Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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' ' : ^ BY HUGH WILSON. ABBEVILLE, S. C., WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 1886. VOLUME XXXI. NO. 1. f| . ,,,, x^M FESTIVAL OF LETTERS, j ORATORY, MUSIC, AND SONG. Erskine's Gifted Sons?Irvine's Beau-1 tiful Daughters. JflTtn i mrmiTti on noTTmiT ninnTTVT* l TUb Kmm ur suuin umuliha| MAINTAINS HER EIGHT TO THE TITLE, THE NAME, FAME AND GLORY OF OUR 1 INSTITUTIONS STILL GROWING AND EXTENDING. Iltehlj Entertaining- Programmes ? j Most Creditable rcrforiuauces. Brief Xotos of nil tlint was Sai?l and j Do h c During: Commencement | Week?A Iteeord of )Iucli Good1 AVork?<Aii Account oi' the Success which lots AtteiMU><l the Lll'oi't.s of' Tcaclu'i's and Pupil*. The Commencement exercises at Due AVest j were continued for a week. E icli da7 and j night a new and interesting programme was j presented. The town was lull of honored! guests* and every heart beat with increased) animation aw<2 with greater pride as the cred- j liable exercises called forth the unbounded j praises of those who hud come to witness them. A11 of Abbeville count}- loves and honors' Due West, and there are within our borders Jew men and women who have not gone loai Commencement at that famous old town I which is so distinguish for its educational j facilities. All the young people seem to regard this as | a Mecca of Matrimony,and there are few who <lo not make their annual journey thither j cither because of business on their own bc-j lialf, or for the pleasure of seeing others stricken down by Cupid, whose mysterious eccentricities In his plan of dispensing trcas"; 1 l.. KI....L-U i,. KMituii hintr * which no fellow may 11ml out. 'flic excellence of tlic literary exercises and ) the generous hospitality of a noble citizen- j .ship yearly attract the greatest and best clti-! zcus of the Stale to iLs classic halls. Parents and guardians have reason to be! proud of these institutions. It is an honor to! Jjttve a representative in eilherCollcge, where | llie high standards of education and morals j aire not excelled by any College iu the United i States. The matter of the addresses of the young men was exccptiouably good. Their oratory and eloquence would have done credit to learned men of much more experience. j The beauty and modest demeanor of the young ladies, and their itccoinplismeiils In art, and in painlimr, and in music, and in ! sung, made them ko divinely lair, and as ex-! - <iui;-Jtely lovely, as to lend a charm to every scene aud every act in which they took a part, i FRIDAY NIGHT. ^ I TH? AM2LIAN LITERARY SOCIETY, j lis Lovely Member*?Their Or rat Ac-j cocui>li?ti!itcii(?--Thc Medals which | they Won, ami of which a Xote was Miule^Thoir Co)ii|iicsls. which are nut Yet Kcconlvil. On Frid iy afternoon the 25tli inst. tlie fifth! Annual Celebration c?f the Amelian Literary | Society was held in the Antclian Hail at the Female College. Tlie young ladies liad sent out beautiful invitations ami we dare say that they were all accepted In the twilight persons could he wn wending their way Joyfully to that seat of learning?the Due West Female College. On reaehiim the main entrance to the building we were soon enveloped in a blaze of dazzling brilliance. We were captured by the sweet and beautiful ushers. Misses Kula Hud'lon, Gertrude llrownlce, Bessie Mitchell, and l)aisy Hull wi?9 lead us through mazes wonderful landing us on the third floor r?f tlte capacious structure leading to the Hail where we were soon lost in the contemplation ot the scene. A critic's task is sometimes very pleasant.' It is so much easier to say how it thing should ' he done than for yourself to reach the perfect standard. Hut when you can conscientiously' and without reservation, use only words of j it Anll.il?/I.u? tKL' nloocm-n I Thus we feel In reference to the enjoyable oc- j caslon which thin celebration olt'erea to the . friends who crowded the Atnellan Iiall. The exercises wore opened by a few gracefu I 1 words ot' welcome from Miss Clara Sharp of ( Konnalds, S. C. The Vice-President, Miss] Stella Holland,of Uastonia, X. C. and Miss} Annie l'ieree of Clay llill, S. r. as Secretary j tilled their positions, as to the "manor born." j Then followed the Debate?Subject--"Is iitera-1 ry fame the most. Iastln??" Atilrmative, Miss I Susie Whiteside*, ltichburff, S. C. Negative, j Miss Nannie Lathan. Due \Wst,S. C. The alllrmatlve. albeit so youthful, and we ; scanned the throng with spectacles?acquitted herself so creditably that we almost wondered witli an olden cynic, "how one small } head could hold it all''?and involuntarily glanced up, if perchance, the shadowsol those i great men of whom she so freely discoursed I were not hoverlug over the charmed circle? and if so whether Virgil needed a translator j or do spirits enjoy " e gift of tongues. Miss Lathan of t negative won the sym-1 pathy and good wilt of the audience at tliei outset by h..-r evident ctt'ort to conquer the | emotion?"stage fright" or natural girlish ; Shrinking from "talking In meeting." This j after a few sentences slieacoonplished, and in a clear well modulated voice recalled famous! heroes?the Miltiudcs and other dec's of an- i cient history, with the Washington's, Lee's] and Napoleons or modern, were twined with : /v wreath which would have graced the brow j of cither of these warriors. Nor were the ! uamea and fames of philanthropists, seiontitle or moral tor^ottcn. Inscribed in glowing; terms upon her banner she proudly pointed to them as having won immortality. The Alumnae K<say ist. Miss Su-ie Calhoun of Due West, interest*d tier audience for a t.pace that seemed too short by a capital pa-; per or in the vernacular of the period, l'luck ! versus Luck. Jts practical good sense was* possibly an inheritance, as she insisted tiiat i the energy which has achieved such grand results In the world since its first creation, lias descended through intervening generations' from the closed gates of Kden?when our Mother Kve vowed to fulfill the prophecies and crush the head of her bitter foe. The Valedictorian, Miss Lcona I'.lake, of Oreenwood, S. C. spoke as it were from the heart to the heart. In rythmic number she reverted to the beloved teacher so lately gone to her reward?and whose words of wisdom and kindness still linger on the air. Her words of cheer and council to those yet to enjoy tlie pleasures and pains of College life were worthy of older lips, and the stiff sadness of her farewell drew a responsive chord from tlie sympathizing outsider. The Junior reply or response by Miss Mueic; Jiriceof Micanopy, Fla., breatiied something i t\ LMt-nohi..^ unrl tVnirm tllJli is ilSKO elated with her country?the iand ot Mowers, j May six; hero sew the seed of other fruits jtnd blossoms which in tiic future will bring to her j u harvest of happiness. To Miss Allit! I'ruitt of Hue West was given j the delivery of Medals, of this young lady much was expected?nor w< re we disappoint-1 ed. We will he disappointed, however, if in t he near future she does not aehieve for her-1 sHf a reputation of which her Alum Matrr, will he proud. At the beginning of the eolle-, giate year three Medals (gold) were offered for j proficiency iu extract reading, essay writing i and debating. Miss Prnitt in a graceful manner delivered a medal to Miss Kate L.. Henderson of Corouaca, of the Freshman class for the best extract reader. To Miss I>aby S'.ussy i of Tampico, Mexico, of the Sophomore Class /va* Uie best Essayist. To Miss Susie W.I Whltesldes, of Ulchbnrfr. P.C. of tlic Junior Class for the best 1'cbater. Iliitl we space there arc several other things that we noticed and would like to remark upon. Th??srood order, attention of the ushers, absence of the "slajile" which is so popularly attributed to "slrls." LonjjlifeVothe Amelian Literary Society and tnav it send forth many such classes to adorn and make better the world. ?. SATURDAY. ERSKINE'S STUDENTS. Their Examination Tiioreugh, Searching, Protracted, and Satisfactory. The young men of Krskinc closed up the work of another collegiate year on Saturday tlio iMiiit ilist, before the Kxaniining committee, exhibiting a degree of prolieiene.v in extracting (?reek lU-ots, in dissecting Jjntin words and sentences, in solvit.