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History of the University of North Carolina.
Volume II: From 1868 to 1912:
Electronic Edition.

Kemp P. Battle (Kemp Plummer), 1831-1919

Funding from the Institute for Museum and Library Services
supported the electronic publication of this title.

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Academic Affairs Library, UNC-CH
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill,
2002.

        © This work is the property of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It may be used freely by individuals for research, teaching and personal use as long as this statement of availability is included in the text.

Source Description:
(title page) History of the University of North Carolina. Volume II: From 1868 to 1912
(cover) History of the University of North Carolina 1868-1912
(spine) History of the University of North Carolina Vol. II
KEMP P. BATTLE
ix, 1-875 p. p., ill.
RALEIGH:
EDWARDS & BROUGHTON PRINTING COMPANY
1912

Call number C378.UEI (North Carolina Collection, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)

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        KEMP P. BATTLE

        GEORGE T. WINSTON

        EDWIN A. ALDERMAN

        FRANCIS P. VENABLE

        

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HISTORY
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA

BY

KEMP P. BATTLE
PROFESSOR EMERITUS OF HISTORY

VOLUME II
FROM 1868 TO 1912

RALEIGH:
EDWARDS & BROUGHTON PRINTING COMPANY
1912

Page verso

Copyright, 1912
BY KEMP P. BATTLE

Page iii

        TO MY WIFE
WHO FOR NEARLY THREESCORE YEARS
HAS JOURNEYED WITH ME OVER THE SMOOTH WAYS
AND THE ROUGH WAYS OF LIFE,
AN EVER READY HELP AND WISE COUNSELOR,
THIS BOOK IS LOVINGLY DEDICATED.

KEMP PLUMMER BATTLE.

Page v

PREFACE

        After unexpected and regretted delays the second volume of my History of the University of North Carolina is issued from the press. It embraces the period from the suspension of exercises in 1868 to the close of the Summer School in 1912. My aim has been to give a clear and truthful pen picture of the revival of the institution from its moribund state, its struggles and its final rise to rank with the first institutions of America. To record all the items of the numerous facts and incidents of forty-four years is manifestly impossible. I have selected such as in my judgment make the narrative both distinct and accurate. The students who attended the University from time to time will doubtless be able to point out omissions. I assure them that such omissions were essential in order to prevent the book from having excessive bulkiness.

        The Faculty in recent years has been larger than that of the old University, and the changes more frequent. I have endeavored to give engravings of all the professors. Where the face of a new professor is not found the deficiency came from inability to procure his photograph.

        The first volume met with a reception which greatly surprised and gratified me. I can not hope that similar favor will be extended to the second. The former chronicled events on which the haze of oblivion had settled or was then settling. The removal of this haze and bringing them again into the light, brought, it seems, to the readers, both interest and instruction.

        The second volume tells of things and persons which have not passed from memory. They are almost contemporary. My readers have shaken hands with the actors. They will not have the pleasure of reviving happy memories half forgotten. Distance, in time as well as in space, "lends enchantment to the view."

        I have, however, aimed higher than merely giving an agreeable hour to my readers. I venture to hope that this minute

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and faithful narrative of the struggles of the University from seven teachers and sixty-nine students to over eight hundred matriculates and over eighty teachers, will be of permanent value to students of education and to students of State Government. I think it will be seen that in a large degree the University has created its own success, by the constant advocacy of higher education in all the counties by its Presidents and Professors; by the excellence of its training; by the culture and energy of the teachers it has sent forth as educational missionaries, like McIver, Alderman, Noble, Joyner, Walker; by the high conduct of its sons in religious, legislative, executive, and judicial functions and in business pursuits. I do not think that I boast too much in claiming that the University has been an influential factor in creating the present high appreciation of education among our people.

        I must express my obligations to Professor Collier Cobb for his assistance in procuring the numerous engravings in my book, often photographing the subjects with his own camera. Also to my sons, K. P., Thos. H., and W. J. Battle, especially Dr. Kemp P. Battle, Junior, for valuable assistance in preparing the manuscript and reading proof.

Page vii

CONTENTS

Page ix

ILLUSTRATIONS

Page 1

History of the University of North Carolina
Volume II

CHAPTER I.

ELECTION OF TRUSTEES--1789 TO 1868.

        In my first volume I brought the History of the University to the death of President Swain, August 29, 1868. This period covers the life of the Old University. The changes in courses of instruction, in scholastic degrees, in modes of discipline, in buildings and apparatus, the habits and aspirations of students, now make appropriate the name of the New University. There is, however, a substantial connection between the Old and the New. The New is the Old modernized, responding to changed conditions of social life, to new demands of rapidly advancing discoveries, to invention and ever varying phases of scientific, political, industrial, and even theological thought. The New, however, has pride in the history of the past, especially in the great alumni, who have been leaders in all the walks of life, while the survivors, joyful over the continued progress of their Alma Mater and ever ready to applaud its further advancement, have in their hearts an ever increasing love for the University as they knew it. There has been no destruction of the Old. When closed for a season it only slumbered. It was not dead. The influences that awakened it were put into motion by the old alumni, who had eagerly watched for the opportunity. But for those influences an Agricultural and Mechanical College would have taken its place--the application of science to industrial pursuits exalted and literary departments subordinated. The Old University would have died, leaving only a memory of past achievements.

        By the University charter of 1789 its Trustees filled the vacancies which occurred from time to time. As those named

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in the charter were mostly of the Federalist party, it naturally came to pass that when Jeffersonian Democracy was triumphant in the General Assembly, the Board of Trustees was strongly of the adversary party. The University for this and other reasons became very unpopular. Hostile legislation resulted. It became necessary to give the election of Trustees to the General Assembly. From 1804 down to 1868 the choice was by that body, the term of office being for life.

        The University kept its doors open in all the hardships of the war, but it was left in desperate circumstances. The endowment was gone. Professors for the payment of their salaries depended on tuition receipts and, owing to the general paralysis of business, students were few in number, and some of them on the beneficiary list. Professors Martin, Hepburn, and Kimberly, for want of a support, went elsewhere. The Faculty was reduced to five.

        The Trustees adopted a scheme, reported in 1867 by a committee, of which K. P. Battle was chairman and Wm. A. Graham and S. F. Phillips were members, under which Professors were to be supported partly by small salaries paid by the University, the residue by fees paid by students in the respective departments. In order to relieve the Trustees of all embarrassment, the President and Professors in the Fall of 1867 tendered their resignations, which were accepted, but, as the new scheme was not to go into operation until the Commencement of 1868, they by request continued in their chairs until then. When that date arrived it was evident that the old Board would shortly be superseded. It was impossible for them to carry into practical effect the contemplated reorganization. It seemed good to them therefore to reëlect the President and Professors, so that responsible men should be in office to protect the public property and take effectual means for receiving students at the beginning of the following session. These reëlections were duly accepted by the incumbents.

        By the Constitution of 1868 the election of Trustees was taken from the General Assembly and given to the Board of Education, its members being ex officio Trustees. The others were apportioned in the State, one to each county. This arrangement

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was faulty in several particulars. In the first place all the members of the Board of Education, except the Superintendent of Public Instruction, were political officers, with no special interest in the cause of education. Secondly, as many of the counties are remote from the seat of government and it has never been the practice to pay the expenses of Trustees, many of them never attend meetings. And as the members of the Educational Board live in Raleigh, they would usually be the controlling element in the Board of Trustees. Thirdly, it so happened that in 1868 Governor Holden controlled the Board of Education and so dominated the University.

        Since 1835 the practical management of the University has been in the hands of the Executive Committee, prior to 1868 chosen annually by the Trustees, always with special reference to their interest in the University and proximity to Raleigh. The Constitution of 1868 totally changed this salutary arrangement. The Executive Committee was so constituted as no longer to be the helpful servants of the Trustees, but to be under the control of a political body, namely, the Board of Education, then eight in number, the State officers--politicians of course. To these were added the President of the University and three Trustees elected by the Board, the politicians being in a majority of seven to four. The Governor was chairman both of the Board and of the Executive Committee.

        In the Appendix is the list of the first elected Trustees under the Constitution of 1868.

        Eight of those appointed, R. Don Wilson, C. C. Jones, R. S. Abrams, George W. Brooks, J. H. Bowditch, J. A. Maultsby, Anderson Mitchell, and F. J. Kron refused to accept the office, some for private reasons, others because they did not reside in the counties from which they were appointed. Mr. F. J. Kron, of Stanly, in his letter of refusal, said, "The institution as it stood heretofore had no warmer friend than myself. My best wishes for such a Faculty, such as it possessed from its foundation, and such thorough scholarship as will command the gratitude of the State and admiration of the world."

        Judge Starbuck, in agreeing to act, showed considerable acrimony. He said "the University's prosperity is well-nigh destroyed

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by the hand of misrule and treason. Instead of being, as she is accused of late years, a nursery of narrow-minded, bigoted, and sectional ideas she may become the nursery of patriotism, loyalty, love of country, and devotion to this great Union."

        Notwithstanding this censure those who knew the President and Professors of the old University could testify that they accepted the results of the defeat of the South with as much resignation and determination thenceforward to be loyal to the Union, as those of any institution in the land. This was shown by the words and actions of President Swain, by the conciliatory address of Governor Vance in 1866, by the hearty reception accorded to President Johnson, Secretary Seward, and other Northern men in 1867, and by the general attitude of authorities and students.

        The members of the Board of Education owed their places to the influence of the Governor, so that he controlled and virtually appointed the Board of Trustees. Being a strong party man he quite naturally appointed Republicans, and a few whom he hoped to win over.

        This Board was composed of many substantial and some prominent men. There were in it eighteen alumni of the University, but it was a grave defect, that, scattered as they were over the State, one in each county, it was difficult to secure continuity of management. And composed as it was almost entirely of members of the Republican party, at a time when party spirit was virulent, naturally their conduct was watched by censorious eyes and the patronage of the institution was necessarily curtailed.

        The new Board contained only five of the old. These were Rev. Dr. Neill McKay, Thomas Settle, John Pool, Montfort McGehee, a Democrat, who owed his appointment to his brother-in-law, Richard C. Badger, and Governor Holden, who had resigned his place in 1867.

        At the first meeting of the Board, July 23, 1868, the following were present: Governor Holden, Lt.-Governor Caldwell, Secretary Menninger, Auditor Adams, Superintendent Harris, Superintendent Ashley, Treasurer Jenkins, Attorney-General

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Coleman, on the part of the Board of Education; Hon. D. L. Swain, and ex-Governor Manly by invitation; and on the part of the Trustees, Messrs. Tourgée, Ingram, Rodman, John Pool, Russell, V. Barringer, M. Taylor, Thomas, Howze, Lehman, Buxton, Etheridge, Henderson, Wynne, Lassiter, Grimsley, Bynum, Gahagan, Miller, Cantwell, Robinson, Cloud, J. F. Taylor, E. W. Jones, Badham, McDonald, S. Pool, Hayes, Settle, Downing, Reade, Brogden, Long. Total, 41.

        The Executive Committeemen elected by Trustees were Wm. B. Rodman, James F. Taylor, and Thomas Settle, to whom were added by the Constitution Holden, Caldwell, Menninger, Jenkins, Adams, Ashley, Harris, and Coleman.

        The first action of the Board of Trustees was to distribute by lot the counties of the State into four classes. The Trustees from the first class were to hold their office for two years; of the second class for four years; of the third, six years, and of the fourth for eight years.

        Then President Swain, erroneously thinking that he was recognized as President by the new Constitution and therefore entitled to a seat in the Board, moved that the old Secretary and Treasurer, ex-Governor Manly, read his report. This he did with much feeling, closing by a pathetic statement of his pain and suffering from parting with books and papers which had been his companions for 47 years. A resolution was passed thanking him for his efficient services.

        President Swain was then called on to "deliver his address," the mover being too astute to call it a report. It proved to be not a recital of the work of the University or of his own actings for the past year, or of recommendations for the future, but a statement of the progress of the institution, the increase in numbers of students and of buildings, during the thirty-three years of his Presidency. He closed by the assertion that "never had his services been more zealous, faithful and unintermitting." He gave no plan of reconstruction of the institution. His report was identical with that submitted to the old Board in 1867.

        The Board elected Robert W. Lassiter, a member of the Granville bar, Secretary and Treasurer, with a salary of $500 yearly. The most important action, which bears the appearance

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of a "snap judgment," was, on motion of Wm. F. Henderson, the appointment of a committee of five to report some plan for the continuance of the University. The names of the committee were Wm. F. Henderson, Victor C. Barringer, John Pool, Thomas Settle, and Richard I. Wynne. The Superintendent of Public Instruction, Samuel S. Ashley, was added.

        On the next day, in order to negative finally the claim of President Swain that he was still in office, the Board voted to accept the resignations of the President and Professors, made in 1867, and that the chairs be abolished. The reëlection of those officers in June, 1868, were thus ignored as nullities.

        On the report of Henderson's committee it was ordered that the Executive Committee should put into operation a "thorough and efficient organization of the University upon the proper and liberal basis contemplated by the Constitution." They were to have the extraordinary power of electing a President and Professors, devise a system of government, and resume the exercises at the earliest practicable moment, the salaries of President and Professors to be the same as in 1860. They were likewise charged with the duty of inquiring into the state of the funds of the University, with special attention to the mortgage of its property and disposition made of the Land Scrip, and settle the accounts of the late Treasurer Manly. These were subsequently reported as correct. They allowed his claim of $750 for balance of salary as Escheator-General. This overruled the action of the old Board which considered the duties of Escheator-General as appertaining to the office of Secretary and Treasurer, and that the salary of Secretary-Treasurer was sufficient to cover all duties.

        President Swain endeavored in vain to secure a reversal of the decision that he was no longer in office. He claimed his resignation in 1867 was cancelled by his reëlection in 1868. He further contended he held the office legally; that he could not be removed except for "misbehavior, inability, or neglect of duty," grounds mentioned in the charter. No attention was paid to this protest, and further action, if he contemplated any, was prevented by his death. The other members of the old Faculty made no resistance and soon engaged in other fields of labor.

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        In the choice of a President the Board adopted a limitation that no one should be elected who had not an "established national reputation as a scholar and educator." There is no evidence that such a person was sought for, but if the search was made it was inevitably ineffectual on account of the impossibility of paying an adequate salary.

        The unprecedented power to elect all the officers, which had never before been exercised by any Executive Committee, did not meet with the approval of many thoughtful Trustees. Chief Justice Pearson, for example, not to mention others, contended that a matter of so great importance should be passed upon by the whole Board.

        The elections, however, were not then held, although the Presidency was offered to Mr. L. P. Olds, a son-in-law of the Governor. As there was no treasury in sight from which a salary could be drawn, Mr. Olds wisely declined.

        The second meeting of the Board was held November 19, 1868. There were 32 in attendance, so that it appears that there was no lack of interest on the part of the new Trustees. In truth, considering the distance traveled by most of those present, at their own charges, the punctuality was most praise-worthy. There was no diminution of interest for some months. At the January meeting 37 answered to their names, but in June, 1869, they dwindled to 12, mostly State officers.

        The Committee further recommended that the General Assembly be requested to authorize the appointment by the Governor and Council of one student for each Member of the General Assembly, the tuition and College expenses for not exceeding two years to be paid by the State. These students were to be bound to teach in the public schools the length of time they should be at the University. Judge Rodman, Superintendent Ashley, and Senator John Pool were instructed to bring this to the attention of the Legislature. What action, if any, they took, does not appear. Certainly there was no favorable response on the part of the law-making power. The public treasury continued sealed against the University.

        The Governor and Board of Education were requested to protect the property of the institution until the arrival of the Faculty. Under this authority W. N. Harris was employed

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with a salary of $120 per month as Superintendent. The Superintendent of Public Works, Ceburn L. Harris, cared for repairs, there being paid to him from time to time $2,394.19, the account not stating to what objects the money was applied. It is certainly not excessive.

        The Executive Committee also reported the names of the Faculty whom they had selected, a description of whom will be presently given. They were to be supported out of tuition money, but afterwards, as students did not come in, tuition was made free.

        The Committee declared for co-education, but the Board refused to admit females as students. Judges Tourgée and Rodman moved that the appointment of the President and Professors should be provisional only, but the motion was promptly voted down. A motion of Curtis H. Brogden to place the duties of University Treasurer on the Treasurer of the State, and of the Secretary of the University on the Superintendent of Public Instruction, shared the same fate.

        Mr. Victor C. Barringer moved that a school should be established near Raleigh for the instruction of the colored, of equal value as that at the University. Judge Tourgée followed this with a motion which was agreed to that it should be a branch of the University. On motion of Tod R. Caldwell not less than 100 acres was to be bought. It may be as well to state that there never was any proposal to admit the colored youth into the University at Chapel Hill, nor to have co-education of the races in any way. Barringer's proposal, and one afterwards made to give one-third of the Land Scrip money to the colored, were never carried into effect.

        In November (1868) the new Treasurer made his first report. The stay laws and general loss of property, he said, had prevented collection of moneys loaned to individuals and the cash available was only $1,541.08. There was $32,389 due by individuals, most of whom were insolvent, and some municipal bonds, already pledged by the old Board.

        The Treasurer further reported that the debts were about $60,000, including that for $35,712.68 to the Bank of North Carolina. The deed of trust of April 30, 1867, conveyed all

Illustration

        SOLOMON POOL

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the property of the University, including about 1,000 acres at Chapel Hill and a tract of land in Buncombe County acquired by escheat, the extent of which was unknown.

        The land grant of 240,000 acres contracted to be sold by the former Board for fifty cents an acre to G. F. Lewis and his associates, Fisher, Boothe & Co., could not be used to pay debts. Congress had forbidden the location of this land until the State should be admitted into the Union by Act of Congress. By the terms of the contract, if the location should not be allowed by the 4th March, 1869, the sale would be void, in which event it was thought a better price, probably one dollar an acre, could be obtained.

        I will now describe the several members of the Faculty, appointed by the Executive Committee in pursuance of authority granted by the Board.

THE NEW FACULTY.

        In filling up the Faculty the Executive Committee looked first for a President. It was clear that the question of party must be a primary consideration. Rev. Mr. Doherty alleged his loyalty to the Union and to Republican principles, and his services in the Union Army, in addition to his scholarship, as qualifications for a Professorship, or the Presidency. The choice fell on Rev. Solomon Pool, afterwards D.D.

        Solomon Pool, born in Elizabeth City, the new President, and Professor of Intellectual and Moral Philosophy, was a second honor graduate of this University in 1853. He was then Tutor of Mathematics until 1861, when he was made Adjunct Professor. In 1866 he obtained leave of absence in order to accept the more lucrative post of Deputy Appraiser, the Trustees stipulating that they would not be bound to reëmploy him when this office should end. He was a brother of Senator John Pool. Mr. Pool's political animus was shown in a letter written January 23, 1868, transmitting a draft of a proposed Article in the Constitution on Public Education. He charged the University with being governed by the aristocracy and family influence. He urged that "it should be thoroughly loyalized. Better close it than have it a nursery of treason, to foster and perpetuate the

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feelings of disloyalty. Let the present Board of Trustees be superseded by a loyal Board, and the University will be a blessing, instead of a curse." Although narrow in his views he was a man of decided ability and a good writer. His reports and an article published in the newspapers, entitled "The University and the Public Schools," show thoughtfulness and literary power, but at the time of his election he had no State reputation.

        The Professor of Mathematics, Alexander McIver, a native of Moore County, was a first honor graduate from this University in 1853. After serving as Tutor of Mathematics in his Alma Mater for a few months he distinguished himself as a Principal of an Academy in Wadesboro, and then as Professor of Mathematics at Davidson College. In his application he laid stress on the fact that he was the only Republican at that College and was virtually threatened with dismissal if he should vote for President Grant. He was a hard-working, able and upright man. He was afterwards honored with the post of State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

        The Professor of the Greek Language and Literature, Fisk P. Brewer, was in the Class of 1852, one of the best scholars at Yale University; was, when elected, Principal of a school for the colored at Raleigh, founded by Northern charity. He had studied in Athens, Greece, was Tutor of Greek at Yale, had strongest testimonials from President Woolsey, Professor Dana, and others. Was for one year a Professor in Beloit College. He was a brother of Judge Brewer, of the Supreme Court of the United States. His father was Rev. Josiah Brewer, missionary to Turkey, and his mother was sister to David Dudley Field and other eminent men. A contemporary letter to the newspaper says that he ruined his usefulness by boarding with a negro for a short while after reaching Chapel Hill. It was alleged too that he invited negroes to his house when teaching a colored school in Raleigh.

        David Settle Patrick, nephew of Judge Settle, a native of Rockingham County, had been Principal of a school in Arkansas. He was a graduate of this University in 1856. His title was Professor of the Latin Language and Literature. He had not gained reputation as a classical scholar.

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        James A. Martling, Professor of the English Language and Literature, was a resident of Missouri, a brother-in-law of Superintendent Ashley, and was recommended by him. He seemed to have been a man of good parts, but made no permanent impression while in North Carolina. He graduated at the best colleges in Ohio and had been Principal of high schools.

        George Dixon, Professor of Agriculture, was from Yorkshire, in England, a Quaker. He lectured on Chemistry, Botany, and Theoretical Farming and undertook to prepare a model farm. He was elected in consequence of the duty of the University to carry into effect the Land Grant Act of 1862 and seemed to be proficient in his department. He obtained leave in 1869 to visit his native land, the North of England, and promised to bring chemical tables such as are used in that country in agricultural institutions, of one of which he was President. He wished, he said, to promote the immigration of capital to North Carolina. He never returned to Chapel Hill.

        Professor Patrick was Bursar, Professor Martling Secretary of the Faculty, and Professor Brewer Librarian.

        The President and Professors were all Republicans. It was generally understood that applications from those not Republicans need not be sent in. Rev. C. S. Alexander requested a place on the Faculty, but withdrew his application when he found that the treasury was empty. He wrote that he had always been loyal to the Union, and asserted that to his knowledge the soldiers in Barringer's Brigade were for peace, notwithstanding that under compulsion they had passed resolutions breathing war. He was probably a chaplain in the brigade and gave this information in order to ingratiate himself with Governor Holden, to whom his letter was addressed.

        A communication was read from Rev. William H. Doherty, embodying a scheme of reorganization. He was educated at Belfast Institute and had very high recommendations from its professors. He preached for several years in Ireland as a Presbyterian. Embracing Unitarian principles he resigned his pulpit and emigrated to the United States. He was at one time a chaplain in the United States Army and then Assistant Quartermaster and obtained the rank of Captain. He was for

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awhile Principal of Graham College. His scheme was elaborate, drawn up in excellent style, but required generous expenditures of money.

        An application from an alumnus of the University, who thought to make himself acceptable to Governor Holden by proving, so to speak, that he was a follower of the Vicar of Bray, is on file. When at school he had notions of politics, but now he sees it all is foolishness. He would be willing for any party to rule, provided the country prospered. He was a Methodist but tolerated all other denominations much more than formerly. During the war he was Principal of a High School and was befriended by Republicans and Democrats. "I was considered simply a literary man, belonging to no party. The same may be said of me regarding religion." He then naively asks that in case he can not get a Professorship, the Governor will get him a place in the Revenue Department. Never was a character so thoroughly misunderstood. Governor Holden was an uncompromising party man. No "Doubting Thomas" could please him. The bitterest political enemy could become his friend by joining his party.

        It was not long before there was great unrest in the Faculty. It was the old quarrel which in the Acts of the Apostles divided the pure blood and the Grecian Jews. The Professors from abroad complained that they were neglected in the distribution of the Treasurer's checks. They went further and opined that being strangers they should have the preference, but this claim was decided to have no merit. On the contrary President Pool was paid $1,500 for the first year and the others, some a fourth, others a fifth, of that amount.

