The comet. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1877-1882, 1881-07-09
commencement Exercises nj Oxford,
Mississippi.


To the Editor Of the Comet;
The approaching annual exercise
of the University Of Mississippi, q
Oxford, brought the usual accession {
visitors to participate In the festivitie
of that occasion. Grave Judges fron
the Supreme Bench, high official
from the Executive department
Alumni from all parts Of the South
and gay, pleasure-lov:ng young pee
pie assembled together to grace the oe
casion with their presence.
The chapel in which the exercise
were held was tasteful y decorated b.
fair hanst-, mreaths Of cedar festoone,
the rostrum, while around the columns
were entwined rich gar ands ofivy, tn
appropriate motto "Cdrpe diem" re
minded us to improve the passing OPP
por.unity.
On Friday night, the oath, the Her
mean Freshmen acclaimed for medals
the successful competitors being Mr.
Lewis Southworth, of Walden, frs
medal, and Mr.. Crawford Jackson, o.
fernando, second.
The succeeding evening was devot
ed to the Phi Sigma Freshman decla-
nation, having fourteen aspifants fol
honOrs. 1t were invidous to make
distinction where all acquitted them.
selves well. Mr.. w. f. Watkins, OF
Cato, however, was awarded the first
medal, Mr.. Spencer Hudson, of Yazoo
city receiving the second.
Sunday morning we were delight
fully entertained by sermon from
Bishop + lot, of Texas. His theme
being the analogy of Types as Illus
trated in Geology and Theology" and
was handled in a most mastery man
ner.
On Monday morning the Soph-
mores also detained, Mr.. G. N. Rig
gan, Of Arkansas, and Mr.. S. II.
Rucks, of Greenyille, bearing Off the
medals which were most gracefully
and amusingjy delivered by Bishop
Elliot. Being Texan, he could not
refrain from Introducing an allusion
to the vast plains of the empire State,
and advising "Go West, young man,
go West" promising them as an in
ducement any such small thing as "a
herd of mustangs, thousand acres,
or narrow gauge railway"
The Phi Sigma annual meeting was
held Monday night. The salutatorian
VIM. ii. Clark, of Brandon, Miss,
junior responsor w. G.. Sears, of the
University, and valedictorian B. A.
of West Point, all acquitted
themselves creditably.
The Phi Delta Theta fraternity gave
n pleasant reunion the sa me evening,
which was enjoyed by many-dancing,
and toasting were the order Of
the evening.
We were edited by much sage coun-
sci from the junior orators on Tuesday.
and felt there was but little left for
the seniors TO say. Mr.. Dabney Mar
shall, Of Vicksburg, we think worthy
Of special mention. His theme was
u The Triumphs of Eloquence," and
bis speech abounded in beautiful and
poetic thoughts and illusions.
The Alumni meeting was held Tues
lay night. The address was deliver
ID by Judge Arnold, a graduate Of So.
A Scholarly essay on "Carlisle's Life
md Labors," by Professor Mayes, an
entertaining original poem by Mr.. f.
Dial and other exercises occupied the
'vening.
The address before the literary So
,ieties on Wednesday by Hon. Chas.
Mitchell, of Pon:otoc, was most APP
'ropriate and gave entire satisfaction.
The Hermean's annual meeting was
leld at night for short while, after
which General and Mrs. Stewart re-
eived with their usual grace and ele-
ance. This levee is considered one
( the most enjoyable features of the |
us II furnishes occa-
ion for those long, delightful prom
nades In which are whispered the
Oft adieus Of departing Freshmen and
ushing eloquence of smitten Soph-
1ores, to say nothing of the matured
eviction Of Juniors and eliminating
ointment Of dignified Seniors. The
wv students are little shy, feeling
hat they are almost old enough to
ak sentiment in earnest, and fear
~ the havoc Of blighted affections
hey would create. N ei
Commencement day dawned upon
5 In brilliancy, aud soon the contin-
Gus roll Of carriages and other We
icles attested the eager expectation
many to witness the grand finale.
here were six speakers, and diplomas
ere awarded toquite large number,
ON both the law and literary DEPART
tents. Mr.. p. X. Ewing, of La, rep
scented the law class and ably sus-
lined the reputation already earned
7 ability and eloquence.
Last came the bal complimentary
the graduates, which was held in
'e Stewards Hall, but 1t would re-
lire a pencil Of rainbow hues to de-
ribe the flashing eyes, symmetrical
rms aud lovey toilets that lent |,
ace to the occasion. There were
'nd-painting and embroidery, shiny
tin and rich lace 10 add attractions
bcauty's fair daughters. Many a /,
'or fellow succumbed to Cupid's ar
VS. land many bellies are busy this ,
orning summing up the list Of kill /
, wounded and missing of last I
gifts engagement. "EoLUs."