The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1877-06-30

hnal overthrow of sll forms of opposition
TO our highest instrument of popular
culture. Everywhere in the Kanawhs
valley, in the eastern pan handle, or in
your own pepulous section, the President,
on the ground of his own merited repu-
tstion, and rs the representative OF q
great school, met the hearty and
universal applause and cooperation of an
enthused people. 1t does not require the
eye OF the prophet to previse the COM
plete and eternal instsllment of the West
Virginia University in the public con-
fdence and esteem.
The commencement exercises began
on Friday evening, June 22d, by the
Regents prize contest. Fully TOO people
were present. Ten contestants appeared
on the platform. 1t will be impossible
to record ninutiD The speeches all bore
marks Of ability and culture, alike credit
able to the performers and honorable to
the institution. The best select Grafton
was delivered by q. T. Butcher, of Jet.
ferson county. The prize was unequslly
divided between this gentleman and
Alonzo Woodtord, of Harrison county,
the former receiving ten dollars and the
latter five Mr.. Butcher is q worthy
man, and his success in such q contest is
q matter of no little congratulstlon to
his friends. Let Jefferson county send
on her boys. The Judges were Hon. j.
j. Brown, Regent, l.. s. Hough and Rev.
s. Steele, during whose retirement to
make up q verdict, Mr.. K. j. Marsh read
the prize essay, q well prepared paper,
on the question: "Whst should be the
relations between the public schools, the
Normal schools and the University in a
we'll balanced system of State education 2"
On Sunday at three o'clock, in the
Chapel, tho Bsccaisnreste sermon WAS
preached by j. w. Scott, ID. d. LII. D.,
retiring Vice President OF the University.
The sermon was directed more specially
to the graduating class, but was sppre-
ciated by the whole audience as master
ly, elegant and practical discourse. His
text was from Dsvid's dying charge to
Solomon, "Sbow thyself man." 1t Is
seldom that we hear from the pulpit a
lecture aboundIng in SO many elements
OF deep learning, acute wit and sensible
advice, as the effort of Dr. Scott on this
occasion.
On Monday evening the Columbian
Literary Society, presided over by VIM.
q. Brown, son of Hon. VIM, e. Brown,
OF Preston county, gave its anniversary
entertainment. The programme was
well conceived and admirably executed
Mr.. Ii. j. Snivelv made an excellent vale
dictory address on behalf OF the Senior
Columbians and Hon. q. NJ. Babb, OF
Grant county, member OF the House
of Delegates, delivered fine lecture on
behalf OF those alumni who were of the
Columbian fold.
On the following night the Psrtbenon
Literary Society gave similar enter
tsinment Great interest was manifested
in the alumnse address of Mr.. j. L.
Harris, OF Richie county. 1t was e
unique production, graceful, humorous,
satiric, beautiful at times, and instructive
throughout.
On Wednesday morning at 10 o'clock
the slumnates of the University,
TO the number Of about thirty,
met in the chapel for the trans
action of business properly coming before
them. At o'clock the same day the
West Virginia Historical Society held its
annual meeting. Hon. q. j. Faulkner
presided, and Hon. j. }. Brown acted as
Secretary. A historical paper of inter-
est on the prehistoric American races
was read by Geo. w. Atkinson, Esq, Of
Charleston. 1t was closely listened to,
aud ordered to be recorded among the
archieves OF the society. At 3 o'clock
the Glass day performance took place
in the new hall. This WAS novel fea-
ture. We subjoin the order of exercises.
Mr.. g. B. Ollie acted as President. Mr..
ID. j. Snively, historian, gave the past,
and Mr. T. Nj. Hood, prophet, revealed
the future OF each member of the class.
Mr.. James H. Hawthorne read poem,
ard Mr.. John L. Steele delivered the
Ivy Grafton. After one Whit apiece at
n pipe OF tobacco the ceremonies OF the
University's first class day ended.
The interest OF this very interesting
day eliminated in the address OF Hon.
| Daniel b. Lucas, of Chsrlestown, before
the literary societies. Mr.. Lucas needs
no introduction to the people of the State,
to which he has sustained prominent
relation for SO many gears. de is grea.
in original genius, and in mental culture.
In our age the mind is the man. His
subject: Necessity for the establish
ment of special schools Of Journalism
and the Fine Arts, including Oratory,"
was handled with An ability which deep
ly impressed the man and the subject
upon the community.
lou will pardon US, if we take mo.
ment a. this point 70 review the person
oLin of the town. The Governor of the
State arrived at noon on Wednesday,
and was most heartily welcomed. In this
era of good fellowship, aud in relation to
this non partisan and omni sectional In
terest, It was right and appropriate that
cheers and banners and music, should
herald the arrival OF the Commonwealth
executive. The entire regency is here.
Msny distinguished citizens OF the State,
including Gen. n. Gof, j.; Judge j. d
Brown, of Ksnswhs; Hon. james Z.
McGrew, OF Preston, besides representa-
lives of the press from every part OF the
State, are present. .
The commencement proper was insu.
gurated ut nine O'Clock on lnurshay, in
the presence OF more than thousand
people assembled in the spacious Univer-
slty chapel The outgoing senior CLASS
will not address such another audience
till till they he get to Cosgress. Everybody
seemes instinctively 10 realize that
this was the moment OF triumph for the
cause of higher education IN West
Virginia.
President J. r. Thompson occupied
the central place on the rostrum and on
his left sat the Governor, the Board OF
Regents, and representatives, of the
learned professions, while on the righs
were seated the Faculty ofihe University,
the alumni and members of the press.
Music was furnished by uniformed and
artistic band, led by that pa'riafenai
minstrel, Captain Stoy.
The salutstory Grafton Was delivered IN
the Latin tongue by I. N. Hood, OF Mon
1t. E1r r.asons best known 70 your