RESOURCES AND LAWSUITS.

        The funds to make these payments came from a loan negotiated with the Board of Public Instruction mainly on pledge of bonds belonging to the Land Scrip Fund. Of course this was illegal, but was overlooked by the General Assembly as the Faculty were really suffering. Moreover there was a bare chance that the University might have a windfall in the shape of an escheat, or a State appropriation.

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        On motion of Judge Cantwell a committee of three was appointed to inquire into the legality of the debts secured by the deed of trust of April, 1868, and all other alleged debts, with power to employ counsel. The committee was composed of the mover and Judges Reade and Tourgée.

        Ex-Judge Cantwell, chairman, reported that in the opinion of the committee the University was not legally or equitably bound to pay the debt due the bank, for the reason that the University was a corporation of specified powers and that, while it could subscribe for the bank stock if possessed of the cash, as an investment, it could not buy on credit. Such purchase was mere speculation and therefore void. The Cameron and Swain debts should be scaled according to the Act of the Assembly, establishing a scale of depreciation for the settlement of debts contracted during the war. These debts really were incurred in 1859.

        The strange argument too was suggested but not pressed, that the University debts were contracted before the Civil War and due to those who had the status of public enemies. The laws of war declare such debts were the subjects of seizure and condemnation. The University with all its properties was seized and appropriated by the conqueror, and the Constitution of 1868 divested the title of the former owners and vested them, free of incumbrance, in the new State authorities. The chairman (Cantwell) suggested as worthy of inquiry how far the present Board of Trustees are bound by these debts any more than other engagements of their predecessors. He then stated that the question was not before the committee and they offered no opinion on this question. I add that the debts of the University were incurred before there was any depreciation.

        It is difficult to see why the question was not before the committee. The chairman was evidently unable to procure the assent of the committee to this enormous extension of the laws of war to Southern institutions.

        It was further resolved that the Executive Committee report whether any teacher will rent the University buildings and grounds for five years, on condition that the State shall pay tuition for county students. This came to naught. No one

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offered to rent the buildings and the General Assembly failed to make any appropriation. Indeed it is noticeable that even the extravagant Legislature of 1868-'69 showed no disposition to aid the University in any way, although spending money with lavish profuseness in other directions.

        On motion of Judge Tourgée the General Assembly was asked to amend the charter of the University so as to have two departments mutually equivalent in all educational facilities, having the same schools, teachers of equal grade and merit, as near as may be conferring the same degrees, subject to the same rules and under the control of the same Board, one for the whites and one for the colored. Also that there should be Normal and Preparatory Schools for both colors.

        Counsel to defend the University against the claim of the bank were also authorized. Under this the chairman, ex-Judge Edward Cantwell, and Ed. Graham Haywood were appointed. The opinion of these counselors that the University was not legally bound by her subscription to the capital stock of the bank was ordered to be printed.

        With regard to the sale of the Land Scrip, the committee reported that it was fraudulent and should be rescinded. The old Board of Trustees, as appears from papers on file, desired to use part of the purchase money for payment of salaries of the Faculty and other objects. G. F. Lewis, the purchaser, knew of this illegality and could not enforce a contract tainted with this fraud. The committee looked on prices with larger eyes than did the Treasurer. Their claim was that the Scrip was worth $1.40 per acre, as against $1.00 reported by him; whereas 50 cents was the value at the time of the sale to the University.

        Before detailing the organization and work of the University in instruction it is convenient to trace the progress of the litigation under the attorneys, Cantwell and Haywood. They had reported, as has been said, in an elaborate paper prepared by Mr. Haywood, that the University was not bound to pay the bank, because the debt was incurred contrary to law. To sustain this it was pointed out that under the bank charter the stock was to be paid for in gold and silver, and the bank was prohibited from discounting any paper to

Page 15

which a subscriber's name should be either as principal or surety, until the whole of such subscriber's stock shall have been paid. It was contended that this mandate of the General Assembly had been disobeyed because certain citizens, not connected with the University, borrowed the necessary funds from the bank and lent them to the University. With this money the University paid for its stock in full. Then the University borrowed of the bank the same amount, giving the stock as collateral security and paid off the note signed by the individuals. This transaction, it was urged, was a plain evasion of the law.

        The attorneys conceived the idea that the proper way to attack the mortgage of its property to the bank by the University, was for the State of North Carolina to bring suit in the United States Court. This was instituted, but the Court, after full argument, decided that it had no jurisdiction, and the suit was dismissed. The attorneys urged an appeal to the Federal Supreme Court, but the Trustees declined to prosecute it.

        On motion of Chief Justice Pearson, Judges Bond and Brooks were requested to give their reasons in writing for their dismissing the suit, and the attorney, E. G. Haywood, was requested to give to the Board his reasons for considering the opinion erroneous; further that the Attorney-General and Justices Reade and Rodman be requested to examine the subject and report as to the propriety of taking an appeal.

        At the meeting of July 20, 1871, there was no quorum, but the only Trustees present, Chief Justice Pearson, Justices Reade, Rodman, and Dick of the Supreme Court, Judge Cloud, of the Superior Court, and Secretary-Treasurer Lassiter, concurred in the advice to take no appeal.

        It is presumable that the counsel of the University were of the erroneous opinion that the Federal Court would take cognizance of the case under the bankrupt law, but lawyers generally thought the decision against this view correct. Although the court expressed judicially no opinion as to the validity of the subscription to the capital stock of the bank, it was understood the learned judges thought the objection was not valid. It is unreasonable that the University should receive the stock

Page 16

which she paid for and then repudiate the debt voluntarily contracted to obtain means of payment. The corporations, if their charters were broken, might have been punished under quo warranto, and their officers punished for acting contrary to law, but certainly innocent stockholders ought not to suffer.

        Another objection, that the University did not pay for the stock in gold and silver but in a draft on New York, was held untenable, as the draft was equivalent to specie. Nor was the objection fatal that by borrowing money to pay for the stock the University was speculating, the charter conferring no privilege to speculate. It was an ordinary business transaction.

        The effort by the Secretary and Treasurer, R. W. Lassiter, to break up the contract with G. F. Lewis, made in 1867, for the purchase of the Land Scrip, proved equally abortive. Fifty cents an acre was the true market price at the time of the sale. Several Northern States sold at the same price, and one for less. The Secretary of the Interior, Gen. J. D. Cox, of Ohio, decided that all was regular. The postponement of the location by Congress did not deprive the University of the power of sale. Secretary Lassiter visited Lewis in Detroit, employed counsel, and spent some time in New York but accomplished nothing. The fruitless efforts to break up the contract for the sale cost the University over $500 in counsel fees, besides a very liberal sum for the expenses of the Treasurer.

        By virtue of authority conferred by the Board of Trustees Mr. Lassiter purchased $40,000 of old North Carolina Railroad State bonds, $40,000 in new State bonds, not special tax, and $160,000 in special tax bonds. The old bonds he bought at 51 cents in the dollar, the new bonds 46 cents, and the special tax 50 cents, amounting in the total to $119,000. There was much criticism of the purchase of the special tax bonds as the market price began to sink at once and went rapidly down until it became equal to near zero under the Repudiation Act of 8th March, 1870. As the total amount in the Land Scrip Fund was $125,000, there was left $6,000 to be subsequently disposed of by the Board. No interest was paid by the State on either class of bonds.

        Another lawsuit in which the University was interested was

Page 17

the application by Charles Dewey addressed to the Court in Bankruptcy for the sale of the University property. The result of this suit will be shown in narrating the happenings of the year when the decree was made.

        The Trustees were induced by the advice of counsel to bring suit for lands located in West Tennessee under escheated Revolutionary land warrants granted to the University. As fully described in Volume I of this history, the Secretary and Treasurer (Charles Manly), in conjunction with Samuel Dickens, and under instruction of the Executive Committee, had sold all the residue of these real estate interests to Edward Orme and Alden Gifford, agents of a Boston land company, and reported the same to the Board, which confirmed their action. The result of the suit was a signal defeat to the University, the payment of over $400 in fees and costs and the ill name of bringing a false claim, contrary to her solemn agreement. This cost, however, was paid by the Trustees elected in 1874.

        The chief attorney of the University in this case was ex-Judge Robert R. Heath, who emigrated to Tennessee after the Civil War. He agreed to accept a contingent fee of one-half the recovery. After this was discovered by his associate counsel, S. W. Cochran, he called Judge Heath's attention to the fact that such fees were illegal under the laws of Tennessee and subjected the offender to being disbarred--the offense being called champerty. The Judge was greatly troubled, as was shown by his repeated and urgent requests that all his letters in relation to this suit should be sent to him, and by earnest arguments to show that his action did not come within the purview of the law. It was in his favor that the evidence was in North Carolina, among the University papers. At any rate he was not prosecuted and died soon afterwards.

        There was afterwards much consultation about bringing other suits, but it was wisely concluded that, whatever difficulties there were in the titles of many tracts, the University had no claim, having parted with its rights.

Page 18

        We will now see how the University prospered under the new régime.

        Mr. Lewis P. Olds, who declined the Presidency, recommended that there be six Professors to be paid $9,500 per annum. He predicted that "grown gray with years and sacred by the genius of numberless alumni the University halls should speedily resound with the step and voice of youths--and the fountain now dry be made to send out refreshing streams of other days." But alas! the $9,500 was not obtainable. Even if it had been poured into the University treasury, the intensity of disapproval of the new organization on the part of parents able to send students to the University, would have caused a failure.

        There was no income for the first year from the $125,000 Land Scrip money because of the futile efforts to rescind the contract, and the nonpayment of interest by the State, such payment enjoined by the Act of Congress of 1862.

        Owing to the empty treasury a new scheme was devised. The President and Professors were to trust to tuition receipts for their salaries. Promise was held out to apply to the General Assembly for relief. The Faculty heretofore described was made up on this slender foundation.

        The State Geologist, Dr. W. C. Kerr, was looked to for Chemistry, Mineralogy, and Geology.

GOVERNMENT AND CURRICULUM.

        The old plan of government was adopted for the present but a committee of the Faculty was appointed to examine the reports of institutions of this country and Europe and suggest changes.

        The salary of the President was fixed at $2,000 a year, and $120 house rent, that of the Professors at $1,500 per annum and house rent.

        The committee reported that in order to constitute a University in reality, as well as in name, there should be "the University system," viz.: (1) Instruction by lectures; (2) Free choice of studies; (3) Liberty to graduate in any school; (4) Independent character of the Schools. The following chairs

Page 19

or departments of instruction were recommended, the chairs to be filled when the income would justify it:

  • 1. Department of Latin Language and Literature.
  • 2. Department of Greek Language and Literature.
  • 3. Department of Modern Languages.
  • 4. Department of Logic, Rhetoric, Political Economy, History, Ancient and Modern.
  • 5. Department of Mathematics.
  • 6. Department of Chemistry, Mineralogy and Geology.
  • 7. Department of Natural and Mental Philosophy.
  • 8. Department of Applied Sciences.
  • 9. Department of Law.

        The Faculty agreed to deliver by turns lectures on Mental and Moral Philosophy, Astronomy, Physiology, Agricultural Chemistry, and Botany, to be open to members of the University and to graduate students. A Preparatory Department was constituted, running over four years. It was agreed that a mark of 75 should pass the student, but the Professor had power to pass on a less mark. The President was to appoint a student to take general supervision of the buildings. The first bell for prayers should ring twenty minutes before sunrise. The second at sunrise and should be continued five minutes.

        On June 10, 1869, a report was made of the work of the first term. The term ran from March 3. There were three students ranking as Sophomores and seven as Freshmen. The Sophomores passed examination in Algebra through Equations of the first degree, 600 lines of the Iliad, nine pages of Herodotus, sixty-four Odes (2 1-2 books) of Horace and ninety-two pages of Whately's Rhetoric.

        The Freshmen passed on Elementary Algebra through Equations of the first degree, and the first book of Milton's "Paradise Lost." Nothing is said of any other Freshman work. If they did any the report is lost.

        Two other students read six chapters of Xenophon's Anabasis and 844 pages of Georgics. Five studied Bingham's Latin Grammar through the third declension and four pages of Whitson's Greek Exercises. All prepared declamations and essays, and read through the Gospel of Luke, whether in the

Page 20

Greek does not appear. The President adds "such labor, though not an occasion of boasting, is evidence of industry."

        The value and interest of the examinations, it was stated, were greatly enhanced by the presence of Superintendent Ashley. All Trustees were desired to imitate his example.

        The degree of Bachelor of Arts (A.B.) was conferred on Abdel Kader Tenny; of Master of Arts (A.M.) on James B. Mason, Prof. D. S. Patrick, Judge Wm. A. Moore, and Judge Samuel W. Watts. That of Doctor of Divinity on Revs. Neill McKay and Samuel M. Frost.

        Tenney was a student of 1863-'65; Mason of the Class of 1867-'68, State Senator; Patrick, an A.B. of 1856; Moore, a student of 1848-'51, a Judge and Speaker of the House of Representatives of this State; Watts a Judge of the Reconstruction period; Dr. McKay a prominent and influential Presbyterian minister of Harnett County, and Frost an able and esteemed preacher of Davie County and then of Pennsylvania--an A.B. of 1852.

        It will be seen from inspection of the report that a considerable portion of the students were in the Preparatory Department. In Mathematics at least the Sophomores were not equal to the Freshmen of the present day. A formal order adopted by the Faculty at the beginning of the next term shows the heterogeneous character of the attendance. "Students now reciting with College students may continue work." Also there were "nineteen entries and no college charges."

        At this time the President presented a complete plan for the reorganization of the University, in order to comply with the Land Scrip Act of 1862. It was as follows:

  • I. College of Literature and the Arts.
  • II. College of Philosophy, Chemistry and Natural History.
  • III. College of Science and the Arts.
  • IV. College of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts.
  • V. Business and Commercial College.
  • VI. Normal College.
  • VII. Law.
  • VIII. Medicine.
Page 21

        There were no Juniors or Seniors, though to them were assigned Engineering, Modern Languages, Astronomy, Natural Philosophy, Rhetoricals; to Seniors were assigned Engineering, Modern Languages, Intellectual Philosophy, Optionals and Rhetoricals.

        The last word, used as a noun, is new in our University language. It probably means Rhetoric as taught in the books, and also theses, declamations, and the like.

        For the Normal Department were prescribed: First Year, Advanced Geography, Chemistry, Natural History, Algebra, Geometry, Rhetoricals, including Elocution. The other years are not given.

        A plan of discipline was adopted which was a revival of ancient and obsolete methods. Every Friday afternoon the Professors reported publicly infractions of the rules. All but the guilty were ordered to retire. Excuses were then heard and the offenses graded. Tardiness was marked 1, absences 2, visiting other students or going to the village in study hours 1, being out of one's room after 8 o'clock p. m. 1, scribbling on the walls 1, spitting on the floor or disorder in the recitation room 1, indecorum at prayers 2, improper or boisterous noise in study hours or after prayers 2, other offenses not specified 1 to 10. Offenses repeated or glaring, double or triple the above penalties. The perfect deportment grade was 100, the demerits to be taken from this. If there should be 20 demerits the parent to be notified of the downward steps of his son, if 30 his removal to be requested.

        The Monitors were not bound to report other delinquencies than absences. Each student on entering was bound to sign a pledge not to disobey but to comply with all the rules, regulations and laws of the University, so far as he was capable, during his connection with the institution.

        We have a report of delinquencies which shows that they were principally from absences, one charged with eight, two others with six each, and so on.

        Notwithstanding meager numbers there were cases needing discipline. The old joke of ringing the bell contrary to the regulations was perpetrated. Four offenders were arraigned.

Page 22

There being a deficiency of evidence, a student was called on as a witness. At first he declined to answer, but, being assured that no penalties would be inflicted, he disclosed the names of the offenders. These were at once pledged and pardoned.

        Other troubles ensued. One student did "not wish to live with Yankees," nor pursue the study of Greek. Guthrie shared this odium towards the divine language and irreverently affirmed that he had not learned three cents worth the whole session. Another announced his dislike of Greek though he did not measure the worth of the language in current coin. The disaffected were allowed to change to Chemistry, taught by Professor McIver.

        President Pool reported a new curriculum, as follows:

        School of Literature and the Arts: Freshman--Latin, Greek, Mathematics, and Rhetoricals. Sophomore--Latin, Greek, Mathematics, Rhetoric, and Rhetoricals. Juniors--History, optional, Mixed Mathematics, and Rhetoricals. Seniors--Political Economy.

        For the College of Science and the Arts, the Freshmen had Chemistry, Natural History, Mathematics, and Rhetoricals; the Sophomores, Chemistry, Natural History, Mathematics, and Rhetoric.

        The second session, or academic year, opened in the middle of August, 1869. The number of those entitled to be called University students was still small.

        In January, 1870, there were reported, Sophomores in the Literature and Art Department, 2; Freshmen, 3; Senior Preps (preparatory students), 5; Junior Preps, 8.

        In the College of Science and the Arts, Freshmen, 3, of whom one was on probation in Mathematics; Preparatory, 1. In the Normal Department there were Freshmen 1, and Preparatory 1, and one irregular. It thus appears that there were claimed to be 9 University students, and 15 Preparatory, with one irregular. A resolution prohibiting from joining the University those under twelve years of age throws a sidelight on the proficiency of those whose names were printed. But, while undoubtedly a number of these could not rank with University

Page 23

students there were some good men, whose careers since have shed honor on their Alma Mater. I instance Col. F. A. Olds, editor; Wm. C. Fields, Senator from Alleghany; Isaac E. Emerson, wealthy druggist; Walter H. Guthrie, machinist in Boston; George W. McIver, Captain in the U. S. Army; Walter F. Pool, Member of the Legislature; George W. Purefoy, physician at Asheville.

        In his report made November 12, 1869, Professor Patrick complains that the former Bursar, Professor Fetter, had not turned over to him any of the books or records of his office, the omission caused admittedly, not by delinquency, but by careless bookkeeping. He gave a sad account of the depredations of late on University property. He says that he has been informed that at the time of the suspension of exercises the opinion prevailed in Chapel Hill that the University property belonged to the people. Books were taken from the libraries and all working utensils abstracted. Some have returned their borrowing with the request that "no questions be asked," while others still retain their spoliations under the impression that "something may turn up."

        The efforts to procure Commencement orators were quite discouraging. Gen. S. C. Abbott, then a Senator of the United States, one of the officers of the Union Army who made this State their home, was secured; Dr. S. S. Satchwell, who always talked good sense on medical and allied subjects, was invited but declined. Rev. Dr. Thomas H. Pritchard agreed to preach a serman before the University, Judge Wm. B. Rodman to make an address before the two literary societies. Governor Caldwell, Gen. M. W. Ransom, Attorney-General Coleman, A. Haywood Merritt, R. W. York, Capt. C. B. Denson, and Rev. Dr. Willis M. Miller, found it not their duty to prop up the struggling institution.

        An effort was made to give the University a potential influence among the educational forces of the State by inviting the teachers to exchange views with regard to having a Normal Institution at the University. President Pool appointed a Committee of Correspondence to invite speakers on the subject. The Convention was not held.

Page 24

        It is recorded that "it be placed on record that an invitation to deliver an address had been given to Judge A. W. Tourgée, which seems to imply that the Judge, or his friends, deemed that he had been neglected in the distribution of oratorical opportunities.

        President Pool seems to have found one or more members of the Faculty too free with University property. He therefore procured from the Executive Committee an order that no member of the Faculty can bind the University, and no Professor use part of the University property except what has been assigned him. Professor Patrick protested against the order.

        A catalogue of 1869-'70 was issued. Nominally the students were fifty-five in number, but it is impossible to ascertain the facts in regard to their proficiency. The names are in a list in alphabetical order, those more advanced appearing in the same column with those in the Preparatory Department. There is no differentiation of classes. The tradition is that small boys were accorded places and thus swelled the number. The public evidently did not accept the number as indicating the prosperity of the institution. The catalogue did not delay the closing of the exercises.

        It was stated that lectures had been given to all the students on the Theory and Practice of Teaching, on the Constitution of the United States, Astronomy, Philosophy, Physiology, Botany, and Chemistry. On the whole, doubtless, the Professors performed their duties as faithfully as the difficulties of their position allowed.

        An entry in the minutes seems to imply that there was some friction between the President and his staff. This was that the President may question any member of the Faculty individually. This privilege, since the beginning of the University, has always been exercised without question by the Presidents as appertaining to their office.

        A peculiar arrangement was adopted in the practical work of instruction. A class was assigned solely to each member of the Faculty. The President was responsible for the recitations and discipline of the Junior class; Professor Patrick of

Page 25

the Sophomores; Professor Brewer of the Freshmen; Professor McIver of the Preparatory. Each member of the Faculty was the medium of communication between his class and the Faculty as a body.

        On November 15, 1870, President Pool submitted his annual report. He gives the number as 36 who have received instruction in the Junior, Sophomore, Freshman, and Preparatory classes of the University. The Juniors had studied three books of Juvenal, Tacitus, Ancient History, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry, Differential and Integral Calculus, and Chemistry. The Sophomores were engaged in the study of the Odes of Horace, Homer's Iliad, and Geometry. The Freshmen devoted their time to Vergil's Georgics and the Æneid, Xenophon's Anabasis, and Algebra. The Preparatory classes studied Cæsar's Commentaries, Bingham's Latin Grammar, Rhetoric, Whitson's Greek Lessons, English Grammar, Arithmetic, and Algebra.

        Bible instruction was given each Sunday afternoon and occasional lectures on literary and scientific subjects were delivered before all the students.

        Two prizes of $20 in gold were offered to the best students, but were not to be awarded until the Commencement of 1871, which was never held. The scholarship of the Collegiate classes was stated to be good as a rule, as was also of the Preparatory Department. The frequent rumors circulated by the enemies of the institution were asserted to be not only untrue but tended to distract the attention of the students, impede their progress, and render discipline more difficult.

        It is noticeable that this report does not give the numbers in each class. It was generally understood at the time that there were very few genuine College students, the majority being what are known as "school boys," or Preparatory students.

        Professor Brewer's report on the Library was scholarly. Extracts from it were given in the first volume. The pamphlets, about 1,000 in number, were classified and tied into bundles. Donations were solicited. The whole number of books added as gifts amounted to over 300.

Page 26

        On the 1st December, 1870, President Pool submitted a plan for continuing the University, ambitious but impracticable, providing that a Committee of Trustees confer with the authorities of the colleges of the State, with the view of bringing them under the State University, they retaining their present chartered rights and to receive such aid as Colleges of the University as may be agreed upon.

        It was further provided that the property of the University at Chapel Hill be leased, the lessee to give bond for its security and its safe return at the expiration of the lease. Free tuition to be given to fifty youths of the State. The leading religious sects of the State to have representation and party politics to be excluded. The affiliating colleges to submit reports of their operations to the Trustees of the University when called on.

        The Board of Trustees appointed a committee of three to carry out the recommendation as to the proposed lease and a committee of five to confer with the colleges and report to a subsequent meeting.

        The first committee were Rev. James Reed and Messrs. James B. Mason and Henderson Adams. The committee to confer with the colleges were President Pool, and Messrs. R. P. Dick, S. F. Phillips, John Pool, and S. S. Ashley.

        The committee on the lease reported on the 1st February that they doubted the propriety of carrying out the plan under the laws in regard to the University, and at their request were discharged.

