The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1873-07-09
commencement of william anu Mar,
fnIIapn.

TO the Editor Of The State Journal:
WILLIAMSBURG, July 5, 1878.
Though unasked, will volunteer to give
YOU q very short notice of the commence
ment at old William and Mary, held on our
national holiday, the 4th of July. The
weather was unfayorable, and therefore
the audience which assemble to hear and to
witness the proceedings, was smaller than
usual. Among the degrees conferred was
one on Robert W. Hughes, son Of Colonel
Robert W.. Hughes, the well-known and
eminent United States district attorney.
Hughes, was told, had high standing
in all his classes, and was very much es-
teemed for his talents and excellent charac-
ter. During the day short address was
made by the president of the college, in
which he spoke in commendatory terms of
the excellent department and studious hab-
its of the students. A part of his address
consisted of short recapitulatlon OF the
services of the college, before and since the
revolution of '76, to the country and to
the state. | wish you had heard his
remarks on this subject. They were
interesting and instructive. Though l
thought was familiar with the history of
William and Mary, and the benefits she had
bestowed on the country, must acknowl-
edge that did not know of the half. He
quoted largely from the writings and
speeches of distinguished gentlemen from
different parts Of this great nation, and
especially from the eloquent and stirring
speech Of the Hon. Judge Hoar, M. c.,
from Massachusetts,, before the house Of
representatives, In support of the petition
to the Congress of the United States for pc
cuniary aid to the college. The civil war
cost it over one hundred thousand dollars
The Revolutionary war cost it an endow.
ment that to-day would have made it the
richest college in America. President
Ewell spoke in grateful terms Of the coun'
tenance and assistance given to the college
and to its petition, by eminent senators
and representatives from all sections of the
Union, without distinction of party. The
Virginia congressman warmly and unani
mously gave it their help. The college
is, by no means, in "morl
bund condition, as you statec
some time back. 1T will live, and though
now crippled, will again prosper. Tc
adopt the language Of General Wise, "whc
would see such fountain of light, o
honor, of truth, of law and liberty fail p
The catholic spirit Of the college authorities
as represented by its president in asking
and claiming the support of all, regardless
ofparty, ought to be acknowledged and re-
sponded to. Among the students who
gained distinction, the names Of Wilmer
Peachy, Taliaferro, Parker and Little are
remembered. The degree of doctor o
laws was conferred on Bishop Pinkney
of Maryland; on Bishop White, Of Vir
ginia; on General Smith, superintendent o
Virginia Military Institute, and on Profes
sor Charles S. Venable of the Universit.
of Virginia; of doctor of sacred theolog,
on Bishop Lay, of Easton, Maryland, Q
doctor of divinity on the Rev. Rober
Nelson, of China, and the Rev. w. G. Far
rington of New Jersey. In the evening
there was the annual celebration of thu
Phoenix literary society, when severa
excellent addresses were made. | am S,
certain of your interest, Mr.. Editor, in al
that pertains to education, that | shall offe
no apology, and remain,
Yours most respectfully,
TIDEW AFTER