The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-05-27
M E N , w Q M E N
 A ND THI N G $


 am on my annual commencement spree. took in the closing exercises at the Birmingham Southern college. The attendance was good and the ad- dresses fine.
 I spoke of the beauty and grandeur of the oaks on the campus at the Uni- versty of Alabama, and they deserved all the praise I bestowed upon them; but for situation our Methodist college here is in place by itself.
 It takes more, however, than loca- ton to make a great institution or learning, and this Is why the Metho- dists are on the eve of launching million dollar drive for endowment and building purposes with every chance of success, as the denomination has the men and the money
 I never. visit the college set on hill but I get a mental as we'll as a spiritual uplft. I am a great believer in the power of beauty as an aid to culture, and no one with an eye TOT the beautiful and a soul in tune with the infinite can fail to be touched with deepest emotion as he stands on the site of the Birmingham-Southe col lege and takes in the panorama which unrolls before him.
 But as important as Is beauty of location. convenience of buildings and sufficiency of equipment and ample endowment, 1t takes more than these four to make real seat of learning. Above the necessary quartet there is the human factor which must be reck- oned with. and in this the institution of which I speak is rich, for 1t has back of it the traditions both of the Southern and the Birmingham. The former typifying the high culture of an aristocratic old southern town and the latter the driving power of an in- dustrial center.
 And it's because of the union of these two clements that I feel assured that here in the Magic City the Meth OSis'So oi SOihe lO puiio O 6t~e%s ' school which will in every way be worthy Of southern Methodism, a re- ligious body rich in history and one that has always had the highest ideals In education as is evidenced by its outstanding schools, colleges and uni versailles scattered all over the south land.
 hear 1t frequently said by the blase that all school and college com mencements are alike; but this is not true to the man who has eyes to see beneath the surface of things, for there is a different flavor in the fruit age of every educational institution. am not going to try and put on paper such an elusive thing, for 1t is an impossibility, but I am sure that there will be some who will sense the point which I am seeking to make.
 
 It is because of this that I never tire of making the yearly rounds of the commencements, both of the secu- lar and the denominationaI schools and colleges. for I am always sure to find something new and of special interest. It may be true that the sbfor grammes are all standardized and one can foretell just the order of the ex- ercises; but the surprise and the va riety comes from the human element, for no two actors have the same lines, features or voice.
 
 begin to take joy from the mo- mcnt I arrive through the hanushak- ing; then comes the lineup for the march to chapel to the music of the orchestra. The opening prayer sets the keynote, and soon the salutatorian IS in the ast of his salutatory, only to be followed by the yaledictorian, whose every word is full of sentiment to the class which is about to step out into the great world, to begin the climb of the hill which means success or to fall by the wayside in failure. l The bacqalaureate Is, however, the piece de resistance on the commence ment bill of fare. This year the salu- tatory by J. R. Duncan and the vale- dictory by Albert l.. Branscomb were unusually fine; while the address by pr. George petrie was cultural gem. hope to be able to give q fuller ac. count of 1t later if I can find time ana space. Tho delivering of the diplomas by pr. c. c. Daniels, the retiring pres ident, was most impressive. as was his remarks when a silver loving cup was presented by the faculty. pr. Guy E. Snavely made splendid impression with his short but business-like talk, | My friend, R. s. Munger, took me under the shadow of his wing and made me walk with him along with the trustees and sit on the platform. But what was my surprise when was asked to deliver the The Porter Cup to the best all round athlete. l felt that my Methodist friends were giving an exhibition of Christian courtesy in calling on a Baptist ringer" to have a say in & Methodist Commencement It Is needless to add that had good time as I got chance to talk. and to dine in the beautiful old Munger home.
 l xao..E1MM MMlAansiI .eTEMpEn MENTAL. WRITER"