D5ffiUNlVERS!TY, LIBRARY 
 
 BEFORE THE 
 
 SOCIETY OF THE ALUMNI, 
 
 OF THE 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA. 
 
 AT ITS FOURTH ANNIVERSARY. 
 
 DECEMBER lOth, 1839, 
 
 BY WALTER H. CRENSHAW, A. D/L 
 
 TUSCALOOSA 3 
 
 Baldwin ;:::::1839, 
 
U.NiVERsiTY OF Alabama, 1 
 December 10th, 1839. J 
 
 W. H. CrenshaiD, Esq. : 
 
 Dear Sir . The Society of the Alumni of the University of 
 Alabama have delegated us, as a committee on behalfof that body 
 to convey to you a sense of the high satisfaction which your very 
 appropriate and eloquent Oration of to-day afforded them ; and 
 earnestly to request of you a copy of the same for publication : 
 And be assured, sir, that your compliance with the request of the 
 ..Society will be received with unfeigned satisfaction by them, and 
 with much interest by the well-wishers of Literature throughout 
 the State. 
 
 Very sincerely, your friends, 
 
 RICHAkD H. RICKS, ) 
 
 THOS. M. PETERS, > Committee. 
 
 W. A. COCHRAN. S 
 
 Tuscaloosa, ) 
 Dec. 12th, 1839. > 
 
 Genilemen: 
 
 Your note of the 10th instant, requesting a copy of my ad- 
 dress for publication, is now before me. In reply, permit me to 
 say, that I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the flattering manner 
 in which you have noticed the same. 
 
 Aware, as lam, of its manyjmperfections, 1 would be induced 
 to withhold it from the public eye, were it not for a sincere de- 
 sire to contribute my mite to promote the objects of the society 
 for which it was written. Tender to your Society my thanks for 
 the honor which it has conferred on me, and give it my pledge of 
 an earnest solicitude for its welfare and prosperity. Accept for 
 yourselves, gentlemen, my lasting friendship and best^respects, 
 
 WALTER H. CRENSHAW. 
 Messrs. Richard H. Ricks, ) 
 
 Thos. M. Peters, > Committee. 
 
 WxM. A. Cochran, ) 
 
Respected Assembly : 
 
 The object of this meeting is to celebrate the fourth Anni- 
 versary of the Society of the Alumni, of the Universit}' of Ala- 
 bama — A society instituted " to retain and perpetuate the asso- 
 ciations of College life ; to increase and preserve unity and fel- 
 lowship of feeling ; to promote the prosperity of our Alma Ma- 
 ter ; and to advance at large the cause of learning and morality. " 
 Such in the language of its constitution' are its noble purposes. 
 Then, though the kind partiality of friends has placed the respon- 
 sible duty of officiating on the present occasion upon one so in- 
 capable of acquitting hinjself with credit, yet an enlightened au- 
 ditory like this will cheerfully give a polite attention to the re- 
 marks which will be offered, and attribute the want ofintcrest in 
 the discourse to the proper cause. 
 
 Fellow Alumni : Tlie revolution of another year has con- 
 vened us at the temple of literature and science. To be permit- 
 ted to participate in "the feast of reason and the flow of soul " 
 must to an intelligent mind afford exquisite pleasure : but to uSy 
 this is a moment of still greater interest. We are not only sacri- 
 fising at the shrine of learning ; but it is within those consecrat- 
 ed walls, where we were accustomed to bring our rude offerings 
 in boyhood^s days, that we are now assembled. This is the ros- 
 trum, on which we delighted to display in beautiful pictures of 
 the imagination the harmonious melody of poesy, the charms of 
 literature,, and the profound laws of science and philosophy. 
 What then must be our feelings ! Is there one with a recollec- 
 tion so dull that he cannot sketch from " memory's tablet " the 
 pleasing recollections of College life With the rapidity of 
 thought the thrilling incidents rise to view ; and as if by a ma- 
 gic wand the interval of time is stricken from being. 
 