        President Pool, on behalf of the Committee on Affiliations, reported that he had not called the committee together, because that on the lease had done nothing. It thus appears that he had in mind probably the leasing of the University to a combination of the colleges. The scheme, however intended, was plainly chimerical, as the denominational colleges were wedded to their independent spheres, and it was impossible to induce them to enter into entangling alliances.

        At this meeting was chronicled the donation of a thousand pamphlets and periodicals by Rev. Josiah Brewer, Missionary to Turkey, through Rev. Fisk P. Brewer, his son.

        On October 5, 1870, Mr. Martling obtained leave of absence.

Page 27

Although he hinted at a possible return it was generally felt, and so it proved, that the leave was perpetual. The entry on the records was, that "in view of the financial difficulties we can not refuse consent to any application." It is stated as late in the session as October 10th that Mr. Martling had not heard any class during the entire term except the Junior Preparatory in English Grammar; that he met his classes, assigned lessons and then left the room, his reason being that the textbooks had not arrived. A student would then hear the lesson. After he left Chapel Hill the other Professors divided his work among them.

        On November 2, 1871, the Treasurer reported that the only income for 1870 and 1871 was $1,607.53. As there was no charge for tuition, nothing came in from that source. The Treasurer further stated that of the amounts due by individuals only $1,819.96 was collected or could be collected. This could not be used for present purposes as it was subject to a lien incurred for bonds to pay the former Faculty, and must be applied to those bonds. Of the uncollected debts, some were due by insolvents, some by actual bankrupts, fifty-five bonds of the City of Wilmington, valued at $4,000 (par $5,000); three Virginia State bonds (par $11,200), valued at $6,600, and twenty old North Carolina bonds (par $20,000), valued at $6,000, were hypothecated with the Board of Education for the payment of salaries to the Faculty and other expenses.

        In fine, all the efforts to support the institution resulted in failure. Appeals for legislative aid were not heeded. When the General Assembly of 1868-'69, Republican by a large majority, refused to appropriate money for its relief, it could not be expected that subsequent legislators, of opposite politics, would be more liberal.

        It had now become evident to all that there was no hope of the University to succeed under existing conditions. The General Assembly still refused to pay interest on any of the bonds of the State and declared null and void a large portion alleged to have been fraudulently issued. The Land Scrip Fund was therefore still unproductive. Nothing could be expected from

Page 28

public or private benefaction. A handful of students had been enticed by the promise of free tuition, but even if they had paid tuition it would have liquidated only a small fraction of salary dues. Unable to live on airy promises the Faculty were resigning. The time was ripe for closing the doors and ending the experiment.

NEWSPAPER CRITICISMS.

        There was published at this time a poetical satire on the University as then constituted, particularly pressing the fact of paucity of students. I give part of it. Any one can guess the author.


                         Oh what stupidity,
                         And Old North State frigidity
                         Is it that thus refuses,
                         What Governor Holden chooses
                         To give us as our quantum suff,
                         Of Latin, Greek and all such stuff?
                         The dose is surely small,
                         The pay no pay at all,
                         And yet no man will follow it,
                         Or can be made to swallow it.


                         Now Fortune's wheel revolving,
                         Old ties and links dissolving,
                         The Muses have recorded
                         That when all the good and great,
                         Who so long had served the State,
                         Were compelled by party hate
                         To surrender to their fate
                         And leave the Hall they so long had guarded,
                         Then was Mr. Pool elate,
                         And his services rewarded.
                         With no symptoms of dubiety,
                         Nor sense of impropriety,
                         With no misgiving fears,
                         He claims the vacant chairs,
                         Assumes the god,
                         Affects to nod,
                         And seems to shake the spheres.


                         It surely is a shame,
                         And we're very much to blame,

Page 29


                         That we lose such opportunity
                         To polish our community,
                         For there never was a finer
                         Offered now North Carolina,
                         To send her sons to college,
                         To get a little knowledge.
                         Here's every variety
                         Of the very best society,
                         Among the savants and philosophers.
                         Some of the faculty can spell
                         Very well.
                         Every taste may here be suited
                         Except where prejudice is rooted.


                         Why don't they come to college
                         And get a little knowledge?
                         While all the Sciences,
                         Means and appliances
                         Are lying around loose
                         To rust out for want of use.
                         No misplaced economy
                         Need deter one from Astronomy.
                         All the ologies,
                         Taught in all the colleges,
                         Ancient Latin, modern Greek,
                         Are going a-begging, so to speak,
                         And even Electricity
                         Is in a state of mendicity,
                         While Geology sits idle with her hammer,
                         And yet no scholar will give a dollar
                         For Geography,
                         Orthography,
                         And Bingham's Latin Grammar.

        We find in the Sentinel newspaper of December 1, 1868, an eloquent letter, written under the Old Poplar, evidently by Mrs. Spencer, which touchingly tells the appearance of the University in those days. "For seventy-five years this Old Poplar * * * has spread a benignant shade over the gay throngs that wandered through the Campus, or pressed into the Chapel in the glorious old days.

        "The old tree still stands guard but over grounds that are now empty and forlorn. The dry grass rustles to my solitary

Page 30

footsteps, and a rabbit starts out from yonder tangled and dying rosebush. I look around and see nothing to disturb the profound and melancholy stillness. A negro girl in a pink frock is leaning on the College well and a few of the negro soldiers are passing in the distance towards the village. The sun shines down on the Old East and West, the Library halls, the Recitation rooms; but the doors are all closed--the place is haunted. Strong and ineffaceable memories rush unbidden, and my eyes are dimmed as I gaze on this Niobe sitting thus discrowned and childless.

        " * * * Chapel Hill is the Deserted Village of the South. Nearly twenty of the best families in the place are leaving and their houses are standing untenanted and desolate. The business of the village is at a standstill, while I am told that no fewer than six places have been lately established where liquor is openly sold. Some of our citizens are even now on their way to California. Some are in Louisiana. Of those whose names have been public property for years, Judge Battle is removing his household goods from his beautiful home--dear to him for twenty-five years, to begin life afresh and leave behind him the graves of his children. Professor Martin is in Tennessee, Professor Hepburn is in Ohio, Dr. Hubbard is in New York, Professor Smith is in Lincolnton, Professor Fetter is preparing to move to Henderson. Professor Phillips alone has not decided on his new home. These all leave the houses they have built, the trees they have planted, the flowers they have tended, the cradles of their children, the graves of their dead. Governor Swain was more favored in that he fell on sleep in good time, and rests quietly under the cedars over yonder."

        "Nos patriæ fines, et dulcia linquimus arva.

        Nos patriam fugimus. * * *

        en quo discordia cives

        Perduxit miseros! en queis consevimus agros!"


        Dr. Phillips soon migrated to Davidson College, and many citizens, not members of the Faculty, sought new homes. Of the "Faculty folks" only Mrs. Spencer and her mother remained

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to witness the desolation, the former by her pathetic and caustic writings for the press to keep glowing the love of the alumni for their distressed benignant mother.

        Of course the friends of President Pool, and of the new Faculty, did not take tamely the scoffs and sneers, so liberally bestowed by the friends of the old. An anonymous writer charged that there was a regular conspiracy formed, "conjuring the demon of discord, using the infernal incantation of hypocrisy, falsehood, and envy, in order that the fires of sectional hatred may be let loose over the fairest and most beautiful part of the Southland." "The old University was under the control of oligarchs. Under Pool's administration it will have a brilliant career."

        Another correspondent of the Raleigh Standard affirmed that in three months the University under Swain would have gone to the infernal regions. He attacked the qualifications of the Presidents and Professors. Swain, when at the University, was only a few months in the Sophomore class, was then a lawyer of "small bore," was always a "split-the-difference" man. Dr. James Phillips was an Englishman; was, before coming to Chapel Hill, President or Instructor in a preparatory school; Dr. Hubbard came from Pennsylvania (should have been Massachusetts) to the University, may have graduated in a college of little reputation and notoriety. Professor Fetter was cut out in New York for an Episcopal minister and was "spoiled in the making." Professor Smith was from some Northern State and was likely a graduate of a college. Charles Phillips was a graduate but was the son of a foreigner. The Professors by improvident acts placed the University without students and with a $60,000 debt. They did not apply to the new Board of Trustees for reëlection and are all employed elsewhere, except Dr. Hubbard, who is in Chapel Hill bracing up his son-in-law (Argo) to curse out and whip those who don't agree with him. The writer cautiously requests the public not to mind what Mrs. Spencer writes as she is sister and daughter of those who have received $75,000 from the University, nor what Argo says, as his father-in-law, Dr. Hubbard, received $50,000. The adherents of the old Faculty

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answered such attacks and carried the war into Africa. A correspondent, who signed himself "A Student," says that Pool was for six years a tutor of pure Mathematics and, as Governor Swain said, because he growled about being tutor, was elevated to Adjunct Professor. In 1860 he had a chance to accept a collectorship under the United States and held on to this office six or eight months after being President.

        Only one or two of the new Trustees sent sons to the University under Pool. There were only twelve or fifteen from abroad and they came because free tuition was offered.

        Another writer contends that Pool received from the United States $5,000 a year; two brothers-in-law $1,500 each, and mother-in-law as postmistress $1,000 a year. The property in Chapel Hill had greatly depreciated under his Presidency. Land at tax value of $3,500 had gone to $1,000, and at $2,500 to $500. There were only two students from abroad and they were relatives of Pool. The praiseworthy statement is made that leading citizens of Chapel Hill had requested the editors of prominent papers not to criticise the management harshly until the efforts should be demonstrated to be a failure, and they had in vain called on Judge Pearson, Mr. Lassiter and other prominent Republicans to send their boys to the University.

        A third correspondent makes a special attack on Mr. Pool. "You have seen this beautiful village withering into nothingness through your course; the inhabitants either compelled to leave at the sacrifice of all their property, or remaining in poverty or depression. You have known that the country for miles around was suffering in the decay of their only market. You have walked through the streets, where every eye, save those of your family and political associates, was turned on you with something of hatred and indignant scorn; you have been repeatedly snubbed by your own church members, who have refused, in view of these things, to hear you preach or to receive communion with you, and you have stalked on through it all, impenetrable, in a cold-drawn insensibility, in dumb gravity of demeanor and undisturbed pride of place as the President of the University of North Carolina, that might

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well bid defiance to the light artillery of wit, or ridicule or sarcasm."

        A leading merchant of his own church urged him to resign, pointing out the ruin brought on the business men of the town. His reply was: "I would not resign for $50,000. My course has never occasioned a regret or self-reproach."

        The last correspondent dwells on the evidence of ruin about the buildings. There was no appearance of care. The room doors were open, the closet doors carried off, plastering in South Building had fallen into heaps. An old resident walks through and grieves, repeopling them with friends, many gone above long ago. Familiar faces look out of the windows, but they are in the shadowy past. Everywhere is written Ichabod's, "The glory is departed."

RAILROAD AND COMMENCEMENT.

        In 1869 there was a strong effort to obtain a railroad from the North Carolina Railroad to Chapel Hill. As the Supreme Court had decided that a corporation could not be aided by the State, either by direct grant of bonds or by the State subscribing for stock and selling bonds to pay the same, without first obtaining a favoring vote of the people, another plan was devised. This was for the State to build the road through commissioners, with an issue of State bonds to the amount of $300,000 in order to supply the funds. It was thought that this avoided the prohibition against the State's issuing bonds to or for individuals or corporations. Unfortunately for the promoters of this laudable enterprise the commissioners declined to elect as President the man favored by Governor Holden, said to be T. M. Argo, but chose Henry C. Thompson instead. The Governor thereupon refused to sign the bonds. A suit was instituted by the University Railroad Company against Holden and the court declared the act unconstitutional. The first objection was that no corporation was created--there were no grantees to receive the bonds; second, the proportion of property tax to capitation tax was disturbed; and, third, that a vote of the people was necessary. On the whole it appears to a plain man that the court regarded itself as guardian of the

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State Treasury and credit and were satisfied with arguments of very indifferent strength. Judge Reade dissented and essayed to make it plain that the State can, through commissioners, undertake a public work and that issuing bonds to pay the expense is not lending her credit to others. But, right or wrong, the decision was fatal to the road. Chapel Hill was forced to wait for many years before obtaining connection with the great railroad lines of the State.

        The Commencement of 1869 was sad and painful to those familiar with the grand ceremonies of old times. The Trustees were mainly State officers. Governor Holden, Superintendent Ashley, Judge Buxton, Secretary-Treasurer Lassiter, Judge Rodman, Judge Dick, Judge Settle, Judge Bynum, Judge Watts, State Geologist Kerr, Judge W. A. Moore, being ten Trustees, the number required for a quorum were present. There were seventeen visitors from abroad, it was said, and twenty-eight all together in the audience, counting children. At the beginning Superintendent Ashley made an address, being introduced by his brother-in-law, J. A. Martling. Declamations followed, the speakers being called out by Mr. Martling.

        On Thursday there were seventy-five whites reported with about that number of colored people in the galleries. The chronicle humorously adds, "There was a tremendous crowd of folks--who did not come." Mrs. Ashley and her daughter, and Mrs. Judge Buxton were the only ladies from outside the village. There were two or three Chapel Hill ladies. The reporter adds that "the members of the Faculty were small men from President Pool down. Drop him in the boots of Caldwell and Swain and while he stumbles about in them, he could not peep over the top of them. President Pool made the opening address; he was very solemn, exceedingly dull and nearly inaudible. The burden of his speech was 'Support me and my faculty.' "

        But another correspondent has the following to say of the address of President Pool: "His points were concisely stated, his diction chaste and elegant, and many who came to criticise

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were forced to praise." This account was nearer the truth. Mr. Pool was a man of decided talent. The description by the former writer is accurate as to his manner, for his face bore constantly a melancholy look. His speech was preceded by an Ode to Dr. Mitchell, probably by J. F. Taylor.

        During the morning Governor Holden delivered a carefully prepared written address, evidently his platform of principles on the subject of University Education. He said the evil of the old system was that the children of the great part of the people were practically excluded from the University. The present Faculty is calumniated because some are from other States, forgetting that Caldwell, Mitchell, and Phillips were the same. Most alumni favor the University as constituted. It must not be the theater of politics. The professors must be for the Union. The people will sustain it, "If parents who possess means will not send their sons because of prejudice or resentment towards those who now control, the people will fill the halls with meritorious young men and maintain and educate them at the public charge." Both races must be educated and polls and property taxed for the purpose. The whites must be educated at Chapel Hill, the colored elsewhere, but both in one University. Education knows no color or condition. It must be free like air and as pervading and universal. It is our chief want. Before the rebellion no Southern State had a more successful system than North Carolina, no State had more colleges and academies. If we fail to educate, the immigration will go elsewhere and the penitentiary and jails will be crowded. Practical education will develop our resources.

        In the afternoon, William Blount Rodman, a first honor graduate of 1836, Judge of the Supreme Court, delivered the University address. He was introduced by Mr. Walter Scott Guthrie, one of the undergraduates. He spoke in favor of establishing the University. "His arguments were too deep and strong to be reached by outline." He urged all with State pride to carry out the schemes of Caldwell, Mitchell, and Gaston. He was calm, conciliatory, and rational.

        The Commencement of 1870 was held June the 8th and 9th. Col. John H. Wheeler delivered an address on "The Past,

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Present, and Future of North Carolina." The chronicle states that it was most favorably received by the audience. The music was furnished by the Fayetteville brass band. At eight o'clock in the evening there were declamations by James T. Lyon, Charles J. Suggs, Milton V. Andrews, Charles J. Dorland, and William P. Lyon. The last named and Andrews were pronounced to be the best speakers.

        On Thursday, United States Senator, Gen. J. C. Abbott, delivered the annual oration. His subject was "The Value of Correct Thinking and the Necessity of Accuracy in Scholarship." It was pronounced to be able and eloquent.

        Original speeches by students came in the afternoon. They were: Archie B. Holton on "Enthusiasm," John H. Pitts on "Intemperance," John Q. A. Wood on "North Carolina," William C. Fields on the "Men of the Hour," Walter H. Guthrie on "Mirabeau," W. P. Overman on "Justice May Sleep but Never Dies." The annual report was then read, followed by an oration by Walter F. Pool on "Washington."

        James F. Taylor, of Raleigh, followed with an elaborate paper on President Swain, Dr. Mitchell, and Dr. James Phillips.

THE NORTH CAROLINA HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

        Professor McIver was elected temporary President, Robert W. Lassiter clerk, and Messrs. Patrick, Martling, and Taylor a committee to report permanent officers. The President reported was Col. J. H. Wheeler. The Vice-Presidents were Governor Holden, Lieutenant-Governor Caldwell, President Pool, Judge W. A. Moore, Nereus Mendenhall, Judge W. H. Battle, Gen. Thomas L. Clingman, Dr. S. S. Satchwell, Editor W. J. Yates, President B. Craven, E. F. Rockwell, Palemon John, and ex-Governor D. S. Reid. The Secretary and Treasurer was Prof. Alexander McIver. All Trustees were made members ex officio. The following were made honorary members: George Bancroft, Alexander H. Stevens, Gen. Daniel H. Hill, Bishop Thomas Atkinson, Bishop Pierce, Rev. Dr. Thomas H. Pritchard, Rev. Dr. Neill McKay, Hon. Thomas C. Fuller, Gen. R. B. Vance, Rev. Dr. George W. Purefoy, Rev. Dr. B. York, Hon. J. W. Holden, and Mr. Lewis Hanes,

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Superintendent Ashley, Hon. Curtis H. Brogden, and James F. Taylor were appointed a committee to procure from Mrs. Eleanor H. Swain the books and manuscripts claimed by the society.

        It is pleasant to know that during this period there was at Chapel Hill a flourishing school for the colored which had the reputation of doing much good. The teacher was Miss Fannie C. Colver. At its close there was an impressive ceremony. Rev. Green Caudle, colored, offered up a prayer. His fervent supplication for all the people, of all colors and conditions, was deeply impressive and in newspaper language, "attracted the attention of all present." All seemed to appreciate his devout petitions.

        There was not a total stagnation among the whites, not a total cessation of labors for the uplifting of the young. On June 20, 1871, was held a Sunday School celebration in the University Chapel (Gerrard Hall), which was worthy of Chapel Hill in its best days. On the rostrum were the Rev. Messrs. Bobbitt and A. D. Betts, and teachers in the school, Thomas Long, Superintendent, Patterson McDade, and A. S. Barbee, afterwards Mayor. Rev. Mr. Betts in his prayer made "a beautiful and effective allusion to the present condition of the University." Rev. Mr. Bobbitt, then stationed at Chapel Hill, made an interesting and instructive address. A Bible was presented to Superintendent Long. Adjournment was then had to the campus. Hard-boiled partridge eggs were the main edibles.

        On August 7, 1873, the Old Davie Poplar was struck by lightning. The friends of the University were grieved, as if it were ominous of the fate of the University, but, although there was a rent through the bark at least from top to bottom, the noble tree survived the fiery attack. It was measured and two feet from the ground was 14 feet 6 inches in circumference. It was called the Old Poplar, as Governor Mosely, of Florida, testified, in 1818, when he was a tutor here. Its shade was sufficiently abundant in 1793 to shelter the Trustees who located the buildings. Tradition has it that having eaten their

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humble snack, washed down by the bibulous refreshment usual in that day, qualified by pure water from the spring to the south of University Inn, they unanimously declared that it was impossible to find a more suitable plateau for the future University.

        Mrs. Spencer wrote from under the Poplar a touching and eloquent letter to the leading Raleigh journal. She then believed that the lightning would be fatal. I give an extract. The program over which she memoralizes was in Governor Graham's Administration, 1845-'49.

        "I have before me one of three Commencement programs to read which brings back a gush of warm, sweet, spring air, crowds the silent Campus with glowing, ardent youth, lights the halls with the fresh Beauty and Grace that once adorned them, sends the music of drum and trumpets floating through the tree tops, and crowns our riven old Poplar again with bud and bloom. Illustrissimo Gulielmo A. Graham, Armigero, Carolinæ Septentrionalis Reipublicæ Gubernatori.

        "Can we not see him? Certainly the noblest figure there--calm, self-poised, and firm, his dark eye glancing over the crowd, not one of whom but is proud that day of him as a representative North Carolinian.

        "It is no everyday feeling of affectionate pride in the past, of pain in the present, of persistent hope for the future of the once honored University of our State that summons round the stricken and deserted old Poplar today one scene from the many it has waved over of glowing hope and glorious prosperity."

        On November 8, 1873, died a person long associated with the University at Chapel Hill, a notable and meritorious character, Miss Nancy Segur Hilliard. She was described in my first volume and I add only a few items. She was born in Granville County, a daughter of William and Lucy (Walker) Hilliard. They removed to Chapel Hill in 1817. She was well connected, being related to the Segurs, Pannills, Oteys, and Jeffreyses. When Mrs. Spencer made an appeal to the alumni for help for her while in a dying state and for contribution to

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her burial and the erection of an humble monument to her memory, an old student wrote advocating the pious scheme. He said, "We can name a judge, a lawyer, a preacher, and a doctor who carried weekly from her table a dollar's worth of ham and biscuit to eat at night. She made more money and did more work than any one woman in North Carolina." If those who owed her board would have paid their dues to her she would have been in comfortable circumstances. Her cooking was excellent, her fried chickens were known far and wide, their fame being carried by students and transient customers, as travelers were then called. The drivers of the stages would give notice afar off, by the music of their tin horns, as to the number to be provided for, and the meals would be ready and hot. Notwithstanding that she was not gifted with personal beauty there were few women in our State more deservedly popular with all classes than this good hard-working old maid. I do what I can to keep her memory green. Her heart was beautiful.

        Perhaps no community in the South experienced greater losses than the village of Chapel Hill during and soon after the war. The deaths of its sons in battle (thirty-five in number) were exceeded by none. Depending on the payments by students and professors, its merchants, mechanics and laborers had a precarious existence as long as this source of income was not entirely exhausted. But this dwindled into insignificance as the numbers of students diminished and professors, one by one, departed to seek new homes. And then came the death of President Swain, the exodus of the remaining professors and the temporary closing of the institution. For a short time the doors were reopened but invitations to the young men of the State were unheeded. Again were the doors closed and so remained for four years. The receipts of all dependent on the University were extinguished. Those who had no private income were forced to leave their homes. The village lost physicians, merchants, tradesmen, mechanics. It was called and well deserved the name of the "Deserted Village."

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        Throughout it all, notwithstanding it was evident that success was impossible, President Pool held to his office with tenacious grasp. So, without duties, supporting his family by the emoluments of an office in the revenue service, he was still President of the University, until ejected by a decree of the court in 1875. His persistency was not in vain. He obtained from the General Assembly the unpaid principal and interest of his salary, his being a minister of the Gospel and in financial straits materially aiding his application.

        Another effect of the hard times through which the village passed was the removal of many cottages which had been built by the landowners for the accommodation of students of prosperous days, who were unable to procure lodging in the University Buildings. These cottages were torn down, or sold, some reërected a mile or so away on the neighboring farms. Thus disappeared from the map "Pandemonium," "Possum Quarter," the "Poor House," "Bat Hall," the "Crystal Palace," and other places dear to the ante-bellum students.

        A number of dwelling houses were left tenantless, grim reminders of the University's closed doors. Many domiciles, being rented to families in meagre circumstances, had their vegetable gardens turned into cotton fields, and where the growth of the plant was dwarfed by the proximity of lordly trees many of these were felled and converted into firewood. One tenant, a Frenchman, used a room which had been the chamber of a popular young lady for a chicken coop.

        The losses were not confined to the village. The neighboring farmers lost the sale of their produce; the farmer's wife of her poultry, her eggs, and her butter. The financial blight was widespread.

