The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1866-07-11
William and Mary College.

Old Williamsburg, which, like most locali-
ties in Virginia, has sorely felt the effects of
the late war, presented an animated appear
ance ON the Fourth. Though the old college,
located there in 1891, aud the Palace and
Capitol, once so renowned, have been swept
away, and stand no longer as monuments
pointing us back to the olden times, yet their
memory survives, and will ever live, to link
us to the famous past of Virginas history
We are pleased to observe, that, on the occa-
sion of the College exercises which took place
in that old burg, the same warm hospitality
and CHARACTERISTIC courtesy which have ever
distinguished her refined citizens, still pre-
vail notwithstanding the causes for gloom
and depression which resulted from the late
war: The grace and beauty of her lovely
w6n.an still adorn the charmin. and intel
lectual society of old Williamsburg, and their
smiles prove the same stimulus and encour-
agement to the young aspirant far Academical
honors. In the midst of her ruins it is re-
markable to observe the philosohphic cheer
fitness of her men, and the smiling and
bright faces of her charming women
The college exercises attracted large con-
course from the surrounding country, which
assembled in the Methodist church. There
were no graduating classes, for the honors Of
which many Of the leading men of the coun-
try have, in the oden time, contended ana the
exercises were mainly absorbed by the JACK
SON Society. The orator was Mr.. L. G. JONES,
of the county of Middlesex. who delivered an
interesting and eloquent address upon the
prolific subject Of "1'he Past, Present and
Future Of the State. The Valedictory was
pronounced by Mr.. r. T. ARNI5rEAD, Of
Williamsburg-an appropriate. and credtable
performance. The annual address before the
society was delivered by Major JOHN TYLER.
His subject was the destiny of the American
people-a theme requiring much historical
research, pregnant with the suggestive ele-
ment, and treated in manner which dis
closed the philosophic mind. of the speaker.
A just prominence was given to the position
occupied by Virginia i'll the history of the
country, and to the old College of William
and Mary, whose renown and glory have been
illustrated in the lives and prominent actions
of the great men who called her Alma lRater
The speaker alluded to the rise and fall of
nations, tracing their causes, which is the OBJ
Ject and task of the phlosophic historian, and
applying Them to the present social aud po-
litical condition of the United States The
time occupied in the address was upwards of
four hours, which, however, were divided in
order to accommodate, so as not to weary the
audience.
sermon was also preached in the old
church of Bruton Parish, by the Rey DR..
WOODBRIDGE, of Richmond, which termina-
ted the exercises in the programme. In the
evening social reunion closed the scenes Of
the day 1t was an entertainment given by
the students to the young ladies of Williams
burg who honored their gallant host by their
graceful presence. These hereafter, will be
the henored matrons, who have ever lent a
charm and given tone to Virginia society.
The change which has been wrought in the
the high estimate they have always placed
upon the influence of woman, MOI lower that
standard OF elevated and refined sentiment
which has always characterized the social
and domestic life Of the Old Dominion. The
type OF the Virginia matron will ever be re-
produced, we trust, in the lovely daughters
who are destined to occupy her elevated DO
sition, and discharge her peculiar social mis-
sion.
IN closing our notice of the exercises Of
this venerable and renowned institution. we
cannot refrain congratulating its distinguished
President, upon the gratifying exhibition
which has furnished our theme; and we trust
that his devotion to the fortunes of the grand
old school will be crowned by future prosper-
ty, to which the merits of himself and his col
leagues eminenty entitle the historic Col ege
of William and Mary