 We nowrevisitthose delightful groves in thejourney oflife, where 
 a few years since we were winding our way, and culling the ricb 
 
4 
 
 f. iiit which hung in clusters on every hand. To the eye of ma- 
 turity new beauties appear, far brighter than those seen in our 
 tenderer years. We are again in the midst of the scenes of our 
 literary strife. Here the " midnight taper " was burned to un- 
 ravel the mysteries of science, and acquire the beauties of classic 
 / elegance. Here in the noble race we ventured to climb the 
 ^' steep on which fame's proud temple shines afar. " Nor is this 
 all : when the mind was at rest, the burning ardour of youth an- 
 imated by sport would cause the plain to ring with sounds of mirth 
 and glee — Youth and beauty too would often meet, and hold 
 " sweet converse " until 
 
 " Soft eyes look'd love to eyes which spake again. " 
 These are some of the more pleasing recollections of College 
 life, whic^ are now rapidly passing in review before us. Then 
 have we a dearer day than this f To perpetuate these associa- 
 tions accDunts in part for the organization of this Society; and 
 its anniversary will ever be greeted as a welcome messen- 
 ger of glad tidings, for with its return these feelings will be en- 
 joyed anew. Hence we have met to day. 
 
 But you are not all present. Time in his swift chariot has 
 rolled on ; and the chilly dampness of death has consigned some 
 ot our number to the silent tomb. — Yes, departed ones, you had 
 just launched your vessels on the broad ocean of life's busy world. 
 As a reward for your toil-earned laurels, golden prospects of the 
 future were spread before you. With hearts that knew no sorrow, 
 you bade adieu to these walls, which have often resounded with 
 your eloquent strains ; you parted from your fellows as a lover 
 parts from the fair idol o^ his affections ; little thinking you were 
 leaving forever a place to which you were bound by a thousand 
 ties, and that you were looking for the last time on earth at the 
 well known features then surrounding you. You had scarce 
 lost sight of the pleasing prospect from which you were rapidly 
 flying, and were bending your anxious thoughts on the end of 
 your distantjoi^rnev, when suddenly a gathering storm burst a- 
 bovo your heads. Thus, when you least thought the distani fu- 
 ture had arrived, your frail barks of life were shattered to atoms, 
 and the goal of your existence at hand. You have lett us : 
 V It still in memory you are with us ; and as often as this anni- 
 bersary returns, a tribute of respect will be paid you by those of 
 J.1S who still remain. 
 
 Others too are absent ; but they are gently moving down the 
 
5 
 
 stream of time, reaping the harvest of the seed sown and cultiva- 
 ted with so much care at this their Alma Mater. And we alone 
 of the SHsall band have assembled to feast upon the past, and 
 trace upon historic page the progress of intellect and reason. 
 
 Fellow Alumni : You have tasted of the sweets of literature, 
 and know how to appreciate the valuable treasure. You have 
 talents ; for the diligent use of which you are responsible. This 
 is a subject of vast importance : and upon no theme could 1 de- 
 tain you, that w^ould be more appropriate to the present occasion 
 than that of the responsibility of American youth. We are a 
 people peculiarly blessed. Cast your eye over the broad sur- 
 face of our land ; and you see every thing to make happy this 
 favoured nation. Extending as it does from the snow-capt moun- 
 tains of Maine on the North to the sunny plains of Florida and 
 Louisiana on the South, it embraces every variety of climate, 
 soil, and productions. We see majestic streams winding through 
 its deep and fertile valleys, and wafting wealth and luxury into 
 the bosom of commerce. Where nature failed to contribute, art 
 has supplied the deficiency ; and the puffing cars are rattling 
 over hili and dale, freighted with the rich produce of the inner 
 land, and facilitating the means of conveyance between places 
 hitherto scarcely accessible. The forest is fast falling before the 
 inroads of civilizalion ; temples of learning and morality are 
 daily springing into existence ; and literature and science are rap- 
 idly spreading over the land. Whimsical man can here find what- 
 ever his fastidious wants may demand- He can enjoy the most 
 salubrious climes in every variety of situation — on the mountains 
 of Vermont, the coasts of Carolina, and the plains of Alabama. 
 Does a pleasing prospect give delight ? Then climb to the 
 summit of some lofty peak, and look down upon the plain below: 
 see the proud growth of the forest gently waving in the breeze, 
 and imperceptibly raising their towering heads above each other, 
 till in the distance a dim line closes the view : or follow the me- 
 anderings of the Ohio, the Mississippi, the Hudson, or of our 
 own Alabama and Warrior. In what country of antiquity will 
 you find grander scenery ? Fei-haps you desire to visit the smooth 
 and minor-like surface of some tranquil lake, and gaze with rap- 
 ture on its enchanted imagery. If so, America can boast of as 
 splendid, either for size or beauty, as those of romantic Scotland 
 or Switzerland. Nor can Jtalia's self present a more beautiful 
 sky, or a purer atmosphere than our own sunny South. Witness 
 