-; difficult problems in Malheniaties and in dealing with the facts of history, rhetorical fissures and t!ie study of the flowers that was highly gratifying to tlie spectators present. We cannot go into any minute details. Suffice it l<? Siiy that the examinations in all the department* were thorough, searching ami protracted as well a* satisfactory to the Committee. It was evident. on all sides that the Professors hail done -? ?> fit.. ohiuk voiiiii iiliil bv tiie pionipt manner in which the young men gave answers to all questions it was just as clear that they too had not idled away their timethat labor had not been bestowed ou tlieui in vain. DISTINGUISHED TEACHERS?TALENTED SCHOLARS. The Final Esnmhialion in the Female College, ou Tuesday, June The tlnal examinations in the Female College beano last Tuesday the 2-d inst. These examinations are always looked forward to witfi a gre it degree of pleasure by the public, because it all'oids an excellent opportunity to judge of the work done during the year. The young lailics evinced a wonderful familiarity with the following toxt books. History, I,atin. Rhetoric, Arithmetic, Algebra, Botany, Mental Algebra, English Literature, (iconictry, Tnaonometry and Mental Philosophy. Miss Clai ke the preceptor of English Composition. English (iiamniar, Caesar, Latin, llreclan History and Kltetoric manifested a remarkable familiarity with these studies and proved conclusively to all those present that she had thoroughly instilled into the minds of her pupils a knowledge of each study, of which they should not he a>hnnicd. Miss McDavid had two classes, one in the first elements of Arithmetic and one in ISolany. IJer pupils all did well, but her Botany etass is worthy of special mention. This ex "u > wiiiuliiHnl itne?be. stowinggreat credit on both teacher anil pupils. Kaeli young lady took up a subject in Iter turn ami analyzed it to tlie satisfaction of every one? literally tore the plant to pieces ami then replacing the several parts again giving all the form, symmetry ami color possible without any assistance whatever. Mrs. Kennedy heard a class in Arithmetic, Algebra. Mental Algebra, English Literalure. Geomelryand Trigonometry. It is indeed doubtful whether Mrs. Kennedy has au eijual as a professor of the science of Mathematics lit litis southern country, she has made It a profession and those thai have ever been under tuition will not hesitate to confirm this sweepiug assertion. Her classes in each department were tested thoroughly and were found equal toan> emergency. Miss J.etStd has chat go of those that study the French language in this institution. She is herself of French extraction and is in eve*y respect tally competent and capable to give the pupils under her care not a smattering of this beautiful tongue but teaching them to speak it fluently. I'rof. Kennedy, the President of the Institution teaches the higher I .at in classes and also Mental Philosophy. The people of this county ami indeed of the whole Slate, and from other States as well, need no culogium from us to sound the praise of his merit and public services. ]>ues Ihe 1 pupils placed annua'ly under Ills charge signily nothing? Jle has made teaching u life work and it has been a brilliant eumss. The pupils all in every department in which they were examined evinced a remarkable degree of thoroughness and familiarity with each course of study and rellected great credit upon themselves, their teachers aud the institution. SUNDAY. :? THE COMMENCEMENT SERMONS. Reaiitiful Anthem --- Soul Touchin;; Mn.sio l>y the Church Choir. The nnccalmimite sermon is the centre of attraction on sabbath. ltev. \V. M. Leftwlch, I). I>., of Nashville, Tenn., preached. After a beautiful anthem rciiderud splendidly by the choir the distinguished divine stepped forward in the pnlpit and announced as the subject of his discourse this text as taken from the ith verse ot the 2Srd chapter of Proverbs; "Keep thy heart in all diligence for out of it are the issues of life." He defined Christianity as an effect not a cause. He stated t hat life consisted of three parts, artificial, Idcai and real. The aim of flic speaker was to show that the fieart and not the head controlled the man, that if the heart was right, all the actions would be right; that if the heart was happy, the man would be also happy, and that :xlI the surroundings would be pleasant and happy?that a heart that was wrong, would make a home miserable. He urged Ihu young ladies and young gentlemen to cultivate the heart, as well as the head; to have pure hearts, pure lives, Ac. The sermon wa> an able one delivered in an easy, forcible manner, anil was listened to Willi that marked attention that is characteristic of the congregations here. The closing prayer was oll'cred by He v. John T. Chalmers. In tlic afternoon tlie Kev. A. S. Sloan, of Tennessee, delivered a line discourse from Kev. IS): 7. "I.ct u.s be Kind and rejoice and give honor to liiin; for the marriage of the Lamb is come and ills wife lia'.li made herself ready." In the evening Hov. Dr. Witlicrsnoon presen ted tlic cause of the Seamen's licthcl of New Orleans. Ho referred to the former pleasant visit to this place and also to the encouragement given him by the lamented l>r. Hemphill as lie was first entering on this work; and related briefly III'-great work lie is accomplishing among tiiis important lactor of tlie earth. The choir of the Associate Reformed J'resbylcrian church rendered with grand effect the beautiful anthems, "oh ! come let us sing unto the Lord," i4I have set watchmen upon thy walls," 4-I will go unto the altar of <?od," at the beginning of each service. The choir is composed of the following persons: Hr. K. II. Kdwards, Miss I.eCal, MNs l.eftwieh, Miss Kdwards, Miss McDavid, Miss (irier. Miss Young, Miss Todd. Miss l'.riee. Miss Kastlcr, Messrs. Sample. I?rh*e, (irier. Held, ('allison. Sloan, Harkness, McDill, J. Edwards and Knox. MONDAY. EUPHEMIAN CELEBRATION. Tlie Colk'sc Students Tactile I lie Labor Question? Diplomas Delivered?.^Icdnls Awarded ? .Values of the Lucky >I?'ii. (?n Monday evening, June '.'s, lSSfi, I lie Kuplieinian llall was tilled mils ulmosl capacity with those who cm and do relish a literary least. As every one who has attended the coiuinencciiieiit exercises in Krskine College knows, the celebrations in the literary societies consiituic the most alifuelivo Icatuiv of t lie coiiimeni-eiiieiiL. These are especially interesling to tlie Abinini, v. ho love to return annually to their rtspeclive societies to cheer and encourage. those who are preparing themselves for lliu batlt? s of life. The exercises of this, tin- l-'iiIt amilvi-rsary compare very lavor;il?ly willi those ?.l' tin- All expected a treat, iiiid no uiie was disappointed. At the appointed lioitr I Ik; 1'ivsidcilt, J. 1>. Miller, of Unci: Hill, called the house to order and alter a lew very appropriate remarks introduced theordcrof Hie exercises. The first I hiug noted oil the programme was a debate from two members of the .Senior class. l'Ue ouery discussed was, ".Should the L;i borlnsr Classes seek a Redress of llielr Grievances by Strikes?" Affirmative?J. s. Xtribllns, Uichland, X. C. Negative?U. (J. Peoples, Culleokn, Term. 