The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1890-06-12

torians, but our history is yet to be writ
ten. The history of our State must be
Justly written, published to the world
and transmitted to Posterity, in order
that our own character and that of our
ancestors may be indicated from cal
jimmy, and may endure as priceless her.
itage for the youth of future generations.
This work must be done at the Univer-
sity of the State, around which cluster
the glories of century, and where the
State must look for it's best, loftiest and
noblest culture in literature. science and
art-here in this vast building, erected by
the patriotism of the people, dedicated to
noble purposes, in the presence of this
large assembly of the noblest and best,
of the beauty and wit of our land.
Yes, in this presence of the mighty dead
whose spirits we invoke on this solemn
occasion, let us one and all resolve that
the memorials of their glories shall be
gathered, and let the honor of leading in
this movement belong to the Alumni of
the University.
We copy from the Meas and o.
servers report:
Col. Steele then adverted to the subject
of the establishment of Chair of History
and presented Col. w. H. S. Burgwyn
who had been selected to deliver the ad
dress on that subject.
Col. Burgwyn's address was in the
main a resume of the leading points i'll
North Carolina history. 1t is an address
that should be printed in eXtensO. To
attempt condensation would be futile.
1t was thorough, and fine historical
performance Beginning with the earliest
settlement he traced the lines of develop
ment which our forefathers followed in
attaining their freedom and Indepen-
dence, and here and there he made men
ton of the chief actors in our public af
fairs. 1t was a compact historical re-
view, worthy of the occasion and reflect
ing the highest credit on his taste, dis
eliminating Judgment and historical re-
search, and the language was beautifully
chosen and adapted to the subject. His
purpose was doubtless to reveal those
great events of historic interest happen
ing among our people which were calcu-
lated to inspire pride in our State and ex-
cite our admiration, so that those who
were present should determine that q
Chair of History should be established
and the youths of our State should be
taught in full the things he only limited
at.
And we are sure his effort was not I'M
awaiting. 1t was no less admirable in
conception than in it's effects 1t stirred
the hearts of all who heard it. Col. Bur-
gwyn has manner that is easy, yet for
cible; and he is strong and masterful in
delivery. At all points his address was
fine, the fneshed production of a schol-
arly orator. AS he concluded the great
hall rang with merited applause, and
those near him extended eager cOngrat-
ulations.
The matter of raising subscriptions for
the endowment of the Chair of History
was then taken up with the following re-
suit. The State Chronicle says:
THE CHAIR OF HISTORY ENDOWED.
The endowment matter was begun by
Prof G. T. Winston, who read a letter
from D. G. Worth, Esq. of Wilmington,
donating one thousand dollars towards
the endowment.
The reading OF this letter was heard
with great applause. Prof. Winston said
that another son of North Carolina would
give 81 ,OOO.-Hon. James Grant, now of
Iowa.
Mr. J. S. Carr followed this announce
mentin agloriously effectual and eloquent
speech which brought tears to the eyes of
many. He closed his remarks by donat-
ing ten thousand dollars to the endow-
ment.
Col w. H. S. Burgwyn, OF Henderson,
followed with a learned, eloquent and
patriotic alumni grafton, and gave one
thousand dollars.
Subscriptions of from two hundred and
fifty to five hundred dollars were made
by Hon. John Manning, Prof. Venable,
Judge Philips, Judge Gilmer, Col Walter
l.. Steele, Mr. Ed. c. Smith, Mr.. John d.
Currie and Gen. K. Barringer. Other
contributions raised the amount to ST.,
600.
Then Governor Fowle arose, and amid
laundering applause, announced that his
disting uished kinsman, Judge James
Grant, of Iowa, would make his sub
scription $4,000, thus raising an endow-
ment of $25, 900 for the chair.
Again we quote the Ne,cs and o.
serrer:
Finally the enthusiasm got hot and
amid a rising tide of triumphant Joy,
others pledged themselves for various
amounts until at length the full thirty
thousand deemed necessary was sub
scribed.
Stirring speeches were made, and with
the certainty that Chair of History was
now secured the greatest enthusiasm
took possession of all. 1t was field day
for the University.
Well done, Col. Burgwyn, well done
Alumni of the University, well done
noble sons of North Carolina! This is
indeed a performance to be proud of.
1t marks the beginning of new epoch
in the history of the State and her hon.
ored seat of learning. We can conceive
of no more important and essential
branch Of study in which the youth Of
North Carolina should give proper ant
diligent thought than that other history