6 
 
 on a summer eve, when the sky is unspotted with a cloud, ifie 
 departing rays of the sun in the western horizon ; and see the 
 beautiful gold tinge spread upon the azure vault. How magni- 
 ficent the scene ! Can tho boasted splendour of other climes ex- 
 cel this picture ? This fair domain then stands unrivalled in 
 wealth, in resources, in beauty of scenery, and in native gran- 
 deur. Every thing that can please is here developed. What 
 a field for talent ! 
 
 But that which is dearer still, remains to be told : this is a land 
 of freedom, where enlightened man dwells, unrestrained and un- 
 fettered by the minions of power. Go back with me to those days 
 that " tried men's souls, " when our ancestors nobly fought to 
 free themselves and their country from the tyrant's grasp. With 
 *' heroic fortitude " they rushed to the combat, though to meet a 
 countless foe. Without arms, without clothing, without every 
 thing needful for soldiers, almost in a state of starvation they re- 
 sisted a proud and powerful enemy. Nor did they fight in vain : 
 by their well-timed patrioti-. n they have snatched a terrestrial par- 
 adise from political thraldom, and opened a door of "refuge for the 
 oppressed, and an asylum for the poor." We inherit the rich lega- 
 cy ; and as faithful sons it is our duty to preserve it m its native 
 purity. 
 
 In this favoured land the government, the climate, nay every 
 thing tends to the developement of the intellectual powers. Here 
 are the materials for acquiring an unbounded celebrity in the 
 arts and sciences. With all these advantages can we act so un- 
 Avorthily as not to improve those talents placed under our care ? 
 Can we be so unmindful of our duty as to permit this fair fabric 
 to vanish into air ? As American citizens it is a duty we owe 
 our country to use our best endeavours o promote its prosperity 
 and happiness, physically and mentally. But you are ready to 
 exclaim with me, that an Alumnus of this University will spare no 
 pains to elevate and maintain the character of his country. Then 
 why shall we be dilatory in the march of mind ? Why shall we 
 look longer to England or the Continent for information in letters? 
 Is America not yet old enough to depend upon her own resour- 
 ces ? Sixty odd years ago she proved herself able to cope with 
 the physical force of the sen-styled mistress of the world : now 
 let her exert the same independence of mind, and soon will the 
 glory of the East be eclipsed by the dazzling lights shining iii 
 the West. Let us then show that America has brilliant talents ; 
 
7 
 
 and that she will, no longer tamely succumb, and be dictated to by 
 the subjects of foreign despots. Do you doubt our ability ? Let 
 me point you to fame's proud eminence, where is inscribed in las- 
 ting letters the names of a Washington, aDwight, a Jefferson, a 
 Marshall, and a host of others, showing that already have we made 
 noble strides in the grand march of improvement. See whatwon- 
 ders industry and perseverance in Franklin accomplished : your 
 opportunities are greater than his ; then let as profitable account 
 be given of your exertions, and the day of our literary enfran- 
 clnsement will soon be with us. 
 
