of South Carolina, John J. Crittsnden OF Men
tueky, the late Gov Mcdowell and other men OF
great erninsncs In the Senate and at the par MS
college f. under the auspices OF the presbyterian
Church, some Of the ablest divines OF which nave
been connected with the institution, ne professors
and students The name OF Dr. Graham, Hs nr"
prs.,d.n,. 4, oon,eerated In the memories Of that
large and intelligent communion ms remains re-
nose IN a.. Johns Churchyard, in this city. The
nre,en, head Of the college Ia Rev. DR.. Junkin,
gentleman eminent in learning and accomplish
msnts. and Of a strong and earnest character lie
has around him corp. of young professors, full of
energy and ardor. and whose enlightened aud zeal
Gus labors cannot but ensure the complete and
thorough education Of the young men entrusted to
their care. Professor Pishburn, who lately dsliv.
cred an admirable lecture at the Mechanics Pair.
Il one Of the professors Of this institution Though
young man, he has travelled extensively, and re-
sided for years 10 Europe, where his time has been
employed in a manner which gives great efficiency
aud interest to his discharge Of the duties of his
chair
Judge Broeksnbrough's Law School has twenty
eight students, the largest private law school in
Virginia At this time, or, with 9 single exception,
at any former time. We had the pleasure, during,
recent visit TO Lexington, of hearing one Of the
daily lectures of Judge B., and 1t struck US that
his mode of imparting instruction is one which
might be initiated with great advantage in all
law schools and seats Of learning. The chapters,
given TO the class the previous day for investiga
ton and study are made the subjects of individual
examination, and, instead Of a formal lecture
without break or interruption, the Judge gives q
running commentary on the text as contained In
the answers of the students 1t Is a union of the
catachetical and the lecture system and invests
the elaborate duties of instruction with kind OF
conversational interest. We have never heard q
lecturer who unfolded and explained the princi
pies Of his subject with greater cearness, preci
sion and vigor than Judge Peterborough. Taking
mp the answer Of the student to his question, he
proceeds to discuss the particular point or princi
pie which IL sets FORTH with an afluence Of learn
ing appositeness of illustration. and tersene.s OF
style. that enchaiu the admiration Of the student
and completely exhaust the subject We bad no
conception that the dry study of the law could be
made 80 agreeable we might almost say fascina
ting as it lie rendered by the most mastery and
elegant lectures Of this eminent and learned
Judge, and courteous and heightened gentleman.
On former occasion, we gave an extended &C
count Of the Franklin Society Of Lexington, the
oldest institution of the kind in the State. and
which brings together annually for lectures and
debates the professors Of the various institutions
and the professional gentlemen and merchants OF
the town. In addition to these extensive institu-
tons for the education and improvement Of gen
tlemen, is the Ann Smith Academy seminary
for young ladies of long standing, and which. IN
der the enlightened auspices Of its present Princi
pal Professor Page, has recovered from its recent
Dropping condition, and now numbers some forty,
or fly scholars.
We returned from Lexington by the railroad
laid crosswse, into which the plank road to Staun
ton il now converted. At the latter flourish
ing town, saw the veteran. Seayres, dis
pansipg the Inequalities Of Browns American
Hotel. near the railroad. Everybody IN Richmond
knows the indonitable se.yres, who catered In
former times for the Columbian. on Cary street
the prince Of caterers and good fellows. We were
glad to take seayres once more by the hand, and
TO discover that he is not yet in the and vel
low leaf May he live till the Atlantic encroachei
upon the Blue Ridge, and the oysters, turtle and
terrspin come to Lewis's Greek, TO pay homage &c
| thsr OLD master!