The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1877-07-07
OAKLAND, Md, July 3rd 1877

MIN EDITOR Ill drleUy Is UIle
spice of life," a short narrative of a
personal tour to the north east corner
of the new and rising State of West
Va, will not be uninteresting, per-
hapS, to some of your many readers.
1t being my duty to attend the
District Conference of the Morgan
town District, M. E. Church, | made
my arrangements to be present also
at the West Va, University during
Commencement week, and thus, to
use a common phrase, "kill two
birds with one stone"
In addition to the regular disciple
nary business of the Conference, SER
mons were preached, essays read,
and speeches were made and all were
good, and some were excellent. AS
it was the last District Conference
which the present presiding elder
would attend, on this District, in
his official capacity, complimentary
resolutions were passed in regard to
his character and services.
The Conference was very hospit-
ably entertained by the people in
the vicinity of the Pierpoint church,
Morgantown circuit, where the Con-
ference was held, and the preachers
will be very willing to go there again.
After Conference was over | made
my way to the University, where on
Friday night, June the 22nd, list
ened to the contest for the Regents
defamation prize. Ten young gen.
tlemen contended earnestly for the
prize, which was divided between c.
T. Butcher, and Alonzo Woodford,
the former receiving ten, and the lat
ter five dollars. their performances
being considered Of nearly equal
merit.
On Sunday afternoon the venerable
DR.. j. w. Scott, the Vice President
of the University, delivered the Bac-
calaureate sermon to the graduating
class, from the text, "Shew thyself
a man." The subject was appropri-
ate, and was handled in mastery
manner.
On Monday night the Columbian
Literary Society held their Ami
versary celebration. The perform
ances consisted of essays, orations, &c,
and were generally creditable.
The Alumnal address was delivered
by Hon. G. N. Babb, a former men,
Der of the Society, and was a very
sensible performance.
On Tuesday night the Anniversary
of the Parthenon Literary Society
was held. The exercises were SINH
lar to those ofthe preceding evening,
but on the whole, were a little in
advance in point of merit. The
Alumnal address on this occasion
was delivered by Mr.. John T. Harris,
a Parthenon of the class of 1873. This
was decidedly the best performance
of the kind that it has ever been my
privilege to listen to. 1t sparkled
with wit and eloquence, and delight
ed the large and intelligent audience.
On Wednesday afternoon a meet
ing of the West Va. Historical Soci-
ETY. was held, and the Annual address
delivered by G. w. Atkinson Esq,
of Charleston, West Va. On the
evening of the day, d. B. Lucas, Esq.
of Martinsburg w. Va, delivered
the address before the Literary Soci.
cites.
Mr.. Lucas is evidently man of
fine literary culture, and is very
forcible speaker. He advocated the
establishment of Schools of Journal
ism, Oratory and the Fine Arts.
At 9 A. NJ. ON Thursday, the Com
mencement exercises proper began.
Nine young men delivered their
graduating addresses, and received
their diplomas.
In the afternoon, speeches were
delivered by the Governor of the
State and other prominent citizens.
The new and popular President,
j. r. Thompson, held the usual re-
ception, at which large and brilli-
ant company were assembled, land
all went merry as marriage bell"
The exercises of Commencement
week were largely attended, and
more than usual interest was mani
ferted. President Thompson is eX-
citing a general interest in behalf of
the University, and its future never
looked more hopeful.
The people of Morgantown already
noted for their hospitality, excelled
themselves on this occasion. The
writer met with many old friends
who welcomed him to their hospit-
able homes, and placed him under
increased obligations for their sincere
and ardent friendship, and Christian
kindness.
Long live the University and the