 Much has been done for the advancement of science ; but much 
 remains unfinished. Do you want incentive to action ? Unfurl 
 the records of the past, and compare the dark ages with the pre- 
 sent enlightened state of mind. Then an impenetrable veil of 
 darkness mantled over the world, and blunted for a time the intel- 
 lect of man. Sunk to a level with the brute, he ceased to feel 
 pleasure in knowledge ; but delighted in gratifying his vicious 
 propensities at the expense of his fellows. War, pestilence, and 
 iamine" sweep over the land like the dreadful simoom of the de- 
 sert, consuming the accumulated wisdom ofages, the relics of an- 
 tiquity. Once more society is thrown into chaos : all is confu- 
 sion and anarchy: an unniterrupted scene of warfare floods the 
 land with blood. Dismal scenes of misery and wo accumulate 
 upon each other, until humanity shudders at the shocking recital. 
 To what history will you point whose pages are not covered with 
 the bloody progress of some mighty chieftain accompanied with 
 all the horrors of war. His contracted mind conceives of no lof- 
 ty ideas ; he performs no useful deeds to transmit his memory ; 
 but he glories alone in exterminating his race. No sublime 
 notions of a Deity, no pleasing images of a future world 
 enter his beclouded brain. In the sun and moon he fancies to 
 himself a divine creator ; his fruitful superstition has created a 
 thousand hideous forms, before which he bows in humble devo- 
 tion, scarce worthy of a smile of contempt in this enlightened day. 
 After remaining for centuries in this unhallowed darkness, the in- 
 tellect broke through the spell; and like the phenix rising from 
 its ashes it appears with new lustre. 
 
 The sixteenth century will ever be noted as a memorable era 
 in the history of man. Then as if invigorated by its long slum- 
 ber the mind awoke, refreshed and prepared for a new and more 
 brilhant sphere of action. The hermits' cells, which for a thou- 
 
8 
 
 sand years had secreted from the world, and preserved from de- 
 struction the learned fragments of the ancients, are opened to 
 view ; and the hidden treasure is seized with rapturous delight. 
 An impetus was now given ; science dawns ; art is added to art ; 
 improvements rise upon improvement ; and every day gives birth 
 to some new mental phenomena. The wonderful works of na- 
 ture are displayed with awful subhmity and grandeur. Super- 
 stition leaves its long abode, and true reHgion occupies its place. 
 Despotism loses its strong holds, and yields to the enlightening in- 
 fluence of literature. What before appeared mysterious is now 
 viewed with pleasure. Chemistry, Geology, Astronomy, and o- 
 ther hitherto hidden sciences are now thoroughly investigated. 
 Elevated by these powerful leavers man grasps the systems of the 
 universe — the theories of mind and matter. He analyzes vegeta- 
 bles and minerals; and shows that the world is .composed of a 
 few primary substances, differenth^ combined to produce ihe va- 
 riegated appearance. Not only this : he flies into space ; calcu- 
 lates the respective distances and dimensions of the sun, moon, and 
 planets; and proves by incontestable evidence that they are mas- 
 ses of matter revolving in space. 
 
 The march of mind has continued onward, until in the ebulli- 
 tion of its zeal its presence is seen and felt in the Western world. 
 And now near a hundred proud beacons of science point the way 
 to eminence, where a few years since terror and darkness reigned. 
 If perchance a spirit of the fourteenth century were to revisit this 
 sublunary world, with what amazement he would view the radiant 
 splendour that now lightens the scene. So great the change, so 
 different the pursuits & occupationso? man, that he would scarce 
 believe the evidence of his senses; and would sooner imagine 
 himself on some fairy land, of which he had often heard marvell- 
 oustales, than amid the scenes of his nativity. In vain would he 
 look for those monuments of glory which he imagined were as last- 
 ing as time : lon^ since has every vestige to tell of him ceased 
 to exist. The powerful efforts of truth and reason have prevailed; 
 and every thing exhibits a new appearance. Who that has drank 
 at the fount of learning, is not pleased with the wonderful change; 
 and does not rejoice in being a citizen of the nineteenth century 
 
 As members of society it is our duty to preserve untarnished 
 the present refined state of literature ; but as Alumni of this U- 
 iaiversity we have something more, we have a lasting debt ofgra- 
 litodeto pay. Here we received ail the advantages of a liberal ed- 
 
9 
 
 sication ; and here our youthful minds irDbibed their first imjwxss- 
 ions, and learned to appreciate the rich stores of knovvled^ j a- 
 round them. Then if there be any sense of pride or hor-fu le- 
 maining", how eager should we be to promote the prospevitv of this 
 our Ahiia Mater! I need only remind you of yom oijiy % and 
 the boiling blood of patriotism in your veins will cause yon with 
 alacrity to perform well your part. 
 
