The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1869-08-24
South Caroline College-Univer.,,y.

memory calls up the many learned aud
gifted mon who ministercd in its tenn
pies, and the bright list of patriots and
statesmen with its alumni. Among
the former are to be mentioned
Maxcy, Cooper, Henry, Preston, Thorn
well, Elliot and others, and among the
latter, Petigru. Legare, O'Neall, Nc
Duffie-in short, q host of mighty men
who, while living, honored tho State,
and who now survive in her history.
Let us take a glance at the old college,
and give few facts, some of which 1
draw from DR.. LaBorde's History. The
college opened with q Faculty of two
Reverend DIR. Maxcy and Professor Han
ford. The first student admitted was
the late Chancellor Harper: and the first
graduate was Anderson Crenshaw The
Oldest trustee now surviving is the Hon.
Alfred Huger-clwum ct uenerabile non,en;
''Not unrenowned among the most re-
nowned," he has in his old age that
sweetest Of consolations, good name.
The oldest Professor now living is the
Reverend Christian Hnnckel, who was
appointed tutor of mathematics in April.
1915, and elected professor in the follow
ing December. This venerable man now,
at the advanced age of eighty, with the
blessings of thousands upon his head,
full OF Christian hope and trust, is calmly
awaiting the summons which shall call
him to the world of spirits. The Oldest
living graduate is DIR. Thomns Smith, of
the class of 1911, and now residing at
Society Hill. He was Trustee of tho
college, without interruption, for thirty
eight years, and never, it is believed,
until within the Inst three or four, did
he fail to attend meeting. To few is
the college SO much indebted, as through
this long period he watched over its in
terests with the most affectionate devo-
ton. Distinguished through life for
lofty public spirit, for high moral quail
ties, and no ordinary literary culture, the
college points to him with pride as her
Oldest living alumnus I know of one
member Of the class of 1912 who still
survives, Beaufort T. Watts, Esq, of
Laurens. His life has not been an OBJ
scure one. AT one time, Secretary of
Legation to the Court of st. Petersburg;
at another, Charge to Bogota, and
through long series of years Executive
Secretary of the Commonwealth
are proofs of the habitual trust and con-
fidence reposed in him, and make good
his claim to an honorable remembrance.
1 know of two representatives Of the
class of 1913, General James Gillespie
and DR.. d. H. Trezevant; General G.
was long member of the Board of Trus-
tees, and in that capacity rendered good
service to the college. He is we'll known
throughout the State and no man enjoys
higher reputation for all those virtues
which mark the citizen and the gentle
mnn. DIR. TreZevant is now leading
physician in Columbia, where he has
been practicing for half century.
Reaching the highest professional dis
tinction, and noted for every manly
quality, the college would point to him,
ms one of her distinguished sons. But
tho dead, the dead! Oh, the long, long
list! Where is the mighty host who
came forth from this nursery of great
men, and who once stood like a tower
in all its strength and beauty? they
have paid the great tribute to nature, to
which kings and monarchs are no less
subject than their meanest vassals. These
renowned men are for us rich inherit
ance, and whatever may be future of the
college, the State, safe in their fame,
cannot be robbed of that glory which
they have added to her history. Nor, ii
we do our duty to ourselves, can we be
deprived of that measure of felicity
which survives all changes Of political
institutions.
Gin every government, though terrors reign,
Though t. rant kings or tyrant laws restraint;
How small, OF all that human hearts endure,
That part which laws or kings can cause or
cure"
Can it be that an institution which has
accomplished 80 much good is now to
perish! am no radical, nor carpet-bag-
ger, nor scalawag, but a native of the
State, graduate of the college, and
Democrat, as the term is accepted in
Carolina. I claim to be as truly alive to
the interests of my State as any man
within her borders; and if give utter
ance to some opinions which may not be
approved by all of 'the true faith" I
have to ask that they be well considered.
1t may give some additional value to this
paper for me to add, that was student
in the times Of the first President--the