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stress of the young Reclaimers. The first prize speak er, Mr. Lofton, was, we think, most happy in choos ing a celebrated passage of one of Shakespeare’s plays while, on the other hand, others of the class were unfortunate in selecting passages from sources ■of more questionable purity as models of eloquence. The fitness of the subject is more than half the bat- ‘ tie in declamation. Shakespeare’s plays were writ- | ten to be spoken, and how well they have answered their end let the world declare. While we design,— ■and that too from a sense of justice, —to award high praise to the speakers, we will suggest to some of them that it is neither graceful nor necessary to move about incessantly upon the stage. Should they ev er become public speakers, they may have to confine themselves to a pulpit or a “ stump ” even, and their propdhsity to walk about might be unfortunate. Tuesday was a brilliant day. The air had been cooled the previous night by a violent storm, and morning broke gloriously—ripening into a model summer day. In the forenoon the “ Junior Exhibi tion” attracted a very large*assembly in the Chapel. Eight original addresses were delivered ; but we were so remote from the rostrum as to lose a considerable portion of almost every speech. The general man ner of the speakers was easy and self-possessed. The speech on Fashion was clever, and bore with deserv ed severity on many follies of the day. The author might, it is true have made much more of a subject so admirably adapted to satire. We will not partic ularize the other addresses as, except perhaps in one instance, the distinction between them was not very marked. Against one feature of perhaps all of them we protest in behalf of the auditors and also of the orators, we mean their length,—ten minutes, or cer tainly fifteen, are enough for each address ; and at the best Northern Colleges a speech of longer dura tion would not he tolerated. Amend this error, young gentlemen, and you will increase the interest of your exhibition. At the close of the Junior Orations, the prize med als were delivered to the successful Sophomore de claimed. This duty devolved on Professor Stevens, in the absence of lion. 11. B. Hilliard appointed for the occasion. It is needless to say that the duty was well and gracefully discharged. With a becoming pride in his pupils’ excellence, he extolled their at tainments and incited them to greater excellence, by holding up before them the fame of the King of Grecian Orators, and by tracing his career of toil and struggle from his unpromising boyhood to his man hood so its power to sway the world by the magic of eloquence. The Address before the Alumni was delivered on Tuesday afternoon by Junius Wingfield, Esq. The theme of his discourse w r as the adaptation of South ern Institutions and Southern Character to the de velopment of a high-toned Literature. We should certainly join issue with the orator on several points of his subject, questioning not only the soundness of his logic, but the fitness of his illustrations ; but onr limits would forbid this, even if courtesy warranted it. The lamentable inaction of the people of the South in literature, is certainly prima facie evidence against the ground assumed by the Alumni speaker. Would that his theory—flattering and patriotic as it is—were only sustained by the facts in the case! On Wednesday, the Commencement Exercises came off with much eclat. The day was remarkably fine, and the exercises were attended by an immense concourse of people. The orators were ten in num ber, and we only echo the general sentiment when we say that they all did well. We will not be so indis criminating as to say that “ where all acquitted themselves so nobly comparisons would be invidi ous,” as is the usual mode of expression on such oc casions. There were degrees of excellence, —and va rieties of excellence, also. The speakers and their themes were as follows — Wm. D. Williams, D. S., [2d honor,] Harris Cos. —Salutatory. Alphabetical writing. Wm. W. Lumpkin, P. K. S'., Athens. —The Lyre of the Heart. Augustus M. Mrlver, P. K. S., Liberty Co.— Places consecrated by Genius. Marccllus Douglass, D. S., [2d honor,] Randolph Co.—Present Crisis of Irelapd. Charles S. H. Hardee, D. S. Savannah. —“ Gren ada’s sun is set to rise no more.” Robert E. Allen, P. K. S., Savannah. —Nation- al Obligations. Joseph J. Singleton, D. S., Dahlonega.— “ For who would sink in dull Oblivion’s stream? Who would not live in songs of distant days?” Thomas R. Willis, P. K. S., Wilkes Eng lish Opposition to American Institutions. B. A. Thornton, P. K. S., [3d honor,] Macon Cos., Ala.—Dangers which threaten the Republic. Madison D. Cody, D. S., [lst honor,] Warren ton.