The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1885-07-08
For THE CLARION.
Co-Edueation at the University
Commencement Notes.

That great occasion, to many of us who
are in favor Of Co-Education and who
were so anxious to see the result of the
first Co-Education graduating class, has
passed, and we are proud of it.
As to the general standing OF the girls,
none outside of the class and the Professors
can know, unless communicated by either
OF these parties, yet an outside observer
can surmise, who heard the daily talk of
the boys, when taking their meals and |
hesitate not to say the average marks
were, to say the least, equally as high for
why would even an ungallant young gen.
tlemaa say, "there was partiality," "all
fixed up" il the young ladies had received
low markings. So far as the public ex-
hibit is to be considered, the quiet, lady
like demeanor, gentle, modest, unobtrusive
department of the two young ladies on the
rostrum, was all a father, a mother could
desire, and | am sure such aged gentlemen
as Judge A. M. Clayton, Judge I'll. f. SIM
rail-, Judge r. A. Hill, with Gov Robert
Lowry, Col. I. w. White, Judge J. A. Orr,
Gen. w. t. Martin, will all agree with
me. l frankly admit being a true son OF
"the chivalry," South Carolina, am happy
to say. The exhibit exceeded my most
sanguine expectations and / fear to allow
my pen to have free scope to give my
impressions, lest my readers would think
81 were boy again. The Chancellor
Gen'l A. p Stewart, gave the highest enco-
mum ever paid frst-honor graduate
when he said on the rostrum, no young
man should be ashamed to be second to
Miss Sallie Wick Hill, believing she could
take, and deserve to take, the first honor In
any class he had seen graduate Or as q
true soon of the South said, her address
and der valedictory had all that could be
said and not word less. Why not admit
it? Did orr Creator give all excellence OF
body and mind to man? Shall we with
hold, at this age of the world, a mere
equality of opportunity, or do we fear &c
give woman an opportunity to develop?
have heard it said co-education in the
University will mar the prospects of the
Woman's Industrial College, so literally
provided for by the State. So argued j
gentleman of position. Why not the friend,
of co-edLcation make the allegation thai
the friends of the Industrial College hac
tried to injure the University, and thai
the A. & NJ. College, was pressed forward
for same purpose? All know, the Univer
sity was endowed by Congress for a semi
nary of learning for the white boys OF Mis-
sissippi also amply aided an Agricultural
and Mechanical College. Neither conflict
differing in the objects sought nor can
literary education and an industrial schoo
clash. There is room for all, and ample
subjects for all to work on. How can the
warmest friend of the Woman's Industrial
College say, 81 can and will give a.
| thorough course as the University !
so propose to cancel the University anC
let us all go East, "the source OF light
and volunteer under Dr. Jones'
| | am as an old citizen of Mississippi, al
| firm 10 my convictions of the obligation
of our State to give TO our girls every op
portuuity to secure an education to NEE
the wants of woman, as is given at A. & M
College to meet the wants Of the Industrial
in males. And l say, give our girls VIII,
desire the largest knowledge in the literar,
| department, the same facility as is given t,
our boys, and my word for tiny lie is no
mine to give-the girls viii equal the boy
in standing in the University classes an,
will stimulate the proper boys to an in
creased exertion. 1t is reported to m
that distinguished preacher, as well a
a teacher, met DR.. Hill, the father of on
Sally Wick, and returned his cordial greet
ings and thanks, that his daughter ha
stimulated his son to make the best year {
his life in close application, so as not TO b
too far behind his illustrious leader. Ma
the co-education act thus in the Uniyersit,
as l know 1t did in the long, long age
when boy cried because he lost his plac
In the class and curly-head took il.
believe il viii IN all cases where there is
mind to work otherwise it may get up
querulous spirit, as is the case with til
student who complains when the Lor
blesses the effort of the earnest. persisten
temperance men, in the battle Of life.
}. The true son of the South will eve
rejoice to see the elevation Of the sex, ths
is to him, mother, sister, daughter, swee
heart. 1t cannot be, that the Trusfes
selected for wisdom, will change until c.
, education has had fair trial.
q There were thirteen male. and four t,
male graduates. The young gentleme
acquitted them selves nobly, being unusua
~ well prepared. Three young ladi,
were assigned positions ON the rostrum-
J Miss Sailie Wick Hill, Miss Fannie Powe
! Hooper and Miss Jamie Thompson; /
some omission, the latter had notice only
i few days, and not time TO prepare. Beside
l the information OF the death of her love
, aunt, Mrs. Grafton, received during ii
, commencement. which gave sad blow
. her aunt, with whom she was boardin
Miss Hooperss brilliant address, aas pr
i nounced by the knowing ones as We
d superior, and the reading was so clear al
distinct that the crowded house evinc,
n their highest approval by utmost silen
and attention. Indeed it was good to
there-
oil / close my remarks, bg saying / ha
: witnessed similar exercises in three Stat.
q North and South, and Tor near d nalf
this century, never one, more safisfacfo,
q and humblv pray this co-education ID
r prove blessing il stimulating botn SCI
i 70 more earnest work than We have %
i or known in our loved State.
H ,. N.