Staunton spectator and vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1896-1916, 1898-06-16
A Contract Observed.

Board OF Visitors and EaeslltMssof Ine
University of Va. our G@trHssslaid
aside "the perplexing cares OF State,
and his agricultural pursuits, for
few brief moments, and bonored the
splendid galaxy assembled Oh Tuesday
last in that historic institution with
his presence, that he might accept On
behalf Of the State the buildings which
have just been completed, and which
that day were being dedicated to the
work for which they were designed.
In making this sacrifice the Governor
told the assembled presence that ne
had done SO only upon the conditlon
that he would not be expected to make
a speech. Hard indeed were the con
ditions, but the contract having
these stipulations and agreements EN-
bodied therein, seemed sacred in his
mind, and he in no wise violated IT,
1t was most propitious occasion, the
surroundings were all that could have
been desired, the very atmosphere
breathed inspiration, deeply umbra'
geous were the shades of efferson and q
thousand others whose precept lllum
ined history, and whose example was
| a cherished legacy to those whose az
pirations carried them toward great
ness and renown. But these could no.
tempt the Governors oratory from III
hiding, nor make him forget solemn
promise. He said, however. with "hl
known characteristic for anecdote
that he believed it was Mark Twain
who, when introduced to Gen. Grant
and who in 70 great a presence becam
stage struck, stammered out "Wel
lGen. I'm embarrassed, amt you Z
This was apropos rs the Governo
looked embarrassed and the audlene
Internationally was. With these fey
remarks he accepted the buildings o.
behalf of the State. There are thos
who think that had it not been
linear harvest In the southwest, tn
final exercises would have Jared bel
ter, and this may be true. But tn
"perple1ing cares Of. State" were mel
toned by the Governor. and thos
who have kept up with the events
/ the day can hardly have failed to not
l of late the frequency Of our Executive
D presence at the White House, In fa'
the Cabinet has not seen the Pres
dent oftener for the past few week
S so that this reference to 1.-The perple
r ing cares of State" could not ha'
r been imaginary, nor one OF the Cove
nor's characteristic jokes, but VI
that serious reality which helped d
k prive the University final of one of
l. chief literary charms. Those of ii
o audience who followed the Govern
d through the last campaign hoping
/. hear a speech, and who assembled
the University on Tuesday last in t.
g same vain hope, begin to wond
y whether the Governor when he Ia
k on the condition that he was not
g speak, was not trading upon an ass
a. he did not possess. 1t no doubt caug
the Governors attention that the &
pJauge he received was prior to
'd remarks, and it may occur
Y him when too late that so auspicio
er an occasion to say something, ev
ID had it been only to give advice to t
ID graduating class on the advantages
tie letting land lay fallow, or sowi
clover, should not have been pass
idly by. But our being engag
t. in war, and 1.-The perplexing cares
Id lState'-and a charact eristic fondn
n for anecdote, and-and-posslbly tt
re desire which animated Cincinnatus.
y, returning to the pillow, lost the final
is jem which it would gladly have plat
" in Its literary crown, though not at
n expense of violated obligation.