        Of course the patronage formerly belonging to the University was diverted to North Carolina colleges, or elsewhere. Many a youth at greater expense wended his way to the University of Virginia, to Princeton, Cornell, Yale, or Harvard. Others remained at home or went into business.

        The buildings of the University were not in the best of condition when President Swain died. The deterioration, after they had been tenantless for several years, was pitiful. There

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were cases of wanton mischief, there were many more of carelessness and neglect. Many valuable books were scattered, many a valuable piece of apparatus handled to its injury by unskillful hands.

        The greatest depredation was on the woodland of the University, peculiarly liable to suffer near a village where the guardianship of the owner has been withdrawn, still more certainly when the forest belongs to a public institution.

CLOSING OF THE EXERCISES.

        The responsibility of making the motion to suspend the exercises until further orders was taken by Rev. James Reid, of Franklin, at a meeting of Trustees December 1, 1870.

        Sensible action was taken in cutting off salaries of all the Faculty from February 1, 1871. Mr. James A. Graham's motion made November 20, 1870, fixed the date December 1, 1870, but the later date was adopted on motion of Mr. James B. Mason. The record does not show that the President was excepted, but he contended to the contrary.

        Secretary-Treasurer Lassiter and the Trustees residing at Chapel Hill were instructed to provide for the preservation of the University property. The Treasurer was ordered to take steps for paying the Board of Education for its loan and settle with the Faculty, but no means was placed in his hands. A resolution having in it something of the pathetic was that the Treasurer pay Professor Martling one hundred dollars to enable him "to return to his home." The money was raised and Mr. Martling left the State.

        The members of the Executive Committee elected by the Trustees in 1870 were Rev. Dr. Neill McKay, Judge E. G. Reade, and Dr. Wm. D. Whitted. The members of the Board of Education, viz., Tod R. Caldwell, Governor; Curtis H. Brogden, Lieutenant-Governor; Wm. H. Howerton, Secretary of State; John Reilly, Auditor; David A. Jenkins, Treasurer; Silas Burns, Superintendent of Public Works; Alexander McIver, Superintendent of Public Instruction, and Tazewell L. Hargrove, Attorney-General, were the other members of the Executive Committee. It is an interesting fact that Auditor

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Reilly was one of the six hundred who made the desperate cavalry charge, at Balaklava, immortalized by Tennyson.

        Of the Committee thus constituted Messrs. McKay, Reade, Whitted, Brogden, Howerton, Reilly, Jenkins, and Burns were not North Carolina University men and at least six of them had not attended any university or college. Only Messrs. Caldwell, McIver, and Hargrove were alumni of this University--three out of eleven. No reflection is intended on the faithfulness of any one by this statement, but it is in accordance with human nature that keener interest is held and more effective work performed by the alumni of the institution than by others. Having more intimate knowledge of its past they know its needs and are more energetic in supplying them. Better work is done by men when their hearts are in it.

        At the annual meeting Treasurer Lassiter made an elaborate report, initiating no new measures, in general terms expatiating on the importance of reopening the University under good auspices, but confessing the hopelessness of success. There was no income. There were some claims of land in Tennessee, he said, to which the bar of the Statute of Limitations was effectually pleaded.

        On the whole, Mr. Lassiter's jeremiad led to no tangible result. The Board showed its want of appreciation of his labors by cutting down his salary to three hundred dollars and electing Dr. W. S. Whitted, of Henderson County, in his place. Mr. Whitted appears, however, not to have accepted the post and Mr. Lassiter continued to act.

        Another pursuit after the ignis fatuus of Tennessee lands was inaugurated. The attorney selected was Hyams T. Johnson, of Humboldt, Tennessee, but nothing was done in consequence, possibly for want of retaining fee. A shadowy claim for an escheat in England was likewise investigated, fruitlessly of tangible results.

        A claim, which seemed to have more hopefulness was inquired into by an able committee, at the head of which was Hon. Samuel F. Phillips, afterwards Solicitor-General of the United States. This arose under the will of Robert Donaldson, a wealthy resident of Hyde Park, New York, a graduate

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of this University, once a resident of Fayetteville. After him Donaldson Academy was named. He bequeathed a handsome amount to the University, to a large extent disinheriting his children, because, it is said, they joined the Roman Catholic Church, whereas he was a strict Presbyterian. It was found on investigation that the will was fatally defective under the laws of New York.

        The Trustees made a fortunate decision in regard to a request for donation of land at Chapel Hill. The School Committee of Chapel Hill, Morgan Closs, W. H. Bunch, and H. C. Andrews, made application to the Board for two acres on the Pittsboro Road, next to the lot known as the Hubbard lot, to be used for a school for the colored. It was stated that it was distinctly understood that divers persons, friendly to education, would make liberal contributions for the erection of a schoolhouse. The Board declined to make the donation because the land was covered by mortgage. The lot so applied for is now covered by pleasant residences occupied by white families, and the village school for the whites is located in the same neighborhood. That for the colored is in a part of the village inhabited by citizens of that race.

INEFFECTUAL EFFORTS TO RESUSCITATE THE UNIVERSITY.

        On January 16, 1871, the Faculty had a meeting, President Pool absent. Professor McIver offered a resolution, stating that no member of the Faculty desired to be in the way of the resuscitation of the University, and that it was evident that the present force did not have the confidence of the public. Professors McIver and Patrick voted in the affirmative and Brewer in the negative.

        Professor McIver, who had a full share of Scotch tenacity, on October 17, 1872, offered a resolution to secure a full reorganization of the Faculty. The preamble recites that the President and Professors elected by the Executive Committee on January 1, 1869, had failed to make the University acceptable to the people of the State, the exercises of the institution have been suspended for two years, and the President and Professors have engaged in other pursuits.

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        The chairs of the members of the Faculty were then to be declared vacant, and the best qualified were to be elected to take their places "without any reference to political party." It was found that nothing could be done. A committee was appointed to confer with leading alumni and ascertain the terms on which they would come to the relief of their Alma Mater. This led to no tangible result.

        But for the help of the Board of Education the institution would have come to an untimely end sooner than it did. In 1869, $6,000 was borrowed from the Board, largely on pledge of State bonds; in 1870, $7,691.15, making a total of $13,697.60. Payments on this debt were as follows: In 1873, $1,424.50; in 1874, $1,070; total, $2,494.50, leaving $11,203. But the Board claimed interest on the loans, making a total debt of $17,296.10. As the North Carolina bonds belonged to the Land Scrip Fund, it was really unlawful to pledge them, but there was no public criticism of the transaction. In 1875 the General Assembly concluded to restore the principal of the Fund.

        An effort was contemplated at this time to obtain relief from the mortgage to the Bank of North Carolina. Action was begun in State Courts. Attorney-General Hargrove and Superintendent McIver were appointed the committee to act with the Governor to secure this end. The movement led to no result.

        An adjourned meeting on the 13th February, 1873, was agreed to, with the intent to consider means for resuscitation of the University. In the meantime Superintendent McIver was instructed to memorialize the General Assembly in relation to the Land Scrip Fund with the view to procure payment on interest on the bonds. The request met with no response.

        At this meeting, the last, as appears by the minutes of the Board, no steps were taken to revive the institution. Mr. Ed. Graham Haywood was heard in advocacy of the legality of the suit, dismissed for want of jurisdiction by Judges Bond and Brooks, and the committee heretofore appointed on the subject were authorized, if they deemed it advisable, to appeal to the Supreme Court of the United States.

        This suit, as has been explained, was in the name of the

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State in the Federal Court to set aside the mortgage to the bank and declare the debt void. Lawyers generally thought that Mr. Haywood's eloquence and learning were exerted to prove a legal absurdity.

        In July, 1873, there was held, at the instance of the State Board of Education, a State Educational Convention in which the resuscitation of the University was discussed. Hon. B. F. Moore was President. The Vice-Presidents were Rev. Dr. Braxton Craven of Trinity College, Professor Stephens of Peace Institute, Judge D. A. Barnes, and Dr. S. S. Satchwell. The secretaries were Professors O. W. Carr and John E. Dugger.

        On motion of Dr. Craven a committee of three was appointed to report: (1) On the school law; (2) the University; (3) Normal Schools; and (4) on a permanent organ of the Convention. He was then called on for an address, which he delivered in good style and with his usual thoughtfulness and ability. He chose as his subject, "The Teacher." He was followed by the Rev. Mr. Doub. Major Robert Bingham then gave an excellent lecture on "Our University." He was followed by Rev. Dr. Wingate. A committee on the University was appointed, composed of Rev. Dr. N. McKay, Rev. A. W. Mangum, Mr. J. H. Mills, Mr. J. G. Elliott, and Mr. J. M. Lovejoy.

        Dr. McKay reported a resolution that the revival of the University at the earliest practicable moment is essential to the thorough improvement of the education of the people. It was supported by Messrs. Lovejoy and Wingate. Dr. Craven expressed himself in favor of a University provided that it should be not in name only and no better than a college. It should be fit to send out broad, highminded men. All denominations too should be represented.

        Dr. Thomas H. Pritchard agreed with Dr. Craven that all denominations should be represented. That to which he belonged, the Baptist, by far the largest in the State, had never been represented. The institution should be administered on fair and just principles.

        This speech aroused Rev. A. W. Mangum, who alleged that

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the Methodists were just as numerous as the Baptists. He contended that the Methodists should have representation. The Board of Trustees should be fair. Mr. J. W. Norwood agreed with Dr. Mangum, but pronounced his remarks out of place at this time. The report was then adopted unanimously.

        Mr. Thomas M. Argo offered a resolution that the University should be entirely removed from the field of political and religious controversy. Mr. Fuller moved its adoption, but Rev. Joseph M. Atkinson and Judge A. A. McKoy opposed it on the ground that it was equivalent to discarding the Christian religion. Mr. R. B. Peebles moved to change "religious" into "denominational," so that the resolution should read, "In the opinion of this convention the early revival of the University and establishment in a position of dignity and usefulness is impossible unless upon a basis entirely impartial in denominational and political representation." This passed unanimously.

        Superintendent McIver induced a number of the Trustees to invite a meeting of the Alumni Association of the University in the Senate Chamber on the 1st of February, 1873, with the object of devising means for the revival of the University. The invitation was accepted, fifty-five being in attendance, among them Mr. B. F. Moore, Judge Battle, Judge Pearson, Col. Daniel M. Barringer, General Clingman, Judge Rodman, Governor Caldwell, Hon. S. F. Phillips, Judge Dick, Col. W. L. Saunders, Messrs. William and Robert Bingham, Professor McIver, Judge Gilmer, Judge McNeill, Mr. K. P. Battle, and others of like weight in the community. Mr. B. F. Moore was called to the chair. Justices E. G. Reade and Nathaniel Boyden were elected honorary members.

        Judge Battle's motion that a committee of five be appointed to confer with the committee of Trustees, who had been appointed and had called this meeting, was concurred in and the chair appointed Messrs. W. H. Battle, W. A. Graham, R. M. Pearson, and R. P. Dick, and the chairman was added by vote of the alumni. Adjournment was then had until next afternoon.

        The committee, through its chairman, made a long report, dwelling on the importance of the University to the State and

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the good that it had done in the past, on the necessity of freedom from party politics and sectarian influences, and concluding that there should be an entirely new Faculty and new Board of Trustees. To this end it was proposed that the appointment of Trustees should be in the hands of the Alumni Association, whose love for the University would always make them act for its best interests. Let the Alumni Association nominate and, as the Constitution requires, let the Board of Education appoint. To effect this let the present Trustees resign their places.

        There were three objections to this scheme, understood to be that of Superintendent McIver. These were: First, the attempt to procure the resignation of the Trustees; second, the necessity of the Board of Education acting as dummies and appointing the nominees of the Alumni Association; third, being founded on comity and not on law, it could not be expected to continue long in working order. There was no formal appeal to the Trustees to surrender their posts. Nothing further was heard of the reorganization.

        In order to be perfectly fair towards the "Pool Administration," I give the following letter from Professor Alexander McIver, who told the truth as he saw it:

CUMNOCK, N. C., June 4, 1900.

HON. KEMP. P. BATTLE.

        MY DEAR SIR:--At your request, I give my recollections of the University under the Trustees of 1868.

        When Mr. Dewey, assignee of the State Bank, gave notice to Governor Caldwell of his purpose to sell the University buildings, etc., under the mortgage to the bank, the Governor requested me to see Mr. E. G. Haywood and get him to attend to the case. I called to see Mr. Haywood at his home and requested him to attend to the case, in the bankrupt court. He asked: By whose authority do you make the request? I answered, By the authority of the Trustees of the University. That Governor Caldwell as president and I as secretary of the Board of Trustees thought that the suits which he had brought for the University contained the defense which should be made in the bankrupt suit, and that, if he would defend that suit, it would terminate his legal services in the suits which he had brought. He agreed to this and did attend to the bankrupt suit without any additional fee. He gained the case, and by the decision

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made by Chief Justice Waite he gained what he had sued for, to wit: the release of the University property from the mortgages which the old Board of Trustees had placed upon it.

        Besides relieving the University property of its mortgages, the Trustees of 1868, in a meeting held in the Executive Office, declared their willingness to resign if the Alumni Association of the University would come to the relief of the University and aid in reorganizing it, by naming a Board of Trustees to be appointed by the State Board of Education, that would restore patronage and confidence. Only four or five of the present Trustees gave their assent to this. Others did not answer. Senators John Pool and General Abbott and Judge Settle voted against it. Chief Justice Pearson made a very able and patriotic talk in favor of it and carried it by a large majority.

        The Alumni Association met in the Senate Chamber, Hon. B. F. Moore, president. The offer of the Trustees of the University was made to them by the secretary of the Trustees. It was received with the utmost good will and a favorable response was given: that they would do all in their power to revive the University and restore it to public favor.

        The State Educational Association, of which your honored father was president, and which he pronounced the ablest body of men that ever assembled in North Carolina, gave its most cordial support to the University. It was the spirit of good will coming from all these sources that breathed upon the dry bones of the University and made them live. These movements all terminated in the larger movement to restore the University by Constitutional Amendment. But they all had their uses as essential parts of the revival in 1875. But for the action of the Trustees of 1868 in preventing the sale of the property it might have passed into private hands. But for the movements of all parties to restore it, it would have become heavy on the public.

        The Trustees no doubt made a sad mistake in electing a Faculty in 1869, and attempting to start the University at a time of so much political excitement and prejudice. The Faculty themselves saw this mistake, and, not willing to hold their places without suitable patronage, tendered their resignations and relinquished more than half their salaries which had not been paid. The Trustees wishing to retrieve their mistake so far as they could, accepted their resignations and closed the University in 1870, and left the different members in the houses which they occupied upon the condition that they would protect the property of the University. The Trustees themselves shortly afterwards offered to resign as Trustees if the Alumni Association would restore it to confidence and good will. But they took care of the property and turned it over to their successors under the Constitutional Amendment, redeemed, regenerated,

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and disenthralled, as Governor Caldwell assured your father in the Convention of 1873 he would do. The great fact to be emphasized is: that good will toward the University from all parties is what restored the University in 1875.

With utmost respect,

ALEX. MCIVER,
Ex-Superintendent of Public Instruction and
Secretary of the Board of Trustees of 1868.


        A few comments are made on Professor McIver's statements. The decision of the Court did not "release the University property from the mortgages." It cleared only such property as was essential to the life of the University as a State institution.

        It remained for the new 1874 Board to obtain a decree defining this exempted property. They succeeded beyond expectation, by the liberality of the Court, as will be seen hereafter. The McIver Board had no part in this. The Professor lays stress on the fact that the old Board had mortgaged the University property. But even if they had not done so the creditors would have obtained a judgment at law, which would have bound the property as strongly as the mortgage. The movement to induce the Trustees of 1868 to resign proved to be chimerical. It led to no result. A majority of the Trustees did not resign. They refused their consent to hold their places in trust for the nominees of the Board of Education. Nor did the friends of the University offer any pecuniary support. There was a settled conviction that the absence of the assent of a large majority of the Trustees of 1868 was equivalent to a defeat of the plan. A change of the Constitution giving the appointment of Trustees to the General Assembly, instead of to the Board of Education, was imperatively necessary to the revival of the University. In this movement many leaders of both political parties, Professor McIver included, coöperated.

        When the mortgage to the bank was executed it was thought to be for the advantage of the University to carry into effect a compromise by which the debt to the Bank of North Carolina was reduced three-fourths, from $90,000 and interest to $25,000 in gold, or $35,700 in currency. It was hoped that

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enough could be borrowed to liquidate the indebtedness. President Swain's futile trip to New York was for the purpose of negotiating the loan. As to the claim that the University's property was saved by the Board of 1868, it is quite certain that the Board of 1874 would have brought the question up for adjudication, if that of 1868 had not anticipated them.

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT. NEW TRUSTEES.

        Finding that the public demanded a number of amendments to the Constitution by the method of legislative enactment, the friends of the University procured in 1871 the passage by the necessary three-fifths majority of an ordinance taking the election of Trustees from the Board of Education and giving it to the General Assembly. This became a part of the Constitution in August, 1873, after a favoring vote by the people and a two-thirds vote of a second General Assembly.

        Public opinion gave the credit of the passage of this measure through the General Assembly in 1871 to two University alumni, brothers-in-law, Montford McGehee of the Class of 1841, and Richard C. Badger of that of 1859, the former a Democrat, the latter a Republican. They united their strength and influence in behalf of the University and thus secured the necessary three-fifths and two-thirds majority. The amendment was afterwards incorporated in the Constitution of 1876.

        The Assembly determined by Act of January 28, 1874, to delegate the management to sixty-four Trustees, elected by joint ballot. Only two of the last Board were reëlected--Rev. Dr. Neill McKay and James A. Graham. Of those deprived of their offices in 1868 were found on the new Board, William H. Battle, first elected in 1833; William A. Graham, in 1834; Charles Manly, in 1838; Bartholomew F. Moore, in 1840; John Kerr, in 1846; Cushing B. Hassell, in 1848; Walter L. Steele, in 1852; Paul C. Cameron, in 1858; Rufus L. Patterson, in 1858; Thomas I. McDowell, in 1858; Rev. Dr. Neill McKay, in 1862; Kemp P. Battle, in 1862; David M. Carter, in 1864; Seaton Gales, in 1865.

        The new Board first met in the Citizens National Bank in Raleigh on the 18th February, 1874. William A. Graham was,

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on motion of Paul C. Cameron, elected temporary Chairman, and on motion of W. L. Steele, Wm. L. Saunders was appointed Secretary pro tempore. A certificate, signed by W. L. Saunders, Clerk of the Senate, and S. D. Pool, Clerk of the House, giving the names of the Trustees elected, was read. The following were present, their names in alphabetical order: James S. Amis, Kemp P. Battle, Paul C. Cameron, John E. Dugger, W. T. Faircloth, B. F. Grady, Wm. A. Graham, James A. Graham, John A. Gilmer, Junior, George Green, Louis Hilliard, John Manning, P. B. Means, W. L. Saunders, Walter L. Steele, fifteen, ten being a quorum. It was then unanimously resolved that a committee, of which Mr. Manning should be chairman, should wait on Gov. Tod R. Caldwell and request him to preside at the meeting. His Excellency declined, because, in his opinion, the General Assembly had no power to elect Trustees, but that they should have been nominated by himself and confirmed by the Senate.

        Notwithstanding this rebuff the Board continued its sessions. On motion of W. L. Steele, Wm. A. Graham was elected President of the Board. Kemp P. Battle was elected permanent Secretary and Treasurer and authorized to demand of the late Treasurer all effects in his hands belonging to the University. William A. Graham, P. C. Cameron, K. P. Battle, John Manning, W. L. Saunders, W. T. Faircloth, and John A. Gilmer were chosen to be the Executive Committee. The Board by lot divided the members into four classes, the terms of those of the first, second, third, and fourth classes expiring on the 30th days of November, 1875, 1877, 1879, and 1881, respectively. The bond of the Secretary-Treasurer was fixed at $20,000, a sum so large as to suggest the hopes of the Trustees as to future incomes rather than the present bank account.

        The next day, on motion of W. A. Graham, Messers. Steele, Cameron, and Saunders were appointed a committee to visit Chapel Hill, and report the condition of the University buildings and other property and of the available funds.

        Messers. W. A. Graham, J. J. Davis, and K. P. Battle were appointed to take steps for bringing the validity of the appointment of the Trustees to judicial determination.

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        Fortunately for the speedy settlement of this question, Secretary and Treasurer Lassiter, being a resident of Granville, had deposited the seal of the University and the books relating to his office in the office of Superintendent McIver. The Superintendent, being in sympathy with the new Trustees, readily consented that suit might be instituted against him for the possession of this property and to expedite the case as much as possible. Consequently one action was brought against him and another against President Pool at the May, 1874, term of Orange Superior Court.

        On motion of W. A. Graham, a committee was appointed to solicit from friends of the University donations outright or in establishment of scholarships and professorships. Owing to the declining health of the Chairman this committee did not report.

        Mr. P. B. Means moved that a committee be appointed to frame a plan of organization, according to the most approved models. It does not appear that this committee reported.

        The following points were made by the defendants against the validity of the new Board:

        1. That the Constitution required that all officers, not otherwise provided for in the Constitution, should be nominated by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate.

        2. That, as the General Assembly in 1873 voted for twenty-six amendments, and after publication, as required by the Constitution of 1868, the following General Assembly by a two-thirds vote submitted to a vote of the people only nine amendments, the provisions of the Constitution of 1868 had not been complied with. It was contended that the identical twenty-six amendments should have been submitted to the people or none at all.

        On behalf of the University, Messrs. John W. Graham and James A. Graham appeared in the Superior Court, refusing to accept a fee for their services. The Judge, Tourgée, decided against them and appeal was taken to the Supreme Court at its June Term, 1874.

        In that Court, in June, 1874, Hon. B. F. Moore and ex-Judge William H. Battle, who had been classmates at the University,

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graduating in 1820, argued the question for their Alma Mater, likewise without charge. At the January Term, 1875, the decision was for the University on all points.

        The possession of the property of the institution was then surrendered to Andrew Mickle, the agent appointed by the new Executive Committee, and the seal, books, and papers in the custody of Superintendent McIver were turned over to Treasurer Battle. Ex-Treasurer Lassiter also surrendered the bonds belonging to the Land Scrip Fund not pledged to the Bureau of Education, with the exception of five, which he had pledged to the State National Bank as collateral security for a loan to pay his own salary. This latter transaction was disapproved by the Board, and suit being instituted on the Treasurer's bond, recovery was duly had.

REPORT OF THE STEELE COMMITTEE.

        The next meeting of the Trustees was on April 9, 1874. Messrs. Fourney George, Mills L. Eure, Thomas D. McDowell, W. W. Peebles, and John H. Thorpe, who were not present at the preceding meeting, took their seats.

        An elaborate report was submitted, prepared by W. L. Steele, Chairman. He was a strong man, not used to give way to his feelings, but in a few words he showed how deeply he felt at the condition of his Alma Mater.

        "In company with P. C. Cameron, on April 3, I visited Chapel Hill on a special mission given us by the Board of Trustees to inspect the condition of the prostrate University. Never shall I forget the sadness that overpowered me when my eyes fell for the first time upon the ruined spot. It was akin to that which swells within my bosom when I stand before the grave of my mother. With dejected hearts we performed the duty assigned us, as well as we were allowed to by those who were then assumed to be in authority there, and left inspired with a firm purpose as far as we could to raise her from the ashes of humiliation and place her once more upon the elevation from which rude hands hurled her, and restore her to her ancient prerogative and power."

