The Caucasian. (Clinton, N.C.) 188?-1913, 1890-06-12
UNIVERSITY COMMENCE
MEST.
Especial Correspondent. J

the Alumni and boys in the
highest pitch Of enthusiasm over
the loyalty Of the Alumni and
students demonstrated by the
liberal donations to the Univer.
sity for the establishment of
much needed Chair of History.
The attendance of this year,
owing to the Richmond display
OF the week before, and the
general depression in crops so
prevalent throughout the East
eTn part of the State, was in
number somewhat below the ex-
pectation, general interest, he w
ever, did not fag in the least, the
enthusiasm, general harmony
and loyalty more than met the
expectations Of the University
and counterbalance for any de
ficiency in number.
Wednesday was Alumni Day,
Of these the most distinguished
and influential were on hand to
lend their influence to the occa-
sion.
Col. Steele, the president of
the Association, announced that
the first order of the day was
the presentation of a tablet by
the trustees in memory of the
late DIR. Charles Phillips and an
address for the occasion by Mr..
K. H. Battle, of Raleigh. Mr..
Battles address was d sketch of
DIR. Phillips life, beautifully
portrayiDg lis high scholarly at
tainments as a professor of the
University and his character as
a great and illustrious man.
Mr.. Battles address was fol-
lowed by Mr.. VIM. J. Peele in
behalf of the former pupils of
Prof. r. II. Graves, presented a
memorial tablet in his honor,
and in the tender memory in
which he is so much esteemed
by all who knew him. Mr..
Peele's address was good in
sight into his life as man and
perfect portrait of his professor
shlp III the institution. Repeat
ed applause greeted his address,
which often rose to genuine ora
tory.
Col. Steele then presented Col.
W. H. S. Burgwyn, who was cho-
sen to deliver the address on
the establishing Of a Chair of
History. His address was prin-
cipally a resume of the cardinal
points in North Carolina Histc-
~. 1t was in main a great his
tOrical review, showing much
historical research. The effort
was not without effect and was
worthy of the man and the oc
casiOn.
The exercises of the day WAS
then concluded. The Alumni
then repaired to the Gerard
Hall where the tables had been
prepared for the grand banquet
When the clash Of the bayonet
and dagger had ceased to be
heard the establishment of the
Chair Of History came up-en
tt usiasm soon became general
ardent and eloquent addresses
with liberia! donations followed
each other in rapid succession
until $4,000 was pledged, en-
thusiasm reached its high
est possible pitch. Such true low,
and genuine patriotism so freely
demonstrated was indeed inspir
ing, the Indifferent and most re
ticent became enthused unit
every latent feeling of love ani
loyalty was revived anew an(
showed itself in the glorifica
ton.
Thursday, Commencement Day
the crowd was much larger, the
great Memorial Hall was crowd
ed to overflow The youns
graduates, twenty one in mum
Der, arrayed thems elves upoI
the rostrum, distinguished mem
bers Of the Alumni and trnstee:
afforded beautiful back
ground. All the graduates were
from this State and gained hon
or for them which will fore
shadow strength AMI brilliancy
in North Carolina history.
The Wiley 2. Mangnm medal
given for the best grafton from
the graduating class, was wol
by Henry Johnston, cf Tarboro
The contest was very close. Mr.V
s. Bryant, formerly a teacher o
Salem High School, was SECOND
in the contest. The Societie
representative contest, whicl
came off On the night preceding
was exceptionally good. Rober
W. Bingham, of Mebaneyille
received The medal. The re
mainder of the day, Thursday
was spent in awarding prizes
medals. certificates, diplomas
&c, followed by the closing do1
ology and benediction.
The annual commencement
reception at Smith Hall at nigh
was largely attended and great
iy enjoyed. The annual com
mencement ball followed th
reception. 1t was the most bri
liant on record. The decors
, tions were sublime. Music fo
the commencement exercise