 Trace the history of this infant State ; and its rapid pi ogress 
 will fill with amazement the most skeptical mind. Twenty-five 
 years since, and Alabama was a howling wilderness, where rov- 
 ed the red man of the woods, the undisturbed occupant of the 
 fair domain. From morn till night, from day to day, the chase 
 w^as his favorite and all absorbing occupation. A child of na- 
 ture, his wants were few; and happiness smiled upon him. The 
 intricate mysteries of science were to him unknown ; hiS mind 
 had slept in oblivion until mental darkness was a porti^ ♦ of his 
 nature: He leaves no record of the pasttotell of the or!a:io of his 
 race ; but he lives and dies, and like the vilest reptile no thing re- 
 mains. Then he and the white man were strangers ; r.irjce that 
 short period the tide of civilization has swept over the l?nd and 
 now scarce a remnant remains to tell of his existence. Instead of 
 his hunting grounds extensive fields present themselves to view : 
 where stood his rude wigwam, and v/here smoked his council fires, 
 now appear the stately mansions and magnificent cities with their 
 towering steeples, so suddenly erected as to seem created !)y en- 
 chantment. A noble and gallant race has rapidly passed from 
 among us ; 
 
 "But their rnemory liveth on your hills, 
 
 Their baptism on your shore, 
 Your everlasting rivers speak 
 
 Their dialect of yore. " , 
 
 To the devotee of letters this change is a source of pleasure ; 
 but to us it is something more, for it is our natal land — the ^and 
 of the South,that is now receiving the cheering light. Already 
 has our young and gallant State, though scarce weanef' fr*. ;a its 
 infancy, exhibited a noble spirit of improvement. A fev^" years 
 more, and her manly efforts in the march of mind will place her 
 in the front of t he bright galaxy of sister States. Then the gol- 
 den age of Southern literature will have arrived, when ignorance 
 with its host of evils will be banished fi-om the world. Then you 
 will be pointed to as bright examples for the rising youir< to im- 
 
10 
 
 itate; and it will be said of you with pride,there goes an Alumnus 
 of the University of Alabama. How pleasing the reflection that 
 you will have contributed to the promotion of the glorious cause! 
 You will then lie down in peace with an approving conscience 
 testifying that you have discharged your duty. Nor will this 
 be your only meed : your deeds will be transmitted to posterity, 
 recorded on " monuments more lasting than brass. " Can you 
 refer me to a greater incentive to action than this ? Is knowl- 
 edge power? then all should attain it. Is it pleasure ? then none 
 should be debarred. Is it a guardian of liberty ? then every 
 freeman should possess and cherish it. 
 