'J'liis perplexing problem was discussed with great tact and Kkill by these youthful disputants. ???!.#* r\f /> Al"? c I c f i n rr nf -I It*Mi 11 ?"r,'Vt'iVcic11 HI,"XiT'ii. Vi. iiobTnVon", Cotton l'lanl, Miss.; W. C, MeGce, Ilodgos, S. C.. decided in favor of the Negative. After the debate, J. II. MotHiM, ltichburgh, S. (*., in a most happy manner, delivered the diplomas to the members of the Senior class. His thoughts on 'the importance of training tin* intellect'' were good and admirably expressed. Mr. T. W. Sloan then In behalf of the Senior class thanked the Society for the honor conferred upon them. Irclanguajre beautiful and chaste lie urged upon the members of the Society the importance ol developing the moral faculties. *" We have now reached the most Interesting part of the programme, the awarding of the medals. This duty devolved upon Kcv. 8. L. Morris, one of Kuphemia's gifted sons, one who is not only an honor to his Alma Mater, but to Ills Church and State. He handled Ills' theme, "the value and power of literature" in a beautiful, earnestand improssive manner. | The following persons were the successful competitors for the medals in the respective classes. The contest In all the classes was I unusually close, and so many deserved honorable me.ition that the committee decided not to make honorable mention of any one. In the Junior Class lite medal was awarded to D. G. Philips, as the best essayist. In the Sophomore Class to G. E. McElvey, as the best debater. I in iiic i-resnmau v,iass iu *v. ??, uiuuiv^ , ?o tlio be-t deelaiiner. In the Preparatory Department to It. D. MuilaLl, for general excellence. THE PEILOMATHEAN SOCIETY. ? Its l'oriy-Fonrtli Anniversary ? The X(>fr<> nml His Kliilnx?Tlic Tenchor anil 3Iis Itequisites?MedalsEssayists? Debaters. No event of the commencement exercises of Krsklne College Is anticipated with tnore pleasure by the general public llian ilie anniversary eelebratiousof the two Literary Societies. The Mth Anniversary of the l'hiloinuthean society was celebrate-! on Monday evc; ning, and at an early hour the handsome hall I of III is society began to lie filled by an lutein-1 foil ( nml cultured jiudienej and continued tin j lil every seat had boon taken. The society j had chosen as its presiding otliccr, tlie able j and olllcicnt School Commissioner of Abhe} vilit* Couuty Mr. George(J. Hodges. At the api>ointcd hour I lie {'resident followed by ihose who weio to take part, in the exercises j of the evening entered tin; hall. Upon taking theciiair he thanked the society for the lionor which luid been conferred upon him, and in a well prepared address discussed t he | nisiti s for a successful and Iniluential teacher. Moral and inieiloetural training was the irreat lield in which he labored, and to make a success of his work aboveall tilings, he should | possess n staunch and impeachable character, j {'alienee in the school room, and a remembrance of the fact that he is exerting an iiu! known influence, M'hich is perhaps shaping j the destiny of his pupils, wore some of the elements of the successful teacher. The address was delivered in an easy and graceful style and impressed itself upon all who heard it. The next exercise upon flic programme was a debate between two members of the Junior class. They had choscn the following query as the subject for discussion. "Is the presence of the negro in the I'nitod Slates to he considered as an advantage?*' The aUinnativc was ably maintained by Mr. J. li. Cochran of j Query N. L'., while Mr. 2s". <j. ihiee in a lorci| hie manner presented the negative. Jioth gentlemen acquitted themselves handsomely, i and were iist'.-ned to with interest by llie ou| lire audience. Upon the conclusion of tlie I debate the President stated thai if he should consult his own toolings simply, ho would i gladly leave tile question nndoi-idod but as it iiad be*'ii made his duty to decide for one side or the other lie would do so. It was rendered in favor of tlie negative. The next item upon the programme was the presentation of Diplomas to the graduates, Mr. .1. I)ouzlass of Wiunsboro, S. C. in behalf of the society, in a touching and feeling address presented this memento to the only graduate. In accepting it Mr. W. S. Castles of i Muwtiii* tiinniti>ii 11ii? sooifi v for the talisnicn ' presented and in a tonehlnc manner bid anion j to Ih'wc witli whom lie had been so intimaiej ly and pleasantly associated for ilie few j years. 'Jlie eon-.-ltnlinsj exercisc of tlie proj gramme was the presentation of the society medals by tin? Itev. K. Melkmnald, of Charlotte N. ('. In a tilting speech intermingled with nits of wit ho presented the medals to the successful contestants. Mr. K. II. Henderson was awarded the medal lor t lie best. Jteelaimer in the Krcshman class: Honorable mention .Mr. .1. F. Callioun. Mr. .1. ! '. (iatnble was the best essayist, in the Sophomore class. Honorable mention Meters. K. Ii. Iteed and < Source llrice, Mr. X. 0. J'rieo as the best debater in the Junior class: Honorable mention Mr. J. I'. Kliox. Thus etnlc 1 the 11th anniversary of the I'liiloinathestu soeielv. May her future celebrations be as sueee-sful and pleasant as the one on Monday evening. ^ mnncir! k V lUIiOIim. DECLAMATION AND ESSAY BEADING. jThc I'lulcrsradiutcs Try Tliclr Ilnntl in tlie Arts of Oratory, and in tlic Power of Heading. On Tuesday evening June 2fith the exercises consisted of a contest in Declamation by two i members of tlie Sophomore class mid a congest In essay rcadir.it and writing by two | members of tlic Junior class chosen respec-1 ! lively troni the l'liiloimiiliean and Kuphc[ niian Literary Soeieiirs of KrsUinc College. Prayer, by lie v. V. lingers of the .Methodist ! church located at Greenwood, fc>. C. I Sacred Music. . CONTEST IN DKCI.A M ATION.?[SOlMloMOKKS.l Problem of tlic age.?1.1. Canterbury, Lowcr Peach Tree, Ala. Music? Polka de Concert. Tiie Progress of Democracy.?W. C. Sea ?-> * <> >'?" ^ '' Music?klolsu Waltz. CONTEST IN ESSAY ltEADIXO.?[jl'NrOltS.1 Tho Love of Fame.?J. 1'. Knox, lluntersI viito, x. j Music? 1'ost.il linn Hchottisehe. tien. (.irjint's l'laee in History.?J). (Jardin- i cr Phillips. Louisville, < ?. Music? I Scanty Ouifkstcp. / I Marshals.?\V. <J. McHic. Unrip*, K ('.; T.I : II. Chiles, Troy, S. <\; 1,*. I .Co, ]>uc West, S. j j ; J. I*'. Calhoun, |>uc Vest,S. ('. I The young men acquitted themselves with j I jrmit credit lo themselves ami to their societies. The contest in e<say ivuditi;; wtis ?|uil-u j hotly contested an<l it was indeed a <1 illicit 11 | matter sis wc I hou^ht. to draw the lino (howj lug one above the other. These contests were 'decided hy seven gentlemen who in no way j had any special interest, in flic participants or \ the societies, ami who were unknown one to ithoolher. When the contests were finished I this coinliilllee deposited their ballots in a I sealed box, which was opened before the Faculty ami the votes counted. The result will j be made public on Wednesday evening;. WEDNESDAY MORNING. COMMENCEMENT IN ERSKINE COLLEGE.; ' Dis<iii;rni-lic<l --- Dr. (I'ricrN Welcome Dr. Wilson"* I'ruyer?j .S|M?cehes l?,v tlic tiradnaliii;; Oass 1 ?X r. ({right's Anniversary A?l-, dress ? l>r. t.rier's Daecalaiircalc j Address?The Delivery of Di<?Ioj in as. Wednesday, Ihu jrrand day of the feast to which the I'Wulty and students of Krskille College had Invited their iVieii.ls, was not a favorable day by any meant. The clouds had rolled up, the rains had descended and tier creeks riiiiii'l iitioul were rising and it was nsij tnral to suppose that s?: far as a crowd was < <1110 tll('(l HI! WUIIIU IlilVU II" V 'IIIIIMIII.I riH'iit. Ihit l>y tlio "pulling hour?JOoYluck? I notwithstanding tlio iiK'loniLMicy <>i the wuathi it, the- lart,'o hall was comfortably tilled with ! the beauty ;itid chivalry of tlic town, couuty and Sir-,to who had ventured out to witness I the exercise* of the day. Ilfslin^'iiislird (<ncNts. 