—Valedictory. The first address was in part a Latin salutatory— well written and well pronounced. With his Eng lish theme Mr. Williams was fortunate enough to make a good impression on the audience. The sec ond speaker did himself credit in the realms of grace and fancy, and proved himself not altogether unskil led in the use of that wonderful lyre which formed the theme of his discourse. We were well pleased with Mr. Mclver’s address, and approve entirely its honorable sentiments. Mr. Douglass showed the § ® ©IT BIS {& El & Q IPS S&IB V ®& 8 H Vg ♦ true fervor of enthusiasm in his speech on Ireland, though we are not sure that his zeal was quite accor ding to knowledge. The Fall of Grenada—in itself a picturesque theme —became doubly attractive as the young orator lighted up its ruins with the fires of imagination. We mourned with him over the de parted glories of the Moorish capital. Mr. Allen’s views of National Obligations were creditable to the heart as well as to the head of the speaker. They were sensible, generous, discriminating and practical. The next address was a manly and feeling depreca tion of Oblivion—and exhibited a just appreciation of the fame which belongs to those who achieve great deeds. Mr. Willis’s speech we were not fortu nate enough to hear. That of Mr. Thornton was conceived in a fine spirit of blended humor and satire, and contained some admirable points—provoking the audience to cheerful merriment. Os the Valedicto ry we will only say that it was marked by deep, ear nest, ingenuous feeling, and, without the aid of mer itrieious ornament, spoke to the heart in tones of sadness and tenderness suited well to its character. The address of the venerated President to the Graduating Class was full of parental counsel —earn- est sympathy—noble incitements, and pure lessons of wisdom and truth. We should have given our readers only an imper fect record of the events of Commencement week if we didnot include the address of Col. H. R. Jackson before the Literary Societieson the succeeding Wfed nesday morning. From his poetical temperament, much was expected of him on this occasion. We are happy to say that he nobly met the expectations of his friends. His address was undoubtedly a master ly production, and has added much to his already high reputation. His theme was Courage. We shall undoubtedly have the pleasing duty to perform of noticing it in our Book Table, and we shall there fore simply say of it now, that it was noble in its theme, pure in its philosophy—lofty in its concep tions —beautiful in its imagery—apposite in its illus trations —convincing in its argument, and admirable in its impression! Thus was closed one of the most gratifying litera ry festivals ever held in our State, and all who par ticipated therein, with cultivated taste .and correct perceptions of intellectual beauty, must have been pleasantly refreshed. May the successive anniver saries of our excellent University be each more and more fruitful of high rewards to those who cherish it. From its classic walls may there continually go out noble young men, each armed, cap a pie, for life’s struggle—and fitted by the beautiful lessons of the Academy, blended with the stern principles of truth, to be truly “ a hero in the strife.” ©ur gSosstp (Kolurnu* The past week, gentle reader, has been one of an imation and bustle in our usually quiet town. The great annual jubilee of our College has been celebra ted with even more than its wonted spirit and eclat. VVe have had the pleasure of taking many of our rea ders by the hand, and hearing from their own lips the welcome praises of the Gazette. Several of them have said to us, “ Your paper is a great favorite in the parlor, and it is regularly filed by the ladies.” We really cannot desire higher testimonials than these, to the value of the G azette. To have it prized in the “ dear home circle,” and preservedby the hand of woman, is glory enough for us. Dear friends !we shall strive the more earnestly to make the paper worthy of the favor your indulgence thus bestows up on it. A single word here on a subject we seldom al lude to. In a letter recently received from a friend and agent, we find the following passage : “ Two or three of your subscribers, who, before they had paid their subscriptions were somewhat inclined to find fault with the Gazette, have, since they have paid me, become exceedingly pleased with it and praise it in high terms !” Now, we have recorded this simply to remind our readers that they cannot enjoy the pe rusal of the Gazette with the highest zest, until they have paid for it. We hope the incredulous will, at least, give our doctrine the benefit of a trial. “ Kind friends —sweet friends,” we pause for your reply ! . . . . One of our Senior Orators at the late Commence ment exercises, indulging in some playful satire upon the fashion of wearing a thick tuft of hair, both on the chin and upper lip, said that there was some dan ger of the mouth becoming in such a case, “ hair-met ically sealed!” .... We have devoted so much space in this number, to the Commencement festivi ties, that we will not leave our annals imperfect by omitting to notice the brilliant social gatherings which marked the successive nights. On Monday evening, we mingled with a gay throng at Dr. R’s, where the hours flew rapidly, winged with sparkling conversation, merry laughter and the graceful dance. The amiable and accomplished hostess, presided with an easy grace over