Birmingham state herald., 1896-06-13
AUBURN.
A Very Interesting Resume of the Com-
 mencement Exercises.

 mencement Exercises. Auburn, June Special 1.-The Poly technic instltute,- the Agricultural and Mechanical college, has closed the most successful session in It's history. This great institution is growing rapidly in all departments and has the confidence of the people of Alabama and of the whole country, as is shown by an ex- animation of the enrolment of the stu dents from every section of the country Experienced men who have visited and inspected the equipments of many simi- lar institutions, both north and south pronounce the Polytechnic institute of Alabama superior to many and equal to the best in her equipment This stale ment should be a source of pride to every Blabamian and the more since, by visit through the different departments, one is so thoroughly convinced of the truth of this statement.
 The faculty of this college, being com posed of both young men and men of more experience, is. made strong, vigo- rous and progressive by the former and conservative and safe by the latter.
 There is manly Christian influence among the students which is wholesome and healthy. To speak of the different departments, and especially of the work of different professors, of which the more one knows the more he appreciates, would run the length of this article be- yond it's purpose.
 The address of MT. Clarence Ansley of Galveston, Tex, before, the Alumni so- ciety is pronounced one of the ablest ever delivered before this society, which is a very high compliment. It was replete with the wisdom of rich and varied ex- perience, with humor and pathos, elo- quent, strong and manly in tone. s
 The exhibitions of the different depart ments on Tuesday afternoon attracted and interested many visitors
 The military exercises at 5 D. m. of the same day, before the governor and his staff, gave evidence of-sthorough dis cipline and training and were eagerly watched and enjoyed by a large assembly of people.
 The address of Lionel e. Levy, ESQ, of Columbus, Ga., was beautiful in lam guage and thought. MT. Levy spoke be- fore the literary societies at p. m. Tues day. zs-
 On Wednesday at 10 a. m. occurred the graduating exercises. The senior class speakers were: William James Beeson of Etowah county, lIEIigher Education Pro- notes Higher Spirituality" Garry De- Vonking, Georgia, "The Influence of Re- lig.on on National Life;'' James Lewis Moulder Georgia, "The Decline of Pa triotism;' Benjamin Asbury Taylor of Autauga county "The Triumph of De- mocracy." The speeches were unusually good, well written and delivered in a fciy Hdppy Styie.
 The commencement address by Hon. T. c. Bush of Anniston was full of prac- tical thought and suggestion, ripened by the experience and wisdom of an edu- cated and successful business man. It is impossible to give any synopsis of this able address which will in any way do it justice. Much valuable advice and counsel, pointing out the manner in which an education can be turned to practical purposes. He spoke especially of the great need of educated farmers, and of the dignity of the farmers po- sition, illustrating by many conspicuous examples.
 pr. w. L. Brown conferred degrees upon the members of the graduating class. Gov. w. c. Oates made a short address to the graduates, characterized by that strong and thoughtful common sense of which he is a conspicuous ex- ample.
 Much praise of the commencement hop is heard on every hand. Every body seems to have had a good time, much of which was due to the efficient management of the chairman of the "hop' committee, Henry Rozer Casey of Jefferson county.