1 On the stride we noticed the students of Krskinennd the Faculty : President, Itev. \V. M. <trier, J>. I>., l'rof. William Hood, Prof. J. M. Todd, l'rof. .1.1. Met"aln and Prof. J. IF. Miller. Also some distinguished men of Abbeville county and tlie State and from oiherStates as I well:.Itulge Mctiowan, Judge Cothran, Mr. j lionet, W. O. Jlrmllcy, Esq., J. 8. Perrin of I lit? Messenger, E. (i. ftraydon, Esq., Ij. W. Pen-in, I Esq., l'rof. O. f.'. Hodges, Itev. Dr. Wilson, | Cant. M. L. Hon ham of the Messenger, liev. I Mr. Weber. Maj. A. K, Ward I aw, ('apt. L. W. ! MM.IIn T (' l.-h?'n 1,-cn W T. Mil:?1< I.'mi lion. \V. II. Parker. M. 1'. DeHruhl, Esq., Gen. R. H. Hemphill of trie Medium of Abbeville; Kev. \V. M. I.oftwleh. ]). J)., of Nashville, Tenn.; Hev. H.T. Sloan, D. D.. and Dr. J. S. Pressl.v, Lulah, S. C.: Rev. A. s. Sloan, of Uolino, Tenn.; lion. J. M. Hrijrht, L. h. D., of Kaycttcville, Tenn.; ltovs. \V. T. Matthews and \V. A. llogerKol Greenwood, S. 0.; W. L. I Mcl'onalil, Esq., editor of the Fairfield Xhu-.h mill Ilerahl; Kev. Jno. T. Chalmers, Prof. .1. C. I Cork of Winnfiboro, S. C.; Revs. C. K. McDonlald. J. S. Mofl'att, of Charlotte, N. C.; Hev. A. |.r. Withcispoon, 1). I)., of New Orleans, La.; I Hev. s. Ij. Morris, Trenton, S. C.; Rev. It. >1. | Stevenson, Albion, S. C.; W. L. Phillips, Esq., j Louisville, Ga.; Cart. Tom Moll'atl, Sliver | Street, S. C.; Hon. Geo. Johnston, Newberry, |S. C.; M. H. McGee, Walnut Grove, s. (' ; I Revs. J. N. Youiik, J. Doyce, D. D., W. F. I Pearson, of Duo West, j Br. <i Tier's Welcome. I After the students of the College had cimc j In and taken their seats on the rostrum, and 'after the young ladles of the Female College had been sealed In tha auditorium, at 10:10 Dr. Grler, President of the College, said: ' Who time has arrived for the exercises to begin. We are gratified toseo so many friends present under the many dillieullics incident to the unfavorable wea'her. The aisle com- c mittee will sec that, our friends are com for ta- c iile. The best way tcrmalce them comfortable f lis to secure scats ror them. xue exercises <>i i i the day will be divided. Three of the young \ ! men will spculc now*. The anniversary orator i [ will be lieaVd alter Jho.y have tlni.slied, and be- r Id re recess. And t lie remainder of the grud- t | uuting class will, speak on the rc-ussomhling u [ of the audience. Tno exercises will ! <"? open-! a ed by prayer 1'rum Ucv. Dr. Wilson of Aube- is ville." ? Prayer by Dr. Wilson. L Hcv. J. Lowrie Wilson, D. V., then roso from ; among tlic guests on t he rostrum. Uoln^ to the front, the audience standing, he said: "Almighty God, our Heavenly Katl:er, the giver of every good and perfect gift, we approach thy throne through thy Son, the only mediator in our behalf, to humbly Invoke thy 'blessing on the exercises of this day, and to pray that thy Holy Light may shine <>n every J person in this audience and that, their love of: thee may he revived, and that tiuy niny pledge anew their hearts In dcvoilon to | thy service. O Lord our God, we would ;ask thy blessing 011 this institution. We ! pray thee to bless it In the future as thou ha<t I seen tit to favor It in the past. Grunt ? Lord, | we beseech thee, that, the students of this >1: lege may go forth to work for thy glory, even ' as "the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God." Grant we beseech thee, that [each one of these students may go into the battle of life, with cultivated minds, with pure hearts, and an earnest desire tog!orl.y thy name, and to be a blessing lo the eon- j 1111u115ty in which they may live, Ave pray thee, o I.oul, to hli-ss and preserve the lives of the 1'resiUtntaiul Faculty of this institution, and so to guide them that they may be as shinins lights to the young men ulio go out i from these halls. Let this initiuition prosper [ more and more, and let its influence and use| (illness increase hs t!ie years sire added, lllcss | all wlio lniv'e eoiric here to-day, and let their presence eiijourage the teachers and students jof this institution to greater cll'ort to usefulness. And we will a-cribe all the praise to Father, So t and Holy Gliost. Amen." After tin? prayer of Dr. Wilson had been concluded, the young men of the graduating i class, began their graduating speeches. Air. J. S. Slribllng of Richland, S. C.: spoke of "t'h:irle> Stewart l'articll," the uncrowned ! King of Ireland, who spoke tlrst ot this gloat i Irish hrt'l-rras an orator. lie speaks to the | head rathor than to the heart. His state; incuts are all sound and absolutely free from j error. He has gone Into the ground causes of ; hW people's wrongs, and by tin- organization : oi i |je land league attempted their relief. .Mr. | I'aruell lias novel* advised any violence,as bis speeches clearly show. He Is devoted to his count ty and to liiseonstitnents. Ills f chenies I of obstruction are only tlie means by which ' lie proposes lo s.iow lo tin; Knglish p??op;e the I metal of u liich his party is composed and the * balance of power they could give ti? either 1 party of the House of Commons. J1 This speech was followed by muslct , "Lilly l'oika" rendered in tine style by the bond. ' "America an Asylum, not a IleiHlczuus,'1 by c | Mr. \V. Castles of Chester. S. The speaker J j at some length and in an admirable paper en- 1 ! tereil a siroutr idea against the < < iitinivil I I landing of ilic lower, drifting and degrading 1 j people of Kuropc upon our shores. Auair.st j tlio making of this beautiful land ufuur.su t rendczous instead of an asylum. The band then pi ay oil "Ida Waltz." Mr. M. A. Cox, of Laurens, ;S. C'., spoke of "Longfellow," of Ills youthful character, of his Influence in this aire of our literature, mid compared iiini wHh some of the other distinguished pi wis of the nineteenth eentuiy; his ' travels, and that his writings had hecj direct ed in the propei channels. Libussa Polka .Mazurka was then played [ with great expression and was well received, after which l>r. Oricr Introduced tlic Anniversary Orator. As usual on Commencement day in Erskine College, the chief attraction on Wednesday was the anniversary address. I?r. Orier advanced to the front of t! e rostrum and -spoke in substance as follows: "More t'inri thirty years ago there came to this little hamlet from the rugged hills of Tennessee, a young lawyer, who i>n tl at occasion, with nnicii power and el<u]uencc played upon the harp of a thousand strings?the buinau heart. Since then, thirty years have crowded upon us with events of tiie most Intense and most absorbing interest. We have youe thro'ijxli the scenes of war, and we have expericnivd 1 lie realities of a civil revoltion. Iiur. eventful as lias been the time since this young oiftor first presented himself, lie returns to dellirlit this audience. It there arc any present who have listened at his matchless oraloiy, I know they still cherish in thoir memories pleasant recollections, lie comes again. ll<j Is glad to know that. Krskinc Col lege M.ii lives, mm we arc gru;iiicii lhj?t. iiic | young orr.lor still lives. He is mow older in years, hut lie is still t'resli in liis power over an audience. II. gives me unfeigned pleasure to introduce tlio Hon. J. M. Height, of Tennessee." For more than an hoar Mr. r.rL'ht entertained hi? audience l>y a learned address, in which he showed great familiarity with liter, ary subjee Is, and evinced a great love lor the 1 rclincd in letters. Annie Laurie was tliou played by the hand with yooil etleet. a e ADJOURNMENT FOR DINNER. ? v *" ii After a Iteeess of Two Hours nlio Fx- lj erclscs of Iho Day are ltesiinied. At the conclusion of Mr. Dright's speech l>r. ^ (Jrier, at 12:15 o'clock, announced a recess of two hours. The hall was quickly cleared and ft Ihe guests joined the citizens in the good din- C Mers which 11an uccn prepared. iTompuy in p fifteen 1111 miles before three o'clock, the c.vi-r- s ciscs were resumed. li Mr. II. (?. I'im pips, (if Cullrolca, Trim., (lieu tnhl us (lint tlic '"Scholar's Reward" docs not (1 consist in ill.: ordinary pleasures which uiv , thought to make life desirable; but in llie 1 power and enjoyment which the possession of a knowledge brings with it, and in the pursuit of knowledge. The baud then gave us Aueusta Seliotiisc lie. ? Mr. T. \V. Sloan, of Kayettcville, Term., Ii with "ITiierowncd O ueens*' as his subject, v showed what i he in inn nee of mothers hi the home circle was and might he. Also iiiein-| tlneiiee?