The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-07-21
For The Western Democrat
COMMENCEMENT AT DAVIDSON
COTTrCE


proceedings at the late commencement at
Davidson College may net be uninterest-
ing to many of your readers, who feel a
deep interest in the prosperity of this noble
institution
There is no pleasure, we believe, more
intense, and at the same time more profit
able, than that afforded on the occasion of
a literary festival. 1t is one in which per-
sons from all the walks of life love to revel;
and one which affords qualification TO the1
old as well as the young, because of its
purity, innocence and variety. We regret
ted for this reason that the number of
! visitors at the commencement was un-
usually small. We do not remember ever
to have, seen so thin an attendance on the
part of the public within the last six
| years, especially with regard to the ladies,
usually the foremost, with honor be it said.
to testify by their cheerful presence their
appreciation and love of the high and en-
nobling pleasures incident to such an oc-
casion, as well as their willingness to
encourage and promote tirem. Whatever
may have been the causes which contribut-
ed to this failure of attendance, we trust
that distaste for refined pleasure and
amusements. or even q cold indifference to
them, had nothing to do with it. We had
the good fortune to hear the Baccaaureate
Sermon, preached before the graduating
class by its request, on the 18th inst, by
the Rev. DIR. kirkpatrick, of Charleston,
S. G. His text was taken from the 10th
Psalm, and 9th verse. We refrain from
giving an analysis of the sermon, for fear
Of trespassing upon your columns. 1t is
enough to say that it was Gospel sermon,
replete with excellent instruction and whole
some admonition. We hope it will appear
before the public.
4
were opened on Wednesday morning, at
10 O'Clock, when the anniversary of the
Philanthropic Literary Society was held
The valedictory was delivered by Mr. D. j.
DeVane, and was followed by the Response
by Mr. NJ. H. McBryde, from Richmond
county. The performances of both these
young gentlemen were highly creditable to
themselves and to the Society they repre-
scented. The valedctory particularly, was
remarkable for the practical address with
which it was handled, for its perspecuity,
its appropriateness, and the manlness with
which it was delivered. After a short
recess of half an hour both the Literary
Societies marched in procession to the
Chapel, to hear the Address of their orator,
NJ. B. Smith, Esq, of Wilmington. His
theme was noble one, The successful
Scholar He pointed out the difficulties
which lie in his path, their causes, and the
means for removing them, and discoursed
elOqueEtly on the elements which make up
the true and successful student. The
Grafton was marked with simplicity of
style, Judgment and good taste, and ex-
hbited degree of research which con-
WINGED US that the speaker was, by the
force of example, commencing his subject
to the earnest study of every aspirant Of
literary and professional success. For
To- L II,
attention of large and approaching au
dence. We congratulate the Societies on
their happy selection of an orator for the
occasion.
In the afternoon of the same day the
Eumenean Society held its anniversary
meeting. Mr. Banks, of the graduating
class. delivered an appropriate and touch
ing valedictory, elegant in style, and replete
with noble sentiments. The Response by
Mr. Townsend, of Marion District, S. c.,
was also happy effort, worthy of the
speaker and the occasion. We regret that
the Society was disappointed, as we'll as
the audience, at being deprived of the ex-
pccted literary treat from Mr. A. NJ. Boyle,
of Taylorsville; we did not learn the cause
of his absence. On the evening of the
same day, the representatives from the
Literary Societies delivered their orations
before a large audience. The perform
ances of these young gentlemen were doubt
less creditable to the Societies they repre-
scented. Unfortunately for ourselves, our
situation would not permit US to give heed
to what they said with any degree Of COM
fort and therefore We cannot with fairness
judge of the merits of the exhibition. Wei
understood from others more fortunate
than ourselves, that they all did well. The
rest of the evening we spent at least more
n mt rf1 n nfy,.i
contenting ourselves with gazing into
merry, laughing eyes. and in listening to
| sweet tones and rich melodies. Thursday
was commencement day; at the hour l04
O'Clock, large procession, consisting of
the students of College, Alumni, Faculty,
Trustees, Sc, formed in the shady grove
at the north end of the Campus, and headed
by the Marshal and an excellent band of
music, marched to the College Chapel.
The exercises of the day commenced with
the Inauguration of Prof. w. C. Kerr, late
ly elected by the Board TO fill the chair of
Chemistry, Mineralogy and Geology. The
prayer was offered by the venerable DR..
Leland, Prof. of Theology in the Seminary
at Columbia: more touching and impress
sive address at the throne Of grace we have
seldom heard. The Latin Sautatory was
then delivered by Mr. II. Howard Banks,
of Ell Dorado, Ark. So far as we could
perceive it was a fair specimen of elegant
classical composition, and was delivered
with correct emphasis in graceful and
easy style. The next speech in order was
the Philosophical Grafton, by Mr. Jas. Ii.
Emerson, of Selma, Ala. His philosophy
was confined to the stars, but he led his
hearers through infinite space with a con-
siderable degree of interest and animation.
We were pleased with the Grafton, and set
it down as one that made an impression.
The next speech was delivered by Mr. Thos.
j. Bailey, of Iredell county. His subject.
Extension of Tcrritory,'' was handled in
a dignifed and orthodox manner. The
next grafton, on Modern IsIns." by Mr.
Banks, was treat. We were sorry when
be was done. His speech was well con-
ceived, quite racy and humorous, and the
applause with which he was frequently
greeted, testified that he was the fayorite
orator of the day.
The comforting Of degrees was next in