The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1872-08-22
For the anderson MtelHgencer.
The University of the South.
srv.xrp Tenn Julv 31st 1872

SEWANEE, Ienn, July olSt, 1ofA.
Mr.. EDITOR: Perchance at this late day
description of the Commencement Exercises"
of the University may not be out of order, and
inasmuch as the last were the most interesting
and memorable of any preceding, they deserve
to be chronicled for the entertainment of all
who have thought for our growing institu-
ton.
On the 10th inst. the examinations closed
The day following the Commencement Exer-
cises opened. The surpliced choir, followed by
the Faculty, the Bishops of Texas, Tennessee,
Arkansas, South Carolina and Florida, with
the clerical and lay members Of the Board OF
Trustees already assembled, entered the Chapel
at 11.9O a. m., and Holy Communion with
grand choral service was celebrated. Immedi-
ately after this the Board met in the Library
Hall for the purpose of re-organization-the
greater number of the members being present.
At p. m. telegram announcing the advent
of Hon. Jefferson Davis was received, and Sc
vance was at once filled with excitement and
enthusiasm. This would be his first appear
ance OH our mountain retreat, and many OF his
admirers would now behold him for the first
time At the depot, a part of the cadet corps
was drawn up in line to welcome him, and
when he appeared on the platform, prolonged
and rousing cheer was given for him whom a
nation delights to honor. Here he was also
met by delegation from the Faculty, and es-
corted to the home of the Chancellor.
In the evening, at o'clock, the three Liter
ary Societies of the University appeared before
the public and contested for two prize cups
one for Oratory, the other for English Compo-
sition. When the hour arrived, they marched
into the Chapel to the music of "Stoncwal
Jackson's Grand March" and an appreciative
audience, largely representing the chivatry and
beauty of the South, had already assembled to
enjoy the intellectual festivities. When the
soul-stirring airs of the band had died away,
the Chancellor arose and remarked that he had
the pleasure of introducing to the audience our
esteemed citizen and countryman, Ex-President
Davis, and that he had consented to preside
over the contest, and announce the respective
exercises. At the mention of this electric
name the house simultaneously arose, and peal
after peal of applause reverberated through the
Chapel halls. He at once advanced to the front
of the stage, but was scarcely permitted to
speak for the continued applause. His address
was brief, and substantially as follows:
Ladies and Gentlemen: Happy, thrice happy
am to be present on this interesting occasion.
Many years ago listened with intense interest
to Bishop Polk, when he was unfolding to me
his grand design of erecting University upon
this plateau that should meet the highest ends
of true education Often have desired to
visit the University of the South. 1t fills my
heart with gladness to be present this evening,
and deeply feel the honor conferred upon me
in calling me to preside over this meeting.
1t is needless to state that the above was re-
ceived with deafening acclamation, as all
seemed elated at the presence of the South's
noblest son, and desired to evince their admit
ration and affection for his genius and talents.
The orators of the evening, including the
prize essayists, were seven-representng the
Omega" the Sigma Epsilon" and the "Pi
Lambda" Societies.
The Chairman with much grace and dignity,
announced the orators and their respective SUBJ
jects. They successivey arose and addressed
the audience, and from the elected applause
each rendered the satisfaction due the OCCASION
Between the orations music lent additional rel
ish, and contributed vastly to the success of the
evening. At the conclusion of the exercises,
the Chairman arose and expressed his admira-
ton for the performances; that it afforded him