>l woman in general upon nv iiesi my , v I of nations, Hi' ir power over the ail'a.rs uf the >.. I Mate, Ac. I | Tlio andjenei- was then favored with that woriil renowned I'oiujiiisit ion "Home, Sweet J n lioiue."' whirl) iho band rendered Willi such ; aiKHi I'lli'Ct. j M f. \\\ (lii'lt, of Anl rcvllle, S. (told us of j i1 ! some of Ilir "SSImgtfliwni* .\ ut11' iv." Tln.ir la-; I i hor was incessant, Iheir lives the inosl prccaj i ioiis. lie referred lo the I Ives of l!ni*iis,? ioldsinilh, .loliiisim. These, ami all mir ;:reaijli poets, liislorlnns ami biographers hail their , struggles, 'nit tlic.v are now (ho worl Vs ile- 1 light ami the nation's pride, us tliey stand !1 they are the monuments of incessuut labor. I )R. GRIER'S BACCALAUREATE ADDRESS. rite Necessity for an Intelligent Confieicncc?The ObliynJion to ?lo the night?Conduct the Index of the Heart?Heroic ratiencc--Thc Moral Nature Distinguishes Man and Itrilie 1 ill! illumining fl/viisaiiu Tor a Kroarier and Deeper Scholarship?The Evil Iiillueiiee of Party Strife. Young Gentlemen: It is possible for a man 0 be u scholar and yet be a very useless meiuier of society. It is possible lor a man to be a ihllosophcr, learned In the mysteries of tbe auscsof tilings, and yet be utterly destitute if the fundamental elements ol' a lofty cliarcter. Education is vuluable just as It conributes to develop and strengthen the moral * well as the intellectual nature. As eduated young men, the public will hold you to 1 rigid account not so much for what you :uow, us for what you do. Appreciating, as we trust we do, the perils if your position and the importance of a inlit bemnninir let me sujiKcst to you and omtneiid to you an old rule for your guide-1 nee. It is the simplest, sufest. and most unl-1 'ersa! in its application. Do what you believe 1 o be rhjht. Tnis will not secure yon against vrong-doing? very far from it. The world ins seen no men who have tried more la tally han those who were fultilliiijr the imperative ibl Igalions of this elementary principle. Kui rhile this is cheerfully conceited it cannot be i vcrlooked that the very mistakes of such icrsons have been charitably Judged just bemuse of their conscious rectitude and their oynlty to their sense of duty. This rule is easy of application. As a genial fact the morality of an act is its most I ilearly defined feature, and hence the most! cadtly ascertained. Indeed it is the only tlx-1 d character it possesses. All other qualities j if conduct depend on circumstances that are | iroverbially variable and contingent. What nay to-day contribute to my pecuniary ad-I r.antage may to-morrow portend embarrass-1 ncnt and bankruptcy. That which to-day j nny receive unstinted praise and coiunicnda-1 ion may tomorrow he denounced as selfish ' md mercenary. Cast your eye over society ind select some one of lis temporizing contltuonts and see with what diligence and inxicty they watch every Indication of popuar feeling. What subtle calculations there ire lo reach conclusions In which every body nil concur. And then look a little longerand ve how often with all their nianeou verlng hey are chugriiied with disappointment? low often are they reproached not only with allure, but as cowardly time-servers. If, il,l? InKavlrtna mull. IIUII, JUU IVUHIU V.7141MI. ??l.1 .1............. igenicnt accompanied as it. is with the morliylng consciousness of weakness, never be shamed nor afraid to do what you believe to ie right. Having Intelligently determined 'our course of conduct by a reference to the acred injunction of conscience you will rarey iuive reason to deviate from the path markid out. The rule then is simple and easy. ( -') !>y adherence to it you will give unity to our character. Conduct is the index of the icart rather tluin of the Intellect?human ac> ion will therefore possess a complexion eoresponding to tlio feelings and the hopes of lie Individual ami he who is regulated by no ixcil, uniform standard can exhibit no conistency of conduct. The external influences ironght to hear upon a man vary as he is fuided by Interest, by the sentiments and tpiuions of others, by ilie advice of friends or nun-lied by passion so variable and Incontaiil are these inlluenees that those whoac ept them and yield to them as dominating irinciples will nut unfroqncntly be placed in liehumirniting position of refuting thcirown irguments and contradicting their own asscrioiis. How lamentable that all this should iver be true of an educated man, one to vlic>m society Justly looks as a leader in the tstlli of duty. May it never be true of any muof you. May the reasonable expectation if your lei low men b*j met in finding you not my Intelligent but thoroughly eonscienioiis, (.!> Another thought In cnnncction with this nnject and cue worthy of your earnest. conidi ration Is the preparation which tills rule if conduct supplies against the Uilliculties | in.I discouragements of an active life. .So j one as duty and interest harmonize, who on Id not he a zealous, blatant eulogist of conistency. How easy it is in such cireurn-1 lances to claim and receive honors we do not leserve. Hut when disappointed, opposed in.I calumnlatod, what then will sustain us? Constitutional energy; sheer obstinacy and orf e of will can nerve us only to a spasmodic lellance. There are few who arc possessed of his invincibility of character except as It iroccetis from profound moral principle. The listory of our race furnishes but few examden of a courageous resistance to obloquy vh^n writhing tinder the rebukes of a vioated conscience, of all of these pre-eminent .hi-/, in iiiinn nml snfti.viii<r it is written. Full of titles, flattery. honor, fiime; beyond lesire, beyond ambition, full?he died. Died >f what? Of wretchedness." on the other sand there is not a hamlet, nor a community n si 11 Christendom which cannot point with ride to some who with heroic patience und :heet fulness met every form of trial. (I) This suggest!