Knoxville daily chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1882, 1872-06-20
THE COMMENCEMENT.
An Interesting Occasion.
Large Attendance of Citizens

The people of Knoxville manifested their in
terest in the affairs of East Tennessee University
yesterday by turning out in large numbers TO
witness the commencement exercises at the
Methodist Episcopal Church, South.
THE PROCESSION.
At the appointed hour the cadets and Fac
ulty assembled at the University buildings on
College Hill, and, preceded by the Mechanics
Cornet Band, marched up Main street to Gay
the literary societies moving under their respec-
tive banners, the Philomathesians commanded
by Lieut.. T. J. Jackson, and the Chi-Deltas by
Capt S B. Crawford. The Seniors followed in
rear of the cadets.
When opposite the Court House. the process
sion was joined by the Trustees Of the institu-
tion, Judge Hall, and large number Of the
members of the Bar, together with many citi-
zens of Knoxville and surrounding country,
and moved up Gay street to the church, where
a large number Of ladies and gentleman were
| In waiting.
THE AUDIENCE
was large, composed of the best citizens of the
community who manifested deep interest in
all the exercises Quite a number were unable
to gam admittance to the church and vents away
disappointed, while others congregated around
THE EXERCISES
were opened with an impressive prayer by Rev
w. L. Lloyd one of the Alumni of the insttu-
ton, who made fervent appeal to Him who
knoweth all things invoking His choicest bles-
sings to rest upon his Alma Mater, and upon
the efforts that were being made for the i'm
prOvement of the youth of our land.
THE oRATIoNs.
OF the graduating class then followed, in the
order of the programme which appeared in the
CHRONICLE E Yesterday morning We have heard
but one opinion expressed, and that is that the
young gentlemen comprising the Glass of 1872,
have not only reflected much credit upon them
selves and upon their instructors, but have
demeaned themselves IN such q way to add
character and reflect the very highest credit
upon the institution. The matter Of their
several oratons showed not only care
in selection and composition, but exhibited
prOfundity of thought which would have been
creditable to older heads. Judging from their
demeanOr yesterday,we expect them to go forth
in the world blessing to society, an honor to
their country and a monument OF long en-
durance to their Alma Mater. We shall look
in the future history Of our country to see the
names of James Maynard. Spurrier Howard
Smith, Daniel G. Wester, George B. Brazeton
and Thos. o. Deaderick occupying prominent
position among those engaged in pushing for
ward the great cause of reform and
progress At the close of each one of
the orations, the audience manifested applause
while bo0uets of choice flowers were shOwered
around the feet Of the speaker. Gentlemen who
have attended commencements at our pros
porous institutions say that the class graduated
yesterday will compare credtably in point of
general proficiency, with the graduating classes
OF any OF them. We congratulate the young
gentlemen on the success which they have
reached, and trust their future may be as bright
as their most sanguine hopes dare to paint it.
CoNFERRING DEGREES.
At the conclusion Of the orations the degree
of A B. was conferred upon each one of
them, by the President who presented
their diplomas, and followed the presentation
with the Baccalaureate address, delivered
an impression for good, on those for
whom it was intended The learned Presi-
dent evinced much feeling as he addressed the
class SO eloquently. The address was admira-
bic, and was so spoken Of by all who heard it.
The degree of L. l.. d. was at the same time
conferred upon Hon. L. A. K. Nelson, an hon
ored Alumnus of the Institution, after which the
benediction was pronounced and the audience
dispersed, we'll satisfied with the entertainment.
THE MUSIC.
The exercises were interspersed with lively
music by the Mechanics COrnet Band, led by
Prof NJ A. Williams. 1t is unnecessary for
US to add anything in reference to their per-
formances The band is well known and their
music admired by all. On this occasion they
fully sustained their reputation.
Go to Broad street tonight and have good
time at the festival.
Something New.
Longfellows ''Three Books of Song," Lord
Kilgobbird, Mireio, and many other fresh
Books, at E. Z. B. II.