University of Virginia Library

CHAPTER XIV

Incidents and Commencement of Session 1873-74

The leading incidents of my first University year have been
recounted with seeming fullness, as it marked a new era in
my career, but as those that followed were largely a recasting,
much savoring of sameness can well-afford to be omitted.

While there existed among the students of the University,
as a body, a decided esprit du corps, yet there prevailed between
individuals much formality and manly decorum. As
an institution it gathered within its fold sons of the representative
men of the South—those that had been reared in luxury
and power, knowing well the meaning of family and paternal
fame. The senator, congressman, cabinet-officer, governor,
lieutenant-governor, legislator, general, colonel, judge, minister,
lawyer, doctor, professor, president of corporations,
banks, etc., whether residing in one or another state, apparently
had the same ambition for their sons of promise—that
they be educated at the University founded by Thomas Jefferson.
In spite of this large element of royal gentry, as a matter
of fact, the majority of our numbers came from the more
humble walks of life—many even having earned by teaching
and other avenues sufficient to defray their University course.
Drawing thus from these extremes might suggest the creating
and existence of two distinctive and recognized castes, but
such happily was not the case, as no individual student paraded
in the slightest degree his ancestry, or masqueraded on the

name of some distinguished relative. A close association of
several years never disclosed from young Barringer that his
father was a brave general and his mother the only sister of
Mrs."Stonewall" Jackson; nor did Tyler boast himself the son
of an Ex-President; nor Stuart of a father who was Secretary
of the Interior; nor would you have ever known from Dabney,
Emmet, Hunton, Ligon, Mahone, Marye, Memminger,
Ransom, Seddon, Wilmer, and many others, that their inheritance
was other than the rank and file of humanity. Even
wealth had no effect or advantage save the self-satisfaction
it might possibly engender. There were few opportunities for
extravagance or anything else except work—the sole atmosphere
we breathed, making everyone meet on a common plain,
educational. It is true there were friendly groups—the result
of either relationship, family friendship, fraternity ties, preparatory
school associations, or kindred local residence—but
none of these precluded in any sense an unrestricted sociability
with others less favored. To the latter class I undoubtedly
belonged, standing alone from my State, without a vestige
of following save a personality far more reserved than aggressive,
so that whatever friendships were formed came solely
through innate and not ulterior influences. That I had established
such during my first year to an extent worth considering
was foreign to my belief and expectations, until my
return at the beginning of the second year, October 1, 1873,
when much to my surprise nearly every one of the older and
more substantial students greeted me with many words of
delight—as though I were one of the chosen. This kind reception
was indeed gratifying and proved conclusively that we
cannot always estimate correctly the value others place upon us.

During the second week our newly elected Professor of
Moral Philosophy, Noah K. Davis, delivered his introductory
lecture on the "Life and Work of Aristotle," at which were
present the Faculty, their families and nearly all the students.
He dwelt upon the influence of Aristotle on the mind of the
world, believing it to have been greater than that of any other
person, despite the fact of Socrates and Plato, in order, taking
approximate rank.

General Hampton was no stranger to us students, as he
visited not infrequently his brother-in-law, Col. Thomas L.
Preston, who resided just northeast of the University grounds.
The two families, Hampton and Preston, were bound by very
close ties—marital, political and social—since Gen. John S.
Preston of South Carolina, a brother of Col. Thomas L.
Preston, married Caroline Hampton, an aunt of Gen. Hampton's,
while the latter for his first wife married Margaret,
a sister of the two Prestons. I had, however, never heard
Gen. Hampton speak—indeed, regarded him simply as an
aggressive fighter, without forensic attainments, and upon this
occasion was most agreeably surprised at his easy diction,
ready wit, rapid, enthusiastic and forceful manner of delivery.
After affirming his allegiance to our University, the foremost
in his land—his own being dismantled by the ravages of war
—he vividly narrated the creation and objects of "The Southern

Historical Society." To collect, classify, preserve and
publish all documents and facts pertaining to the Civil War
that may illustrate the nature of the struggle, define and vindicate
its underlying causes and principles, and mark the stages
through which it was conducted to its issue. That its labors
were not to be sectional or partisan, but to bring to light all
antecedent and subsequent facts from the point of view of
both contestants, not for immediate use, but for the future
architect, having truth as his model, to erect an edifice which
shall be an enduring monument of the valor of the heroes
whose deeds it commemorates and whose fame it perpetuates;
of the heroic and self-sacrificing devotion of the fair women
of the South, whose gentle hands and kind hearts ministered
to the sick and suffering, and which shall be a fitting memorial
of the unnumbered dead who sleep "on the vast battle plains
from the Susquehanna to the Rio Grande." He thought no
nobler work could enlist sympathies of the living, or call forth
stronger the virtues of humanity.