* tlmt the principal motive vhieli should induce you to adopt tiiis rule s because that only thus will you act worthy if your moral nature. Conscience put* the videst distinction between man and the rule. In the nnimal creation there is nothn;; akin to the moral faculty. Itwnssivenl is the arbiter of conduct and tho guide of life, jet it never be raid of any oncot you that ;oa have bartered away this peculiar inheritlucc?that you have elevated to supremacy hose impulses whose rule Is tyranny, whose; i^ult is vice and whose end is death. Young gentlemen, society will Justly expect omcthing from you as scholars. You have or years been devoting yourselves excluslvey to study. You ought to understand tlmt very year In this South-land the demand tor l broader, deeper scholarship is incrcnshig. .'hose institutions and those students who do tot appreciate this will lind their influence md their uselulness steadily waning. But rhile this is true, and an important truth, it s not so important as that your life be reflated by the rules of a rigid morality and a horough conscientiousness. There arc fields, vhitc for the harvest, awaiting your coining, f your intelligence will i>e tested, much more i vill your virtue in1 put to the proof. One of the special perils of our situation Is j , lowering of the whole moral tone of our so-1 iety. What are deemed political necessities j hat know no law, either civil or moral,are; anting to a fearful strain our iruiii unci jiom- | sty, aniU all the kindred virtue* of a l'carlesf, elf-denying Integrity. Our young men arc in pedal danger of an excess of party spirit. I in glad to refer to this peril, this strain upon iinple himrtcd conscientiousness iu the words if one with whose j>olitieal laith we have no j ynipnthy: "Wo know," says he. "how this iarly domination sometimes takes on an ini-1 icriousncss that will brook no question of iis nethods and appointment*, i.ot that mad-! less spread far enough and reach men enough I o that "our party' right or wrong shall be the j uotio of nia,ion ties and no prophet will be! iceded to foretell disaster. \\ lien party leail-j rs presume upon the hold they have of the j 'hristiau convictions anil conseienee to lling ii insult from their platform in thefaeool'j hose eonvlelions and that conseienee, they iced lo bo put in a wholesome fear of a very | lecided .independeney. The endeavor lo' irow-beat decency into the support of a wrong | iy the line and cry of somei ii ing worse bc-| tiling us if we refuse, ought to have wide ml indiirnant. rebuke." Place youiself atouccwilh those who honor onseieiiec in all things and who are battling /iiin?;t l??sii-i*iiI oilils. Eaeli veal" will Widen ' our intluenec. I do nc?t say it will add to! our reputation (though that may come as a j ulnor blessing) but it will make your life at lussing. shells of the Ocean was then played by the a id. Tills completed the programme. Tin? music was furnished by Messrs. I). II 11.1 \V. J. Magill, J. I.. ITcssly and John ilympli? silver quartette. The highest com- j limeiits were paid these young men on all ides. It was the best music we have ever I ad hero by a, brass band. The speakers wen- all striving for the medal tiered for oratory. The subject matter of In* speeches was excellent indeed, and the ortory was very line. Thus closed one of t lie most creditable exeris-'s which could have been had at any col gc. The young men aci|iiltted themselves 'II li I ion i if i <?i ncmsi'i vcs aim ur i nsi inn ioii. 1 ?i*. tiller's admirable address was delivered rllli power ami eloi|iii'iiei', a ml elicited many iiini'limcnts from thoee \v11<?heard it. The exercises wliicli followed ttie fame i Ji!. were largely attended. 'J'lic essays ami ddresses were of the choicest character? 'leasing in their style and chaste in t lie tie-' i very. Allhoii^h the weather was must, tinfavoraie ihere were |>rcscnl, momiiit; aii'l cveiiiie;,: t; ito a tititnliur of quests from distant stales! ml Irom all parts of Abbeville county. Ab-j icvilic village was largely represented. WEDNESDAY NIGHT. "THE DANGERS AND DEMANDS OF THE TIMES." The Kind of Men that arc Xeedcd? The Valor ami Prowess of American Arms?Corrupt Political Practices?Fears for the Future?The Xogfro?The Life of the Republic r.wln?io<Arn<l ... Tlin !lll<V ftf lit A Hour. Tiie cxercises were opened with prayer by the Itcv. John T. Chalmers, of Winnshoro, S. W. O. Bradley, Esq., of Abbeville, the Alumni Orator was then introduced and delivered the alumni address with fine effect. The importance of tlie issues, anil the beauty of expression arc such as to commend it to tbc attention of the public. Mr. Bradley said: My friends, we live in an age of intense activity, of wonderful energy and of marvellous progress; and it Is our fortune to be citizens of a country that stands forth pre-eminently the most pn>gre>sive of all. As citizens of tliia great itcpublic we are dally having presented to our minds great questions affecting our social as well as our politirul well-being. These problems must bo calmly and impartially considered, In order that they may be disposed of in a manner that will conserve the rights of all aiid at the same time maintain the supremacy of the law aud the integrity of the Constitution. wo have arrived at a crisis in our national life which demands that the politicians be relegated to the rear and that statesmen seize the reins oi power. Wo cannot utford to place our reliance for good government upon mere politicians who arc always trimming their sails to catch the popular breeze, and are ever ready to shift their principles in order to attain an ephemeral popularity or cvane.-eent notoriety. At such a time we want men wuo have convictions and the couraire to stand to thein: who are ready and willing to enact laws {lmt will secure equal and exact justice to nil classes of citizens regardless of their social and linuncial status; men who wouid rather fail iuun honest effort to advance the true Interest of their country, than achieve succcss lit the sacrifice of their manhood; whose principles urc as fixed as the stars, and who would not he swerved from what they conscientiously believe to be theirduty on account of its expediency or inexpediency, whether it (ends to make or mar, to advauco or retard their prospects In life. We want men who take a high stand and move upon an exalted and dignified plane; seeking with unselfish devotion and unfaltering courase to discharge the duties of true citizens. Such was the character of our forefathers whose wisdom, Justice, moderation and valor accomplished so much for human liberty. When the mother country attempted to impose a tax upon tea, the great principle as to whether It was right, and Just that the colonies should be taxed without representation presented itself to the miudsof our llbertylovinu ancestors. Tliey did not tako time to consider the expediency of resistance to British oppression ; they did not wait to calculatn thcchanecsof successor failure; they did not i#% swtvwf.lj.t. ?l.?f It .?.? ?..iv.nu<llv 111. sane folly, for U,300,000 people, without money or the munitions of war, and almost, encircled by hostile.savages, to fling down the gauntlet <>f buttle ton nation on whosedoniiuion the sun never .sets, I he mistress of the seas, possessed of trained and disciplined armies, an overflowing treasury and fully equipped for waging successful warfare, but in the sweet delirium of romantic thought tbey declared themselves free and independent, and pledged '"their lives, their fortunesand their sacred honors" to the cause. The declaration of independence was. under the circumstances, enoigh to clieit the admiration of mankind as a display of heroic courage and an unflinching devotion to the cause of liberty. Uy heroism nnparallelled In the annuls of our race; by unmurinurliigly submitting to the privations and hardships of the unequal conflict; by the matchless courage of our soldiery and the genius of our leaders displayed alike in the Held and in the forum, for eight long, weary and trying years, victory was at last achieved and Independence won. Then was formed a government of the people, for the people and by the people, and the constitution then adopted has ever been considered one of the noblest achievements of human genius as well as one of the greatest triumphs of human efiort. From that time the history of our