Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-06-09
IN ENJOYABLE DAY
COMMENCEMENT FEATURES OF THE
RANpOLPH-MACoN SYSTEM.
pancrS, Addresses. and 0rntiOns-
The Hall SOng-Specch of Hon.
Charles IT. TfIIett. of North Caro-
Iinu-FrankIin Literary Society.

TYNCHBURG, VA, June S.-(Special)-
About half-past o'clock this morning
the students of the several schools and
colleges Of the Randolph Macon system.
together with the alumni, met at the old
S. PauTs church, on Church street, and
there, after forming into a procession
and led by the band, marched TO the
Auditorium. Here the graduating class,
FIN or hOdoX cap and gown, assembled the
stage. where with the alumni they were
seated in chairs arranged in semi-circu-
Jar lines.
a few minutes were spent in rehearsing
college songs under the direction of Pro-
fsssor Eure. In this connection it may
De well 10 note that the Randolph Macon
system is rich with songs suitable for
commencement season, and written prin-
cpally by those who have studied within
us classic halls. After prayer by Rev.
ur. James \. Duncan. Of Knoxville,
Tenn. MT. W. II. Bel. president of the
class Of 1S9S, in a few graceful words, In
rr1duced Miss Blanche +. Cheatham. OF
Nartinsyile, who delivered a charming
sa'utatoTy. i'm which. among other appro-
pirate references. were several of a com
p.imentary nature 10 the energetic chan-
cellor. to whose effort Is due the present
successful Joint commencement. When
Miss Cheatham concluded she was the
recipient Of handsome bouquet
The history OF the class of 1898 and its
twenty-nine members was most interest
inglv told by Mr.. J. r. Porter. and as
Zach name was called il was greeted
with the applause of friends, while the
historian of the occasion made brlet
and in several instances, witty comment
ruon It's owner The class song of 1898,
composed by +. T. Adams, was next
sung: after which Miss Lily q. Egbert'
of Atleo's read the class poem, an orlgl-
nal composition of great merit entitled
The Evolution Of a Soul" The metre
and matter of he verses were pleasing
and full of true inspiration. and withal
The enunciation of the fair composer was
clear and intelligent.
Mr. j. T.. McCulloch. Of Roanoke, de-
Tvered the class Grafton, superb effort
fur truth i'm all things, in manner al
once easy and graceful, free from all
lsb0red effect. and yet Astounding in
GOOD points well taken far above the
average of such productions.
THE HALL SONG.
The hall song. evidently a favonte
with the male students, was sung with
,lrsi5ers HE shirt. especially the chorus,
which eulogizes as THE very best OF al
the respective halls Of the two rival IL
terary societies, those of Washington ana
Franklin The president of the class next
Introduced Miss Eloise Richardson, OF
Richmond who read a clever class
rr7pbecv I'm which she drew vivid pic
lures of the bright futures awaiting
many Of this years class. She was fire.
guentlv interrupted by liberal applause,
and when she resumed her seat was
handed a handsome bunch of fragrant
roses.
Nr II. Svdenstricker, Of London, read
a very amusing paper. entitled RECON-
ueudauous." In il ne Indicated win
PRESIDENT knowledge Of seemingly re-
rrarkable accuracy the future employ
m,uts and professions OF the members
Of the graduating classes OF Randoiph-
Macon College, Ashland. ana the No-
mans College, Iynchburg. The laughter
and applause that greeted his humorous
references evidenced the very nearly
manner In which his witicisms were APP
Ireciated.
LAST WILL.
After the singing Of a Latin compost
ton bearing the title Of "Gaudeamus,'
The last viii and testament or the graz
gatlng classes Of the two institutions
was read by Mr. +. G. Campbell oi
Ashland. Again Was the audience treated
tl an amusing and laughable series OF
Jokes and "hits" at the expense Of the
certain members Of the faculties pupils
etc. OF the two schools. Mr.. Campbells
remarks. however, were c0uched IN most
pleasant and kindly language, and what
be- said was lust as delightful TO the
principal as 20 the auditors
The vaIedictory. by Mr. +. II. Hill, OF
West virginia. the next feature or the
programme. was an eloquent and inter
rsung address. and IN its delivery made
deep impression on the large audience,
SIR. Hill. unlike the majority oil college
yaiedictorisns, introduced into his COM
position much originality OF thought ana
feeling His manner was marked by that
simplicity which always distinguishes the
true orator. and which Invariably at
Tracts and holds the closest attention OF
an audience.
After the singing Of an elaborate song,
"The Randolph Roundelay," the
alumni address was delivered by Hon.
Charles w Tillett, of North Carolina.
This eloquent speaker dwelt In feeling
terms upon the great Randolph-Maeon
system.
Alg HlllcU said that ne wanted "
briefly discuss a SANDER that had recently
been spread abroad about the state
Of North Carolina. II had been said mat
she had failed 10 respond fully 10 the
call for troops in the present war with
spain. Very many people believed that
ihe war was unnecessary, but though
the soldiers OF the old North state
might feel that some one had Numbered