The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-05-25
TOMORROW WILL BE
 G0V J0HNSON'S DAY
The Attendance Is Already Large and It Is Predicted That This Will Be the Biggest Occasion of the
 State University.
BY HUGH w. ROBERTS.

Tuscaloosa May 24-(Special)-Dr. Henry Van Dyke, Princeton's professor of English literature, famous divine, poet and literary virtuoso. delivered the commencement sermon in Clark hall at the university this morning.
 In addition to his eloquence and literary attainments, pr. Van Dyke gave indica- ton this morning that he is not unac- quainted with that soul of wit, brevty. It generally happens that commencement orators are given to consuming too much valuable time, but Dr. Van Dyke proved himself the exception to the rule. for his eloquent and pointed sermon was deliv- cred in 30 minutes even.
 The hall, with its great seating ca pacity was crowded and standing room was at a premium. On the outside per baps a hundred men, denied entrance, lolled in the shade or reclined laziy In carriages. The attendance at this early period is enormous, and there is no doubt in the world but that Governor Johnson Tuesday will have to deliver the alumni address in the open.
 Preached to Students.
 Dr. Van Dyke preached directly to the students of the university. His plea was for godliness holiness and wholeness. His text was, "In that day t'5ere shall be upon the bells Of the horses (holiness) unto the Lord" .if
 His sermon was eloquent, though rem dered in the simplest language and style. It was pointed with a score of original truths that struck the audience with tell ing effect, and fell upon good ground. Seldom is so much said in such few words and such short time.
 His audience, though packed and jam med and almost overcome with the heat, listened attentvely, and the dction of the scholar was so perfect that not a word spoken miscarried. and not thought failed to strike with its actual meaning.
 Great Commencement.
 What promises to be one of the great est commencements in the history of the university has begun.
 People are here from every section of Alabama. and never, not even when every night had It's german, were there great CT number of visiting belles. There are to be three more red letter days.
 Tomorrow will be opened with base ball game between the teams of Ala bama and Louisiana There will occur on the campus an open performance of Tanning of the Shrew" by the dra- matic class of the university There will be an oratorical contest between members of the unior and senior classes. Tomor- row night will occur the reception of President John w. Abercrombie, at the presidents mansion, and the annual ger man of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity at the city hall.
 Johnson Day.
 Tuesday Is Governor Johnson's day. There has been appointed a committee of 100 prominent Tuscaloosa citizens to meet Governor Johnson and hand over to him the keys of the city. Tuscaloosa is look ing for hundreds of people from Bir- ningham and Montgomery.
 It Is learned today also that the Mobile and Ohio will operate a special train out of Mobile. It Is foregone conclusion that no building on the university campus will hold the audience which will face Governor Johnson. It is more than prob able that he will be compelled to speak in the open.
 There are perhaps 5000 former students of the university already In the city This number will be increased each day. The reunion of all classes ending in and from 1888 means that the attendance of old collegians will be greater than at any previous commencement.
 In addition to the address of Governor Johnson the alumni banquet will occur Tuesday. In the evening the L. T. F. will entertain with its annual commence ment german.
 Wednesday President George Mclean Of Iowa State university will deliver the ad dress to the graduating class. On Wednesday, too, will be held the annual meeting of the board of trustees.