        I abbreviate the rest of the report.

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        A written request was made of Dr. Pool for the keys and possession of the buildings. He declined to surrender their custody, on the ground that the Governor had refused to recognize the Trustees as lawfully elected, but allowed the committee the privileges of visitors. Accordingly they inspected all the buildings, except Smith Hall, the key of which was in the possession of Mr. James B. Mason, and made a full report as to their condition. They found that there was need of extensive repairs. The Dialectic Hall and Library were in good order. The books numbered 7,490. The Philanthropic Hall and Library were in worse condition than the Dialectic. The committee were informed that several hundred of the books were scattered among the inhabitants of the village, most of which could probably be recovered; 6,901 volumes were counted on the shelves.

        It may be interesting to our alumni to condense the committee's description of the buildings as they were in 1874, eight in number.

        1. Person Hall, or "the Old Chapel," 36 by 54 feet, one story high.

        2. The "New West Building," 40 by 114 feet, three stories in height. It has 14 dormitories 16 by 18 feet, and the Dialectic Society Hall and Library, 36 by 56 feet. It was in a better condition than any other.

        3. The "Old West," 36 by 120 feet, three stories, with twenty-eight sleeping rooms, 16 by 18 feet, with two halls 30 by 36 feet, lately used by the Dialectic Society for a Debating Hall and for a Library. Besides some broken sashes and many window panes, "the lower rooms in the South end were open, and the passage defiled by the ordure of cattle and horses." (This confirms the statement of an old inhabitant that he had seen horses looking out of the windows of the Old West.)

        4. The Old East is of the same size as the Old West. Doors were broken, mantels fallen, floors covered with broken plaster, one floor badly cut with an axe; all except the outer walls presenting an aspect of neglect and ruin; in many fireplaces the iron supporting the arches had been removed.

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        5. The New East has a size of 40 by 116 feet, four stories high. It has twenty-two dormitories, 16 by 18 feet, and the Debating Hall and Library of the Philanthropic Society, each 36 by 54 feet. It is most illy constructed of all the buildings. Too much inferior mortar was used, resulting in the falling of the stucco in some places. Many window panes were broken. This and the New West were intended to be heated with pipes. The heating apparatus is in bad condition and must be repaired before the winter months.

        6. Smith Hall, usually called the Ball Room, has a length of 122 feet and a width of 35 feet. The committee were told that the chemical and philosophical apparatus and the cabinet of minerals were somewhere in this building, but being denied access to it they could not verify the statement.

        7. The South Building is 50 by 116 feet, with an attic and belfry. It has twenty-four dormitories, 16 by 18 feet, and two only 12 by 15 feet. There are two recitation rooms 28 by 36 and three 20 by 30. The front second story room, known as the Mathematical Room, or, as President Swain loved to call it, the Philosophical Chamber, was open, evidently by a key, and some valuable instruments belonging to the Engineering Department were exposed to damage and removal. The opposite room on the North side, used by the President for his lectures, was locked. Extensive repairs on doors, windows, plastering and roofs are needed. One exception is the old Dialectic Hall. The overhead plastering, where are the gilded name and motto of the Society, look as fresh and bright as they did over forty years ago.

        8. Gerrard Hall, or the "New Chapel," is 45 by 64 feet. The wooden shingles laid on forty years ago need replacing and some sashes reglazing.

        Mr. Foster Utley, the former college carpenter, and now reëlected, estimated the repairs at about $3,000, but this was too low by one hundred per cent. (The opinion of the committee, very experienced men, turned out to be correct.)

        The Campus was in a state of total neglect. The wall was broken in some places, the gates rotted down, the beautiful shrubbery grazed and broken into. The two excellent wells

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were in ruins, the embankment around the Old East and Old West defaced and trodden down, and the old oaks in many places scarred and chopped with the axes of wood choppers. (It must be remembered, in justice to the Pool management, that cattle and hogs were not yet shut up by law and hence, entering by the open gate, they worked their way among the treasured preserves of the Campus.) The committee found it a ground of censure that the drivers of vehicles were allowed to go to the Raleigh Road, passing by the South Building. (It had been the policy of the Faculty to keep the buildings isolated, but this has been abandoned, the road legalized by subsequent administrations, and named Cameron Avenue. It is bordered by beautiful Norway maples, planted by the bounty of the Trustee in whose honor it is named.)

        There were four residences, the report states, belonging to the University, then in the hands of renters. The shrubbery of one or more of the gardens had been cut down and had given place to cotton. There was a generally neglected look. The piazzas were sadly decayed.

        There were eleven vacant lots of size varying from one to eight acres, in the occupancy of various persons, whether paying rent the committee could not ascertain.

        The University owned a large area of land in Buncombe, Henderson, and Madison counties, the particulars of which could not be ascertained. (Information in regard to this tract will be given hereafter, also in regard to the John Calvin McNair tract in Robeson County.)

        It was recommended that suit against Dr. Pool for possession of the property of the University should be instituted at once.

        The committee then gave extracts from the report of Treasurer Lassiter to the former Board, criticising sharply his investment of a large part of the Land Scrip Fund in Special Tax bonds. It was said "he should have known that these bonds bore a suspicious character." Some of the purchases, as the committee were informed, were made even after the General Assembly set upon them its seal of condemnation. (The fact that most of the Special Tax bonds purchased were of a

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peculiarly obnoxious class, having been issued for the Western Division of the Western North Carolina Railroad, of which George W. Swepson was president, might have been mentioned as increasing the injudiciousness of the purchase. All acts appropriating special tax and some other bonds to railroad companies were repealed March 8, 1870.)

        The report is signed by Walter L. Steele, Paul C. Cameron, and William L. Saunders. They were devoted and sagacious friends of the University, Colonel Steele and Mr. Cameron Trustees for years under the old régime; Colonel Saunders was Secretary of State, and soon afterwards was Secretary and Treasurer of the University as well.

        Treasurer Battle reported that he found the creditors of the University, except the assignee of the Bank of North Carolina in bankruptcy, not disposed to harass it. The bank's debt of $35,000, secured by mortgage, could have no more favorable terms because R. Y. McAden and one Wilson had procured an injunction against further compromise. Miss Mildred C. Cameron's debt of $10,000 and ten years interest can be funded into long term bonds at six per cent interest. Mrs. Eleanor H. Swain, the widow of President Swain, holds a note for $3,000, for money lent to aid in building the New East and New West, and about $2,300 bonds issued to pay the Faculty. About $2,000 of bonds issued for the same purpose held by other persons, the owners offer to compromise on the most liberal terms. So it appears that if the debt due the bank can be got out of the way, there would be no great difficulty in freeing the University from pecuniary obligations. The debts could be the more easily settled if the Supreme Court should decide that the property of the University, which belongs to the State as much as the Capitol Building, courthouses and jails, can not be alienated, voluntarily or involuntarily, by the Trustees or by creditors.

        The only solvent assets, counting State bonds not repudiated, are $18,410.64 securities pledged as collateral to pay the Faculty and repay the Board of Education, and also the escheated mountain lands.

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SUIT IN BANKRUPTCY.

        The friends of the University were afterwards greatly encouraged by a decision of the Circuit Court of the United States at the June Term, 1874. A short statement of facts is necessary to make this clear.

        From 1789 it had been supposed by the best legal talent that all the property of the University was subject to sale by the Trustees. When the war ended it had $200,000 worthless bank stock and owed about $20,000 to individuals and over $90,000 to the bank. It was thought to be a good arrangement to compromise this bank debt for $25,000 in gold or $35,700 in paper currency. The bank agreed to this, on condition that a mortgage should be made covering all the property of the University, which was done. When the institution passed into the hands of the new Trustees, in 1868, they employed counsel to contest the validity of the mortgage. By consent of the Attorney-General, Mr. W. M. Coleman, suit was brought in the Circuit Court of the United States in the name of the State, returnable in June Term, 1869, asking for a decree nullifying the mortgage. This bill was dismissed for want of jurisdiction.

        In 1874, Charles Dewey, assignee in bankruptcy, brought suit to have the property of the University sold under the mortgage. This was resisted by order of Governor Caldwell and the Executive Committee on the ground that, as the State Supreme Court had already decided that property of counties and other municipal corporations could not be sold without the consent of the Legislature, the property of the University, being a State institution, was similarly protected.

        At June Term, 1874, the Circuit Court, Chief Justice Waite, Circuit Judge Hugh L. Bond, and the District Judge, George W. Brooks, unanimously decided that the bank debt was valid, but that neither the judgment creditor nor the Trustees themselves had power to alienate such property as constituted the life of the University, as distinct from the endowment for its support. Mr. George H. Snow, a prominent lawyer of Raleigh, was appointed Commissioner to report as to what personal

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and real property should be exempt from sale under the foregoing decree.

        On motion of ex-Governor Graham, Messrs. P. C. Cameron, John Manning, and Kemp P. Battle were instructed to meet the Commissioner and represent the University's interest.

        Although anticipating, it is well to finish the story now. The committee and the Commissioner met at Chapel Hill in the summer of 1874. The impoverished village had no hotel nor boarding house and they were the invited guests of private families, Mr. Snow going to Mr. S. M. Barbee's, Mr. Manning to Dr. Mallett's, Mr. Cameron to Mr. Mickle's, Mr. Battle to Mrs. Spencer's. A careful inspection was made of buildings, apparatus, libraries, Campus, and Faculty residences. The Commissioner reserved his decision and report.

        Before making his final report the Commissioner consulted Judge Bond. The Judge said, "Be liberal, it is for the education of the young men of the country. Be liberal!" The Commissioner replied, "For instance, Judge, some say that the Professors' houses are not necessary, that the Professors could have rooms in the University buildings." "Yes," said the Judge, "they could be hung up on the trees. Be liberal." And so the Commissioner made a liberal report.

        The chief difficulty was about the 700 acres of woodland. Fortunately the most of it was in a solid block from the Durham to the Pittsboro Road. I was able to prove that I applied to President Swain in behalf of friends to purchase lots south of the town, and was peremptorily refused, on the ground that it was the policy of the University to confine sales to the north and west, so as to have no settlements south, southeast, and southwest of the Campus. It was thought that it would be difficult to preserve discipline if the dormitories and lecture halls should be surrounded by a cordon of citizens, with their colored dependents. As Colonel Carter said, in advocating the confirmation of the report, "Why, may it please your honor, Chapel Hill has only one policeman, and he is lame. He could not outrun a student if one pursued him." The result was the Court gave the University the Campus and 600 acres of land, all houses, libraries, and property appurtenant.

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        There is a parcel of seventy acres called the Piney Prospect rectangle, which was ordered to be sold, although it was between the roads mentioned. The Judge was moved to do this because the map showed that it was comparatively isolated, its nearest point being half a mile from the Campus. The loss is to be regretted because it contains the Point Prospect mentioned by Governor Davie, and is often visited by students. At present it is in friendly hands but in unfriendly hands it might be withdrawn from public recreation. "Point," in old times was called "Pi'nt," hence the change of name to "Piney" Prospect.

        When the sale of the lands not reserved to the University was had, Mr. P. C. Cameron, in order to save his sister's debt, bought all the parcels offered. He also bought the mountain lands*

        * The mountain land was an escheat of many thousand acres, the extent of which was unknown until surveyed afterwards.


 and by his various purchases more than paid the debt to his sister. Much of it has been since sold by his executors and the Piney Prospect rectangle is now owned by a Land Company, Prof. Patrick Henry Winston being a large stockholder.

        The decision of the Circuit Court was sustained by the following reasoning: As long ago as 1852, in the case of University v. Maultsby, 8 Iredell Equity, 257, it was decided by our Supreme Court that the University is State property. What is therefore its life as an institution of learning the Trustees can not sell nor mortgage, nor can the judgment creditor seize it, any more than he could the Capitol Square or a courthouse. But property constituting endowment the Trustees control. They can change it from one investment to another. The investment in bank stock was perfectly legitimate. It was made by express permission of the General Assembly. The bank stock was merely an exchange for other funds. The fact of its afterwards losing its value, can not affect the law. The University has yet the $200,000 stock. Why President Swain, who turned his own bank stock into land, and Treasurer Manly, did not urge the Trustees to sell during the war enough stock to pay off the University debts, can only be accounted for by the

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general excitement and unreasoning wrath against public officials exhibiting any particle of distrust of the success of the Confederacy. They doubtless feared that not only themselves, but the institution would become odious to the hotheads of the South. If the Confederacy had been established the Bank would have remained solvent. Besides, the investment having been authorized by the General Assembly it may be that a sale could not be made without the approval of that body.

        The Board of Trustees convened on February 10, 1875, in the Governor's office, Governor Brogden presiding. The Trustees present were Messrs. Amis, K. P. Battle, Cameron, Carter, J. J. Davis, Day, Dugger, Faircloth, Grady, Wm. A. Graham, Jas. A. Graham, Kerr, McKay, Means, Patterson, Peebles, Saunders, Shaw, Steele, and Tate.

        Treasurer Battle reported that ex-Treasurer Lassiter had turned over to him most of the securities of the University. The assets were of a deplorable nature. About $10,000 were either in Confederate bonds, or due by insolvent individuals. The $200,000 stock in the Bank of North Carolina was not worth one dollar. There were $5,500 bonds of the City of Wilmington valued at about $2,200; $10,000 State of Virginia bonds, if at par $11,200 worth about $6,900, and $1,500 of solvent individual securities, all of which were especially pledged for the eight per cents issued to pay the Faculty, and for $8,800 to the Board of Education in addition. There was a $2,500 claim supposed to have escheated but the rightful heiress soon appeared and carried that off--or rather her attorney did, for she never realized a cent for it.

        One hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars in good money, the proceeds of the sale of Land Scrip granted by the United States chiefly for instruction in the principles of agricultural and mechanic arts, was turned over by Treasurer Manly to R. W. Lassiter, holding the same office. What was the condition of that fund in 1874?

        Treasurer Lassiter reported that he had invested this sum in bonds of this State as follows: Forty bonds issued before the war, $40,000; 40 bonds issued under the Funding Acts and

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to the Western North Carolina Railroad Company, not Special Tax, $40,000; Special Tax bonds, $160,000. Total cost, $120,000; leaving $5,000 in the Treasury.

        All should have coupons from January 1, 1869, except $6,000 issued to the North Carolina Railroad Company, which was under the Swazey suit, 80 per cent of coupons from January 1, 1864, to January 1, 1872, paid in cash. Twenty thousand dollars in bonds of the above, belonging to the Land Scrip Fund, were pledged with the Board of Education for $6,000, as already stated. There was also a receipt of the Board of Education for ante-war bonds, pledged for balance of a loan of $14,801.60.

        Treasurer Battle further reported that he had received of Gen. R. Barringer, attorney, $1,516.80 escheat of J. B. Wallace and expended $6.25, leaving cash on hand $1,510.55.

        Mr. Mickle, Bursar, reported books on hand, University Library, 8,394 volumes; Dialectic Library, 6,943 volumes; Philanthropic Library, 6,905 volumes. The mathematical and other apparatus for instruction were much scattered and injured.

        As said heretofore Treasurer Lassiter failed to turn over to Treasurer Battle $5,000 of bonds belonging to the Land Scrip Fund, stating that he had hypothecated them with the State National Bank for a loan wherewith to pay his salary. The new Board of Trustees declined to ratify this and directed a resort to the law.

        The case against the Treasurer well illustrated the danger of "sleeping on a lawsuit." It appeared to the Treasurer, as well as to his lawyers, Messrs. R. H. Battle and S. F. Mordecai, that if the University should sue the Bank, the defendant would take the ground that it was the innocent holder of bonds payable to bearer, with no notice that the ex-Treasurer was without authority to hypothecate them. The safer course, therefore, was to bring suit on the Treasurer's official bond on which was one solvent surety, Mr. C. S. Winstead, of Person County. This surety, although an able and usually prudent man, for some time took no steps to secure himself, but confined his efforts to urging on President Battle the propriety of

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releasing him and looking only to the bank. He became a Member of the Legislature and endeavored in vain to get relief from that body. On his application the Trustees of the University cheerfully allowed him to use its name in suing the bank, which had sold the bonds much below the market value. The Court allowed him the excess of the actual sales over Lassiter's debt to the bank, but decided that he could not recover the excess of the market value over the actual sales because it was barred by the Statute of Limitations. He thus by delay lost hundreds of dollars.

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CHAPTER II.

THE LAND SCRIP FUND.

        Another committee, on motion of ex-Governor Graham, was appointed to memorialize the General Assembly to restore to the University the principal ($125,000) of the Land Grant Fund, which had been impaired by the investment by the late Board largely in worthless special tax bonds.

        The memorial of the Trustees, written by Chairman Graham, was duly submitted to the General Assembly, then in session. The case of the University was strongly argued by the distinguished Chairman and is of peculiar interest as being his last State paper. He showed what the University had done in the past, its forlorn condition then, and the necessity of reviving it. He then sketched the history of the Land Scrip, that it was given to the University on the condition that two professorship to teach the branches of learning relating to Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts, should be established, that the Scrip was sold by the Board which expired in 1868, for the market price at that time, fifty cents an acre, the same obtained by Pennsylvania and New York, and three cents less than Ohio and five cents more than Rhode Island; that $125,000 of the amount went into the hands of the recent Board, who had invested it in special tax bonds, and others, though unquestioned, on which the State is not paying interest; that the General Assembly in accepting the Scrip agreed to replace it if lost, if not, to restore it to the General Government. The petitioners therefore ask that $7,500, the interest on $125,000, be paid to the University annually.

        Governor Brogden forwarded the petition, strongly recommending it and lauding the great work of the University since its foundation.

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

        In order to increase the effect of the memorial by Mr. Graham, Mr. K. P. Battle made a motion, which was carried, that

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Messrs. W. A. Graham, Carter, Steele, Vance, Kerr, and Patterson be appointed to bring to the attention of the General Assembly the condition of the University and the importance of its restoration, and on motion of D. M. Carter, W. T. Faircloth and K. P. Battle were added. At his own request Mr. Steele was excused and J. S. Amis was substituted. Owing to the sickness of the Chairman there was no meeting of this body, which in plain English might be called the lobbying committee.

        After thanking the attorneys who had rendered such valuable service to the institution in securing without compensation a decision for the constitutional rights of the Board, and Governor Brogden for his patience and courtesy as the presiding officer, an adjournment was had until May 5, 1875, when the chief business would be the adoption of a plan of reorganization.

        The bill to carry into effect the memorial for paying interest on the $125,000 Land Grant Fund was introduced in the House of Representatives on February 27, 1875, by Mr. Nereus Mendenhall, of Guilford, a worthy member of the Society of Friends, a veteran teacher of high reputation. It was referred to the Committee on Finance, of which Col. Samuel McDowell Tate was chairman. Messrs. D. M. Carter and K. P. Battle, in pursuance of their appointment by the Trustees, asked and obtained leave to address the committee on behalf of the bill, and were respectfully heard.

        On March 2 Mr. Tate, chairman, reported the bill with the chilling statement that "the committee were divided, a portion recommending its passage." It was made a special order for March 4, subsequently changed to March 9, when it was again postponed to March 11. These postponements were at the instance of friends of the measure, who were laboring to mitigate the intensity of the hostility threatening to be fatal.

        All familiar with the temper of the public mind at that time towards appropriations, especially towards anything like paying interest on the public debt, or aiding higher education, will realize that if nothing had been done by the Trustees the bill would never have seen the light. Accordingly, with the approval

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of all, and at the request of many Trustees, the Secretary and Treasurer spent several weeks in the unpleasant business of lobbying for the measure. The surviving members of the General Assembly will bear witness that he used no argument, not even to the value of a cigar or glass of lemonade, other than earnest pleading for higher education. His work was chiefly with the friends of the University.

        The most active workers for the bill were Representative William N. Mebane, who exchanged his sophomoric gown in 1861 for the uniform of a Confederate soldier; Col. Paul B. Means of the last class under the old régime, who had always been ready with head and time and purse to press forward his Alma Mater; George V. Strong, a first honor man of the Class of 1845, who on this occasion made one of the most eloquent of his many eloquent speeches during a long and successful career at the bar; and those able lawyers, Platt D. Walker, of 1865-'67, now Supreme Court Judge; John M. Moring, of 1860-'62; W. C. Fields, of Alleghany, of 1869. Good work was done by others, who, mainly on account of the Civil War, were not sons of the University. I recall the strong appeals of Col. S. McD. Tate, of Burke, one of our Trustees and one of the ablest men of the Piedmont country, whose position as Chairman of the Committee on Finance, gave him peculiar power; of Alfred M. Erwin, of McDowell, whose advocacy could not possibly have had any taint of self-interest, because he was a confirmed old bachelor; of Mr. John A. Spears, of Harnett, and of the able chairman of the Judiciary Committee, who had at that day as little idea of ever having a position in our Faculty as he had of being Chief Justice of Porto Rico or the Philippines: our esteemed Professor of Law, ex-Judge James Cameron MacRae, then of Cumberland, who has recently passed into the hereafter.

        On the 11th of March the bill failed to pass the second reading by a vote of 41 to 58. Mr. Norment, who voted with the negative for the purpose, moved to reconsider. The motion to table this failed, 48 to 54, and the motion to reconsider prevailed by 58 to 46, and the bill was made a special order for March 15th.

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        On this day the friends of the measure hoped that they could pass it without a division, but the Speaker decided it was lost on the aye and no vote. A motion to reconsider was at once carried, 61 to 31, and then the bill passed its second reading by the handsome majority of 53 to 43.

        Ordinarily the chief opposition to a measure is put forward on the second reading, but such was the animosity to this measure that every effort was made to defeat it on the third reading, which was set for March 17. Amid breathless excitement, surrounded by crowds in the lobby and galleries, fifty-one Members recorded their votes in the affirmative and fifty in the negative. The fate of the University hung on one vote. Great credit is due to John N. Isler, of Wayne, who gave his support and induced two others to do the same. Judge MacRae, ever watchful, at once moved to make the triumph irreversible, and succeeded, by 59 to 38, twenty majority. After this several Members were allowed to record their votes, so that the journal shows 51 to 48.

        Two incidents, of which I am personally cognizant, will show the perils surrounding the measure. The first was caused by the intense hostility of many Members to the Special Tax bonds. As first drawn the bill ordered the University, as a condition precedent to receiving the State's bond for $125,000, to surrender the Special Tax bonds to the State Treasurer to be burnt by him. The opponents of the bill thundered against this as an implied recognition of the bonds. Some friends were shaken by their argument. A hasty conference of Messrs. Sion H. Rogers, George V. Strong, and myself with these doubting legislators, was had. The bill was altered so as to read, "and the said Special Tax bonds, being unconstitutional and void, shall be burnt by the Trustees of the University." This satisfied the doubters. Without the change the bill would have been defeated. The other danger was of a personal nature.

        The friends of the bill had induced a few Members who felt bound to vote "No," not to do so when their names were called, but after the roll was finished, in the fond hope that some waverers might like to be with those who seemingly were triumphant.

