The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1873-06-26

After prayer by Rev. DR.. Head, Of Mary
land, DR.. Duncan introduced Mr. q. M.
Pope, of Portsmouth, who announced bis
theme" By two anchors she rides Pa free
translation Of the motto OF the Washington
Literary Society, and better understood in
connection with the device (coataofarms) Of
That society: ship riding at anchor.
He converted the theme as announced
into the propositioni that wisdom
aud virtue are the foundations Of ma
tional stability, social purity, and individual
success, discussing each point separately,
clearly, and perspicucusly; in conclusion,
making fitting application to the present
state ofjsociety and government. Mr.. F.C.
Woodward, of Richmond, was the next
speaker. Subject: !" Who lare the heroes"
And avoiding the illustrious names of his.
tory, the speaker pointed out the difference
between the true and false, the former
being distinguished by sincerity, devotion,
determination, unselfshness, and above all
by faith to principle. His work may not
become conspicuous, but there was not an
element of idleness possible. There is no
place on earth for idle feet and clasped
hands save in prayer, and no room in
heaven for body without soul. What
ever his station, the true hero fearlessly and
grandly ful6s his destiny. 80.
Your reporter never heard better speeches
from students on such an occasion.
The award of the committee has not yet
been made known.
At O'Clock P. NJ. the annual meeting of
the Alumni was held. The report of the
President was read by Mr. L. s. Edwards.
The officers Of the past year were reelected
for the ensuing term. Hon. W. Nick. Rob
bins, Of North Carolina, was chosen as
Alumni orator for the retnion in June, 1874.
The skies frightened towards evening, and
the chapel was crowded at night to attend
the celebration of the Washington Literary
Society. Colonel Archer Anderson, of Rich
mond, the honorary president, on taking the
chair delivered an address, which for practi.
cal good sense and classic eloquence has
rarely been equalled in these halls. The
object of bis address was to combat
the prevalent idea that present unfavorable
surroundings point to the dissolution OF
State and the decadence of social virtues,
presenting examples offered by history OF
States rapidly recovering from disaster as
great as that which has oppressed Virginia
and the South. Recuperation in Virginia
was question of IA little time and little
faith. He insisted that the mere forms of 60
vernment did not give character to nations,
and indicated that each era had its appointed
work. There were conditions under which
that work was TO be accomplished, and to
ascertain those conditions was the real duty
of the hour. This 1neagre sketch gives but
remote idea of the remarkable address,
and since it has been requested for publica-
ton there is no occasion to reproduce ut
present an outline that would detract from
its finished eloquence. The representative
of the Society, Mr.. r. o. Burton, of North
Carolina, then delivered an address, and sub
received the best debator's medal.
Mr.. w. A. Frantz was the recipient of the
orators medal.
when the regular programme of the eve
ming was completed, according to an old Gus
tom of the college, honorary members of the
societies were called out, who, with short
addresses, rich with wit and hui
NOR, protracted the exercises until midnight.
Among the participants. in this pleasant
after.piece were Mr.. Thos. Branch, General
Anderson, Rev. Drs. Rosser, Cranberry, and
Edwards, of Richmond; Rev. Mr.. Hanlon,
of Baltimore, and +. S. Brown, Esq, of
Lynchburg, who graduated in 1S43, and
since that time has not revisited the college
until the present. Then music and the pro-
menaders on the campus until the enc ursion
train moves off for Richmond.