The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1873-07-01

UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA, June 30.-Visi-
tors continue to arrive by every train, and
the prospects of the commencement brighten
every hour. 1t was feared that the threat
ening weather would seriously interfere with
the final celebration of the Washington So.
ciety tonight, but about dusk the clouds
begun to break away, and the bellies and
beaux came together in full force feather.
If we had ever doubted that old Virginia can
bear off against the world the palm for beauty
the array here tonight. But we should in
justice say that other States have reinforced
the Old Dominion by sending some of their
fi,irest daughters.
The celebrations here are conducted with
considerable ceremony. The societies march
from their halls to the lawn. The marShals
and committee, in ribbons and with batOnS,
march and countermarch up the aisIes as
they escort in the Faculty. distinguished
visitors, &c., and the Societies are finally
seated, the exercises being enliyencd with
music.
We noted tonight the absence of the
usual decorations, and were glad to learn
that the Society has determined to eypend
the large sum which these decorations cost
in suitably fitting up their own hall. We
were glad also to Learn that the Board of
Visitors to-day RENTED debt of 500 due
the University by the Washington Society,
aud their beautiful hall will thus be furnish
ed in manner worthy of this noble old So
ciety.
After prayer by Rev. L. r. Steel, chaplain
select of the University, the president Of the
Society, Mr.. r. Fl. Maury, of Mississippi,
gracefully introduced the orator of the eve
ming, Mr.. John w. Stevenson, of Monterey,
Va, who announced as his theme, " National
Literature"
Mr.. Stephenson easily introduced his sub
ject, and without super6uous words or the
usual apologies proceeded at once to the
discussion of his theme. He spoke of the
importance and power of literature, and
illustrated his position by aptly-chosen cX-
ampes from European history, arguing the
enduring character and power of true itera-
ture in most felctous manner. We regret
that the lateness of the hour precludes the
full report of MIR. Stephenson's address,
which we should be glad to give. 1t was
much above the average merit of college
speeches., containing fine thoughts well eX-
pressed, and being free from any eulogy on
| "beauteous woman" and other such COM
mon clap-trap. His address was short and
most admirably delivered.
The President (Mr. Maury) then delivered
the gold medal to the best debater, Mr..
Fergus R. Graham, of Louisiana, and said
that he cheerfully bestowed it as guerdon
fairly won and richly merited. Mr.. Graham
| received the medal in an exceedingly happy
little speech. He priced this medal not for
| its intrinsic value or the honor it bestowed,
bus because it showed him first in the
esteem of loved comrades, and he would
cherish it as a memento of the sweet asso-
| Citations of the dear old Society. .
MIR. Graham's delivery was very good in
| deed. his slight French accent not detract-
| ing from but rather adding to the effect.
Both orator and medallist were loudly
appIauded, and rewarded with large num-
Der Of bouquets.
At the conclusion of Mr.. Graham's speech
the band played with fine effect "AuId Lang
Sync."
AS we hurry TO the telegraph office the
momenaders are seeking tic illuminated
lawn, where speeches will be made, which
we will not undertake to report.