 Alabama, though ofonly twenty years growth, shows the pre- 
 sence of civilized society, and the diffusion of useful knowledge. 
 But she has scarcely entered upon her noble course. Take a 
 geographical survey of the States : which one surpasses her in 
 natural resources ? It «iiay with propriety be called the garden 
 spot of America. What then shall prevent the elevation of her 
 mental character? Nothing is wanting but energy on the part 
 of her sons. Do you ask for a head from which science shall 
 emanate? Where is the University of Alabama ? Why should 
 not as pure a stream flow from these walls as from those of Har- 
 vard or Yale ? Of all the seminaries of learning now in the U. 
 States,Harvard alone surpasses its endowments. With an exten- 
 sive library ; with excellent philosophical and chemical apparatus; 
 with a faculty,which I am proud to say, will vie with those of ol- 
 der institutions ; and with splendid edifices situated on a delight- 
 ful plain in a healthy region, itis compelled to attract the rising 
 generation not only of our own, but of our sister States. It is 
 true they have the accumulated light of ages ; but we have the 
 means of acquiring the same without »vaiting for centuries to roll 
 over us. An institution, established with the funds of this, has 
 all the intrinsic advantages of age ; for by our resources we can 
 command the best of talent. Then having the wealth among us, 
 why shall we not open the valuable mines ? I would not have 
 you draw geographical lines, and forbear to mingle with this or 
 that people ; for we are all members of the same great family, 
 and are bound in the bonds of fraternal love. Our sister states 
 have exerted their powers, and displayed to an admiring world 
 their unrivalled talents : we envy them not then* fame ; but as 
 brothers w e imitate their worthy example, and endeavour to sur- 
 p-cd their glory. This then is the bright source from which our 
 
11 
 
 light is to come. Will you ask another to pei-form that which 
 yourself can do ? Then why look abroad for instruction ? Is 
 it a part of our si ate pride to desert her, when she most needs our 
 assistance ? Shall we tell our sisters that we are incompetent, 
 and must look to them for the diffusion of knowledge ? No : rath- 
 er let us convince them that they have scarce removed the rub- 
 bish, and that to us falls the lot to polish the bright jewels which 
 have so long mouldered in ruins. 
 
 Citizens of Alabama : You are deserting the best interests of 
 3 our state, when you refuse to receive instruction at her hand. 
 You have erected within your borders a splendid temple of science; 
 it is your duty to patronize and encourage it by your deeds. Your 
 interests are centered here ; then let your sons here imbibe the 
 pleasing draught of science, and their early associatioiis will be 
 intimately blended with the vital interests of your State. They 
 will delight to do honor to a State from which they have received 
 the earliest impressions oftheir duty. With what mistaken mo- 
 tives, and how unworthy of yourselves you act, when you turn 
 from your own, and give the fostering care of your sons to the 
 institutions of distant states ! You do this ; because fame per- 
 chance has rumored that those are the colossal statues of science, 
 where the mind bursts into gigantic proportions, and that at your 
 infant seminary only a slight and superficial knowledge can be 
 obtained. Let me ask upon what facts you base your conclusionsf 
 have you examined for yourselves ; do you not knovv that ru- 
 mor and truth are as different as darkness from the noon day sun? 
 Perchance ^' distance lends enchantment to your view " ; re- 
 member that like the glaring torch as we approach near they 
 dwindle to their proper size. Perhaps false prejudice or pride im- 
 pels you to your course : then you are not acting the part of a 
 patriot, and should at once correct the evil. Can you expect 
 your literary institutions to acquire fame, if you do not give them 
 an opportunity to display their abilities ? Need I preach a hom- 
 ily on the necessities and advantages of education f Fortunately 
 we have passed that period. Wherever you turn, you see writ- 
 ten in legible characters its innumerable blessings. The only 
 enquiry with you is, where can this knowledge be best obtained. 
 Do not say that I am sectional, when I reply at the University of 
 Alabama. Do v/e go abroad to supply ourselves with the various 
 necessities of life, with which we already abound ? Then having 
 the means, shall we not acquire our iiternry attrunme2its in the' 
 
12 
 
 same v/ay : To be remembered a people must have action ; they 
 must apply themselves with zeal to acquire information, otherwise 
 they scarce occupy a place on the pages of history. How mean- 
 ly would Alabama act her part, if with her advantages she should 
 refuse to awake her energies, and assume that elevated station 
 to vi/hich her mental abilities entitle her. Too long already have 
 we been dependent on others. 
 
