The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-05-27
COMMENCEMENT IS NOW IN PROGRESS Mississippi Industrial Institute
 and College THE WORK IS EXHIBITED General Stephen D. Lee Will Leave Columbus Today for Richmond
 to Attend the Annual
 Reunion.

Columbus. Miss, May 26.-(Special)- The commencement exercises incidental to the closing of the twenty-second an- nual session of the Mississippi Industrial Institute and College were inaugurated yesterday morning when the different in- dustrial departments displayed their work and exhibits from 10 a. m. until p. m. During the hours the display were open for the public's inspection, many hun dreds of people visited the Industrial hall and took advantage of the opportunity to become better acquainted with the merits and products of the excellent in- stitution. The displays In all depart ments reflect great credit to the different instructors who preside over them and they all show an unusual aptness on the part of the pupils of the institution. Last night the pupils of the Bach Musi- cal society rendered their annual con- cert. There was large audience pres ent and the, many musical renditions, both instrumental and vocal, were well received and show careful study on the part of the pupils of this special branch of work.
 At II o'clock this morning the annual commencement sermon was delievered by Bishop Eugene R. Hendrix of Kansas City, Mo- Bishop Hendrix Is one of the most distinguished divines and gifted speakers connected with the Methodist church in the United States, and hIs sermon this morning was rare treat for all those fortunate enough to hear the discourse. Tonight at o'clock Bishop ,A,f.x .t,fn 1aII Al ha.fT the Young Women's Christian associa- tion.
 Graduating Exercises.
 The graduating exercises will take place tomorrow morning at Il o'clock and the baccalaurate address will be- delivered by Hon. E. s. Witherspoon, o&e of Ms sissippis most brilliant and well known attorneys, who resides in Meridian. MT. Witherspoon is well known in Columbus, and Is quite popular with the people of this section. He was born and reared in this, Lowndes, county and his many friends are endeared to him more espec- tally for this reason. A large class will be graduated tomorrow and over a hun dred certificates of proficiency in in- dustrial arts will be awarded the success ful students at the conclusion of the de- livery of diplomas.
 An unusually large number of out-of-
 
 ment exercises and all the formalities at the college are being well attended. great deal of interest is being manifested.
 Leaves for Richmond.
 Gen. Stephen D. Lee, commander-in- chief of the United Confederate Veterans, who resides in this city, leaves tomorrow at noon for Richmond to attend the an- nual reunion of the federation which con venes Friday. General Lee leaves to- morrow in order that he will be in Rich mond day before the formalfties open, so he can be fully rested and feeling his usual self when he Is called upon to con duct so many different occasions and programmes. Accompanying the general will be his sister. Miss Mary Harrison, and they will be guests of the Jefferson hotel which will be the general head quarters of the federation while the re- union Is fin progress.
 General Lee is in splendid health and anticipates one of the largest and most nethusiastis gatherings the veterans have ever held Before returning to Columbus General Lee will visit the Jamestown ex- position.
 On Tuesday at noon Columbus will send it's delegation to Richmond Besides about thirty members of the local Isham Har- rison camp No. 2, United Confederate Veterans. the party will consist of about
 
 section who go for the trip and for the cheap. rates offered on this occasion. Ac- compaying General Lee tomorrow will be F. M. Thompson of Atlanta, travelling passenger agent of the Atlanta and West Point railroad. who comes to Columbus to make the trip so the general will have all the comforts necessary to make his journey comfortable and safe.
 Trustees to Meet.
 The board of trustees of the Industrial Institute and College will hold their an- nuaI meeting in the presidents office to- morrow afternoon at o'clock. Governor Vardaman member ex-officio of the board, who Is scheduled to speak at the court house in this city tomorrow night, will be present at the meeting.
 Very Heavy Rains.
 One of the heaviest rain falls ever known in this part of the state visited