Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1857-06-12

soOthed by the strains Of sweet music from the band,
and thus prepared to enjoy the very graceful Salu
tat0ry, by B. F. HoLLINGsWORTH, of La.
he said that all things to-day were in harmony
with the bright season of flowers and gave promise
to those assembled to close their college career, Of
happy prospects and bright hopes.
He pledged himself and class to preserve the
honor and promote the happiness Of the citizens Of
our beautiful South. He asked the confidence and
sympathy Of his audience in the efforts which were
making in our midst to promote solid learning and
preparation for usefulness of their sons and friends
1t was well delivered and graceful tribute to the
energy of the Board and Faculty, showing thought,
gratitude and cultivation
We predict successful career TO the young Lou
isianian, in the law, to which, we understand he
intends TO devote himself
The trumpets of the band aroused the spirit Of
the audience to share the spirit of the next speaker
and if needs share in any peril to preserve the Uni
on. J. E. SAUNDERS, of Tenn called on his class
mates to stand by the Union, and save, what mustBe
saDed
He said that Government, founded by the pat
riotism and sacrifices and blood of our fathers, on
the eternal principles of right must be preserved.
Against the red man, against England, against the
forest, and fever, and defeat, the Union of the
hearts and hopes and purposes of our fathers, OPP
posed an invincible opposition Only by the same
firm determination of all citizens acting togeth
er against all foreign influences and selfish envy of
each other, can we keep what was thus nObly won.
Palsied be the hand which would dare attempt to
divide our common flag! Cursed the envy or am
bihon which would plot disunion Of the States.
If he carry to the political arena, or the army Of
our country the enthusiasm and elevation of senti-
ment, and gallantry of bearing be displayed in this
address, Tennessee may hope to add another name
to her bright roll of statesmen and warriors?
Hail Columbia, admirable performed by the band,
was the keynote of the address.
The next speaker was one Of our own townsmen,
Franz NANCY, of Nashville
We expected chaste, well-written, carefully
elaborated aud eloquent performance from him, and
were not disappointed.
Having the 4" Wealth Of the Mind" as a subject, he
discussed the crude notions of the ancents about its
essence the mighty manifestations Of its power Wis
ible in many great men, and the gradual but certain
control that it is gaining over the whole universe
If he devotes himself to literature, he promises
fair to become one of its ablest and most graceful
cultivators.
More good music preceded the GRAFTON of G. NJ.
Pillow, of Tennessee.
He discussed in a scholarly manner the intimate
sympathy of the human soul with all the forms of
beauty, through the domain of nature and art
They thrill us-they make US long for an isle of
perpetual spring and unchanging beauty. But the
rose fades and falls-the perfect work of art cram
bles, and is gone The Pyramid and strong tower
is surely though slowly eaten through by the tooth
of Time.
How irresistible is the persuasion Of this decay to
high aims and noble purposes; to that beauty Of viz
ture which shall never fade.
How eloquent is this decay to call our thoughts
away from time and fix them for our future happi-
ness, upon the never deeaying pleasures and beau
ties Of Heaven
1t was beautifully conceived and well delivered.
He showed a style of thought and expression which
promises him an honorable career in life.
The gallant young Mississippian, S. Il. Porn, Gu
logized Labor,
In well chosen words with graceful gestures and
an energy which carried his audience with him to
the close; he showed how the honorable 'Jootsteps
on the sands Of time" have been planted.
What energy and self.devodon in some noble
work explain all these pleasing traces
That luxury and efeminacy, and selfindulgenee
debase mankind, and leave only traces of shame
which were better obliterated; rearing only mOnu-
ments of oppression and sorrow. He gave promise
Of an energy which will conquer all obstacles, and
enable him. in honorable walk in life, to leave
footsteps worth tracing.
J. I. NEwBmL, Of Tenn, had subject which he
rendered intensely interesting to his large audience
Discussing the {" Literature Of the Bible, he showed
its claim to the respect of the world, and his own
profound study of it.
Appearing to be the oldest of the speakers and
bearing the look of hard student, we were prepared
for profound discussion of his subject; but must
confess were surprised at his eloquent and apprecia
tive notice of the claim of the Bible to be the type
and standard of all fine writing, whether history
argument, or poetry.
We could not do justice to his Grafton without re-
porting it in full, in his own appropriate words
He will adorn the post to which we learn he has
been called in his Alma Mater.
The Music, sad and minor now very appropriate
ly introduced the Valedictory
F. E. WHITFIELD, of Tenn. in suitable terms, said
the parting words to his fellow students
them to virtue and honor-warned them against in
temperance and efeminacy-showed how before
each student there stretched a bright and happy
path, and all good and noble thoughts urging them
to follow it.
His voice was clear and touching, and reached
the heart, in well modulated tones he expressed
his sense of the kindness of our citizens his attach
ment to his fellow-students, his respect for the
Board of Trustees, and his tender regard and kind
recollection of the services of the Faculty.
We have heard many yaledictories, and think that
| young WHITFIELD said the farewell words as grace
| fully ever they were said.
The Degree was conferred by the Chancellor in
few words, but words which all should regard seri-
! ously,-of Bachelor of Arts on
| JOHN I. NEwBILL, of Pulaski, Tenn.
EUGENE WHITFIELD, Of Memphis Tenn.
Certificates Of proficiency in the English Course
| were granted to
RICHARD II. NJ. CoCKRELL, of Memphis Tenn
THOMAS L. S. CoCKRELL, of Memphis Tenn.
JOSEPH PHILLIPS, of Nashville, Tenn.
| The honorary degree Of Doctor Of Laws was con
fe,red upon W. S. GILLESPIE, Professor Of Civil En-
/ cheering in Union College, New York
| The honorary degree of Master of Arts was con
.erred upon A. B. PALMER, NJ. D., Professor of Ma
| terra Medica in the University of Michigan,
When the audience, large and attentive, left tn,