The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1882-06-21
Hampden Sidney Commence
mont


Messrs. Edltors,-This has been br ght year
for the venerable College in Prince Edward.
True, the Presidents health is not fully restored
but it is greatly improved True, the number
of students has formerly been larger, but it is
increasing. In every other respect the entire
twelve months (and particularly the last week of
the SESSION. deserves to be marked creta alba.
The Commencement has been an eminently
brilliant and enjoyable one The attendance of
outsiders was in excess of any recent years, the
performance of the young men was highly cred
table, and the oratory of the gentlemen who
had consented to address the Alumni the So.
cieties and the Graduating Glass, was such as to
win general appreciation and to arouse the live
liest enthusiasm.
The Baccalaureate sermon was preached on
Sunday, June llth. at II A NJ, in the College
church. by the Rev. E. H. Barnett, of Abing-
don, Va. His text was Rom 10; and the
universal voice Is that the discourse was one of
the finest that has been heard on Baccalaureate
occasions. The weight and richness of the mat
ter were enhanced by chaste and forceful rhe-
thoric, and set off and carried home by warm
and energetic, as we'll as appropriate and engag-
ing delivery.
Tuesday night was reserved for the annual
celebration of the Union Society, and Wednes-
day night was similarly devoted to the exercises
of the Philanthropic Society. All the speeches
were respectable in merit and some were of
high order of excellence.
The address before the Alumni was pro-
nounced Wednesday morning by Judge William
M. Tredway, of Pittsylvania. The Judges
theme was The Old Times of the College," and
was full of hard, common sense, and solid old
fashioned wisdom, and abounded in graphic re-
miniscences, pithy apothogms, lively sallies of
wit and caustic irony resolute positions, manly,
down right arguments, and earnest appeals and
expostulatiOns. The speaker is emphatically
laudator temporis Geti.
The orator appointed to address the societies
had felt constrained to decline their invitation,
and the newspapers contained no announcement
of substitute. 1t was therefore gratifying
surprise to many when it was mentioned that
the Rev R. l.. Dabney, D. D., had come to the
rescue at the last moment and would kindly
perform that duty. 1t is conceded that the
Doctor on this occasion not only did exploits"
(ceJa ia sans dire, but that he far transcended
any expectations founded on the memory or
tradition of his previous efforts in this line. His
subject was a fortunate one most felicitouslv
handled, The New South" The speaker stated
and triumphantly refuted the theory that the
hope of the New South is in mere mechanical
industry, but admitted the imperative need Of
material improvement, and argued cogently to
show that the complex society, with its multi
form gradations and its all potent money kings.
Of 1882 had outgrown the constitutional swad
ding bands so we'll suited to 1776. He also
contended that the conquered soldiers of the
civil war might consistently strike hands with
the lusty youth who are to create the Souths
future, and. encourage them to enter upon new
combinations. Constitutions might change
policies might change but God, and principle,
and right were eternal The effect of this
speech can never be forgotten. Every one was
moved and old men sobbed
l ought to add that he solemnly charged the
young men, at the same time, that, while put
ting aside all bitterness and sentiments of ven.
geance, they should never forget-much less
traduce-the Confederate cause
DR.. Hoge, in the necessary absence of the
President, awarded the diplomas to the gradu-
ating class Thursday morning, the final day,
and made an address which is on every side
pronounced one Of the most fascinating and elo-
quent of his life. 1t was on the current theme
Is Life Worth Living?" The answer was it
is; and that this is a good time in which to live
it. Count all the joys, count all the tears"
strike balance, and it is better to have lived.
The world with Christianity to leaven iD is
growing better. The exploits of brain and mus
Gle, the discoveries Of science, the deeds by dar
ing and magnanimity the achievements Of for
oign missions, were all most eloquently referred
to.
The impression made by this superb address
was electric and will be memorable.
Prof. l.. L. Holiday presided and introduced
the speakers in his own agreeable way.
The Board Of Trustees had number Of pro
tracted but harmonious sessions. The results Of
their deliberations were announced by DR.. Hoge
and Professor Holiday.
The curriculum has been modified in adapta