From the earliest days of the session we often heard of the
precarious health of Mrs. Venable, understanding her trouble
to be consumption (phthisis pulmonaris). She was no longer
seen out with the Professor, a privilege she rarely enjoyed
during the previous year, but instead he was accompanied
frequently by his two daughters, then about nine and twelve
years of age. The father gave every evidence of that care
and endearment for his children, so essential in view of what
he alone of the family realized must be the inevitable in the
near future, and although he brightened their daily paths and
lessened their childish burdens as best he could, yet he went
his way visibly depressed by a palling cloud. The increased
cares and responsibilities of the home had largely been the
cause of his relinquishing the Chairmanship of the Faculty the
year before, and now to the outsider he seemed each day more
thoughtful and serious, but in spite of all he continued to perform

the exacting duties of his chair in an unrelaxed manner
—struggling to shield the inward feelings from students and
those with whom he came in contact. The end came Thursday
morning, January 15th, and the funeral was held in accordance
with the following:

FUNERAL NOTICE.

The funeral of Margaret Cantey McDowell, wife of Prof. Chas. S.
Venable, will take place from his residence, at the University of Virginia,
at 3 P. M., to-morrow (Friday). The friends of the family are invited to
attend.

All lectures were suspended on Friday and the students attended
the funeral in a body, proceeding thereafter to the
University Cemetery for the interment. The day was disagreeable—damp,
cloudy, penetrating—and as snow had
fallen there was much moisture in the freshly upturned soil
around the grave, to the right and near the entrance gate,
where I took a position of advantage in full view and hearing
of the service by Rev. Dr. Woods.

While at that youthful period I failed to comprehend the
slight effect of Dr. Howard's death, yet now, in the light of
experience, the solution is not difficult—he had outlived his
generation, as only a small portion of the then professors had

been associated directly with him, and none for the past ten
years, while to the students he was an absolute stranger—few
ever having seen or heard of him—and owing to age, retirement
and living beyond his cotemporaries, there remained
scarcely any friends having in him special interest. Why I
should have been one of those present I fail to recall, but
distinctly remember seeing the funeral notice posted, therefore
fancy I attended out of respect to what he had been to the
University, as I knew nothing of his personality and reputation
until after his death. The burial lot is in the rear portion
of the Cemetery, on a line with and near that of Professor
McGuffey's, and his grave was marked shortly afterwards by
a simple vertical slab bearing the inscription: Henry Howard,
M. D. Born in Frederick Co., Md., May 29, 1791. Professor
of Medicine in the University of Virginia, 1839-1867. Died
March 1, 1874. "Them also that sleep in Jesus shall God
bring with him."

Towards the last of March politics in the Jeff. and Wash.
Societies began to be very absorbing, so that great efforts
were directed in securing new members and having old ones
renew their membership at a reduced fee of two and a half
dollars. Many of us became much interested in our favorite
candidates for the honors, and worked faithfully to increase
our numbers, which by May reached in the Jeff. one hundred
and forty-three. In the hope of mollifying the intense feeling
incident to these canvasses several innovations were suggested,
such as having all meetings secret, therefore very quiet, of
abolishing the medalist, etc., but all upon final test met with
defeat. The election of presidents and orators took place
April 4th and of medalists May 2nd, with the following result:
Jeff.—President, Mr. Frederick F. Reese, Md.; Orator, Mr.
Roger Johnson, Va., who resigning was succeeded by Mr.
Mat. W. Ransom, Jr., N. Ca.; Medalist, Mr. James E. Powell,
Mo. Wash.—President, Mr. Thomas L. Raymond, La.;
Orator, Mr. Robert S. Saulsbury, Ga.; Medalist, Mr. John
St. Clair Brookes, Va.

Commencement this year began Sunday, June 28, with an
address in the morning before the Young Men's Christian
Association, by Rev. Dr. T. D. Witherspoon, and the annual
sermon at night in the Public Hall, by Rev. Dr. James A.
Duncan, President of Randolph-Macon College. This gentleman
was rather compactly built, well-proportioned, smooth
roundish face, clear complexion inclining to be florid; hair
dark, longer than the rule and combed back from the forehead.
His voice was pleasant and sonorous, language full, chaste and
elegant—speaking without manuscript or notes to the delight
of every one present.

