The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1871-01-23
LETTER FROM LEXINGTON.
Anniversary of the Birth of Lee-Ora.
ton of Hon. J. r. HOIcOmbe-Cele.
brattOn Of the Graham.Lee Society.
rsneeial Correspondence of the Dispa ch. !.

Especial Correspondence OF the Dlspa' en-.
LEXINGTON, Va, Jan. 10, 1871.
To-day was kept here as Il national ami
yersary. Orders were issued ut the college
and the Virginia Military Institute direct
ing the suspension of all exercises and the
proper observance of the day, and at the
request of the Executive Committee of the
Lee Memorial Association all places of busi-
ness were closed, and Sabbath quiet relgned
through our streets. AS the crowd was col
lecting and the dgnitaries of the college
gathering on the platform, we sadly missed
the noble form and benignant face whose
keen eye was wont upon such occasions to
glance over the audience and see that the
ushers gave suitable seats to all comers-
whose quiet dignity and grace introduced
the speakers in few words fifty chosen, and
whose presence contributed SO much to the
interest of all college exercises. Alas that
noble form was sleeping in the vault be.
meath, and this audience had assembled TO
do honor to his memory.
Rev. DR.. White made a feeling and ap-
propriate prayer, after which Rev. Dr..
kirkpatrick tittinely introduced as orator
Of the occasion Hon. James Z. Holcombe.
MIR. Holcombe's reputation as an orator
prepared us to expect rare treat, but the
highest anticipations were more than real
lied. AS the Grafton is to be repeated (by
special requesD ut other points, and will
finally he published in full, we will attempt
no synopsis, and will not even mention its
many fine points. For two hours he held his
audience spell bound, and we have heard but
one expression concerning the etfort-that
of unqualified, enthusiastic praise. There
were passages of touching pathos which
brought tears to eyes unused to the melting
mood" AMI strains of genuine elcquence
which at a fitting time and place would have
shaken the roof with applause. Especially
when the distinguished orator sketched,
with the hand Of master, the military ca
reer of the great chieitain when command
ing the Army of Northern Virginia, paint
ed the series of splendid victories which
he gained over overwhelming numbers,
showed that that noble army was never
beaten, and its leader never outgeneralled,
but that it was simply worn away ut last
by attrition, and surrendered with undying
slory-there were at least the "boys who
wore the gray who felt strongly tempted
plalld for the space of an hour,
But the drapery of the house of GGl Go5ll,
and the very atmosphere of the place, told
that beneath those floors the great hero
was sleeping, and any noisy demonstration
would be out of place. The solemn silence
was lit tribute of respect to the mighty
dead. 81.
Tonight the college chapel was fllep
with an appreciative audience in attend
ance upon the anniversary of the Gra-
ham-Lee" Society. The exercises were
appropriately introduced by the President,
MIR. johnson, who welcomed the audience,
and presented as the orator Of the evening
MIR. J. B. Stubbs, Of Texas.
Gracefully introducing as his theme "The
Influence OF Nations Songs Mr.. Stubs
quoted the famous saying, ''Let me make
a nations ballads, and Icare not who makes
Its laws" and proceeded to illustrate and
enforce his subject. Citing the Psalms OF Da-
vid-Isreaps national songs-the war songs
Of the ancients, and the rhapsodies of the
Troubadours, he showed their influence
upon the nations. he then spoke of the
influence of the Marseillaise " on France,
of the Switzers song of freedom on that
mountain-begirt people, of how the Scot
tish heart has been stirred by their songs,
and of the influence of song in keeping
alive the Irish love and longing for freedom.
He spoke Of the influence of old songs to
reklndle the slumbering memories OF the
past, and further illustrated bis subject by
reference to the power of song over the
Germans. he concluded as follows:
"Tle spirit evoked by the throes Of a