The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1882-06-28
CORRESPONDEN NOE.
Hampden sidnev COLLEGE.

Hampden S1dney ColleSe.
Long may she live and brighter may
her prospects grow as the years go by
So may the writer of this article be per-
mitted to exclaim, although not gradu-
ate of this time-honored, excellent, and
useful institution I feel, Messrs. Edi-
tors, deep interest in this venerable
college, and although claiming another,
larger, and very distinguished institution
as my Alma Mater, it has been my priv
ilege as it was always my intention to
have my own son educated within the
walls of Hampden Sidney. Her scholar
ly and efficient faculty-her thorough
training-her close proximity to another
institution of renown-her social sur
roundings-and the sound, moral tone Of
college and community-make it the
most unexceptionably desirable place for
parent or guardian to place son or ward
for the purpose of strictly college edu-
cation. These thoughts and this COM
munication are suggested by the fact that
the writer has just had the privilege Of
being locker on and hearer during
the late Commencement exercises.
Would that could provoke all her pio-
fessors, directors, graduatee, and friends
to good works, in the way of advertis-
ing, and keeping before the public her
inestimable merits and advantages And
would too with all my heart that I could
stir up her many distinguished graduates
and all her friends to that kind of ses-
thetics that would lead them to open
their hearts and their purses and pour
out Of their treasures, great or small, to
fix up and adorn her walks and grounds.
Beautiful for situation she might be
made Joy and pleasure to all her resi-
dents and friends and visitors Where
material is so accessible and labor so
cheap her students, instead of wading
through mud as is often the case in win
ter, might walk on nicely graded and
gravelled pathways. And with an en-
gineer so skilful as her Professor of Math-
ematics, her grounds and immediate sur
roundings might be developed into a
beautiful and attractive park And why
should not such place be made attrac-
tive and pleasant in appearance to the
home-sick youth as he comes in sight of
that which he feels must be his home, :"
at least for several years. Every impulse
within me cries out for Improvement IN
her outa0ard appearance. Say what we
may, the eye affects the heart, and be-
lieve often the decisions of men. If the
College, and Union Seminary, and College
church would combine their forces, and
lay off, improve, and adorn in every DOS
slble way their surroundings and their
professors residences: then, wonderful as
are her social and moral ADVANTAGES. the
improved appearance would add greatly
to her present charms. The writer has
reason to believe from what he has seen
and heard, that some have been deferred
from coming simply by appearances. Then
let them not be ignored. The writer is
OF the settled opinion that some thousands
spent In this way would be a poal2a0 I'M
Ve9tment Let her friends rally on this
point and bring her up abreast of other
institutions in this material aspect-os
she Is fully in all other respects. Per-
haps some Of her graduates might saw it
does not become a non-graduate to ex-
press such an opinion so publicly. Well
my answer is, it is not done in presump-
ton, but III love- and if can provoke
you to the good works suggested I shall
be willing to bear berating about it.
open your hearts then, friends and alum
NJ and pour out the contents of your
purses for this good work-if you want to
ald the good old mother But did not
mean mean to say all this when I started,
lave llJ q been o betrayed into it by the princi-
Pc Out Of the abundance Of the heart
the mouth speaketh" !" '''-
Inc commencement exercises were con
Gluued Thursday morning, June 18th.
everything seemed to tend to the 10y and
happiness of the occasion. Fine weather
oy iayoring Providence, eloquent speak
ing, l abundant hospitality, pleasant guests,
Oeauty-resident and visiting, and happy