Birmingham state herald., 1896-06-05
MIR. STEVENSON AT CHAPEL HILL.
The Vice-President to the Graduates of
 North Carolina's University.

The Vice-President to the Graduates of
 North Carolina's University.
 Chapel Hill, N. C., June 1.-The 101st commencement of the University of North Carolina was held here today. In- cessant rain during the past two days greatly reduced the attendance, but the state was well represented by Governor Carr and other state officials and prom inent men from all sections. The chief event of the occasion was the visit of Vice-President Stevenson, who arrived at noon, accompanied by General Cox, sec retary of the United States senate, Miss es Letita Stevenson, Julia Scott, Jane Harden, Julia Harden and Lucy Alex ander. The vice-president and his party were met at Greensboro by committee of the trustees, headed by Lieutenant Governor Doughton, and also by other prominent gentlemen, who escorted them here. The vice-president was given a hearty greeting.
 The opening event of the day was the speaking by five. members of the senior class which began at noon and in which k. C. AllSbrook won the oratorical prize. Thirty-two other members of the class presented these. The first honor men are: John c. Eller, William R. Webb, Jr., John N. Canada and Edwin c. Gregory. Presentation of the diplomas was made at o'clock this afternoon by Vice-Pres- 1dent Stevenson, who afterwards deliv- cred an address of forty minutes length. He was given an extremely hearty re- ception when he entered Memorial hall, escorted by President George T. Win ston of the university, General Cox, Gov ernor Carr and other public men and the trustees of the university. He was in- troduced by General Cox who said North Carolina always deligh hted to honor Vice. President Stevenson.
 The latter's address was almost en- tirely historical, and was read from manuscript. It contained not one po- litical reference. He eulogized the uni versity and it's work, and declared that intellect and not force will govern this country. He declared that to North Carolina belongs the imperishable honor of taking the first step to declare the independence of this country from Great Britain, and for all time men have linked the Mecklenburg declaration with the Magma Charta; Charlotte with Runne- mede. He closely analysed the United States constitution and bill of rights, and said all powers not expressly granted to the government remain with the people, and that great truths often rise from minorities. He read part of Washingtons farewell address and said Our politics go no farther than the waters edge. Worse than war, with all it's horrors, is national dishonor. It is folly for one nation to look for disin- terested favors from another. America is the heir of all the ages"
 He asserted that the "crowning glory of this closing century is what has been gained for women in giving her legal rights and new paths of endeavor and effort. In the pathway of the republic in the next half century new problems will arise with the rapid increase of wealth, monster corporations and irrup- ton of vicious elements in our popula- tion.''
 At the close of the address the vice. president held a reception and 1900 per sons shook his hand. The university now closes the most prosperous year in its history, having 534 students on it's roll. Vice-President Stevenson and his party attended a ball tonight and tomorrow he goes to Raleigh, where he will be rendered a public reception.