 Let a literary stranger enter our land ; and where does he 
 find the arts and sciences in the most refined state of cultivation ^ 
 Is it at the South ? No : he sees but a glimmering light having 
 ratiier he appearance of the sixteenth century than of the pre- 
 sl:.. , Iday. With amazement too he views the scene, 
 
 for , , v' time he beliolds a country abounding in wealth, 
 and every way adapted to i he expansion of the intellect. Often 
 do you hear it asked, why does Southern literature not rise 
 above mediocrity ! Let nie tell you why: it is because the South 
 is not r oiised to a sense of her duty ; she knows not the extent 
 of r er abilities ; and her citizens instead of educating their chd- 
 di\ a make the accumulation of wealth their sole object, forgetting 
 thot by one stroke of misfortune the exertions of years may be 
 swept away, and themselves left destitute. So long a? the edu- 
 cation of the youtli of our land remains a secondary object, will 
 the South occupy an obscure station in the march of improve- 
 mertt. 
 
 Fellow Alumni : It is a duty devolving on us as members of 
 this society to create " a change over the spirit of our dream. " 
 Are you willing to see Alabama follow ingloriously where she 
 shcidd lead? At once cast off the slur thrown upon our charac- 
 ter, aod showto an amazed world that our resources in intellect 
 are as unbounded as in wealth. To you, and to you alone must 
 we look for the desired change. Located in the various sections 
 of the State you have the power to enlighten your countrymen. 
 Proclaim to themthe many advantages of education ; arouse them 
 from their lethargy, and teach them their true interest. Ignorance 
 and superstition will yield to the ai g'uments of reason. Then 
 let it be the special duty of each one of you to see that your own 
 vicisiity is advancing in science ; give your voice and your pen 
 to : rso idvanciurient of the cause. By thus exerting your talents 
 and is- ueDce, you can in a few years revolutionize the m.ental 
 cbai?- . of your State. But aire; ' coble strife has begun: 
 
 our hi.'Hyoib have taken in Gha'\^,. .aiportant .subject. At 
 
13 
 
 the last session of our Legislature an annual appropriation of one 
 hundred and fifty thousand dollars was made for the benefit of 
 schools. Let onr succeeding legislatures continue to follow this 
 patriotic example, until the means of a liberal education are plac- 
 ed in the reach of every child in the State ; and in a few short 
 years they will view with pleasure the rich fruits of their legisla- 
 tion. They will then disc over that in appropriations like this 
 they have consulted the welfare of their State. Then will have 
 arrived the golden age of literature; and Alabama will boast of 
 her philosophers, statesmen, and poets, who will fill the highest 
 niche of fame's proud temple. 
 
 They will point to these venerable walls as the fountain from 
 whence they extracted their fame; and they will hail you as FeU 
 loio Mimini. Then will Southern literature eclipse the glory of 
 its now sneering superiors, and lighten ibem on to exalted emi- 
 nence. Reviews, periodicals, works of science and morality will 
 spring from the fertile genius of our Alma Mater, until ignorance 
 is banished from every corner; and not a family will remain in 
 darkness. ¥/hat an incentive to action is this ! Does not the 
 tare recital arouse your feelings, and cause you to feel powers ot 
 mind until now latent and unknown ? Your state pride will re- 
 double your fexertiuns to acquire for it a transcendent reputation. 
 I shall not urge you to your pleasing duty; your enlightened minds 
 are ready to promote the prosperity of your country. You are 
 aware of the proud destiny awaiting your State, and are anima- 
 ted with a chivalrous spirit to hasten it or*. Go on in your man- 
 ly course; you cannot serve your country in a better cause. The 
 time is not far distant when you will reap the harvest of your la- 
 bors, and be greeted as benefactors of mankind. Then to be 
 an Alumnus of this University will be a di^tinguished mark of 
 honor, dearer to the wearer than the magnificent splendour of a 
 regal diadem. 
 
 With these remarks 1 leave you: but wherever my lot may be 
 cast, or what the length of my days, I shall ever have an abiding 
 interest in the prosperity of our Alma Mater; and will look for- 
 ward wiih pleasing anticipation to the arrival of thai: day, when 
 the trump of fame shall award it the wreath of glory. Yes, 
 "Come bright improvement! on the car ot l ime. 
 And rule the spacious world from clime to clime; 
 Thy handmaid arts shall every wild explore. 
 Trace every wave, and culture every shore." 
 
/