Louisiana capitolian., 1880-07-17

~
Room, Cabinet Room, separate rooms
for Chemical and Philosophical Appa-
ratus, an Office, and others for other pur.
poses. In magnitude aud architectural
beauty it is monument to Southern lib
erality and Southern taste. The build
ings were all very much dilapidated dur
ing the war, but the work Of repairs has
progressed as rapidly as could have rea.
sonably been expected. Though much
remains to DO done, yet the prospects
are Frightening for their thorough COM
pletion at no distant day.
Previous to tho war, as many as three
hundred students have been known to
attend its sessions. This last year, 80
were in attendance, marked increase
over those following the war, sure
indication Of the rapidly returning
prosperity Of this excellent institution
Of learning.
In turn, We joined tho assemblage
congregated in the spacious Exhibition
hall, which is disposed in
AMrHITHEATRE STYLE.
A large number of refined and intel
ligent looking ladies aud gentlemen
filled the seats. After the Clinton band
had discoursed several morceaux and
the opening exercises had taken place,
the contest for the
T. sAMBOLA JONES GOLD MEDAL,
the prize for composition and oratory,
was announced. Tho contestants were
Messrs. J. Perry Porter of Natchitoches !;
Chas. c. Miller, of East Feliciana; Alex.
f. Watkins, Of Jackson, Miss, aud
Chas. Spencer Duke, of Harrisonburg,
La. Mr.. Porter delivered poem AZ his
composition, which was pronounced by
all q remarkable production; the other
three young gentlemen delivered theirs
in prose. 1t was difficult task, indeed,
for the judges, Drs. Keener, McGehee,
Dawes and Messrs. Goodale and Jas
tremski, to decide as to the victor; so
creditably to themselves and the col
lege had the contestants exhibited un-
usual talent.
MIR. WATKINS, OF JACKSON, MISS,
was, however, declared to have sur
passed his competitors. Mr.. Goodale,
having been selected as spokesman,
delivered the trophy in behalf of the
Judges. 1t was then announced that
the generous donor of the medal, an
Alumni of the college, Mr.. Jones, would
again offer similar prize next year.
In the evening, in company with a
delegation of Baton Rougeans, we par
took of bounteous dinner at the hos
pitable mansion Of Prot. G.. II. Wiley,
one Of the talented members of the
faculty, who, seconded by his accom-
plished lady, did the hon0rs in royal
style.
At night, addresses were delivered by
students Chas. +. Smith, Of Kinds: NJ.
Anding Bell, of Yazoo; j. Herbert
Woodward, of Natchez; VIM. A. Dick
son, of Wilkinson, and B. Frank Jones,
of Jefferson, Miss, all of which were
rendered in splendid style. Owing to
the inability of
GEN. II. l.. GIBSON
to be present. the closing. address was
delivered by Mr.. Dawes, DID,, of Shreve.
port, who held his audience to his elo-
quent and fcrcible discourse in degree
of attention evidencing that his able
effort was highly appreciated.
ON WEDNESDAY,,
the final exercises were had, consisting
in addresses by students Cha rles Spen.
cor Duke, of Harrisonburg; Louis Levy,
of Jackson, and John Walter Lipscomb,
of East Baton Rouge, all three of whom
won the repeated plaudits Of the au-
dience. In this connection, we would
like to pay individual compliments to
these bright scholars; but feeling
that we would have to speak the same
words Of praise to each one, we will
only say to them that they have good
reason to be proud of the success they
achieved. The feature Of the evening
was the classic ana grand discourse
delivered by
DR.. Il. NJ. PALMER,
who more than sustained his brilliant
reputation as forcible and eloquent
orator. The address was pronounced by
all 1masterpiece.
THE OLD CENTENARY,
under the able Presidency of DR.. C. G.
Andrews, has at one stroke, this year, re-
gained its old prestige and standing. 1t
will again resume it's place among the