the entertainment. The “ Com mencement Fete,” at Professor L’s is regarded as the most brilliant in the annals of our town. It was “ a night lovely with stare,” and the spacious gar dens around the mansion were artificially illuminated, offering temptations to those weary of the crowded halls —or disposed to communion with “ one fair spir it” only. Inside, all was splendor and gaiety. At an early hour of the f&te dancing commenced, in spired by the music of a full and excellent band—and for hours the voice of melody and the poetry of mo tion reigned supreme. The young, the gay, the beau tiful were there, and in the pauses of the dance— “ Soft eyes looked love to eyes which spake again, And all went merry as a marriage belt!” The luxuries of the feast were provided with a lavish bounty, and a faultless taste, and all who participa ted in that festal scene, paid a willing tribute to its beauty—and especially to the grace and elegance of its presiding spirit Our last words in relation to Commencement shall bo those which wo least like to utter —but which, nevertheless, ought to be said. There are defects in the arrangements for the various public exercises, which are felt by hundreds. Wo | think, in the first place, that the Alumni ought to be j provided with spocial seats on Wednesday. As it is, i they are driven from post to pillar, (literally,) and half their interest in the doings of Alma Mater is crushed by physical inconveniences. In the second j place, all gentlemen connected with the public press should be provided with a seat where they can both see and hear the orators. We shall not be understood as speaking for ourself, when we add that wo saw half a dozen editors making vain efforts to see and hear on Wednesday. At our Northern College An niversaries, the “ Reporters” are better cared for. — And now, “ last though not least,” we protest against the unmannerly and savage practico of stamping about the galleries and rattling up and down the stairs during the speeches. We do not know that any of those who were guilty of such pract ices, think themselves to he gentlemen: we certainly do not ; and if this nuisance cannot be abated by voluntary reform, we suggest that a sufficient number of mar shals should be appointed to insist upon a due obser vance of a decorum which even savages would natu rally observe And now, dear readers, one and all, farewell. (Due 3300fc Publishers and authors who may wish to have their Booka noticed in the “ Literary Gazette” will please send copies for the editor to Burgess, Stringer &. Cos., N. York, who will send a parcel to him every week by express. The Cyclopiedia of Moral and Religious An ecdotes. By the Rev. K. Arvine, A. M. New York: Leavitt, Trow & Cos. This is a beautifully printed Serial —to be com pleted in eight numbers —of which five are now on our table. The plan is an excellent one, and so far, well carried out. The chief topics are arranged al phabetically, and are subdivided into sections, each of which embraces a separate head, illustrated by one or more apposite anecdotes We subjoin a specimen of the plan. Under the general topic of Affection, and the subdivision of Filial Affection, the following beautiful incident is related: Washington’s Regard for his Mother. —General George Washington, when quite a young man, was about to go to sea as a midshipman ; every thing was arranged, the vessel lay opposite his father’s house, the little boat had come on shore to take him off, and his whole heart was bent on going. After his trunk had been carried down to the boat, he went to bid his mother farewell, and saw the tears bursting from her eyes. However, he said nothing to her ; but he saw that his mother would be distressed if he went, and perhaps never be happy again. He just turned round to the servant and said, “ Go tell them to fetch my trunk back. I will not go away to break my mo ther’s heart.” Ilis mother was struck with his de cision, and she said to him, “ George, God has prom ised to bless the children that honor their parents, and I believe he will bless you.” The cost of each number, containing 112 pages, in octavo, handsomely printed on fine paper, is only 25 cents. What family will be without such a trea sure—both of instruction and gratification 1 The Germania and Agricola of Tacitus. Edi ted, with Notes, by W. S. Tyler. New York : D. Appleton & Cos. We know of no edition of the Germania and Agri cola at all comparable to this for purity of text, and judicious annotation, and when to this we add that the typography is beautiful, the book will be suffi ciently commended to the classical reader. Caesar’s Commentaries on the Gallic War. Ed ited, with Notes, by Rev. J. A. Spencer. New York: D. Appleton & Cos. The able of this elegant edition of the cele brated Roman General and Historian, is well known by his valuable editions of Arnold’s Greek and Latin Books, already so popular with the best teachers.