Monday night—Wash. Celebration. After prayer by Rev.
S. A. Steel, the President, Mr. T. L. Raymond, La., in a
felicitous manner introduced the Orator, Mr. R. A. Saulsbury,
Ga., who delighted the audience upon the subject, "The Character
of the Institutions and Celebrations of the Ancients,
Compared with Those of the Present Times." The President
thereafter presented the debater's medal to Mr. J. St. Clair
Brookes, Va., who made a short but highly appropriate acknowledgment.

Tuesday night—Jeff. Celebration. After prayer by Rev. S.
A. Steel, the President, Mr. F. F. Reese, Md., in a happy vein
introduced the Orator, Mr. M. W. Ransom, Jr., N. Ca., who
discussed intelligently, "The Power of Will, as Illustrated in
the Life of Napoleon Bonaparte." The President thereafter
conferred the debater's medal upon Mr. J. A. Powell, Mo.,
who accepted it with a short but graceful speech. At the conclusion
of the exercises receptions were held at the homes of Professors
Peters and Schele, where hundreds accepted most
generous hospitality. My invitation to these functions, as
usual, came through the mail and read as follows:

"Col. and Mrs. Peters, At Home, Monday Evening, June
29th, University."

"Mrs. Schele De Vere will be happy to see Mr. David M. R.
Culbreth at her reception on Monday Evening, June 29th.
University, June 19th, 1874."

Wednesday morning—Alumni Meeting. Here Major
Green Peyton submitted a report of the Committee on the
Semi-Centennial Celebration—next year: 1, That the Alumni
have two orations on the occasion (the Literary Societies dispensing
with their usual address).

2, That Hon. R. M. T. Hunter (a member of the first class
that ever matriculated at the University) be invited to make
the historical address; that Gen. John S. Preston (one of the
earliest students) be invited to deliver an address, and that
Daniel B. Lucas, Esq., of Jefferson County, be invited to compose
a poem suitable to the occasion.

3, That a catalogue of all the Alumni from the foundation
of the University be prepared by the time of the celebration.

4, That a central committee be appointed of which the presidents
of all the clubs shall be ex-officio members, and that they

shall have charge of the arrangements and devise the measures
necessary to raise the funds needed.

Wednesday night—Joint Celebration. The audience was
large and brilliant, attracted chiefly by the great desire to see
and hear Father Ryan, the priest and poet in which all were
doomed to disappointment, as on the previous day he telegraphed
from Albany, N. Y., where he had been taken ill suddenly,
that he would be unable to fill his appointment—a fact
unknown generally. After prayer, the Chairman of the Joint
Committee, Mr. Frank P. Brent, Va., expressed to the multitude
the universal regret at the absence of Father Ryan, but a
high sense of gratification in being able to present such a
worthy substitute in the personage of a great Virginian,
scholar, orator and patriot—Hon. John Goode, of Norfolk.

Mr. Goode expressed deep sympathy with the audience in
the disappointment of the expected speaker, to the hearing
of whom he himself had looked forward with so much pleasure,
but in spite of deficient oratorical powers he could not refuse
the unexpected call made upon him last night by the young
men to play substitute, and therefore stood in recognition of
their wishes and the high compliment they had paid him. He
queried, what he should say in the halls of this noble University—in
the presence of their able teachers—and to those
young men who are about to go forth to the great battle of
life? He ought to be able to catch inspiration from the brilliant
scene before him and the hallowed associations of the
spot on which he stood, and to speak with more accustomed
fervor on the theme he had chosen, "The Claims of the South
on her educated young men." He gave a vivid sketch of the
condition and wants of the South since the war; spoke of the
peculiar responsibilities of those who live in this age of
material progress, but insisted that the greatness of a State
depends upon the character of its people; vividly and scathingly
rebuked the political and social corruptions of the times,
and eloquently exhorted the young men to avoid these corruptions,
to appreciate their obligations to the land of their
birth, and to meet with brave hearts the duty of the hour.
While denying that the sword can ever settle abstract rights,
he brought out the point that the late war had settled that we
are to have but one nationality, and eloquently urged that we

