Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-04-14

UNIVERSITY OBSERVATORY.

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Especial telegram 10 the D,spetch.l
CHARLOTTESVILLE, April 18th
inc, 1gurstion exercises Of the Leande
Nee. 'rmick Observatory took place thii
evenin, at the public hall Of the Uni
y.rsity . f Virginia in the presence Of
largo aua Hence. Many distinguished
men were IN the stand, among then
Professor IA aph Hall, Of the United
States Naval Observatory; Professor
Simon NewcomG'. Of Johns-Hopkin'
University and su, oerintendcnt Of the
United States Naval Almanac; PROBES
sor G. W. Hill, of tl,e United States
Naval Almanac; Professor IL. A.
Newton, of Yale College, DIR. Blkin,
of Yale Observatory w. Ro ane Ruiiin'
rector of the University Of yirginlh
Hon. b. johnson Barbour, X, q. IL.
Keane, formerly rector Of the Universe
ty of Virginia; Charles M. Fay, presi-
dent Of the Bank Of New York George
w. Byrd, Of New York. and Charles
NJ. Blackford, president Of the Society
Of Alumni of the University.
Letters were received from Governor
Stevenson, Of Kentucky; Hon. A. Ii.
II. Stuart; Hon. Willis p. Bocock, OF
Alabama; w. ". Corcoran, Of Wash
ington; Professor Young, of Princeton
Observatory Professor Hilyard, OF the
United States Coast Survey Professor
Holden, Of the Wisconsin University
Observatory, and other friends, ex-
pressing their pleasure in the addition
of this noble astronomical foundation to
the University Of Virginia.
Mr.. Mccormick, who had expected to
be present, sent letter regretting that
he could net come, and designating
Colonel Charles s. Yenable to take his
place. Mr.. Mccormick expressed his
Joy at the completion Of the Observatory
and his high hopes Of its success.
Charles NJ. Blackford, Esq, OF
Lynchburg, president of the Society
Of the Alumni, presided and made an
address.
PROFESSOR HALLS ADDRESS.
Professor Assph Hall delivered the
principal address, his subject being
THE instruments and Work Of AS
tronomers." He gave an interesting
history of the gradual perfection of
astronomical instruments and an out
line of the past and present condition
of astronomy, which he described as
the oldest and most advanced Of the
natural sciences. In concluding his ad-
dress Professor Hall said the establish
ment of an astronomical observatory by
the oldest University in our country
is an event worthy Of consideration.
In respect Of the general question OF
education, the founder Of this Univer-
sity was y man who had q better I'M
Outstanding Of the tendencies Of his
time than any other man on this CONT
nent. He knew better than any enc
else the meaning Of our Revolutionary
war and of the French Revolution. He
saw that no matter how the tide Of affairs
might ebb and flow from year to year
the great current Of events tended al
WAYS toward one end, and that was the
abolition of class privileges and a
broadening of the rights Of man. lie
had, moreover, the courage Of his con-
,ictions, and spoke what he thought.
That such man should stir up bitter
opposition was unavoidable. One
needs but to turn back the pages
Of our history to the beginning
of this century TO find him the
object of the fiercest denuneiation. In
fact, those OF us whose memories 60
back fifty years may have personal
recollection Of such denunciations from
some of the pulpits of our land. Hap
pilv, such feelings have mostly passed
away, and nearly all Of us can now see
that even the abolition Of q church-tsI
may prove q good thing. We may
therefore be able to judge more
Justly the actions Of a man who
was the bold advocate Of truths
that were sometimes unpleasant. But
il Jefferson believed in the fullest
liberty of man and in his exercise of all
political rights, he believed also that the
most ample and complete means Of odu-
cation should be provided. Naturally,
therefore, the browning work Of his
life was the founding Of great educa-
tional institution, university, in
which all branches Of learning should
be taught. The Mccormick astro-
nomical observatory is another step
toward the completion of his plans.
The University has right to
our earnest support. The boundaries
Of the natural sciences are rapidly
widening, and he (the speaker hoped
the founder Of the astronomical obser-
yatory, might find emulstors Of his
generosity, who will furnish the Uni
yersity with ample means for the cul-
ture of all branches Of science. Thus
may the University continue to act a
noble part in the intellectual develop
ment Of our country.
COLONEL VENABLE.
Colonel Venable, who received an
ovation when he took the floor, in @
happy manner presented the keys Of
the observatory to the president of the
Society Of Alumni. who thereupon pre-
scented them to the rector. During the
exercises telegram was received from
alumni in New York who were at that
time holding a meeting at Delmonico's
1t was addressed to Colonel vensble,
and was signed Francis r. Riyes. II
read: 1.-The alumni at Delmomco'S OBJ
servatory send greeting to their bro
Tiers at the University, and regret thai
they cannot be present. They expect
to see stars here tonight"
The telescope, which is mounted OF