country has been the history of progress; under our genial skies and our splendid system of government, the march of events and inventions has been rapid, and ihe only serious check was the war between the .Slates, when for lour years the North and the South were arrayed against each other In fratricidal strife, and the soil of our common country was in*rifh I ho htrtfi'l of KOlrtO of OilV HO blest and bmvcstellizeus. Tlic valor, genius and heroism then displayed challenged the gaze and admiration of the world, uiul demonstrated that with our country united there is no power on the globe that can safely provoke her hostility. Since then the changes have been many and radical, but amid all the disadvantages consequent upon a conflict so exhausting both !u mean and treasure, the cause of our country nos been onward and upward; its progress during the past twenty years dazzle us with its splendors, and today we stand a nation of over 50,i.;00,iiU'J of people actuated by common aspirations, working tor the accomplishment of a common purpose - the development of the resources of o.ur common country. There is no nation more wealthy, more powerful or more progressive than this laud of ours, hence 110 nation better fitted to advance the highest and best interest of the human race. This is a proud boast and one upon which we have just cause to pride ourselves. Hut, my friends, the very fact that our country occupies such a conspicuous position among the nations; tlin it outshines them all in the elements of greatness and grandeur, sis far us the constellation of Orion, "which flume* its plume mid the embattled stars," outshines other constellations which sit resplendent 011 the ebon brow of night. This very prominence which our country occupies in the estimation of mankind increases the responsibilities of our citizens, and forces lis to exert oar energies in order that w e may maintain the position we occupy and adorn it 1 ,,,,! milt* |,, conserve our strength and iulluence, but also 10 advance and developc our almost virgin resources, to lay deeper and llrmer 1 lie foundations and build higher and with fairer and more symmetrical proportions the structure of our government. To allow this imperial republic to lose her protul prc-einiiieneo by our failure to meet and discharge the responsibilities imposed upon us as the descendants of an heroic ancestry, the custodians of the honor and interest of so great ;i country, would be to confess ourselves unworthy of the splendid heritage wo enjoy. It would be a burning shame. Let us try and emulate, even though we can not hope to rival the virtues of the fathers of the republic. Washington, .leliWisou, Madison and others arc illustrious names and worthy of our highest admiration and emulation. I.et us accept llicm as exam piers and endeavor to follow in their foot steps, even at a distance. If we cannot be grcui> let us at least try to U; troi.d. i<ct us not willingly barter our birthright for a miserable mess of pottage. I.et no temptation to short lived and ephemeral greatness allure us irom the path of duty which is the path of safely. Let us not waste our time in the vain cHori to gratify a vaulting ambition, but let us remember, that ' Kind hearts are more than coronets, And simple laith than human blood.-' I.et us with a correct appreciation of our duty and our danger try so to conduct ourselves that we may strengthen the cause of free government. >?o rcticciiug man can fail to see that theslabilityof oiirgoveruincnt is threatened, and it i* not the pal t of wisdom to close our e,vc> tn the fact ami lull ourselves into the belief of i>cilcet. security. I.et us recognize tl... . ivj tvlil..|, I i.i-i ;il..11 li< -iv M t,;l t lull ill kI set oursel ves to work lo meet I lie is-.ii us presented with coining fortitude, and ileal Willi litem with wisdom, justice anil /noderalion. When Tihlcn was defiantlcd ??f t?i?* rrosidency '"> tlii' chicanery of I In; Kleeioral t'oinmi: sum l?y a Hirifi, I'afiy vote, it was demonsiraled lo'thc siiM'iciion o| every thinking nan tlial, pairiolism wn-?ii llic decline ami that i>:tiIi>a11 spirit rilled ilie hour. That was I he lirst serious indicat ion of the ilaii jcrs wliieli I hrealen us. That Si ve Justices of I he f>iij>reine l.'.iiiri. live Scniiors and live lJeprcselilul I Ves in I'oli^lOsS should so far forget I lie duties an I iv.?p.>iisihi!Uies of the hoiioialde pusii ians lliey ofi*;i|iii d, not to speak of their lack of patriotism, a~> Id permit ilieni to pIsHv; in the highest olJicein ihe ?nt of Ihe people. a man who had hcen defeased hv their sulira^os, seems im-rcdihle. Yet tlic eiah!men whose voles consummated the sfreali .-I eihr.ea :ains| free irovcruniciit that was |x;r-' haps ever eoiiiiui I led. Mere not tried, cuiivii'led, and executed as traitors as they should haveheeii. The name of Aaron lSurr luis ever ( ??? con : iilei'eil iiiianioiis, ,\ei the Iriui of liurr did; not show that he had ever liven uuiity of any-! tiling half so IreasoiiaMe as this net of the ciglit conspirators who put Hayes in the1 Presidential cliair. Burr became little less than an outlaw, while the infamous eight are still considered true and loyal' citizens, and some of them are to-dny occupying .high and , . honorable positions under the gAVetnmfeni they did so tnucli to destroy. They commit-, ted as greats If not a greater, crime than Catnline did ngainst Route. This Illustrates the dccline of patriotism more forcibly thanwords can express It. " . .* :sE I am apprehensive for the future of ont . country. .Statesmen arc growing scarcer, while the multiform and complicated Interest of this great country Is being put more under the controlling influence of politicians. Vl'liAn tun l-rtnil /\f (lio dtitr rnlito frniifla I n I ar. .V'*T nal revenue corruption, nnd tlie dominating v power of whiskey rln* and other rnscalltes . wc cannot but think, that, unless something1., is done to clean out this Augean stable of corrupfion, and to check this carnival of Impuo- . ; Ity and commercial methods In polities, tno < days of the Republic are numbered, although ' ^ our national life has not vet measured a century since Washington was first Inaugurated as President. What a sad commentary oil human capacity for self government tbO dowfall of this Republic tfould be! Grave problems are daily presenting them^' sol ves tor consideration and solution. Organized capital and organized laberttre to day arrayed against each other and whlje. the conflict goes on the interest of the <5'oii"ht?y suf- fersand tlie stability of the governntont is endangered. Socialism, that bydra-h&dfed^ monster, is rearing its crest as a disturbing) .?? element. Wo are face to face with condition.