— The text is that of Ondendorp, carefully collated with those of other able Commentators. The purifi ’ cation of the text of Caesar is certainly a benefit to the classical world, for it had become exceedingly corrupt and questionable. We like Mr Spencer’s Notes very much, and think they will really aid the student without actually doing the work for him. The Hen-Pecked. A Novel, by the author of the Flirt. Yew York: Long & Brother. This would be a capital story if it did not shock the propriety of every sensible Benedict by its exag gerated picture of Mark Chitwood’s submission to his beautiful but tyrant wife. We felt all the while ; we were reading it, as if we should like to pull his ears or do something worse to him, for his spiritless submission to the imperious lady, whose annoyance ought to have been taken down a few notches. Tin book will boos service, however, to those in the un fortunate Mark’s situation, by opening their eyes to their degradation, and inciting them to a proper as sertion of their marital dignity and preeminence. The Student of Salamanca. New York: Long & Brother. This is a powerfully written tale of the Carlist War in Spain. It is praise enough fbr the novellette to say that it was accounted worthy to appear origi nally in Blackwood. Frank Gf.rnon, or a Cadet’s First year in India. By Captain Beli.f.w. New York : Long & Bro ther. A lively and interesting book—narrating the ad ventures of a lad of sixteen, who went to India with much the same romantic notions of the immense wealth to be realized there, as have turned the heads of hundreds of “ younger sons” of English families. What he saw and what lie did, and what he encoun tered, affords materiel for an amusing record. Practical Physiology; For the use of Schools and Families. By Edward Jarvis, M. 1). 1 vol. 12mo. pp. 368. Philadelphia : Thomas, Cow perthwait Cos. The Science of Physiology is of such importance in a course of Education, that we are astonished to find it entirely neglected in many schools that, nev ertheless, make pretensions to thorough instruction of their pupils. We consider no system of Education complete—but on the other hand, wofully defective, where a knowledge of the human body is not em braced. Surely every one should be taught, and that too, as soon as he can learn, the structure, relations, wants and uses, of his physical nature. Such knowl edge is not only desirable, but absolutely necessary, to the proper discharge of his duties, and we protest against the neglect of this branch of Science. The manual of Dr. Jarvis appears to us well suited to the purpose for which it has been prepared—to give to the pupil correct elementary instruction in Physiol ogy. The style of the book is simple and perspi eu ous. The author is practically conversant with his theme, and therefore a proper teacher. We hope that parents will put this volume into the hands of their sons and their daughters ; and that intelligent teachers will no longer neglect to make their pupils acquainted with the science of their own being—a science at once wonderful, beautiful and immeasura bly important. ‘• The Vacant Professorship. The chair of Belle-Lettres and History in the State University vacated, at the close of the late session, by the retirement of Professor Stevens, was filled on Thursday, at a full meeting of the Board of Trus tees. The Rev. W. T. Brantley of Augusta was elected to fill this ; mportant chair, and we cordially congratulate the friends of the College on his accep tance of the appointment. Our personal acquaintance, for many years, with the Professor elect, enables us to speak confidently of his high qualifications for the post to which he is called; and we predict a happy result to the interests of the College from this judicious choice of its ap pointed stewards. £f)e Storeman ittont&lt? Ikess. Columbian Magazine. New \ork: J, S. Jaylor. When there are so many rival magazines—of a class, it is difficult, as it seems to be invidious, to assign the palm of excellence to anyone in particu lar. Without intending to do this, we may yet ex i press our decided approval of the “ Columbian.” It makes less pretensions to superiority than some of its flashy compeers ; but this is rather in its favor, since they who boast loudest, do least. The eontrib utors of the “ Columbian” are numerous and distiu • guished. Among them are Mrs. Stephens, Mrs. Os good, Mrs. Neal, Mrs. Judson, (Fanny Forrester,) besides many others. Its embellishments are some times very beautiful, and always good. We thin! its literary contents will bear comparison with tho.- of any kindred Magazine. In our columns this week. will be found a specimen of its verse, by Mrs. Neal The Union Magazine, for August. New \ork; Jas. De Graw. A favorite from its earliest appearance, we ha \ e lost none of our first interest in this beautiful Month ly, and can commend it as warmly as ever to oui ten ders, and especially to our female triends. Mt>. Kirkland being now abroad, the Magazine contain agreeable papers from her pen, uuder the title of “Sight Seeing in Europe.” The contributors do their part well. The artists are deserving of praise, and the publisher is determined not to be outdone by any cotemporary in the typographical department o, the magazine. Prosperity, say we, to the Union ‘ 103