Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1872-06-26
GAINESVILLE.
commencement Exercises at Stewart
College.

commencement Exercises at Stewart
College.
Correspondence Of the Union and American.
GAINESVILLE, June 24.-On the morning
of the 18th inst, the commencement day Of
this institution, the elite Of the city assem-
bled in the city hall to witness the eXerCi-
ses of the occasion. The Rev. J. S. Grasty,
d. D, Of Shelbyville, Kentucky, had been
engaged to deliver the address before the
two literary societies Of the college-the
Washington Irving" and Stewart Al
though at the time, and for several days
previous, laboring under serious indspOsi-
ton, DR.. Grasty entertained his large and
attentive audience with an address chaSte,
fOrcible, and in many passages eloquent.
His subject, HerOjSm, was happily select
ed. He drew a parallel, nlustra-
ted by many historical examples, be-
tween what mankind ordinarily regard
as herOisu, and what constitutes real hero
ism. lie showed that many an obscure IN
dividuaI, unknown to fortune and TO
fame, " in what would commonly be con-
siderad trivial transactions, exhibited more
true herCism than the hero of hundred
victories. The earnest and successful strug-
gle to subdue self more entitled a man 10
The name Of hero than all the blOod-stained
trophies Of the battlefield. At the close of
the address, Rev. j. b. Shearer, d. D.,
President OF the College, announced the
names Of those students who had distin-
guished themselves at the intermediate and
final examinations. These examinations
are of the most rigid and searching Charac-
ter, as will be understood by a brief account
of the manner Of conducting them. They
ale principally in writing. Numerical
values are attached to each question or
block OF questions, graduated &C
cOrding TO their difficulty, these
questions ranging over the entire
course Of instruction accomplished each
half session. 1t is necessary to answer
four ffths OftheSe questions to secure a dis
lincti0n. Very few institutions in our land
have a higher standard. The aim Of the
Faculty Of Stewart College is to fix a very
high standard Of scholarship, 50 that when
a young man by diligence and perseverance
atlains TO it, il may signify that he has
passed through a complete, exhaustive
Gu Sc Of instruction. Several students OF
tits session have proved by their resolution
and success, that they contemplate earnest
ami effective work in the stern battle OF
life The night of the same day was SCI
apart for the addresses of the young men
representing the two societies. Each sOci-
terna.ely. The first, Mr.. w. 2. Hambaugh
3. Of Tennessee, on behalf the Stewart So
ciety chose as his subject "The Essentials
of Success" He was followed by Mr..
l.. o. Spencer of Kentucky on the part OF
the Washington Irving, whose subject wa
ELet us move On across the APPS" The THIRD
speaker was Mr.. j. j. West Of GAINESVILLE, Il
the subject "a plea for Classical Leaning.
The fourth and last speaker was Mr.. J. Z
Coldwgu of Tennessee. subject" Neve
LOST" In general terms, very high praise
is due 70 the good sense and taste Of th,
speakers, both in the selection and treat
menJ Of their respective subjects. The!
were e:aiuenuy practical and earnest, no
aiming AZ display, but seeking to impair
useful instruction. Indeed the results o
The lSst 81 ssiou give earnest of that success
thagl4e College desires to achieve, and vii
achieve if the people of the West are aliv
30 their own interests. OBSERVER.