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An excellent gentleman, Mr. A. A. McIver, of Moore, a relative of Superintendent Alexander McIver, said: "Mr. Battle, I wish your bill to pass. My kinsman, Dr. Alexander McIver, has explained to me its merits. If necessary it shall have my support. But my constituents are opposed to it, and in deference to them, if I am not needed, I will vote 'No.' " When his name was called, he kept silent. When the roll was finished the University was five or six in the majority, and Mr. McIver said: "Mr. Speaker, I ask leave to vote 'No.' " Then so many Members, silent at first, followed his example, that there was a majority in the negative. Turning with a comically wry face, before the result was announced, he whispered, "I've got to do it." "Mr. Speaker, I ask leave to change my vote. I vote 'Aye!!' " And I wish to record, in memory of my ancient friend and deskmate, Col. Rufus L. Patterson, of Salem, our Chief Marshal of 1850, and graduate of 1851, then a Trustee, that the Member from Forsyth, Dr. Wheeler, a few minutes before the vote was taken, said: "I intend to support your bill. I have just received a letter from one of my constituents, Colonel Patterson, which convinces me that it is right." And the bill passed by only one vote!

        The measure came up in the Senate on March 17th and was made a special order for the next day. The sons of the University had strong influence in this body, as will be seen from their names.

        C. M. T. McCauley, of Union, grandson of Matthew McCauley, one of the donors of the University site, A.B. 1838; Nicholas W. Boddie, of Nash, a student of 1843-'44; Joseph B. Stickney, of Beaufort, a student of 1847-'48; Leigh Richmond Waddell, of Johnston, A.B. 1852; William W. Peebles, of Northampton, A.B. 1853; William Foster French, of Robeson, 1867-'68; James T. Morehead, of Guilford, A.B. 1858; William A. Graham, Jr., of Lincoln, a student of 1856-'59; Charles Manly Busbee, of Wake, a student of 1865-'68. And as reading clerk we had, then in his prime, Patrick Henry Winston, Jr., A.B. 1867, full of enthusiasm for his Alma Mater.

        Having ascertained their safe majority most of them concluded not to consume time by speaking. Mr. W. W. Peebles,

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of Northampton, however, could not be restrained, and short but strong speeches were made by him and Messrs. E. W. Kerr, of Sampson; Wm. A. Graham, Jr., of Lincoln; W. F. French, of Columbus; Joseph Cashwell, of Brunswick and Bladen; Col. Edward Cantwell, of New Hanover, and last, but by no means least, by one, although an alumnus and trustee of another institution, always our friend, active and efficient, long also a Trustee of ours, Charles Mather Cooke, of Franklin, now a Judge of the Superior Court.

        The bill passed its second reading by the handsome vote of 25 to 14. Senators recorded in the affirmative may be found in the Appendix.

        The bill came up on its third reading on March 20th and passed without a division.

        The joyful news was forwarded by electric wire at once to Mrs. C. P. Spencer, who, with her mother and young daughter, remained at Chapel Hill in all its darkest hours and by her potent pen kept the University and its woes before the public eye. She summoned to her aid Misses Susan G. and Jenny Thompson (now Mrs. J. T. Kerr), Mr. A. D. Mickle, and perhaps others, and repairing to the attic of the South Building, exultingly rang out the glad tidings over the hills and vales for four miles around. The tuneful bell had lost by its slumbers none of its deep-toned sonorousness. It seemed to rejoice to enter on its duties again, and to promise never again to cease "calling from duties done," or, "ringing for honors won," to the end of time.

        The reasons which actuated so many Members to oppose this bill, which it was well understood was proposed for the purpose of reviving the University, were not solely drawn from hostility to the institution. The time was not long after the panic of 1873, and the financial prospects were gloomy. Some Members honestly thought that all increase of expenses should be avoided. Others had become so hostile to the recognition, expressly or impliedly, of the validity of the Special Tax bonds, and were so determined, on account of the immense losses of the war, to pay only a portion of the honest public debt, that they regarded the proposition to give a bond of the State for

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the entire principal of the Land Scrip Fund as a dangerous precedent. But many of the opposition were undeniably adverse to the payment of public money for any institution of higher learning or even to support public schools. Not a cent of annuity had ever been voted for what was called the education of rich men's sons, and they wished to prevent its being done under any pretext whatever. Let the State, they argued, help the public schools, if any shall be aided, but not go into the training of lawyers, doctors, and preachers and the like. The argument in regard to the provision of the Act of Congress, that the State in accepting the Land Scrip had contracted with the United States to keep the principal intact, and that it would be a breach of faith to refuse to restore it, had no weight with them, for they argued that the State, owing to her great losses in the Civil War, must compromise all her debts, and that all her creditors, the United States included, should be treated alike. They were not afraid that the United States would bring suit.

        It will be noticed that I do not mention the names of our opponents in the Appendix. I omit them purposely. Many of them have become our friends. And for those who did not, we relied upon our good work in behalf of education to approve itself to their judgment.

        The Executive Committee met on the 12th of March, which was before the bill passed the House. There were present Messrs. Wm. A. Graham, P. C. Cameron, D. M. Carter, and Kemp P. Battle. Mr. Graham was appointed Chairman and Mr. Battle, Secretary. The Committee entered at once on the work of repairs, Messrs. Cameron, Saunders and Battle being entrusted with the task, the understanding being that Mr. Cameron would kindly take on his shoulders all the supervision and direction.

        As the act restoring the Land Scrip Fund required the Trustees to burn the special tax bonds, Messrs. B. F. Moore, D. M. Carter, and Treasurer Battle were ordered to perform this holocaust. They did so, Major Seaton Gales being a witness, on August 19, 1875. They reported that they destroyed by fire one hundred and forty-six $1,000 bonds issued under act ratified

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January 29, 1869, entitled "An Act Amendatory to an Act to Incorporate the Western North Carolina Railroad Company"; fourteen bonds for $1,000 each, issued under "An Act to Reënact and Confirm Certain Acts of the General Assembly Authorizing the Issue of State Bonds to and for Certain Railroads," ratified December 18, 1868, issued for the Western North Carolina Railroad Company.

REORGANIZATION.

        The Board of Trustees convened in the Executive office on May 4, 1875, for the purpose of reorganizing the University. The Secretary submitted various schemes which had been lodged with him for presentation to the Board. Rev. C. B. Hassell offered one of his own and moved its adoption. On motion of Mr. P. C. Cameron all were referred to a committee consisting of Messrs. K. P. Battle, chairman; John Manning, J. A. Graham, J. J. Davis, and Rev. C. B. Hassell. On the next day their report was unanimously adopted as follows:

        The University doors should be opened for students on the first Monday in September next, and continue until the second Thursday in June. Tuition to be $60; room rent $10 per annum.

        There were to be six colleges.

  • 1. Agriculture.
  • 2. Engineering and the Mechanic Arts.
  • 3. Natural Sciences.
  • 4. Literature.
  • 5. Mathematics.
  • 6. Philosophy.

        I. The College of Agriculture to be divided into Schools of (a) Scientific Agriculture, (b) Practical Agriculture, (c) Horticulture.

        II. The College of Engineering and the Mechanic Arts was divided into Schools: (a) Mechanical Engineering, (b) Civil Engineering, (c) Mining, (d) Military Science and Tactics.

        III. The College of Natural Science was divided into Schools: (a) of Chemistry, (b) Zoology and Botany, (c) Geology and Mineralogy.

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        IV. The College of Literature consisted of Schools of (a) English Languages and Literature, (b) Ancient Languages, (c) Modern Languages.

        V. The College of Mathematics included Schools of (a) Pure Mathematics, (b) Natural Philosophy or Physics, (c) Commercial Sciences.

        VI. The College of Philosophy embraced Schools (a) Metaphysics and Logic, (b) Moral Science, (c) History, (d) Political Economy, Constitutional and International Law.

        It should not be forgotten in considering the scheme that it was necessary to satisfy the people that the Agricultural and Mechanical College Act of July 2, 1862, was honestly carried out. In order that this may be understood I copy its language. The interest of the fund must be appropriated "to the endowment, support, and maintenance of at least one college where the leading object shall be, without excluding other scientific and classical studies, and including military tactics, to teach such branches of learning as are related to agriculture and the mechanic arts, in such manner as the Legislatures may respectively prescribe, in order to promote the liberal and practical education of the industrial classes in the several pursuits and professions of life." It thus appears that the leading object of the University was to teach, not agriculture and mechanic arts, but the branches of learning relating thereto. Greek and Latin were likewise to be taught, and the students were to have a liberal as well as a practical education so as to be fitted for any profession or pursuit. It seems clear that the report of the committee, which was adopted by the Board, provided for carrying into effect the Act of Congress, as far as the University had means.

        Col. E. G. Haywood, attorney, addressed a communication to the Board designed to prove that the decision of the Circuit Court of the United States in Dewey, Assignee, v. The University, et. al., is erroneous, and suggested an appeal to the Supreme Court of the United States. The matter was referred to the Executive Committee, who declined to follow his advice.

        Mr. Manning, in order to show our good faith in expending the Land Grant interest moved, and the motion was carried, that

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as soon as practicable a farm and workshop should be provided. In this connection it should be stated that the spirit of the law contemplates that such expenditures should be provided by the State or individuals. The eastern part of the Campus, bordering on the Raleigh Road, was ordered to be reserved for athletic purposes and for a parade ground.

        At the same time a committee, K. P. Battle, chairman; B. F. Moore, P. C. Cameron, D. M. Carter, N. McKay, J. Manning, W. L. Saunders, J. A. Gilmer, and J. E. Dugger were appointed on Mr. Moore's motion, to provide for the opening of the University for students.

REPAIRS.

        The University was exceedingly fortunate in the selection of Mr. Paul C. Cameron as chairman of the Committee on Repairs. He had long experience in building and had a sound head for business, perfect reliability, tireless energy and vigilance, and great love of the University, as had his father and grandfather. He spent weeks in Chapel Hill, purchasing material in the cheapest market, North or South, East or West, and supervising and directing the work. Owing to the money received from donations he was able to buy everything needed at lowest cash prices. He dispensed with a contractor and finished the extensive repairs with unexampled rapidity and economy. When necessarily absent from Chapel Hill he substituted his son, Colonel Benehan Cameron, who has since succeeded his father as one of the most faithful Trustees of the fourth generation of such. The Board thanked the father for his wise and economical management. They offered to reimburse him for his expenses, but he declined to receive a penny. It was a labor of love to him.

        When the work was begun only $1,200 was appropriated, the committee being instructed to confine expenditures to making the buildings barely habitable, leaving more full repairs to the future. But when contributions, unexpectedly liberal, were secured, it was decided not to delay, but to do all that was needful as soon as practicable. This left about $6,000 of the contributions to aid in defraying, from year to year, the current

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expenses. A committee was appointed to invest any surplus of subscriptions as a permanent endowment. Money, however, was so urgently needed for expenses that the Treasurer called for it as fast as paid in and the committee were functi officio, and surrendered their trust.

        Another hope of endowment proved to be a castle in the air. The University had $200,000 stock in the Bank of North Carolina, as has been said. The bank was being wound up in the Bankruptcy Court. Mr. Carter moved that the friends of the University holding stock should be requested to donate to it whatever balance might acrue to them in the final settlement. Before voting on this, however, on motion of Mr. James A. Graham application was made to C. Dewey, assignee, for a report, and he gave the information that nothing would remain to the stockholders. It was useless, therefore, to act on the suggestion of Mr. Carter. I once asked the clerk of the Bankrupt Court what was done with the remainder. He smiled and said: "Oh, the lawyers made a 'divvy,' and took what was left."

        It was hoped to realize funds by procuring the passage of a law authorizing unclaimed dividends of corporations to be paid to the University, as derelict property, if unclaimed for five years, but the Supreme Court declared the act invalid. Four hundred and eighty-five dollars had been paid over by the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad Company.

        It is a sad proof of the poverty of the institution that the Executive Committee felt bound to refuse so small a sum as $100 for the purchase of books.

        On motion of ex-Governor Graham, the election of a President was postponed indefinitely, it being the general opinion that one of the Professors might, for a while, act as Chairman of the Faculty.

        K. P. Battle moved that a committee of five be appointed to solicit contributions for the revival of the University, not to be used to pay any existing debt of the institution. This was carried, and the chair appointed Messrs. K. P. Battle, B. F. Moore, W. A. Graham, P. C. Cameron, and John Manning.

        On motion of Mr. R. L. Patterson the Treasurer was authorized

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to borrow $5,000, if necessary, for carrying on repairs of the buildings, and he volunteered to be surety with such others as would join him, for the University.

        The Board then adjourned until the 16th of June.

        The note for $5,000, signed by Messrs. Patterson, Graham, Moore, Carter, Saunders, Manning, Battle, and perhaps others, was never needed, and was duly cancelled.

        His associates on the committee for raising contributions, for the reason either that they were elderly men or that their residences were distant from Raleigh, requested Chairman Battle to take charge of the duty. He cheerfully consented and by personal solicitation and by correspondence succeeded beyond all expectation. He was able to canvass Raleigh, Goldsboro, Rocky Mount, and Tarboro in person. Ex-Governor Vance and Colonel Charles W. Broadfoot secured the subscriptions in Charlotte and Fayetteville, respectively. But most of the sums were obtained by correspondence, the plan being to write a personal letter to each supposed to be willing to subscribe, enclosing a list of the subscribers up to date. The subscriptions were payable in five equal annual installments, without interest, the first payment being on September 1, 1875. The entire expense for amanuensis, postage, printing, and stationery was $62.66. Mr. Battle charged no traveling expenses, as his business carried him to the towns named.

        The result was that in six weeks the Chairman was able to report $18,787. In six weeks more this sum was raised to $20,167, of which $18,685 was eventually paid. To be entirely accurate, however, it is necessary to state that $1,000 of one subscriber was charged with the tuition of three grandsons who entered the University twelve years afterwards and whose tuition then amounted only to $600. But estimating the interest, as is fair, on the cash advanced in 1875, the donation amounted to considerably over $1,000. An advancement was likewise made of $280, and another of $500, to be paid in tuition, which was done in four years. All the other donations were unconditional, except that they were not to be applied to any debt incurred prior to April 1, 1875. It seems proper that the names of donors should be recorded, and they appear in the Appendix.

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        It should be recorded in honor of Professor W. C. Kerr that his subscription of $500, very large in proportion to his means, was on account of gratitude to the University for educating him without charge. He was on the beneficiary list of the Dialectic Society and was one of the best scholars of his class and an able debater.

        When the report was made the Board resolved to request ex-Governor Vance, who was then practicing law, to canvass all parts of this State and elsewhere to raise funds for an endowment, to be paid commissions. The request was declined and no one was nominated in his place. Probably he concluded that while friends of the University in their enthusiastic desire to see its doors opened were willing to make contributions, the impoverished condition of the Southern country would make further appeal barren of financial results.

CONTRIBUTIONS BY LADIES.

        A pleasant feature of the rebirth was the interest taken by the good women of North Carolina. President Swain was fond of relating how the ladies of Raleigh, soon after the beginning of the century, donated to the infant institution a compass and a quadrant, and the ladies of New Bern, a quadrant.

        And so those of Raleigh, three-quarters of a century afterwards, showed that they appreciated the value of higher education in training young men to be good citizens, enlightened sons and lovers, husbands and fathers. Mrs. Spencer, at the request of the Board, on motion of Mr. Cameron, was the mover of this generous act. The following list shows the result of her work:

  • By the pupils of the school of Misses Nash and Miss Kollock in Hillsboro, Plateau's Apparatus.
  • By the ladies of Louisburg, through Mrs. Joseph J. Davis, Parallellogram of Forces.
  • By the ladies of Salem Female School, Fortin's Barometer.
  • By the ladies of Raleigh, through Mrs. Annie Moore Parker, treasurer, Atwood's Machine, Galvanometer and Thermo-Electric Pile.
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  • By the ladies of Hillsboro, in memoriam of the late ex-Governor Wm. A. Graham, Holtz Electrical Machine, giving a 20-inch spark.
  • By the ladies of Salisbury, through Mrs. May Wheate Shober, Hydraulic Press and Turbine Wheel.
  • By the ladies of North Carolina, through Mrs. Mattie A. Heck, Raleigh, Silk Centennial Banner, the Coat of Arms, and Floral Emblems painted by Rev. J. A. Oertel, for exhibition at the World's Exposition in Philadelphia, in 1876.

BY-LAWS AND ELECTION OF PROFESSORS.

        Twenty-eight Trustees met on June 16, 1875, for the purpose of electing Professors. I give their names: William A. Graham, of Orange; B. F. Moore, of Wake; Rev. Dr. Neill McKay, of Harnett; P. C. Cameron, Orange; D. M. Carter, Wake; Mills L. Eure, Gates; J. A. Moore, Halifax; William H. Johnston, Edgecombe; J. E. Dugger, Warren; W. T. Faircloth, Wayne; George Green, Craven; Robert B. Peebles, Northampton; W. L. Saunders, New Hanover; B. F. Grady, Sampson; John McIver, Moore; J. H. Thorpe, Edgecombe; James S. Amis, Granville; John Manning, Chatham; Kemp P. Battle, Wake; J. J. Davis, Franklin; John A. Gilmer, Guilford; James A. Graham, Alamance; W. L. Steele, Richmond; Zebulon B. Vance, Mecklenburg; Paul B. Means, Cabarrus; Rufus L. Patterson, Forsyth; E. Hayne Davis, Iredell. Considering that they paid their own expenses these Trustees, as did those who attended other meetings, showed praiseworthy liberality and enthusiasm. The Governor presided. On account of the unusual number adjournment was had to the Senate Chamber.

        An important question came up on motion of Colonel Steele, that the Professors should hold their offices at the will of the Trustees. This was voted down, but no case is known where the incumbent did not resign when requested by the Trustees. As Professors are entitled to six months' notice, where the resignation is asked for or obtained at once, it is usual to pay salary to the expiration of the six months.

        Some of the older Trustees, particularly Mr. B. F. Moore, were eager for the revisal and reënactment of the by-laws, Accordingly a committee was raised and duly reported the old

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Code with many changes, early in the administration of President Battle, who was opposed to publishing a pamphlet embodying these rules, preferring to make known to the students from time to time such as it was proper for them to know. Availing himself of the emptiness of the treasury, the by-laws and amendments slept quietly in a pigeonhole until it became evident to all that the publication was not needed. In a short while the good old Trustees who had been raised to think printed by-laws were a necessary part of the University, pupils of Caldwell and Swain, went up to the School of the Hereafter, and no one was left to call for the pamphlet. The simple rule is that each man must behave like a gentleman. If he knows how and will not, or if he does not know how, we have no use for him. Let him leave. Necessary notices are printed in the catalogue, announced to the classes or posted on the bulletin board.

        Thus disappeared without any formal repeal many regulations which were a source of annoyance to the students and created hot feeling against the professors and tutors whose duty it was to enforce them. Henceforth a student may call on his friend in study hours whether for conversation or joint study. Henceforth no watchful eye will witness his sitting up beyond 10 o'clock. Henceforth he can go to the village in study hours, whether to buy fruit or call on the barber or his ladylove. It is allowable to sit by a friend in class although not in alphabetical order, and to occupy a chair more comfortable than wooden benches. And monstrous innovation! textbooks can be taken ad libitum into the recitation room. Offenders are not now called before all the Faculty but before the Students' Council or President, subject to appeal in bad cases to the Faculty Committee.

        Other legislation at this and subsequent meetings during 1875 and the first half of 1876 was the offer of a scholarship for $1,000, the proposal of a William A. Graham Professorship, the amount afterwards fixed on being $30,000. This movement failed. The Trustees stood firm on the rule that students not residents of Chapel Hill must occupy University dormitories.

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        On motion of Mr. Moore a committee of nine was empowered, after consultation with the Faculty, to revise the scheme heretofore adopted, and to add, if deemed advisable, Vegetable Physiology and Astronomy.

        Colonel Carter moved that the salaries be $1,500 per annum, that heads of families should have houses rent free, and that the Professor of Mathematics should be Bursar at a salary of $500 per annum, but the motion was defeated by a vote of 13 to 5. The salaries were fixed at $2,000 per annum and house rent.

        Mr. A. Mickle, who had been acting as agent for the University, was elected Bursar at a salary of $400 per annum. Salaries were to begin September 1st following.

        The calculation of those who voted for salaries at $2,000 was that tuition money supplemented by excess of contributions over what was needed for repairs, with the $7,500 paid by the State, would suffice to balance expenses for at least four years. After that it was thought that the increase in the number of students would supply the treasury with the necessary funds.

        Having concluded to postpone indefinitely the election of a President and to have one of the Professors to act as Chairman of the Faculty, the Board caused to be read the testimonials offered for the various chairs and proceeded to elect the Professors by ballot. As a matter of course the loss of prestige consequent on the decline and temporary closing of the University, and the doubt as to its success arising from its slender income; also the vigorous opposition in the General Assembly, coupled with the violent antagonism elsewhere, prevented many teachers from presenting their names as candidates. This made the range of choice as to most of the chairs quite limited.

        For the Chair of Agriculture, Professor John Kimberly and Mr. Wm. A. Allen were nominated. Professor Kimberly was elected.

        For the Chair of Engineering and the Mechanic Arts, the nominees were A. L. Anderson and Ralph H. Graves. Mr. Graves was successful.

        For the Chair of Literature, on motion of Mr. Manning it was resolved to elect two Professors. The following were

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placed in nomination: Professors J. DeB. Hooper and M. Fetter, Messrs. George T. Winston, E. Woodard Hutson, John C. Calhoun, C. H. Martin, Rev. Wm. Royall, Jacob Battle, J. C. Lynes, John P. Weston, G. B. Doggett, John Wilson, Isbon T. Beckwith, Professor Morris, Rev. E. L. Patton, J. W. Fitts, James Southgate. Professor J. DeB. Hooper was declared elected and the election of the second Professor under Mr. Manning's motion was postponed for the present.

        For the Chair of Mathematics Rev. Dr. Charles Phillips and Professor Alexander McIver were nominated. Dr. Phillips was the successful candidate.

        For the Chair of Philosophy the nominees were Rev. A. W. Mangum, Mr. W. J. Solomon, Mr. John H. Wheeler. Mr. Mangum was elected.

        For the Chair of Natural Sciences Messrs. A. F. Redd and Sylvester Hassell were placed in nomination. Mr. Redd was chosen.

        Mr. Carter then moved that the additional Professor in the College of Literature should be only an Adjunct. This was agreed to and Mr. George T. Winston was chosen without opposition. His salary was fixed at $1,500.

        Short sketches of the Professors chosen seem appropriate. Charles Phillips, D.D., LL.D., was the son of Rev. James Phillips, D.D., long Professor of Mathematics in the University. He was born July 30, 1822, graduated here among the best scholars in 1841, then for several years studied in the Theological Seminary at Princeton. He was tutor of Mathematics in this institution from 1844 to 1854, Professor of Civil Engineering 1854-'60, Professor of Mathematics 1861-'68. On the closing of the institution in 1868 he was chosen to the Chair of Mathematics in Davidson College, where he taught that science and for several terms Political Economy. He was a Presbyterian preacher of great power and was likewise eminent as a mathematician. In addition to his talents he was conspicuous for tireless energy and boundless benevolence.

        Professor John DeBerniere Hooper, born in 1811, was a native of Wilmington, in this State. Graduating at this University with highest distinction in 1831, he taught several years

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as tutor. After teaching some years in a classical school in Raleigh, he was Professor of Latin and French in this institution from 1838 to 1848. He then resigned and became Principal of schools in Warren, Fayetteville, and Wilson. He was recognized as one of the most accurate scholars of the old Faculty and as skilled in teaching. His department was Greek and French.

        Rev. Adolphus Williamson Mangum, D.D., was born April 1, 1834, in Orange County, North Carolina. He graduated at Randolph-Macon College in 1854 with highest honor. He then entered the Methodist Episcopal ministry and was pastor, with constantly growing reputation, in various parts of North Carolina, including Charlotte, Salisbury, Greensboro, Goldsboro, Raleigh, and Chapel Hill. He was a Chaplain in the Confederate Army. His department was Moral Philosophy, History, and English Literature.

