The Yazoo Democrat. [volume] (Yazoo City, Miss.) 1858-18??, 1859-07-16
CORRESPONDENCE OF THE DEMOCRAT.
OXFnRn. Miss. July Eth. 1859.


Mr. EDITOR The 9th was commence
ment day proper. The crowd was much
larger than on any of the previous days.
The exercises were opened by prayer, being
followed by Latin Statutory from R. NJ.
Reavell. The other speakers Of the gradual
ting class followed him in alphabetical order.
After which, the Hon. Wm. i. Sharkey,
having been elected to address the law
classes, came forward, and was introduced to
the assembled multitude. He sustained him
self fully, making quite creditabe effort,
and adding another laurel to the wreath of
a well.earned and meritorious reputation
His whole speech abounded in truths that
should be engraved upon the minds of the
young sprouts of the law, that should be as
familiar with embryo lawyers as household
words 1t comprised one connected series
of truths, clothed in chaste language and
expressed in refined diction. 1t was, in
truth, an excellent production. Would that
we could have the exquisite pleasure and the
favored opportunity of listening to such an
address more frequently.
The Sophomore prize competitors were
then called forward, and the Hon. L. Q. G.
Lamar was appointed to deliver the medals
to those whom the committee Of decision
awarded for being the most mertorious in
elocution He made few happy and fehcit'
Gus remarks in connection with them and
the subject of oratory, afterwards presenting
the first medal to William Nelson, Of Holly
Springs, and the second to w. +. Johns, of
Kinds county.
The degree of A. B. was then conferred
upon the graduating class Of the literary
department, consisting of nineteen members.
The degree of j. L. B. was conferred upon
the retiring law class of nine mombers. =
A. M. was conferred upon the following
Alumni of the University, towit: John h.
Dyson, of Lexington, f. G. Burney, Pro-
fessor at Bethel College, Tenn, and Robert
Crozier, of Pamela, and also upon Woodruff,
an Alumnus of the University of Ala. The
honorary distinction of L. L. D. was con-
ferred upon Chief Justice Smith, Judge
William i. ShArkey, and Prof. Ingraham, of
Holly Springs. The valedictory address was
delivered by James H. Stuart, of the class
of $50.
At half past O'Clock in the evening, the
annual meetings of the two societies canre
off, and the honorary, as, well as the regular
acting members, convened in the halls of
their respective societies.
At 5 o'clock, tue Alumni Association met
for the purpose of electing their next annual
orator, and dis oosing of all other business
before their body.
At night the long wished for and much
desired party was on hand. All were look
ing forward to it with interest, anticipating
a great deal of pleasure some were count
Ing largely upon tripping the light fantastic
toe" whilst others were determined on par
in regular built conversational
feasts. A large number had assembled at
an early hour in a commodious hall, which
q filled the bilP' of frst.class ballroom.
The music was not superior, yet it was
passabie, Yhe ladies and gentlemen con-
tinued to flock in until late hour. 1t was
indeed au imposing scene to behold SO much
beauty assembled under single roof, and
impressions were made on that occasion that
will long be remembered, They enjoyment
and the pleasure there realized, are not to
be forgotten in a day. They are to last
whilst memory holds sway. Large venti>
Iators were on the North and South side of
The building, thereby enabling the merry
laneers to have the full benefit of passing
oreezes. There was nothing wanting to
make every enc agreeable. The supper was
prepared with taste Champagne figured
and refreshments were in great
abundance, thereby giving ten~fold charms
o the eating department. The dance con,
inued for some time after supper, when il
causing all to feel that with it
ended commencement, that it was the closing
scene.
There were but few hours left for reposc,
8hen it was announced make preparations
'Or the cars southwark bound, for they will
loon be here. Shortly after, the train going
north was soon laden with the remaining
portion of visitors and students aud this
evening, the campus and college buildings
ire the picture of despair. Desolation seems
% reign in Ozford--it appears that almost
very one has gone, having entirely for,
saken it,
In conclusion, too much praise cannot be
given to DR.. Barnard, for throwing open the
loors of the Lecture Hall and depot Of ap,
oaratus to strangers, and promptly answer,
ng all philosophical and astronomical ques,
ions propounded to him by them. Credit
S alike due to other members of the Fac
llty, who had charge of the laboratory,
Cabinet Of Shells and Minerals, and the
Library.
The University is undoubtedly first class
Institution The facilities for acquiring an
education here, are not inferior to any South
If Mason & Dixon's line. I am aware that
ligh-sounding praise is considered WORTHLESS,
hat the order of the day is to puff one horse
colleges and try to give them a name All
hat the friends of our State University de-
ire is for those who are not acquainted
gith it, as well as those who are hostile to
t, to come and see for themselves. Let
hem be the judges for themselves. There
5 not one who will go away an enemy to it,
out, on the other hand, if he is true lover
If education, he will feel proud Of it. In
ruth, it needs no viudication, it wants no