should imitate the example of our immortal chieftain, General
Lee, think it no dishonor to follow where he led, and having
acknowledged our allegiance to the American Constitution, to
remember that we have duties as American citizens. He
would not counsel the young men to enter upon the devious
paths of politics, but he would exhort them to meet their full
share of the responsibility in stemming the tide of centralization
now setting in, and to bring the country to the Constitution
as our fathers framed it. He next discussed what
these young men could do; and eloquently insisted that nothing
is necessary to lift the South from the dust and restore
her to pristine glory and greatness but a resolute purpose and
earnest effort on the part of her sons. If the young men who
are now entering upon the theater of life will determine not
to shrink from honest toil; if they will seek employment, not
only in the learned professions, but in the useful departments
of commerce, mechanics and agriculture; if they will carry
into these departments not only strong arms and stout hearts,
but skilled labor, trained intellect, and incorruptible integrity;
if they will imitate the primitive simplicity and old-fashioned
homely virtues of their ancestors—in a word, if they will exhibit
the same high qualities in peace which illustrates the
conduct of their elder brothers in war, our beloved South will
once more "bloom and blossom like the rose." In conclusion,
he noticed the splendid advantages which the young men of
this University had enjoyed, and exhorted them that in going
forth to meet their obligations: they should first seek that best
of all, wisdom, which "cometh down from above." Mr.
Goode was interrupted frequently by applause and took his
seat amid wild plaudits of the audience.

At once followed loud and continuous calls for Gen. Jubal
A. Early, who was seated upon the stage—an ovation that
caused him to respond somewhat hesitatingly: "I came here
not to take public part in these exercises, but to listen to that
orator and poet priest, who has done so much in prose and
verse to perpetuate and keep green the memory of our noble
Confederate dead. I have listened with very great pleasure
to the eloquent words of my friend from Norfolk, and his
sentiments of love to the Commonwealth found an echo in
my heart. After thanking his hearers for the high and unexpected

compliment they had paid him, he would only detain
them to say (though he could not say it in the eloquent words
of the great statesman who had uttered the same sentiment last
summer)—that he had hope for the country so long as we
have so many noble women to strew with flowers the graves
of our martyred dead, and to teach to coming generations the
principles for which they died. For myself I have faith in the
women, and in their ability as well as willingness to preserve
our principles. And if this be treason, then they may make
the most of it." The General from his first sentence caught
the sympathy of the multitude and sat down amid the loudest
applause.

The Magazine medal was then conferred by Professor
Southall upon Mr. William W. Thum, Ky., author of the successful
article, "The Death of Marlowe," who acknowledged
it in a short but graceful speech that, coupled with his youthful
size and appearance, elicited rounds of demonstration. At
the conclusion of the exercises a reception was held at Professor
Mallet's, where many journeyed, while others meandered
the Lawn and byways in the sound of delightful music.

Thursday morning—Commencement or Final Day. At 10
o'ck, the entire University contingent, including many
strangers, assembled in the Public Hall for the usual conferring
of diplomas and certificates of proficiency—an exercise that
lasted about two hours. This over, together with a short intermission,
we all reassembled at 1 o'ck, to hear the very
able address before the Alumni Society, by Judge Kennard
of New Orleans, La.

That afternoon I arranged for leaving on the late train,
and after supper loafed with a few companions until the Ball
began, where I spent several hours very delightfully—those
even to this day pleasant to recall.

Inasmuch as fifty years had rolled-by since the University
was opened for instruction, March 7, 1825, the second page
of this year's catalogue, session 1873-74, contained the following
announcement:

SEMI-CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

In the year 1875 the University of Virginia will have been in operation
fifty years, and it is proposed to celebrate the event in a becoming

manner. Due notice will be given of the time and manner of celebrating
the anniversary, and all former students of the University are cordially
and urgently requested to be present.

SEMI-CENTENNIAL CATALOGUE

A catalogue of all students who have attended lectures at the University
of Virginia during the last fifty years is in course of preparation. It
will contain, not merely their names and course of study, but also short
notices of their subsequent career. All who can furnish information tending
to make the list in any way more complete and valuable are requested
to send it to the Secretary of the Faculty.

In spite of this great prospective event in the history of the
University, the session of 1874-75 differed little from those
that immediately preceded or followed, as students according
to custom went their busy way, intent solely upon daily duties,
apparently unmindful of any "casting of shadows before."
It is true, however, that the numbers were increased slightly
over the few previous years; that several fraternities held conventions
and reunions, bringing together from distant parts
men of more or less reputation, and that the Young Men's
Christian Association had an unusual list of distinguished
divines to make public addresses, but otherwise the session was
unmarked until the Ides of Commencement.