        Alexander Fletcher Redd was born in Virginia. He was trained at the Virginia Military Institute. He was teacher of Chemistry and Physics in the school of Mr. James H. Horner, who with others warmly endorsed him. When elected he was associate editor of the Biblical Recorder. He had under his charge Physics and Chemistry.

        Professor John Kimberly was a native of New Jersey. In early life he became a teacher in the Albemarle section of the State and gained a wide reputation. Devoting much attention to the study of Chemistry he was in 1856 elected Professor of Agricultural Chemistry in this University. He resigned in 1866 and carried on a farm in Buncombe County near Asheville until his election to the Chair of Agriculture. His instruction was altogether theoretical, as was required by the Act of Congress, unless means was given by the General Assembly, or other agency, for practical work.

        Ralph Henry Graves, born April 1, 1851, son of the widely respected teacher of the same name, was a first honor student at this University in 1867-'68. He then had a distinguished career at the University of Virginia, especially in mathematics, attaining the degree of Bachelor of Science, and Civil and Mechanical Engineer. He was then Professor of Drawing

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and Technical Mechanics in the Polytechnic College at Blacksburg. Afterwards he taught in the school of Horner and Graves at Hillsboro, until elevated to his professorship. In the assignment of duties his department was styled "Engineering and the Mechanic Arts," but his teaching was in the main theoretical, as was required by law, since the University had no fund for building workshops and purchasing machinery.

        George Tayloe Winston was born at Windsor, in Bertie County, October 12, 1856. He was a student of this University with high honor when it closed under the old régime in 1868, being ready to enter the Junior class. Thence he matriculated at the United States Naval Academy, where he remained two years, being No. 1 in his class. Finding from a cruise to Europe that sea life injured his health, he resigned his place and entered Cornell University. After taking a high stand he received his degree in 1874 and for the ensuing year was Instructor in Mathematics. He was then, as has been stated, elected Adjunct Professor in this University, and was assigned to instruction in Latin and German.

        As Professors Phillips, Hooper, and Kimberly were members of the old Faculty and their learning and skill in teaching were fully known to the Trustees, it was not necessary for them to offer testimonials. Professor Kimberly, however, exhibited certificates from leading men in Buncombe County attesting his knowledge of practical agriculture. The others, without exception, laid before the Board testimonials of the strongest character from their professors and prominent men, as to their learning and aptness to teach.

        It was charged by fault finders that conciliation of the leading religious denominations, rather than merit, dictated the choice by the Trustees. An inspection of the list of candidates, as well as the distinct recollection of the Trustees now surviving who voted, shows that this is not true. Of course it was very fortunate that each of the leading denominations had a representative. In the light of the history of the mutations in the Faculty, it will hardly be realized that active efforts were made in many sections to keep students from coming to the University by the charge that it was an "Episcopal concern,"

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because there was a preponderance of members of that denomination, yet it is a fact that such false assertions were widely disseminated. It is conceded that these critics believed that their charges were true, but they were mistaken.

        It was at this meeting that Mr. Cameron made an urgent appeal to ex-Governor Graham to allow the Board to elect him President of the University. An expression of pain passed over his face as he firmly declined. He was thinking of the insidious and fatal disease which was sapping the foundation of his life.

        There are persons other than the Faculty connected with the reopening who must not be neglected in this chronicle. The first is Andrew Mickle, the Bursar, a man of unpretending manners, but of rare intelligence, whose virtues were as solid as the adamantine hills. He was prospering as a merchant when the war began, but during its progress ruined his fortune by acting on the chivalric notion that it was wrong to raise prices of his goods, because it was as difficult for his neighbors to obtain Confederate money as it had been to obtain good money. And so, as the currency depreciated, he sold his merchandise for much less than cost. He bore his poverty with the same dignity which characterized him in his prosperity, and when the Trustees resolved to depart from the old plan of devolving the bursarship on a Professor, it fell by universal consent to him, with whom millions of dollars would have been as safe as in the Bank of England.

        Another indispensable and equally worthy officer of the University was the University carpenter, Foster Utley. He was born in Wake County, on a farm. His mother was a Walton, said to have been of the family of the noted fisherman and author, Isaak Walton. The transparent purity of character, the boundless benevolence, the sturdy honesty, the quiet humor, the love of nature, the delight, on a rare holiday, of sitting for hours on a mossy bank under a beech tree root, with his cork floating on the quiet waters or dancing among the ripples, his devout thankfulness to God, whether the yellow perch yielded to the "eloquent squirm" of bait or passed by in cold indifference, remind us of the sainted father of the art of angling.

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        To complete the personnel of the institution, the Faculty chose, to wait on the students, ring the bell and for other similar services, one who had occupied a similar position under the old Faculty. He had been a slave of President Swain and, therefore, he appears on the records of 1875 as Wilson Swain, though he afterwards preferred the surname of Caldwell, his father having been a slave of President Caldwell. He was an exceedingly intelligent, courteous, faithful man, reliable always, and had the unbounded regard and confidence of the Faculty and students.

DEATH OF EX-GOVERNOR GRAHAM.

        This was the last public meeting attended by Wm. A. Graham. The closing work of his great career was in behalf of the uplifting of the youth of the land, the restoration of the institutions whose halls he had left fifty-one years before.

        William Alexander Graham was so actively connected with the University that he deserves a special notice. He graduated a first honor man in 1824; ten years afterwards was elected a Trustee, and held the office until 1868, was elected again in 1874, and continued to be a Trustee until his death; he was sometimes pro tempore President of the Board and sometimes a member of the Executive Committee. In his long tenure of thirty-five years he seldom missed a meeting of the Board of Trustees, and his handsome and attentive face was seen at nearly all our Commencements--in truth, he never missed unless imperative official business detained him. His five sons were educated at this University.

        Governor Graham, as he was generally called, was one of the most perfect public men we have had--high-toned, honorable, talented, above all tricks and suspicions of demagoguery, a strong but not eloquent speaker, and always well read and prepared on questions under debate. I heard one of our ablest lawyers, Samuel F. Phillips, who served with him on the Judiciary Committee in the General Assembly, when discussing the Revised Code, say "Graham has a broad, statesman-like knowledge of the law." I heard a very intelligent

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member of the Convention of 1861, Wm. S. Battle, of Edgecombe, say: "When I came here I thought you Whigs overrated Governor Graham, but I was mistaken. As a statesman and parliamentarian he is head and shoulders above any man in the Convention." The University lost an able and valuable friend when he died.

        He was honored with the degree of LL.D. in 1849; was Speaker of the House of Commons, 1834-'41; United States Senator, 1840-'43; Governor, 1845-'49; Secretary of the Navy, 1850-'53; Whig candidate for Vice-Presidency, 1852; Senator in Second Confederate Congress, State Senator, and Member of the Convention of 1861. He was born in Lincolnton September 5, 1804, and adopted Hillsboro as his home. Died August 11, 1875.

        He was elected United States Senator in 1866, but was not allowed to take his seat. He was fortunate in his biographer, the address on his "Life and Services," by Montford McGehee, being unexcelled, if equaled, in the annals of this State.

        The Board, at the instance of his old friend, Paul C. Cameron, passed most touching resolutions expressive of their sense of appreciation of his work, certifying that the untiring zeal and great liberality with which Governor Graham devoted his efficient labors to the University, entitle his memory to be enshrined in the hearts of those who love the institution.

REOPENING. CURRICULUM.

        On the 30th of June, 1875, a committee of five Trustees, viz., Kemp P. Battle, chairman, and B. F. Moore, Rev. Dr. McKay, P. C. Cameron, D. M. Carter, and W. L. Saunders, met the Faculty in Raleigh for the purpose of adopting rules for the reopening of the University. The Faculty were called on for recommendations, which were duly submitted and approved. Publication was made by the Secretary of the leading provisions.

        The opening was to be on the first Monday of September, 1875, with two weeks vacation at Christmas, to continue until the second Thursday in June, 1876. Tuition $60, but provision

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would be made for meritorious students who could not pay. With pardonable optimism it was declared that the buildings had been repaired and repainted inside and out and rooms would be ready for several hundred students. The Campus was being placed in order and in a few weeks the College property would be not inferior in beauty and fitness for educational uses to any in the Union! It was of good omen that the Secretary could exaggerate like that. It showed enthusiasm. He believed then what he wrote.

        In order to obey the mandate of the Act of Congress of 1862 instruction in military science in all the classes was ordered. It was found, however, that our people were so sick of war and all likeness to it that there was no demand for military teaching, and it was postponed from year to year.

        It was thought best to notify the public that hazing was absolutely prohibited. It was defined to be teasing, vexing, striking or committing a breach of the peace. The last was called a high offense.

        The titles of the Faculty were then given, their chairs being called Colleges. For example, Charles Phillips, Professor of the College of Mathematics, and so on. Judge W. H. Battle had not then reopened the Law School, and that was not on the list.

        The departments were to be combined into four courses of study, each leading to a diploma. Students not seeking a diploma could obtain certificates of proficiency. This course was called Optional. The degrees to be Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Agriculture, and Master of Arts.

        For admission into the course of Arts the student must have a competent knowledge of the elements of English Language, Geography, Algebra through equations of the second degree, Latin Grammar, Prosody and Composition, four Books of Cæsar, five Books of Virgil's æneid, or the equivalent in Ovid, Sallust or Cicero's Orations; of Greek Grammar and Composition, four Books of Xenophon's Anabasis,

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or Memorabilia, and of two Books of the Iliad. These were called Preparatory Studies.

        For admission into the Science course the requisities to be the same, omitting Latin and Greek. For admission into the course for Bachelor of Agriculture, the requisites to be Arithmetic, the English Language, and Geography.

        The courses of study for Bachelor of Arts to be: First year, four recitations in Mathematics per week, five in Latin and Greek each; second year, four recitations in Mathematics, Latin and Greek each; third year, three in Natural Philosophy, three in Chemistry, French, and German each, and two in Logic and Rhetoric; fourth year, three recitations in Astronomy, three in Mineralogy and Geology, and eight in Mental and Moral Science, International and Constitutional Law, Political Economy, and English Literature.

        For the degree of Bachelor of Science: First year, four recitations per week in Mathematics, three in Chemistry, five in English and two in History. For the second year, four recitations in Mathematics, three in Chemistry and German each, two in Logic and Rhetoric and two in Zoölogy. For the third year, three in Natural Philosophy, Astronomy, Mineralogy and Geology each, and five in Mental Science.

        For the degree of Bachelor of Agriculture the studies were: First year, five recitations per week in Mathematics, five in English, two in History and two in Botany. For the second year, four in Mathematics, three in Chemistry, two in Logic and Rhetoric, two in Zoölogy and three in Agriculture. For the third year, three in Mineralogy, three in Geology, three in Political Economy and Constitutional Law, eight in Agriculture, Engineering, etc.

        The Bible to be taught in all the courses, counting one hour.

        Students to be required to attend one religious service on Sunday at the church of their choice, and daily Prayers in Gerrard Hall, absences from them or recitations to be reported to parents or guardians.

        Students should be at least sixteen years old at entrance. Students to preserve the utmost decorum and courtesy towards

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each other. Secret societies or clubs to be forbidden without the express permission of the Trustees. The Faculty to be authorized to order a student to be removed for neglect of studies or evil influence on his associates.

        Instruction was to begin at 8 a. m. and end at 2 p. m., but Laboratory work in Chemistry to be in the afternoon. The breakfast hour was fixed at 7 a. m.; dinner at 2 p. m., and supper at 6:30. (Until the completion of the State University Raïlroad it was customary to keep these hours nominally winter and summer, moving the College clock and ringing the bell without regard to the true time. The University time was often over half an hour faster or slower than the true time.)

        Unmarried professors were requested to room in the University buildings. Accordingly Professors Graves and Winston selected the third story of the South Building. Afterwards Professors Toy, Venable and Atkinson selected the New West. In pursuance of the policy to trust to the sense of decorum of the students the request after some years was withdrawn.

        The day of the opening was advertised to be September 6th.

        On the 31st August (1875) the Board of Trustees had another meeting; present: K. P. Battle, P. C. Cameron, D. M. Carter, W. T. Faircloth, J. A. Gilmer, John Kerr, Rev. Dr. N. McKay, John Manning, B. F. Moore, and H. C. Thomas.

        Dr. Charles Phillips was unanimously chosen Chairman of the Faculty.

        General Frank H. Cameron submitted a plan for raising an endowment for the University by its friends insuring their lives for its benefit, but nothing resulted from it.

        Authority was given the Treasurer to borrow not exceeding $3,000 at any one time, on pledge of unpaid subscriptions, for the purpose of paying current expenses.

        The Executive Committee for 1875-'76 were B. F. Moore, W. H. Battle, P. C. Cameron, D. M. Carter, Seaton Gales, W. L. Saunders, and K. P. Battle.

        Messrs. Hooper and Mangum were allowed $100 each in lieu of house rent, they not occupying the Faculty houses.

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        A by-law was adopted that the Professors should take rank according to the designation of the Executive Committee. If the Committee failed to act the President or Presiding Professor had the power.

        The Chief Marshal was directed to be selected alternately by the two literary societies, beginning with the Dialetic as that was the first founded. He must be from the Junior class and was to have the power of selecting his assistants, three from each society.

        Colonel Carter offered a resolution, which was adopted, strongly favoring a railroad to Chapel Hill as essential to the growth of the University. At a subsequent meeting, not seeing that a railroad was practicable, he favored a turn-pike to Durham as within our means. If he had foreseen the days of the automobile his scheme would have seemed eminently practical.

        On motion of Judge Battle the winter vacation was ordered to continue four weeks, the term beginning the 6th of January. Mr. B. F. Moore moved that the summer vacation should be six weeks. Mr. K. P. Battle moved that the summer vacation should be extended to twelve weeks and that in winter there should be two weeks holiday, long enough to enable the students to spend Christmas at home and aid their parents in attending to necessary business on the first of January. This was at first defeated but after a year was agreed to. The old-fashioned Trustees were persuaded that chills and fevers would infallibly torment the bodies of those who should abide in the eastern counties after the middle of July. In this notion experience has proven them in error, while the arguments in favor of the change are cogent. The hot months are unfavorable to study. Many of our students are poor and find that in the three months of vacation they can earn funds necessary to enable them to continue their University course. Others by taking summer courses are much advanced in their studies. Many parents, accustomed to leave home for summer resorts, are desirous of having their sons with them. Professors often utilize this period for study in the great Northern Universities and even in Europe. Opportunity

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was given to hold the Summer Schools for Teachers. The change has been found to be very beneficial to all classes. At present, however, on motion of Mr. J. E. Dugger the vacation was six weeks after the first Monday in June and the term was to close four weeks before the first Thursday in January.

        It was enacted that no degree, except honorary, be granted except where there has been residence for at least one year.

        The Committee on Repairs, through Mr. Paul C. Cameron, the chairman, who did practically all the work, reported that he had expended $10,677.76 for repairs generally and $2,249.09 for gas works and piping, and chemical and natural philosophy apparatus. The Board was impressed with the wisdom and economy with which the work had been conducted and passed a vote of thanks to him for the same.

        With a commendable desire to keep down expenses it was enacted that no student should board at a house where was charged over $15 per month. This law was well observed for years, indeed until broken into by the actual or supposed necessities of the athletic teams. There was a general spirit of economy in those early days. Not only did reputable boardinghouse keepers furnish board at $9 and $10 per month, but private tables under the management of messmates enabled them to live satisfactorily at the rate of $7 and $8 per month and in some instances less.

        Rev. Dr. Neill McKay moved that the students in the College of Agriculture should be allowed to study in other departments and the Faculty must lay out courses in the College of Agriculture which may enable the students to receive instruction in the College of Arts. This was referred to the Executive Committee, who declined to grant the motion on the ground that it would trammel the latter department.

        The apportionment of rooms among the students was different from the old. The two East Buildings went to the Philanthropic Society, and the two West to the Dialectic, but the South was divided equally between them by a north and south line, the latter getting the west half and the former the east.

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A committee, of which Col. D. M. Carter was chairman, was appointed to explain this to the students. The ante-war arrangement gave all the north rooms in the South Building to the Phi's and the south rooms to the Di's. This was because the Phi Hall and Library was on the north side, Di Hall and Library on the south. As the halls have been changed to the New East and New West and the libraries consolidated the present arrangement is acceptable.

        The married members of the Faculty took possession of the University dwellings by amicable arrangement. Dr. Phillips, being Chairman of the Faculty, as was right, selected the President's house, occupied by President Swain at his death; Professor Kimberly that next to the Episcopal Church; Professor Redd the house where Dr. Mitchell so long resided. Professors Winston and Graves were in the South Building until in the course of time, they, too, married, when to Professor Winston was awarded the residence which Dr. James Phillips occupied for many years, and Professor Graves bought one for himself. Professor Hooper occupied a private dwelling on Cameron Avenue, owned by Miss Sally Mallett. After Professor Kimberly resigned he removed to the Kimberly house.

        The Faculty met on the 4th of September and organized by electing Rev. Dr. Charles Phillips as Chairman, the fact that the Trustees had already conferred this honor being overlooked. Professor Winston was chosen Secretary of the Faculty and Professor Graves Librarian. Of all these it may be said that there was no question as to the ability of each, but Dr. Phillips was afflicted by repeated attacks of sickness. Professors Winston and Graves were excellent officers, but Graves' Librarianship was a sinecure, the University Library containing no books tempting to the average reader.

        The Faculty had no doubt of their power and duty to enforce attendance on religious exercises. Attendance was required at the Sunday morning services of one of the four denominations having churches in the village, Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, and Episcopalian, and also at the Bible classes

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conducted Sunday afternoons by different Professors. Students were expected to inform the Bible class Professor whether they had attended divine service in the morning. Tradition has it that some irreverent youths, by spending a few minutes in the Church, long enough to catch a glimpse of the ladies, or standing in the Church door, or peering in at the windows, and then hurrying to their rooms, deemed themselves justified in answering, "Yes, Sir! I was at Church!" This tradition is undoubtedly true as to ante-war times, a strong argument against enforcing religion on young men, nearly grown, by disciplinary methods.

        Reminiscence of the old Blue Laws is found in the regulation then enacted forbidding talking and noise at Prayers or other Divine service in the Chapel, a prohibition which a youth having sense enough to find his way to Chapel Hill is now presumed to know, without being told by a by-law.

        The Professors then proceeded to map out their duties. To Dr. Phillips in Mathematics was given sixteen recitations per week; to Professor Hooper fifteen, viz., nine in Greek and six in French; to Professor Redd seven in Chemistry, with laboratory work added; to Professor Graves five in Engineering and five in Algebra, in all ten, with instruction in Arithmetic added because of the possession of the Land Grant Fund. Mr. Kimberly, Professor of Agriculture, had three in Physical Geography with work to be added when students in that department should appear. Dr. Mangum's work was four hours in History, four in Logic, and five in English, a total of thirteen. Professor Winston took charge of five hours in Latin with one class and four with another, three in German and three in a more advanced class, making in all fifteen hours per week.

        To the three courses leading to degrees, the Classical, the Scientific, and the Agricultural, was added the Optional, leading to certificates but to no degree. The students in this course corresponded to the old Irregulars, or "Malish" (Militia), described in the first volume. At first there was only one Agricultural student, but after awhile four others joined

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him. There was a general impression that the department was and would be a failure.

        It was resolved to recommend the Trustees not to grant permits to the Greek Letter fraternities. The question was brought up on the petition of Messrs. Ernest Caldwell, James C. Taylor, Henry T. Watkins, Richard B. Henderson, and R. L. Payne in behalf of the &Dgr; K E Fraternity. The Faculty strongly opposed the application on the ground that all the energies and means of the students should be exerted in behalf of the two literary societies until their debts were paid and they should be reinstated into their ante-war prosperous condition.

        Visiting the State Fair, or any other place, was only to be granted on a written request from parent or guardian.

        The old plan of opening Faculty meetings with prayer was resumed, Dr. Phillips, Professor Mangum and Professor Redd being called on in turn. The latter was not a minister of the gospel, but was licensed to preach under the rules of the Baptist Church. The practice was discontinued after a few years for the reason that the meetings of the Faculty assumed a more business and hurried character.

        The Marshals were to be elected by the two societies, and a sumptuary law was adopted by the Faculty in the interest of economy that they should not wear any regalia, except a rosette or ribbon around the arm, these officers before the Civil War having been decorated with broad, costly silken bands from shoulder to waist. This provision was afterwards ignored as was the prohibition against sitting in a chair during lectures, as learning without hard benches seemed impossible.

        There were other changes. The terms Senior, Junior, Sophomore, and Freshman were replaced by first, second, third, and fourth classes, corresponding to Freshman and so on. But old customs were too strong for this innovation and the time-honored names and abbreviations have been restored.

        The precedent was set of a holiday on the 22d of February, the societies afterwards electing a Washington orator, whose address, however, had often very little reference to the Father of his Country. At the first, or possibly the second of these

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anniversaries, Francis D. Winston, lately Judge and Lieutenant-Governor, at the close of an eloquent laudation of the great patriot, exhibited an ancient and well-worn hatchet which he affirmed was the identical weapon that felled the fabulous cherry tree.

FIRST ARRIVAL.

        There is a tendency in the human mind to be desirous of ascertaining and glorifying the originators of great movements. We wish to know who brought letters to Greece, who founded Rome, who first set foot on American soil, who discovered oxygen, who kicked the first football, and so on. Thus it happens that Hinton James has gained immortal fame by being the first to trudge through the muddy roads of the winter of 1795, and presenting himself to the delighted gaze of the first presiding Professor, Dr. David Ker, exactly four weeks after the session began.

        My readers, therefore, are in a state of anxiety to know the name of the Hinton James of the nineteenth century. I am glad to be able to crown him with honor. I am proud to set him on the pinnacle of fame.

        In thus awarding the honor I am compelled to ignore the claims of Mr. James C. Taylor and Dr. Isaac M. Taylor, because their residence was Chapel Hill, and, being on the ground, they could not possibly, in the graphic language of General Forrest, "git thar first." Not counting them, the glory belongs to the elder of two brothers, who, with Charles Bond, preceded all other candidates by a day's journey. When their conveyance reached the boundary line of Chapel Hill at the hamlet of Couchtown, the hilltop on the Durham road, the elder suddenly leaped from the vehicle and dashed forward with the amazing speed for which duck-legged youths are often famous, shouting, "Hurrah! I am the first student on the Hill!" He reversed the history of Esau and Jacob. Esau was ahead this time. The unsuspecting Jacob (Hebrew for Robert) had no time to offer his mess of pottage. When I tell you that this long-headed--if short-legged--youth went to the Legislature, with about one thousand majority against his party, intent on looking out for the interests of his Alma Mater,

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it will be guessed that his name is FRANCIS DONNELL WINSTON, the Hinton James of 1875.

        The youth, Robert, thus outgeneraled, has his share of the blood of the old Scandinavian vikings. After great searchings of the heart he devised his scheme and bided his time. It was a signal and cruel revenge. Frank's Nemesis came when there appeared to receive the silver cup for the first boy baby of the Class of 1879--James Horner Winston, son of Robert.

        The good old county of Bertie has another honor which should be here recorded. On the opening day one youth only entered the agricultural department. I therefore proclaim that Charles Bond was the first student of the first college of agriculture in North Carolina.

CELEBRATION OF THE OPENING.

