The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1869-08-23

William AND MARY CoLLEor.-Whf
did not sorrow-what Virginian who did
not mown when, few years since, THU
ancient seat Of learning, embalned By
the generation Of ages, succumbed to the
ravages of war and seemed to bury for
ever beneath its charred and smoulderine
ruins all the glories Of the past and al
the hopes Of the future? ~
To-day, what American, above all
wba, Virginian, DOES not, in bis heart,
rejoice to know that tho old nursing
mother Of almost ten generations has
risen, Phoenix like, from her ashes; tina,
her classic halls ore again thrown open
to which, as in other days, American
youth may now resort to drink in from
the lips Of wise instructors lessons o.
knowledge, wisdom and virtue-lessons
which formed and nurtured our Masons,
Taylors, Madisons, Marshals, Lees and
Jcffersons, for all the noble arts and tri-
umphs Of peace? .ii1w IL
Too much praise cannot be accorded the
able, accomplished faculty, the enterpri-
sing trustees, and many, sympathizing
friends, who, in the face of almost ipsur-
mountable difficulties, have restored to
the State and the country this time-hon-
ored, time-consecrated temple Of science.
They have, indeed, entitled themselves to
the lasting gratitude Of lNirgipians.I It's
restoration is something more than that Of
mere college ediGce, whose destruction
only diminished.by one the number Of
our literary institutions, and involved the
loss Of = few thousand dollars; it was the
restoration to the old. Commonwealth and
tho country Of infinitely more thsn that.
Amid the devastatiops Of war, amid the
ravages Of political innovation; amid the
descriptions, dislooations and upheayals of
tho whole social fabric; amid the decline,
decay, and threatened extinction Of all
that once conferred dignity and grandeur.
giving to. Virginia and yirginians i
tproud pre.eminence, it is, at least, a mel
ancholy consolation to have something
left permanent and Notwithstanding
that as often as seen or thought Of, may
keep alive in tho heart the deep feelings
Of. reverence and generation cherished
for the halloWcd memories Of the antique
past. ..s az
. Such is old William and Nlary-no vul.
gar, ordinary buildinp-po mere nile OF
wood, brick and marble, fashioned by the
cunning hand Of the architect into VIA,
may completely and perfectly subscrve ali
the purposes Of educational utility-it is
history, tradition, classic memories court
ly manners knighly honor-itis Ill that
We admire in virtue, in wisdom, 10 letters,
in craftsmanship, embodied in visible.
tangible form, exciting and impressing the
mind, moving and stirring the heart With
the deepest emotions.
Lie indeed has read and thought 81.
little who cannot APPRECIATE tho education.
al influence of an institution like this,
with its almost inexhaustible wealth Of
classic, moral, political aud patriotic asso.
Citations. Ho knows but little Of the
structure of the human mind and the
workings Of the human heart who treats
as visionary and chimerical the effect O
animating and heart.stirring memories,
when awakened BY visible objects, to in
spire high resolves, lofty sentiments .ant
noble aspirations. TO this subtle influence
may be traced one Of the most brilliant
achievements in modern literature. i
was willis. musing amid the "ruins gray
Of the Eternal City that Gibbon frs
conceived the idea and formed the purpos,
Of writing the Decline and Fall" The
thoughtful in all ages have acknowledged
this influence. Thus did the late Ia
mcnted William G. Riyos, who, when tolt
that bis beloved Alma Mater was no louge
in ruins, give expression to feelings 0
deep joy and satisfaction What was i
that 10 the solemn closing hour Of lif'
could recall to thingo Of earth th,
thoughts Of the Christian age? 1t wa!
not simply the college edifce that hat
risen up from its ruins Of which h'
thought and spoke so feelingly. 1t wa
what that Edidee would preserve, perpet'
uate and foster in the minds and heart
Of the youth Of his country. II was tn
deep, mysterious influence that its Lal
associations would exerted in the devel
opn,eut and formation Of character.
lie had experienced this influence. AMI
to il, doubtless, attributed much Of tn
honor and distinction he had won for him
self in the walks Of literature and states
manship. His l~t earnest expression 0
interestin the venerable mother Of Viz