The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1857-07-24
commencement in woaord College.

On Wednesday, morning, the 9th inst, there
assembled i'll the Chapel large and interest
old nge, to witness the Commencement cxer-
Eciscs of Wofford College. The hall wns filled
to overflowing. and contained perhaps the lar
gest number of persons that has ever been col
lccted together in the annals of our sStown.
There were representatives of beauty and in
tclligence from all parts of the State, and from
the adjoining counties in North Carolina. We
were truly glad to see such large number Of
people in attendance, manifcsting and evincing
by their presence the interest they felt in the
cause ofletters and education. -
TWAS the second commencernent, and we
might say, the first regular graduating class of
the Institution, there having been S only, ono
graduate Mt the previous Commencement, who
came from the Charleston College and carried
on his studies partly alone and partly in con-
ncction with the Junior Class,
The class numbered six, all Of whom were
appointed to deliver original speeches. The
Latin Grafton, which embraced the SnlIjtotorv,
Addresses to the audience. Trustees aud Pro-
fcssors, was delivered by Mr.. George Cofiel,1,
OF Union District, to whom the Second Honor
was awarded. AS the speech was written in
an unfamiliar language and consequently more
difficult to commit. the manner in which it
was spoken vas not MS good as it would other
quilted himself very creditnbly.
Mr.. II. +. Bowie. of our town. who was the
next speaker. entertained the nudencesswith a
well written address upon "Cicere," - giving
touches ofhis life, eloquence md character
lie did not speak with great deal of nnims-
ti"n. Perhaps. however, his quiet, unaffected
manner was better suited to the style Of tile
composition.
Mr.. J. n. Carlisle, of Union District spoke
next upon "IIistnry," showing its Importance
nnd the great benefits which the world derives
from it, We were very, much pleased with
his manner and delivery, MS we'll as with the
matter of his speech. lie certainly possesses the
clements OF a successful and impressive speak
or.
Mr.. S. NJ. Dnwkins of Union District, who
wns to spcnk next in order, upon the 'Ijaw md
di'nity of Labor" was prevented from doing
SO in consequence of q recent attack Of sick
ness
Next came Mr.. Vim. NJ. Martin, of Richlnnd
District. THE Calico Flds," the emblem Of
cotton. wnshis subject, which lie treated with
good deal of wit and humor We were in,
deed very mdieh pleased with the speech, and
we are sure every one who heard it will agree,
with. us in saying that it would haze done
credit to mn older head. We do not think that
we ever henrd.it surpassed nppn similar occa-
sions. q
We were also plensel with the Grafton Of
Mr.. Charles Petty, of this District, who receiv- =
cd the First Honor in his Class. His subject,
the Dangers and duties of Educated Men," was
handled in plain common sense way, Will,
good deal more Of solidty and subst ance
than we usually find in graduating speechsr.
It devolved upon him also, MS the First Honor
man, to deliver tho Yafedictory of the Class.
which was tasteful, appropriate, and affecting.
The. .Baccnlaureate address which was de.
livered by DR.. W. sM. Whightmnn, the Presi.
dent ofthe College. embodied a great deal Of
good and wholesome advice, accompanied with
vivid pictures and striking illustrations, and
was therefore calculated to be Of great benefit
to the young men for whom it was intended,
and we hope it made a due impression upon
their minds. -
The exercises of the day were very interest,"
ing. and would compare fayorably with those
of any commencement we have ever attended
any nywhere-Spartamburg Express. Ia