-;^ where there is absolute equality In law and .. ^ the most glaring inequality in fact, and ft will bo lor us to witness whether that florcft "" Democracy which annihilated the feudal sys- , tem, levelled the Bastile and vanquished kings will respect the citizen and capitalist; 'A it will be for us to solve I he problem as to': whet her the very rich and the very poor ctuk , live together as equals and brothers,or whetb* ' I ?! Is t/i ho war het.wppn f.hotn nVirt* m\ ..it. remedy for evil biitevll.no safety from Inlary, no protection from attack but attack. Th& . * V events of every day Impress upon oftr minds 1 the necessity for studying those causes which j threaten our social and political state. The ';3 deadliest of sins is thoughtlessness and indlfferenee to what Is going on in the minJa -?? ' < the masses of the people. A spirit of unrest , '/> is abroad in the hind. A npther question thaii : . presents itself for statesmanlike action Is tho ' negro problem. The education of the negro is a question tliat demands consideration; tils soeiat status must be regulated; his value as " ] a peasantry must be considered; his political power controlled. Is there any danger of his becoming a balance power: is he a failure or not as a citizen? Is he likely to follow In the : footsteps of theaborlglnes, or Is he likely to remain to vex and annoy us as a tantallzldi*' "' and unsolvable problem? If he renuilnsv. ? what is the best course to pursue with, refeP'r once to him and how best to keep Jtf-o. . '\'M raccs separate and distinct., while luie'y tfte all ' # the inhabitants and citizens of th6 S;?mft country nnd subjeut to the same laws? How to manage to make the two raccs "distinct as the blliows yet one as the sea," and to govern them so as to prevent antagonisms and con* liicts of races, and at the same time prevent tliein becoming an element of weakness and *V danger instead of a source of strength and a - ? powerful factor in developing the resources of ! ourcountry? These are questions that challenge the attention of retiecting minds and , should command the consideration of ouf . lawmakers. J ' iVS Home may say this is a dark and untrurt ' picture, that we have no cause to apptTBheml'' danger to our national existence, at least no ' imufediate danger. My friends, have we nob historic illustrations that will tit our cimot - -%< and Is It not our duty to aval I ourselves of tho '/' experience of the past? Is It not the part of wisdom to be guided by the experience xof ' other nations, and avoid the shoals and . breakers that destroyed their national free- ' dom and existence. What careless or superficial observer would >. have supposed that at the time (Jjesar controlled the adairs and shaped the destiny of the Roman empire, when every one was Im- , ' pressed with the. apparently, unrivaled , splendor and matchless power of that great . y nation, thatas a matter of fact the liberties of " the people had been extinguished, and tho . real power and stubiUty of the empire had de- : , parted, that she was like Sampsou shorn of " iiis locks, and did not realize that lic? I i ': ul ri?iHrt.h u*(ic trnnA niwl Ml.lf tlio unlon/i irl rvt/ti. turc of robust health <ihd vigorous power was * but I he licctic flush that foretells decline and dissolution. Says an eminent historian, lu speaking of Home nt the time of CiBsar and Cicero, Cat? and Poinpey were her leading spirits that "it was the blossoming period or ' the civilizations, when, the intellect: wa* trained to the highest point which it could ' reach, and on the grout subjects of human interest, 011 morals and politics, ou poetry and art, even on religion Itself and the speculative problems or life, men thought as we think, doubted where we doubt, argued ' where we argued, aspired and struggled aftef \ .: the same objects. It was an age of material progress and material civilization ; an age of civil liberty and intellecual culture; an ago . of pamphlets and epigram, of salons and divine parlies, of senatorial majorities anu electoral corruption. The highest offices of State were opened in theory to the meanest citizen; they were confined, In fact, to those wno ha?l the longest purses, or the most ready i use of the tongue on popular platforms. D1b? ' Unctions of birth had been exchanged for { distinctions of wealth. The struggle between j plcbcausatid patricians for equality of privl: lege were over, and a new division had been 1 formed between the party of property and ; u party who desired a change In I lie structure | of society. The ricli were extravagant, for liiujinu i^niM'u ui IUIVV fJiuuucm interest, w ccpt for Its material pleasures; the occupation i>f the blither classes was to obtain mon-., . ey without labor, and tospeud it in Idle enjoyment. Patriotism survived 011 the lips, but patriot* Ism meant the ascendancy of the party which. ' would maintain the existing order of things, or would overthrow it for a more equal dte? trlbutlon of the good things which alone were valued. Religion once the foundation of the ' laws and rule of public conduct, had subsided intoof.inion. The wholesplritiuilatmosphere was saturated with cunt?cant moral, cant p<>litical, cant religious,an adectatton of hlgli principle which had ceased to touch the conduct, and tlowed on in an Increasing volume of insincere and unreal speech." What a pet* feet likeness of our own times Is the above. It reads as if our own habits, manners and customs as a people were beine described; vet it is a picture of Roman life when Romaa ; liberty was in the Inst throes of expiring ag? i ony, and when the Komnns thought themI selves secure in the enjoyment of their freedom. Is this not an apt illustration of our own danger? Has not our own national existence as a republic been menaced? Did not Grant make an earnest and strenuous effort I to obtain the Presidency for the third timo j when the unwritten law of the land was ; against third terniism for that high and honorable otllee? Did not the leading papers of I this country then raise the cry of imperialism ? Was Grant honored the less because of this attempt to destroy the life of our Republic!? He was not, and this, to my mind, isev* I idcnce of the fact that, we do not properly ap| predate the splendid legacy which we inhorI Mod from our sturdy sires. The vast accumulations of wealth is also a I source <>f danger to a Republican form of government. I "ill fares the land to hastening ills a prey, j When wealth accumulates and men decay.*' 1 It is useless for us to remain supine and fancy that our liberties are secure. I "A commonwealth, says Cicero, ought to bo immortal, and forever renew its youth. Yet commonwealths have proved us unenduring us any other natural oojeet." Cicero was j wis.', and he knew that eternal vigilancHWiut i the price of liberty: that the encroachments / I of power were insidious. "And Ibis high state prescntcth naught but shows. Whereon I he stars in silent influence comment." My friends on eneh nnd every one of ns rest grave responsibilitioH us citizens and patrons. I The ci.'cle of our influence may be limited, j still we should remember that "as every foot ' fall changes the centreof gravity of the earth, i lie it ever so little, and helps or hinders in ' their courses the viewless orbs on creations j furthest boundary, so the influence of every life, no matter how humble, goad or bad shall go oil foiv\ cr." I .el us then be careful to exercise our Influence, lor the advancement of the highest and best in (est of our country, in whatever sphere in life destiny may have aligned us. Let us rise to the emergency, and meet as best wo .. ... ii... in.1.1.. iimm mil' i'lieriries nnd i patriotism. Tlic consciousness of duly perj formed is of itself no mean reward. W liilo i we may not be able to accomplish anything ' worthy of becoming the theino of a poet's sntr_'. and our names may not he emblazoned on the pagcx <>f our country's history, wo will have the approval of our conscience which Is [infinitely preferable to all the parades and splendors of earthly pomp and pageantry, no promt mausoleum may marlcour last resting place, hut our memories will he enshrined In the hearts and affections of our friends and neighbors. Our achievements may not be wo conspicuous and resplendent, In the world's estimation, as those of the heroes of history wiioK" fame was brought with the life blood of hecaSombs of slaughtered soldiery, still, if we live up to t.lie duties and rosponsil>llltie? of life and are true lo- the faith of the lathers of the Republic, we will have the proud satisfaction of U now nig that we have discharged tu<5 obligations of cili/ciiship ami be content. (Hoc Fourth l'ugc.) - 1 .. ' ' f