The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1876-03-02
reported for the VALLEY VIRG1NIAN.]
Seventh Anniversary Celebration Of the Cl-
cercnian Society of Roanoke College.
ROANOKE COLLEGE, SALEM, VA,


February ED, 1875.
The arose its twcnty-second time in February
to look down upon and light up anniversary noted
among all true Americans, and as an anniversary
second to only one of all those colnmemorated by
American patriots. 1t hardly need be said that the
formeris the birthday OF the 'Father of his Coun-
try, and that OF which + speak, the Fourth OF
July. The former is the one which is elected by the
Cireronan Society for it's anniversary celebration,
and it is but doing justice to them to say that they,
by their eloquence annually do justice TO the day.
The particular OCCASION however, OF which We
have the pleasure Of giving an account, was their
last celebration, which, of course, took place on
Tuesday evening.
The pattering OF the rain at the time of retiring
on the previous night, calculated to mould the
sleep OF those interested into prophetic dreams con-
corning the weather the night of the 22d But in
the morning the sun and dissipated the pro-
phetie element of these dreams well as the gloomy
ami hitherto ominous clouds which had threatened
to mar the anticipated pleasure OF the occasion.
The day was one OF Februarys best the evening
was lovely. The hour of seven found the Town Hall
well filed with cheerful and appreciative, though
impatient audience, whose Impotence, however, was
soon dispelled by the in-march of the members and
representatives of the Society. The advent of the
performers was hailed by enlivening music from the
Salem Silver Cornet Band.
The exercises were opened with an appropriate
and earnest prayer by Rev. Prof. S. A. Repass The
President, Mr. G. S. Lightner, of Augusta county,
then came forth and delivered splendid and enter
tanning address olasjhe subject of American Pol
ity.'
After al appropriate exordium. consisting Of q
review of the despotisn of past present Europe
and few observations on the natural disposition
OF man to organize and uphold government and
control for his liberties, ETC., this truly promising
young delivered the main body and peroraticn
Of his address in energetic. folcibIe and manly
style. He pointed out the American Government as
free from despotism and tyranny, and as the great
shelter for the oppressed of foreign lands individual
manhood being the source of national greatness.
Among the floral tributes offered Immediately upon
his conclusion, found elegant boquet present
ed by lady of the audience, for which thanks were
returned by the President.
The orator of the evening, Fir. C, V. Cayitt CT
Bryant City, Texas, was then introduced.
He had chosen a subject fully in keeping with his
known and true Christian character Religion Of the
the Seasons, and he treated it in style strict
cordance with his known abilities as an orator. While
his Grafton of great practical importance it was
strewn with novel analogies and beautiful SMILES
between the seasons and the periods of human life.
His effort instructive, entertaining and
fui.
Next in order came the debate. Question-"Whch
Yields the greatest influence, the Press or Reli-
gion?' The advocate of the affirmative, Mr.. J. w.
Ownby, OF Paris, Texas, first touched upon the his
tory of the press then set forth in highly eloquent
language its influence on the social world, on igno-
rance and superstition; held up the press as the
great enemy to political tyranny, and the friend to
freedom. the vehicle OF thought" and the
guiding spirit of civilization" His very able de-
tense Of the weaker side of badly balanced ques-
ton was one of which the lone Star State" may
we'll be proud.
The negative e1oqGently defended by Mr. L.
F. Smith, OF Tennessee, who showed the grea score
OF the question: in that it not limited to Chris
tianity, but embraces every form of heathensn, ar
cues that religion is universal while the press is
not points to its supernatural origin tells what
would be the probable condition If the world with
out religion. He then summed up his arguments
ana brought them to bear with all their concentra-
ted power upon the negative OF the question. MI
Smith has the Characteristic of a true orator
May his destiny be grand as his career is p,ons-
ing.
The next and last performer Of which we are to
speak was the anniversaran, Mr., Floyd jarrett, of
Greenbrer county, West Va.
HIS discourse upon Truth in connection Wit,
the character OF GeoG3 Washington, was Of excel
lent composition and was splanduly delivered His
Sablect, rs well as Ills speech, suited to the &C.
cason, and for beautifully founded sentences, an
easy fow, and happy paeuarity Of style, he sell
dom finds q superior.
The ushers. Ii sasrs Miller Graicaen. Reniclz and
Delaplane, performed their duty well and graceful
ly-thanks to them for comfortable seat
So ended the celebration, which most emil hat
icaliy good.
The performances reflected credit upon the secies
dia honor to the College Of which tEcy were s.u-
dents.