The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1876-03-02

COLLEGE OF VlRGlsIA.--The very interesting
exercises incident to the annual commence
ment of the Medical College Of Virginia oc.
Cured at Assembly Hall last night, In the
presence Of the largest aud most brilliant
audience ever gathered within that building
on any similar occasion.
The stage was occupied by the faculty
of the college, the orator of the evening.
and the graduating class. Shortly alter Q
O'Clock DR.. James B. McCaw called the audi
euce to order, and introduced Rev. Kinloch
Nelson, rector of Grace (EpiscopaD churcn,
who opened the exercises with an approprl-
ate prayer.
Prayer being over DR.. McCaw made brief
Introductory address, In the course OF Wnich
be said that as the early spring days come,
and as the years glide by, we meet again
and again to participate In these inter-
esting ceremonies. He welcomed tne
very large sudience, and was sure that
every member of the faculty felt compii-
mented at their attendance upon such an
incemeut evening. He very. we'll knew,
however. that many were induced to come
by reason of the extraordinary Inducements
,ha, were offered, but at the same time be
could not refrain from testifying his appreci.
at;en of the unusual gathering. In referring
TO the Medical College, he said 1t was an In.
stitution peculiarly our owD-peculiarly a
Richmond college-one that all were proud
Of. and in which our people should be and
were particularly interested in keeping its
acouiremeats up to the highest standard.
He thought the time will come when the
doctor will hold the balance for veal or for
woe. and there was no community where
the feeling between the doctor and the peo'
Die is closer than 1t is here.
Having explained the organization OF tne
institution, ne proceeded to read the names
of the following graduates, who, having
complied with all of the requirements OF the
college, were entitled to receive dlplomas,
signed By the faculty and sealed with the
seal of the institution: James Il. McCaW, y.
w. Bryant. Jr., j. Michaux, R. G. Crouch,
G. Rswls, f. c. Wynne, w. A. Newman,
II, M. Taylor, E. P. James, A. Spiers
George, +. n. Booker, Fl. Il. Cowan, W. H..
Edmondson, j. W. Ford, Philip S. Jeter,
and George 2. Lumsden.
The pewly.made doctors formed them
selves in line upon the front OF the stage,
asd we're greeted with the most enthusiastic
anplsuse and rewarded with scores Of bou-
onets. which were piled upon the tables
ready for them before the entertainment
commenced.
One of the young NJ. DPS was presented,
in addition to the bouquets. With-Wel, we
believe it was cabbage-much TO Inc
amusement of his many friends; but ne mia
il away so deYterously and with so much
grace that it soon ceased to be joke.
The next feature in the programme was
the presentation Of the certificates to the pro-
ficients in pharmacy by DR.. j. 5. Wexford.
He delivered Il brief and striking address,,
and then conferred the diplomas upon
Messrs. w. S. Nelson and Richard Styll.
During the evening "Old Billy" the col.
lece janitor, who may be said to be part OF
the institution, came upon the stage with q
pitcher of water and tumbler. AS he made
his appearance number Of the students in
the audience greeted him with clap
ping of hands and stamping of feet.
Billy turned to 60 behind the scenes
again, and as he did 80 he could not re-
frain from recognizing the unexpected
compliment paid him by slight nod, and
before be could get out Of sight the audi
ence was in a roar Of laughter, and ap-
plauded him not little.
DR.. K. T. Coleman next delivered the
prize for the best original article, written
by one Of the students, upon some subject
selected by the faculty. This award is made
BY a committee of gentlemen chosen at large
from the medical profession. The contest
ants are required to assume nom dc
pll,ne, and the real name OF the author
is not known until the sealed envelope
which contains it is opened IN the pres
ence of the audience on commencement
night. During the session just ended there
were ten applicants for this prize, and the
committee was composed of Drs. Thomas
| and Newman. DR.. Coleman read the report
| Of the committee, which conferred the prize
| for the article written by "Old Soldier upon
The Application Of Electricity to Cure
Disease" The sealed envelope containing
| Old Sodier's' real name was then opened,
| and the name of DR.. A. SP1ERs GEORGE. of
Richmond, read out. This announcement
| was received with burst of applause, and
DR.. Coleman, in his happest style, pro-
ceeded, after giving nr. George some whole
some advice, TO bestoW the prize.
At the conclusion of these exercises, DR..
McCaw introduced Rev. Moses D. Hoge, D.
D.. who had been chosen orator for the occa.
sion. DR.. Hoge delivered one of bis best
and most interesting efforts upon "Some OF
the Elements of Professional Success and
The eyenisg was really enjoyed by all pre-.
sent, and much of its success was due to the
reception committee, composed Of Messrs. D.
J. A. Moncure, W. w. Maslin, j. K. Morris
james V. Ramos, W. o. Baskerville, Thomas
II. Peasants, II. L. Cowan, and John X
Wheat, who had very important duties To
perform in order to please everybody ano
find seats for so many people.
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