The first memorable event came early in the session, Sunday
night, October 11th, when the venerable "blind preacher,"
Rev. Dr. W. H. Milburn, for many years chaplain to Congress,
delivered a most impressive discourse upon, "Vanity of
vanities, saith the preacher (vanity of vanities); all is
vanity." During the week he also gave a series of sermons
in Charlottesville, which attracted multitudes that were
charmed by his matchless oratory, rare descriptive powers, and
profound familiarity with the sacred writings.

On Thursday night, October 15th, the Delta Kappa Epsilon
fraternity, in annual convention, held an open session in the
Public Hall, which was attended by most of the students and
many visitors to their unbounded delight. Here for the first
time the majority had the pleasure of seeing and hearing the
two literary celebrities—Bayard Taylor and Daniel B. Lucas.
The former gentleman presided at the meeting, and seemed to
be about fifty years of age with Teutonic characteristics—possessing
a commanding appearance and physique, kind frank

face covered largely with moustache and beard, good suit of
hair inclining to be curly, an affable smile and pleasant manner.
His address was the embodiment of eloquence and oratory,
his language inspiring, chaste and simple, his delivery
easy and graceful, and his tribute to youth highly encouraging,
especially in the sentences: "Rivalry in the race of distinction,
friendship that wholly confides and believes itself
eternal, manly honor and honesty—these are no illusions!
Let the cynic sneer and the philosopher smile! We will
cherish these attributes of youth until they turn age itself into
an illusion."

After this came an oration by Mr. Henry Wickham, outlining
the principles and aims of the Fraternity, which, to every
one's delight, was followed by a song of the muse—a poem,
"The Love of Letters," by Mr. Daniel B. Lucas, a gifted
gentleman, our University's product, who had only come
home to bow at the mother's knee, as he again did several
months later at the Semi-Centennial, and to add fresh garlands
to his favorite temple of knowledge. He was about forty
years of age, possessing a large head covered with a heavy
suit of hair parted on the left and brushed upward; broad forehead
and cheekbones, square broad chin, thick moustache.
Unfortunately his body was dwarfed somewhat through a
permanent spinal injury produced in infancy, by the proverbial
fall from a negro nurse's arms. A few stanzas may well be
reproduced here:

The method of electing the Final officers in the Jeff. and
Wash. Societies at last became so discreditable and unsatisfactory

that at a Faculty meeting, November 2nd, the following
regulations were adopted: "Whereas it is made the duty
of the Faculty to regulate the public exercises of this institution;
and whereas the working of the present method of electing
the representatives of the Societies is unsatisfactory, the
Faculty deem it due to the interest of the University and the
welfare of the Societies to appoint the following plan of selecting
the orators and medalists for the final celebration: At one
of the meetings in November, each Society shall appoint a committee
of five members to select three members of the Faculty
for each Society, to act in the character of an electoral committee,
to select the final orators and medalists of the Societies.
The electoral committee shall attend at least four meetings of
the Societies—say one in January, one in February, and two
in March—after the last of which the selection of medalist and
orator of each Society shall be made from the debaters and
speakers of the Societies by the electoral committee. The
selection of medalists and orators by the electoral committee
shall be final."

These regulations were addressed to each society, and ratified
by overwhelming majorities—the Jeff. selecting Professors
Cabell, Smith and Southall—the Wash.: Professors
Holmes, Venable, and J. S. Davis.

As I glance back to those turbulent days and society election-nights
prior to this new regime I fail to recall the inauguration
of a more salutary change, or one hailed with greater
delight by the better thinking students. For while it was true
that the presidents were still to be elected by the members, the
severity of the contest had been minimized by delegating to
wiser heads the filling of the most responsible positions—those
that formerly had caused endless contention and strife.

Our chaplain, Rev. Dr. S. A. Steel, took unto himself a
life partner, November 5th, the fortunate lady being Miss
Mollie Burns, of Petersburg, where the ceremony was performed.

An event that cast a gloom over the University community
for a period was the sickness and death, November 7th, of Mrs.
Margaret N. Cabell, wife of our much beloved Dr. Cabell.
She was a lady possessing many sterling qualities—unusual
grace of person, mind and heart, whose every instinct implied

President Edwin A. Alderman, LL.D., at forty-four
1861—

Inaugurated April 13, 1905

FACING 286

See page 349

that which was noble, generous and elevating. Her funeral
was attended largely by the student-body and those who treasured
highly a friendship in life. The interment was in the
University Cemetery by whose side her venerable husband
was laid a quarter of a century later.

In accordance with the spirit of the Faculty's decision, the
two Literary Societies at one of their meetings in December
announced the dates, subjects, and participants for the debater's
medals: