The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1879-06-20
neutrality-suspicious. somInencement.
Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.

The weather was cold. and the rain set
in about 10 O'Clock tins morning; yet an
hour later the open gymnasium building
was crowded. The ladies make large prepa-
rations for these annual college events, and
something more than q cold snap and a
moderate shower are required to keep them
indoors when the students are reaping The
rewards OF the years laborS.
At The appointed hour the orator OF the
day and the Faculty took SEATS upon TIE
eytefnporzed platform, the members OF the
two literary societies fling to the right and
lett OF the rostrum. Many OF tho students,
however, found convenient places in other
parts Of the pavilion.
Rev. w. P. Harrison, D. D, was intro
duced by DR.. Bennett. and delivered the
annual address before the literary soce-
ties DR.. Harrison iswcll known through
out the country as the chaplain Of the House
OF Representatives, and his reputation rs an
eloquent speaker had drawn 10 this place an
1 unusually large number Of visitors. Despite
the unfavorable weather, the concourse was
large; and whilst all Speakers at Randolph
Mlcon seem to have the respectful attention
OF their audiences, it was peculiarly true on
| this occasion, as it was last night when
Captain Wise spoke. DIR. Harrison deliv-
cred brilliant address on the "Attempt to
Revive Pagabism by Modern Art and Sci
ence.' The speech was scholarly in mat
ter, and was delivered with grace Of action
and In voice OF rare sweetness.
| Certificates for proficiency and diplomas
for graduation in specific schools were then
delivered by the President OF the College.
mention here only the names OF those who
received the highest honors, emitting the
long list OF names OF those who had distin.
guished themselves in the lower classes.
Professor Blackwell presented in a briei
and felicitous address the "Pace: Medal y
founded by james b. Pace, Esq. in 1881
for the Best English Essay" to Clarence
Edwards, OF Virginia. The announcement
OF this award was received by the audience,
and especially by the students, with great
applause. .... .
The s Sntherlin Medal" for oratory was
delivered by Dr.. Harrison to G. ". Tillett,
OF North Carolina. A few years ago bro
Their OF the successful orator won the prize,
after an interesting contest.
! For "EXcellence in Mathematlcs" L case
OF mathematical instruments was presented
| toJ. 3. Crenshaw, OF Ashland, by Professor
Smilhey.
The literary degrees were conferred as
| follows
Bachelor Of Arts: W. II. Edwards, Of
Virginia.
Master Of Arts: Clarence Edwards. Vir'
ginia; w. J. SebrelI, Virginia; and I. b.
Crcnsbaw, Virginia. 30.
DR.. Bennett delivered the diplomas. The
other members OF the Faculty and the
Board of Trustees were standing while
these higher degrees were bestowed.
The Presidents Baccalaureate address,
though brief, was impressive. With his ad
dress ended the duties OF the Faculty FOL
the session.
The final celebration OF the Franklin
Literary Society at s. O'Clock P. NJ. was moi
less brilliant and successful than that OK the
Washington Society last night. 1t is very
evident that these societies are sustained
with much enthusiasm. There have beer
given unmi.takaHle indications OF improve
ment in the character Of the literary eXer
cises OF the students. The celebrations o.
the societies always call forth the young
ladies' IN large numbers, and the prone
nades in the halls after the literary exercise;
! conclude do not form the least interesting
features OF these occasions. ..
| The address OF Rev. j. &. Armstrong, o.
| the Monumental church, added 10 his repu
tarion as Il scholar and orator. and Won iol
him many friends in this, to HIM, compare
lively new held.
! The Society was represented by FnnS
Thomson, OF North Carolina, VINO IN
wcll-iimed address discussed the question,
Us Man the Architect OF his Fortune! -
and by J. W. Morris, Of Virginia, who took
for his theme, The Southerners Coce o.
HONOR and delivered awell-conceived ano
excellent address.
The trustees have decided to make an &C,
tive canvass OF the churches 10 Virginia ano
Maryland to secure funds to remove al
debts of the College. Il.