Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-09-16
HON. WM. l.. WILSON.
Installed as President Of Washington
and Lee.
A NOTABLE OCCASION.
4 Large CROWD Present Of The Cers-
mOny.
SEVERAL INTERESTING ADDRESSES.
DT. Cameron, Chancellor Kirkland, and
President Gilman.
SEVERAL INTERESTING ADDRESSES.
rw PRESIDENTS INAUGURAL.
administering the Oath of Ohice--
Generous Contribution From
cate Poor youshs-The banquet.

LEXINGTON, VA, September 10
Special )-To-day. the date for the inau-
earll ceremonies OF the Hon. William J..
" son as president OF Washington and
lie University, was ushered in auspi-
rously. Last evening brought many dis
tuguished men here, among them large
number Of alumni OF the university. This
morning they were out early viewing the
many changes wrought since they left
tre classic shades of Lexington. Nume-
Yous were the pleasant "reminiscences Of
ty-gone times. jokes long forgotten were
rtolG. and many and pleasant were the
greetings.
The chapel Of the university, in which
the exercises were held. was beautifully
decorated for the occasion. Among the
noted and historic paintings adorning the
walls were the two executed by Peale and
presented TO the university by General
G.. W. Gusts Lee. the retiring president,
as a parting gift. one is a picture Of
washington and the other of Lafayette.
Both pictures have beautihed the walls
OF Mt. Vernon. and were handed down as
heIrlooms TO General Lee. The rostrum
was made beautiful by the presence of
palms. potted plants, and golden rod.
The galleries were festooned with ever
greens and golden rod. Immediately be-
hind Valentines recumbent figure of Cen
cral Robert Il. Lee was mass of ever
greens and golden rod, bringing out in
bold relief the symmetrical outlines of
The form Of the great southern chieftain.
The gymnasium hall, where the BAN
quet was held, was also beautifed for the
occasion by the elaborate use of flags,
streamers, and bunting.
AS the hour for the beginning of the
exercises drew near large crowd gather
Cd IN the university chapel. 1t was com
posed of the fashion and intelligence OF
the town. Every available seat was
taken. and many persons, on account OF
the heat, remained on the campus. The
alumni and visiting friends. led by the
Virginia Military Institute band, march
cd around the campus i'm front of the
university buildings, thence into the
chapel, occupying seats reserved for them.
The exercises were opened with prayer
by DR.. Strother Jones. after which Judge
William Mclaughlin, rector OF the uni
verslty, made a short and interesting ad-
dress. He then called on DR.. II. A.
White, who read many letters of regrets
from persons who could not be present,
among them being ex-President Cleve-
land. Cardinal Gibbons, Hon. John w.
Daniel, President Seth Low, General Joe
Wheeler Colonel William Preston John
Bton, and others.
DIR. CAMERON SPEAKS.
Rev. Henry c. Cameron, Ph. D.. IL.
D.. Of Princeton University, was then
introduced He said among other
things, that he felt that the impromptu
remarks he should make would be un-
worthy of this. great occasion. There
are three names that form a triple cord
uniting Princeton and Washington and
Lee: First William Graham, of Prince
ton. was the first president Of Wash
ington and Lee. Here was the monu-
ment that had been erected TO his
memory. Second Washington was con-
nected with both institutions. AT Prince
ton he was present at the only college
commencement he ever attended. BY
his attention TO this school, ne was in
timateiy associated with a great educa-
tional institution. Third. Harry Lee
was connected with both Princeton and
Washington and Lee. Educated at the
one his son presided with great credit
and honor over the other. Princeton
occupied a unique position in that she
has been the mother of presidents of col
leees. In concluding. DR. Cameron said
that since he was connected with Prince
ton he brought to Washington and Lee
not the sympathy of sister, but the
warm affection OF a mother.