Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1868-06-25
sophomore Defamation.


Special Correspondence Memphis Appeal
OXFORD, Mss, June %.
Editors Memphis Appeal:
Your correspondent reached Oxford
Sunday afternoon, and found evidences
of animation in the presence of large
number Of persons at the depot.
The commencement sermon was
preached at the University Chapel, on
sunday, by Rev. DR.. Ford, which we
reached here too late to hesr. On MOu-
day morning at nine O'Clock the SophO-
more Prize Defamation commenced.
The old Memphis brass band was pres
ent, and discOursed excellent music
throughout the exercises. When the
audience had gathered, Chancellor Wad-
dell announced that the exercises would
open with reading Of obituary notices
by Rev. d. P. Bestor, of Columbus. The
reverend gentleman then stepped for
ward and read the obituary notices Of
ex,Gov. McRae and Rev. DR.. Nichols,
both formerly trustees of the college.
Music by the band followed, and then
commenced the contest for the prize-s
gold medal. The speakers were gener-
ally fine looking young gentlemen, and
made q splendid appearance. Ali spoke
well, but as four OF the speakers lowered
above the rest, and between them rests
the prize, we shall only endeavor to
speak Of them. First among the NUM-
Der is Mr.. II. III. Sullivan, to whom the
first prize is generally conceded, both by
students and visitors, though the deci-
sion of the judges viii not be had until
tomorrow morning. the piece selected
for recitation by him was 1.-THE Roman
Soldier-Last days Of HeTculaneum,
and though our notebook accuses lin
of a" DER doing Termagant," it displayed
a good conception, firm voice and deIY-
cry. He is tall and commanding in per-
son, and speaks with Iolerable ease and
grace.
Next upon the list is Mr. Mcdonald
Haman, between whom and Mr.. Suili-
van seems to rest the first prize. Mr..
Haman recited an extract nom " Pol
locks Course of Time,D in an admirable
manner, and though there was q sort Of
drawl in some portions Of his speech and
an indistiact conception in others, yet
the piece Was finely rendered, and some
passages really thrilling. His gesticuls-
ton WAS perhaps better than that OF any
other speaker
Mr.. J. c. \. Mcneil and Mr.. Thos.
a. McWillis are about equal Tor the sec
oDd prize, and in the opinion of some,
ahead for the first prize. Both the latter
wore a different style OF defamation, |
from the fret being more on ths forensic |
order. Mr.. Mcneil chose for Geciams- /
ton the 'Criminsiity Of Daeling." He |
spoke III an easy, graceful manner, |
and his elOcution was unifOTmly good |
but there were none of |
lofty flights that characterized the |
Rotations ofthe TWO first gentlemen. Mr.. |
detained the "Invective |
Against Warren Hastings." What has |
been said Of Mr.. McNeilI applies almost 1
Is well to Mr.. New lille, except /
that has voice il better and his gesticuia-
ton not 50 good.
The Phi Sigma Literary Society held /
It's annual meeting last night. Judge /
w. L. Yerger, Of Jackson, being APP
pointed honorary President, who made
4 few appropriate remarks upon taking
the chair. Rev. d. p. Bestor opened the
with prayer, and after music
by the band, Mr.. J. G. Cameron
delivered a finely written salutatoTy.
Reports from the Treasurer and Libra
ian we're then called for, and the latter
stated that there were twelve hundred
volumes in the library.
The valedictory Was then read by Mr..
5. c. Patton, aud was masterpiece of
aud elOquenee.
Mr.. Jno. J. Stephenson responded in g
handsome and appropriate manner
after which a number of visitors were
,slled upon and responded briefly.
The exercises OF a most pleasant and
highly interesting character we're then
concluded by DR.. Ford, of Memphis, who
pronounced the beneaictiOp.
The exercises of the Junior Class took
,lsce to-day, and was largely attended
Among those who acquitted themselves
With most credit were Messrs. Jno. W.
Shields, RObg. n. Miller, Frank A Critz
nd VIM. 5. johnson. We would not
make any "Invidious distinctions" but
ay ali did well.
The Senior exhibition takes place to-
morrow, a leve5 tomorrow evening,
md g grand ball Thursday night.
Quite number OF visitors are present,
nd the exercises are proving very enter
aiming. More anon from
MISSISSIPPI UNIVERSITY,
p. S.-Encouraging election news
each US from points near here. Water
Valley, considered a Radical stronghold.
ives only seven votes for the eonstiiu-
ion and about three hundred and fifty
.gaiust. Spring Dale gives seventeen for
nd between one and two hundred
gainst. So much for our side.