The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-06-27
A GREAT OCCASION.
COMMENCEMENT AT THE MISsIs-
sIPPI UNIVERSITY.
Exercises This Year OF an Unusually
Interesting Characteristic Alumni
Banquet and Mr.. Thompson's Ad-
enthusiastically Events.
Special Dispatch to The Appeal.

Special Dispatch to The Appeal.
OXFORD, Miss, June 26.-Commence-
ment exercises were opened this morning
at the University chapel by the chairman
of the faculty. Prof. Mayes. They were
begun by an appropriate prayer by Bishop
Galloway. Next Mr. Hayes introduced
DR.. J. J. Lafferty. Of Richmond, as one OF
the most distinguished sons OF Virginia,
who upon invitation, had come all this
way to deliver the annual address. DR..
Lafferty is an orator Of unusual merit.
His subject was "Luck and Pluck" The
doctor discussed the subject in an able
manner for over an hour, sparkling with
wit and humor that frequently called
forth applause, while in his arguments
and narratives he entertained his audience
with interesting bits of history. The
standpoint which he took was that oppor-
tunity and luck are necessary con-
ditons for persons success. but
without personal effort luck would DO OF
no avail. He cautioned the young man
that Il mans luck is only worth so much
as they are fit TO use it. When your good
fortune comes be sure 10 have rifle and
a cap on IT, He said tho word "pluck"
did not express il but grit, that grit ex-
presses the highest degree OF man'iness.
| 10 illustrate his ideas he quoted many In
teresing incidents. In the conclusion he
paid beautiful compliment TO the Lost
Cause comparing the conquered South
| with the fallen Troy and its heroes. When
he closed he was met with storming APP
plause, while the band played Dixie"
Prof. Mayes then arose and stated that
| on Monday had taken place competitive
debate by members OF the sophomore
class for excellence in defamation; that
| il generally was the custom that the de-
| livery OF the medals was 10 be performed
by the reyered gentleman who preached
the commencement sermon, but as the
Rev. DIR. Waddell had left this morning
this pleasant duty fell TO his lot. He then
proceeded with few appropriate and
well chosen remarks TO the students on
the subject OF medals, comparing the
same with golden seed, and warning
the students not 10 rest on their laurels,
but TO continue TO make further Gu
deavois.
The fortunate students were Edwin L.
Mounger and l.. II. Peacock.
At $50 o'clock p. m. the Trustees met IN
private consultation. At O'Clock p. IN. III,
Alumni Society met at the chapel to dis
pose of business Bishop Galloway moved
that resolution OF thanks be voted to Mr.
T.. A. Rush for efficient management n
chairman on banquet A resolution wa
also passed TO contribute a certain amount
Tor the erection OF a memorial window II
the library, in honor OF alumni who hav'
fallen during the war between the States
Next came election for next year. Tn
Hon. II. L. Muldrow was elected orator
Mrs. Matte J. Smythe essayist, Mr.. j. |.
Goodloe poet. Then the association nd
journed.
The program for tonight is the Chancol
lor's leyee, n social meeting ut the chapC
OF all the trustees, faculty and students, a
well as friends.
Gov. Lowry arrived here today.