Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1874-06-21
A BIG WEEK AT KNOXVILLE.
East Tennessee University Commence
ment-HistOricaIS Ociety-Ihe state
Teaehers' Association, Etc, Etc.

Teachers' Association, Etc, Etc.
To the Union and American:
KNOXVILLE, June 10, lS74.-This has
been big week in Knoxville, and a large
crowd of strangers has been present. Every
effort was put forth to make the visit Of our
friends agreeable and entertaining.
On Tuesday, the State Teachers AssO-
citation organized, and after tranSacting
some preliminary business, and extending
a courteous invitation to the members OF
The Historical Society to participate intheir
deliberations, they adjourned until the next
afternoon. Immediately afterward, the
Historical Society of Tennessee met in the
same place, the venerable President, DR..
J. q. NJ. Ramsey, presiding. This society
at once invited the members Of the Teach
ers' Association to remain and take part in
their exercises. which invitation was ac-
cepted, and the society proceeded TO busi-
ness.
Arson Nelson, Esq, the Recording Sec
rotary, from your city, explained the char
acter and objects of the Historical Society
of Tennessee. and exhibited several old
documents. Among them was the original
form of government of the pioneer settlers
of the Cumberland valley, adopted in May,
1850, and signed by PSI persons, all of
whom, with three exceptions, wrote their
own names. The original commission, on
parchment. issued by order of Congress, 10
Israel Putnam, as the fourth Major General
of the American army, signed by John
Hancock, President, and dated at Philadel-
phia, June 10, 1115, was presented, and
was examined with good deal of interest
by the fifty Or sixty persons present. 1t
was a gift from Miss Julia G. Putnam, Of
Nashville, lineal descendant Of the old
Revolutionary hero. The President Of the
Society Or. Ramsey made a number Of
presents, among them the Oldest book,
probably, in the State. 1t is collins In
stitutes," printed in Geneva 3l5 years ago.
Col. John N. Fleming, State Superin-
tendent of Public Instruction, Hon. ChaS.
y. Gibbs, Secretary OF State, Hunter Mich
olson. of East Tennessee University, DR..
Thos. Humes, President Of East Tennessee
University, Wm.'A. Henderson, Esq, Col.
J. II. Crozier, ST., were proposed and
elected members Of the Historical Society.
After the transaction Of several items OF
business, the Society adjourned.
A meeting of the Alumni Association Of
East Tennessee University, and the meet
ing of the Board of Trustees, took place on
Tuesday. The cadets of the University
were out on parade, and made handsome
appearance. Judge Watson, Of Nashville,
addressed them in a neat and cOmplimenla-
" speech.
On "Wednesday, the commencement eN-
ercises of East Tennessee University took
place, during which the Dickinson prize
medals were awarded. Three were for
proficiency in mathematics, and one for
drawing. The gold medal was carried off
by Thomas II. Cooke, Of Chattanooga, the
finest mathematical student for the past
wear. Col. John N. Fleming, State Super
Tntendent of Public instruction, made the
presentatiOn speeches, and performed his
duty elegantly. This was after the deliv-
cry Of the orations, which were very fine,
and partook less of the sophomore style of
defamation than usual. Hunter Nichol-
son, of Maury, is the Professor Of AgTicul-
,ure and Horticulture in the University.
There are eighteen professors in the instI-
tuition in all, and the session closes with
SIS students.
Three degrees were conferred, to-wit:
Tho G.egTee of LID. on Chancellor W. +.
Cooper. of Nashville; DID. on Rev. James
Park. of tbs city, and AN. on j. W. e..
WiIloughby, OF this county.
Immediately after these exercises, the
University folks. tie members Of the
Teachers Association, the Historical So
cietv and the invited guests, assembled at
the nalaiial residence of Perez Dickinson,
Fsoi. To partake of a 69untiful and mag
nifcent entertainment. This delightful
affair ended. the State Teachers Associa-
ton met, according to adjournment, when
Peter Staub, our Mayor. a native OF swirl
erland. opened the programme with an aa-
dress of welcome, which was rapt'lrousiy
received.
cannot 90 into detail in regard to tins
and subsequent meetings OF tie ASSOCIATION.
Quite a number of new members were
enrolled.
Professor Thomas W. IIumcs, ID. D.,
President of the University, entertained
ffse same guests that were at Mr.. Dlckln-
sons. at his hOspitable board, between the
hours of five and seven o'clock in the
evening.
lsaVednes9ay night, Professor !. Berrien
Tindsley. President of the State Teachers
ASSOCIATION. called the body together
sIToa,IJ.ly at eight O'Clock, and Normal
Schools and Teachers Institutes Tere dis
cussed fos two hours. DIR. Lindsey az
rived that day. Professor Smith, Of Bed
ford county, 5Iaging been the acting Presi-
dent from the beginning of the meeting.
s:oth are good presiding officers.
Yesterday, the discussion n regard TO
Scsoo,s continued till the afternoon al
ioIIrnmefH. 1t night, addresses were made
i,V Rev. DIR. i.uines, Arson Nelson, OF
gssIwille. Rev. D. c. Sullins, of Bristol,
Professor Smith, of Shelbyyiile, and Col.
Holm II. Fleming, State Superinten,tent.
Your AR. Nelson gave a very interesting
account Of the public schools OF Nashville,
forgot 10 mention in the proper place
Tho aI,;mpi address Of John J. Reese, Esq.,
E .rS,rI, was rich, racy and eloquent. la
a. lam uOt sure that have nentlo ned
more than half that did take place, SO mil
Of gatherings has the week been.
All the meetings of the Historical 30,
esety, the State Teachers, ASSOCIATION i AN anu
the commencement exercises OF the Uni
yeTsity were held in Staub's Opera House,
one OF the finest buildings Of the kind IN
lie United States. u"LsioN'