The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1873-06-27
FRIDAY EvENG, JUNE 81. 1878
X Richmond College.


were witnessed last night in the Second
Baptist church, the audience-room and
galleries being filled TO their utmost capa-
city. The people of Richmond may well
take a just pride in this growing and most
useful institution. 1t is an honor and an
ornament to our city, and the large and
brilliant audience of last night shows that
our people appreciate it as such. The fine
demeanor and becoming bearing of the
young men throughout the exercises, af-
ford conclusive evidence that their
curriculum of study and gentlemanly
training is of the highest order.
We have rarely attended similar college
exercises in any part of the country that
were more interesting and entirely satisfac-
tory. 1t is evident that the college has
fixed upon high order Of acquisition and
attainment preparatory to comforting its
degrees. This is no more than what was
to be expected from the reputation and rare
scholarly character of the gentlemen at the
head of the institution; and it is this high
standard of educational merit which must
give the college its ultimate success and
popularity as a first-class seat of learning.
The address of the Rev. Charles II. Ry-
land, Of Alexandra, was most happy
effort. 1t was thoroughly sound and able,
and breathed just enough of the progress
ave spirit to make it the identical lesson
needed for the hour. The grand future
pictured for the state, for Richmond
College as 'the child OF The CEN
tnries," and for the great Ameri-
can republic, evinced the touches of a
master artist, and drew forth such evil
dences of applause as showed that his vast
audience were profoundly touched by his
enthusiasm, as we'll as penetrated by his
prophetic utteranees. The address had but
one fault-virtue in most compositions =
Il i0as too short. But this characteristic is
ordinarily so great virtue. that we do
not press the offensive criticism.
The valedictory address by the Rev. DR..
Jeter, Of this city, was one of the best we
cNcl VIC plCdoblC vi liobeIiulS, Vs. w y
do not mean the best in mere scholarly ef.
fort and rhetoric, as where one speaks for
his own literary reputation outside of col
lege walls; but the best in its noble advo-
cacy Of right principles, such as should be
everywhere inculcated in American institu-
tons of learning, and constantly held up
as the motive power and impetus to sterling
manhood in Richmond College. In speak
ing of the motives which should govern the
conduct of the student, DR.. Jeter said:
Your conduct must be based upon
virtue, that stern, earnest virtue that
cprings from the gospel of Jesus Christ,
and is conformed to the law of the Most
High. You should be honorable men in
all the connections of life, not aoith that
Uaunting spirit Of honor that aoM commit
murder an accordance 10Th the demands OF
etiquette, or false patblic opinion, but that
uhich qoiH do honor TO all men and 10 God.
You must devote your lives to these ends.
The men who have left the deepest impress
upon the world have done it by consecra-
ting themselves and all their aims at all
times 10 that purpose. There is great
pleasure in efforts to attain these high OBJ
jects. Hope is the inspiration and glad
ness of youth. So the man of mature age
finds his delight in the pursuit of honora-
BILE aims, and even the old man rests upon
ibis laurels and looks back upon his past
deeds and attainments with pleasure, but
not without regret"
Let all the institutions of learning in the
United States send out graduates Thoroughly
imbubed with such noble sentiments as
those instilled by DR.. Jeter, and there is
hope not only for the South. but for every
part of our extended country.