        The formal celebration of the opening of the University was held September 15, 1875. It was eminently successful. The numerous visitors were surprised and gratified at the renovation of buildings and grounds effected under the direction of the chairman of the Committee on Repairs, Mr. Cameron. Mrs. Spencer called to her aid the young ladies of Chapel Hill and decorated the Chapel with exquisite taste. The portraits of great men of the University borrowed from the two societies--Davie, Caldwell, and Swain, Mitchell, and Phillips, Hawks and Badger, Ruffin, Graham, and Manly--were hung on the walls. There was a single motto in letters of evergreens: "LAUS DEO."

        The Salisbury band, without charge, furnished excellent music. At 11 o'clock Mr. John R. Hutchins, of the Class of 1852, as Chief Marshal, and Mayor A. S. Barbee, of the Class of 1860, and several of the students as assistants, formed a procession, as in the days of yore, in front of the South Building and marched to the Chapel. The rostrum was occupied by Governor Brogden, Judge Battle, Dr. William Hooper, Governor Vance, Dr. Phillips, and Professors Mangum and Redd. Trustees and distinguished visitors were in the area in front. The Chapel was full, floor and galleries, of worthy men and beautiful women. Among the men were about fifty students

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of the Horner School, near Hillsboro. The band began with "Auld Lang Syne." Prayer was offered by Dr. William Hooper, who matriculated seventy years before. The opening hymn was then read by Professor Redd. It was composed by William A. Betts, a graduate of 1880, late an honored member of the South Carolina Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, now in the Florida Conference, whose father, Rev. A. D. Betts, a graduate and Trustee, married his mother, a beautiful girl of Chapel Hill, while in the Senior Class.


                         Great God of Heaven: condescend
                         To meet Thy servants here;
                         Where once we worshipped, Thee again
                         We gratefully revere.


                         Be present while with joyful hearts
                         We consecrate anew
                         This hallowed spot, in Thine own name,
                         And to Thy service true.


                         Favor again, O God, these walls
                         Where once Thy Spirit shone;
                         Send help and wisdom, and may all
                         The glory be Thine own.

        Dr. Phillips, the Chairman of the Faculty, rose to introduce Governor Brogden. He prefaced his introduction by a few remarks as to the past and future policy of the institution. Among other things he said that it had been sarcastically remarked that the University had "neither politics nor religion." In the broad sense of these words it was false, as we teach the principles of true statesmanship and of Christianity. But in the sense that the professor will rigidly abstain from attempting to influence students for or against any political party or religious denomination, the charge is true. All parties and sects shall be treated with perfect impartiality.

        Governor Curtis H. Brogden then made an address, full of animation, with language ornate and strong, pressing the importance of education, classical, professional, technical, primary and collegiate, as necessary to modern progress. The Governor made many friends. His compliments to the ladies

Illustration

        T. J. JARVIS

        MRS. CORNELIA PHILLIPS SPENCER

        WM. L. SAUNDERS

        RICHARD H. BATTLE

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were very happy, but some of them wondered if he believed all he said why he had not sued for and obtained for himself one of the angelic beings he described.

        Ex-Governor Vance then in his usual felicitous style introduced the orator of the day, ex-Judge William H. Battle, a graduate of the Class of 1820. To quote from a contemporary letter to the Raleigh News: "Judge Battle's was the tender task to awaken the echoes of memory, and bid us remember, resemble, and persevere." He took a survey of the history of the University. He gave sketches of some of its illustrious sons, and an estimate of their influence on the history of the State. Both addresses were highly appreciated.

        Professor Mangum, with a graceful compliment to the author of the hymn, Mrs. Spencer, who had written it for this occasion, gave out the following lines, which were sung to the tune of Old Hundred, the band leading.


                         Eternal source of light and truth,
                         To Thee again our hearts we raise;
                         Except Thou build and keep the house,
                         In vain the laborer spends his days.


                         Without Thine aid in vain our zeal
                         Strives to rebuild the broken walls;
                         Vainly our sons invoke the muse
                         Among these sacred groves and walls.


                         From off Thine altar send a coal,
                         As burning seraphs erst have brought;
                         Relight the flame that once inspired
                         The faithful teachers and the taught.


                         Pour on our path Thy cloudless light,
                         That from Thy constant favor springs;
                         Let heart and hand be strong beneath
                         The shadow of Almighty wings.


                         Recall, O God! the golden days;
                         May rude, unfruitful discord cease;
                         Our sons in troops exulting throng
                         The ancient haunts of white-robed Peace!

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                         So shall our upward way be fair,
                         As that our sainted fathers trod,
                         Again the "Priest and Muse" declare
                         The holy oracles of God.

        The proceedings in the Chapel were closed by a benediction and the audience separated with their hearts full of thankfulness for the new life of the institution they loved so well.

        The venerable Dialectic and Philanthropic Societies were reinaugurated during the evening. The Dialectic was called together by Thomas M. Argo, Esq., the last Secretary, and Judge Wm. H. Battle was made temporary President.

        The Philanthropic Society was called together by Col. Wm. L. Saunders, in whose care its books were placed in 1868 when the last meeting was held.

        It has been shown how the good old University was started again on its career of usefulness and honor. Its friends have been rapidly swelling in numbers, while its enemies are manifestly growing fewer. May its prosperity for the next third of a century increase as rapidly in proportion as it has increased since 1875!

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CHAPTER III.

NEWSPAPER ATTACKS AFTER THE REVIVAL.

        It was at this time that a labored newspaper attack was made on the constitution of the Board of Trustees and the Faculty by Rev. L. S. Burkhead, president of the Board of Trustees of Trinity College. The points made were that, although the Methodists were about one hundred thousand in number and paid their proportion of taxes, yet in the management of the University the Episcopalians and Presbyterians, about one-tenth in number, were the controlling power. Indeed, it was charged that the Episcopalians were about one-half of the Board of Trustees and of course managed things in their own interest. Especial complaint was made that a recent Methodist candidate for the Professorship of Natural History had not been elected.

        Mr. Burkhead favored a University provided that its instruction should be so high as not to come into competition with the colleges and provided that the Methodists should have their share of the Trustees and Faculty.

        Hon. Walter L. Steele, a Methodist of high standing in the church, who was for years one of our most efficient Trustees, thought it best to answer these criticisms. And Rev. Dr. William Closs, a most influential Presiding Elder, took the same side. Instead of making a verbatim report of the points they made I give them as concisely as possible in my own language.

        The Trustees are of high character, chosen by the General Assembly, elected for their attachment to the University, entirely without reference to the denomination to which they belong. They vote for the best interests of the institution and no instance can be given to the contrary. If they had done so there were associates of another faith who would have cried aloud and spared not.

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        If the Professors are to be apportioned among the denominations in proportion to numbers, we will be in a difficulty arising from the fact of there being denominations of like names. For example, there were Methodists South, Methodist Protestants, and Christian Methodists. The Baptists are divided into Primitive Baptists, Christian (Campbellites), and Free Will Baptists. And what is to be done for those belonging to neither of the denominations named and the large number of those belonging to no church? These pay their taxes and are entitled to consideration as much as the large religious organizations.

        Moreover, the University is a State institution, not an institution belonging to the religious denominations. It would be a gross breach of duty to pass by the best man and elect an inferior for ecclesiastical considerations. The case complained of by Dr. Burkhead is in point. The Trustees sought for and obtained an expert in Natural History, who had devoted years to that special branch, whereas the Methodist candidate had no special training, though he was, of course, a man of general intelligence and information.

        It was asserted and could not be contradicted that the Trustees had never voted on denominational considerations, and had never failed to elect a Methodist or Baptist of proper qualifications, whose name was before the Board. Meeting infrequently as they did they confined their attention to those presented to them, in other words to those who applied directly or through their friends.

        It may be true that the Episcopalian and Presbyterian Trustees are more in number than the Methodist and Baptist Trustees, but their church affiliation had nothing to do with their election. They were chosen by the General Assembly as State officers and they represent the State as such. The University is no more a sectarian institution than North Carolina is a Methodist State because Governor Jarvis is a Methodist. The Trustees were chosen because of their honesty, ability, and sincere desire to revive the University. If they should be elected on any other grounds the institution would certainly fail. If they should be chosen merely to equalize the

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denominations, not because of desire to promote its prosperity, its success would be impossible.

        Many claim to be friends of the University provided only that "it be a University indeed"; in other words, shall not compete with the colleges, shall have its courses so high that only the graduates of the colleges shall pursue them. These are really its enemies, or they are thoughtless. To have no undergraduate studies would demand that it have higher requisites than Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and other great institutions. Such a University would not have a dozen students and the General Assembly in disgust would withdraw the appropriation.

        It seems that the argument of Dr. Closs and Colonel Steele prevailed with the members of their church. The opposition soon died out. We hear no more of it.

        Another insidious attack on the University was not infrequently used, and had weight with timid parents--that Episcopal influences would so surround students that they might be induced to desert their religious faith. The answer to this is the fact that no such lapse as that has ever occurred, nor have any such influences ever been exerted. A University officer would be guilty of gross misfeasance if he should become a religious propagandist and numerous eyes, quick to detect wrong-doing in a member of the Faculty, would be ready to expose him. One familiar with college life knows that proselyting is impossible. There is no tradition in over one hundred years of the University life that it was ever attempted.

        One of the most common arguments against the University was that the denominational colleges would be deprived of their students and seriously injured if not ruined by its success. The plainest answer to this is a flat denial. President Battle counted up the Senior classes of the schools that he visited and others which he did not visit, and estimated that there were five thousand youths quite as able to obtain higher education as the eight hundred then in the University and all the colleges. Stir up the spirit of education and the numbers of all will be doubled or trebled. This estimate has been proved to be true and we now hear no more of this objection.

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        It was endeavored to prevent the resort of young men to the University by urging upon parents the danger to the morals as well as religious principles of their sons. Hence arguments were sedulously used throughout the State, not only that the University was "an Episcopal concern," because some of its officers were of that faith, but that it bred infidelity and atheism, in which there was not a word of truth; that it was a hotbed of drunkenness and wildness, because before the war there was a considerable amount of the same, but a minimum amount now; and other statements of the same character. The plan was adopted successfully of not dignifying these charges with answers, and it was not long before our students, settling in various communities, proved by their orderly behavior and high character that the University was a safe place for young men. It was ridiculous to keep up the cry of danger of perversions when not one pervert was ever heard of, while on the contrary students frequently joined their own churches while members of the University.

        Again, it is manifest that if the State is debarred from helping her own institution on account of supposed injury to certain denominational colleges, a serious injustice would be done to the various minor religious organizations, and to persons belonging to no church. It would be forcing them to subject their children to loss of higher training or to influences which their consciences do not approve, a species of propagandism contrary to the genius of our institutions, although pleasing to bitter partisans.

        A prominent preacher published in a much read newspaper an attack on President Battle for besieging the Legislature for "State aid," alleging that Presidents Caldwell and Swain both attained great success without it. The reply was overwhelming, that the State gave the University military land warrants to be located in Tennessee,--that its prosperity under Caldwell arose from the sale of a large portion of these warrants soon after 1820. The sales ceased after the panic of 1825 and the University almost ceased to have life. The remainder of the warrants were sold in 1835 for about $200,000 and prosperity under Swain came from that sale. And when by the results of

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the war the endowment from State aid was lost the University was in sore straits, nigh unto death. Always whenever it had no State aid, arising from the donated escheated warrants, the institution languished. It is impossible to have a successful University on tuition receipts alone under any circumstances, and the impossibility becomes more manifest when there is a large number of free students. The assailant of Dr. Battle then changed his expression from "State aid" to "State aid by taxation," a distinction too absurd for reasonable men.

        It was of the utmost importance that, in the various attacks by the opponents of the University, no acrimonious words should be used nor angry controversy engaged in. My plan was to confine myself to a simple explanation, correcting errors in good temper on the assumption that the adversary was under an honest mistake and would be pleased to know the truth. I was under great temptation to print an angry answer when an editor denounced me for being a lobbyist and "using all the arts of one." I consulted my constant adviser, a very wise man, Colonel William L. Saunders, Secretary of State, a Trustee and Secretary and Treasurer of the University. The Colonel was amused at my excitement. He said, "Where will you publish your answer? If in the News and Observer those who take your adversary's paper will never read it. If you send it to his paper, and if he publishes it at all, he will accompany it with a comment and with innuendos which will nullify or weaken the disclaimer. Better let it alone. The Members of the General Assembly know to what extent you are a lobbyist. Such a preposterous charge will not injure you at all." I saw the wisdom of his counsel and avoided controversy.

        The following statement is made to show the care necessary to conciliate opposition when the fate of the University was trembling in the balance. Some of the University alumni indulged in such bitter taunts against the Republicans for having ruined the institution, that there was danger that party antagonism might be aroused against the new management. I took occasion to interview Judges Settle and Tourgée, Mr. Dockery and others, and to promise faithfully that the University should be conducted strictly without partisan bias. The

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Trustees who were active in the revival of the institution, such as ex-Governor Graham, Rev. Dr. McKay, Colonel Steele, Colonel Carter, Colonel Saunders, Mr. P. C. Cameron, Judge Wm. H. Battle, Colonel Means, Mr. F. H. Busbee, Colonel Kenan, General Carr, Captain Day, Mr. R. H. Battle, and others carefully pursued this policy, and the Faculty did likewise. The students also showed a freedom from party prejudice quite remarkable. I once visited the Dialectic Society when in session. I noticed that out of the seven officers, the presidency and four others were held by Republicans. The students showed little party feeling even in election times.

        Afterwards when the Republican State Convention was about to meet I paid a visit to Judge Settle to interest him in preventing a declaration against the University being made a part of the Republican platform of principles. He and I were members of the Dialectic Society together. He had commanding influence with his party, having been already picked out as the nominee for the Governorship. I can not say how much my visit accomplished, but certainly no attack was ever made by him or his party on the institution. I was able to tell him after he and Vance spoke at Hillsboro that our students, who were allowed to hear the contest, gave the preference to his speech over Vance's as a specimen of oratory. Mr. S. F. Phillips did me the honor of saying that my trying to write a plank in the Republican platform was worthy of Governor Swain.

NEW PROFESSORS.

        In July, 1875-'76, Mr. Carey D. Grandy, of Oxford, was appointed Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Chemistry. He received his collegiate education at the Virginia Military Institute and was an able and thorough teacher.

        In the same summer Mr. Frederick William Simonds was elected by the Trustees Professor of Geology, Zoölogy, and Botany. His training was at Cornell University, where he was Instructor. Soon after his election he obtained a degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Syracuse University, that institution requiring a rigid examination but in proper cases dispensing with residence. He proved to be an expert in his department

Illustration

        ALEXANDER MCIVER

        A. W. MANGUM

        JOHN MANNING

        RALPH H. GRAVES

        T. W. HARRIS

        F. W. SIMONDS

        C. D. GRANDY

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In his instruction he required the pupils to draw the parts of insects, plants, and geologic formations with accuracy and neatness. Being requested to give a lecture in Raleigh before the State Agricultural Society, he made a profound impression on his hearers. An intelligent farmer, who had been for years a teacher, Mr. David Ker, uncle of Prof. W. C. Kerr, remarked as he left for home, "The best thing I saw at the Fair was that Chapel Hill Professor at the blackboard, drawing the figures in his lecture with both hands."

        Dr. Simonds was Professor until May, 1878, when he was unfortunately the victim of a severe attack of pneumonia, his wife being prostrated at the same time with the same disease. They thought it best to live for some years in California. He resigned his chair and became Superintendent of the Graded Schools of Los Angeles. After recovering his health he accepted the Professorship of Natural History in the University of Texas, which position he now holds. Our Faculty passed very flattering resolutions of commendation and regret at his departure from Chapel Hill.

THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

        The Historical Society of North Carolina held a formal session in June, 1876. Judge John Kerr was elected President in place of ex-Governor Graham, deceased.

        The ante-war Historical Society had no charter, was a mere voluntary organization. It was thought best to procure an act of incorporation, especially with the view of receiving the books and papers in the possession of Mrs. Eleanor Swain. This was done March 22, 1875, with the name of the Historical Society of North Carolina. The incorporators named were William A. Graham, William Hooper, Thomas Atkinson, Charles Phillips, F. M. Hubbard, Charles F. Deems, Braxton Craven, William H. Battle, M. E. Manly, B. F. Moore, R. M. Pearson, E. G. Reade, Nereus Mendenhall, John H. Wheeler, Z. B. Vance, Calvin H. Wiley, George Davis, William Eaton, R. B. Creecy, D. H. Hill, S. D. Pool, W. C. Kerr, William S. Harris, K. P. Battle, G. D. Bernheim, George V. Strong, Cyrus L. Hunter, and Cornelia Phillips Spencer. This list contains some of the

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names of those who had the reputation of being interested in historical pursuits. The corporation had the powers conferred in Chapter 26 of Battle's Revisal, as well as those specially named in the charter. The corporation could acquire and hold property, principally books and papers of the late Historical Society of North Carolina. The officer in charge of the Capitol could give the Society the use of a room, provided it would not inconvenience a State officer or a committee of the General Assembly. The corporation was organized under this charter, ex-Governor Graham being chosen President.

        Notwithstanding the distinguished names of the corporators the people of the State could not be induced to become members of the Society. Three strenuous efforts have been made to procure members at the small fee of one dollar, but in vain. Mrs. Swain refused to surrender the books and papers of the old Society, alleging that they were the private property of her late husband. Mrs. Spencer, who was one of her intimate friends, at the request of the Society, exhausted her powers of persuasion in the endeavor to induce her to change her decision.

        At President Swain's death there were in the collection letters of Washington, John Adams, John Quincy Adams, Joseph Bonaparte, Baron DeKalb, Edmund Fanning, General Gates, General Greene, Cornelius Harnett, Thomas Jefferson, John Paul Jones, La Fayette, James Madison, James K. Polk, John Rutledge, Count de Rochambeau, Baron Steuben, Talleyrand, Chief Justice Taney, General Wayne, Daniel Webster, General Lincoln, and many others. Some are still on hand. Evidently some came from the papers of Governor Burke and Governor Caswell, and strictly belonged originally to the State. Until the building of the Capitol at Raleigh public documents were kept by officers at their homes and often were not carefully separated from their private papers. Very many were hopelessly lost. President Swain should not be harshly blamed for the loss of manuscripts in his possession as trustee, because his death was unexpected. He had until he was stricken senseless a full hope of recovery, and at the time of his death he claimed to be President of the University. There was

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no other President, Mr. Pool being elected some months afterward. We must suppose that if he had lived that he would have done what was right. He never claimed the papers as his own. On the contrary he had aided in publishing in a forgotten copy of the University magazine the fact that they belonged to the Historical Society. At the date of his death there was no one entitled to receive them. He was petitioning the new Board to recognize him as President of the University and rightful custodian of the property. Mrs. Swain, finding the books and papers in his library alongside his own, and mixed with letters of her grandfather, Governor Caswell, naturally thought that they were vested in her as executrix. President Pool made no claim for them, so she had nearly seven years possession before the new North Carolina Society applied to her for their transfer, and naturally regarded her title as indefeasible.

        Afterwards she found a paper stating that the bound books in the collection were the property of the Historical Society, and she promptly surrendered them. Furthermore she bequeathed by will the unsold papers and manuscripts to the State or to the University as her executors, Judge Walter Clark and Mr. R. H. Battle, should elect. After subjecting them to the inspection of Col. W. L. Saunders to be used in finishing the Colonial Records, they decided in favor of the University, so that the title is not in the Historical Society.

        While the collection is valuable there are lamentable gaps in it. It is stated and believed, though I know not the authority, that autographs were selected and sold to Dr. Thomas Addis Emmett, of New York, for $400. Mr. Paul C. Cameron is authority for the statement that at least one hundred letters, addressed to his grandfather, Richard Bennehan, were loaned to President Swain. Not one can be found. A similar fact is true in regard to the Webb papers from the collections of Members of Congress to Alexander Mebane and Richard Stanford. Mr. John M. Webb, the eminent teacher of Bellbuckle, Tennessee, made a special journey of twenty miles to recover these from President Swain, but was influenced to return home without them. They have all disappeared. The portrait of

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George III, which General Nathanael Greene turned face to wall and wrote on the back, "Oh, George! hide thy face and mourn," was loaned to President Swain. It was sold at the auction of Mrs. Swain's effects and was purchased by Mr. Wm. J. Andrews, of Raleigh.

        A part of Judge Archibald Murphey's collections were once in the custody of the mythical North Carolina Historical Society. They were loaned to Joseph S. Jones, usually called Shocco Jones, the author of "A Defence of North Carolina." When he left North Carolina for Mississippi he deposited the box containing the Murphey papers in the building of the Branch Bank of Cape Fear, at Raleigh. After some years Wm. A. Graham, then Governor, and President Swain induced the bank officers to surrender them to the latter. I think some of these have disappeared.

DEATH OF DR. HOOPER.

        On the 4th July, 1876, Rev. Dr. Wm. Hooper, former Professor in the University, then living with his son-in-law, Prof. J. DeBerniere Hooper, journeyed to Philadelphia to attend a meeting of the descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence. The visit was fatal to him. He never recovered from the exposures suffered in the journey. He died on the 25th of August, and at his request was buried by the side of his mother and her second husband, President Joseph Caldwell, in the grave once marked by a crumbling sandstone shaft. In 1904 the remains of the three bodies were transferred to the east side of the new Caldwell monument as is particularly described in the first volume of this history.

        The Faculty passed resolutions, penned by Mrs. Cornelia Phillips Spencer. "Dr. Hooper's life was a bright example of Christian virtue, of rare culture and of singular social excellence." In 1816 he brought his bride, a daughter of Solicitor-General Jones, to Chapel Hill and began his life work as preacher and teacher. He devoted with unselfish aim to the service of his fellow men, talents and attainments which in the academy and in the pulpit, or with the aid of the press, were never idle. "He gave the University his best years, was during

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his whole life its staunch friend, and shed on her the lustre of his ripe and elegant scholarship, his broad and catholic charity, his unblemished career as a most useful and honored citizen and noble Christian gentleman."

MEETING OF TRUSTEES.

        In 1876-'77 Rev. Dr. Charles Phillips was granted a furlough for the purpose of going North in order to consult experts in regard to his disease. The benefit proved to be very slight, if any at all. Professors Graves and Grandy very ably supplied his place.

        Professor Redd, who had under his charge two great departments, Chemistry and Physics, found it impracticable to do justice to them without a large addition to the apparatus for instruction. The $200 heretofore allowed him proved altogether insufficient. He accordingly asked for $600 for General Chemistry, $1,000 for Applied Chemistry, and $1,500 for Physics, in all $3,100. The Board concluded to allow him $2,000, not a large sum, but seriously encroaching on the assets of the University. Professor Redd was not, however, long burdened with Physics, it being thought best, with his concurrence, to place that department under charge of Professor Graves. Professor Kimberly was voted $200 for his department. Mr. Kimberly was nearly as lavish in his requests as Professor Redd. He had been teaching in the basement of Smith Hall, the old laboratory. He asked for $1,500 to remove to the New East Building and $1,300 for the purchase of various utensils. As he resigned his professorship no action was taken, though $200 was voted to his department.

        Messrs. B. F. Moore, Seaton Gales, and K. P. Battle were appointed to raise funds by donation for additional apparatus and Mrs. Cornelia Phillips Spencer was requested to procure gifts of the same kind. The success of Mrs. Spencer is elsewhere shown; that of the committee was inconsiderable.

        Professor Winston offered a prize of $10 for the best Latin student and $15 for the best and $10 for the next best of the students of 1877. Professor Redd offered similar prizes in chemistry.

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        Mrs. Spencer handed over to the Treasurer of the Board $43 contributed by the young ladies of the Misses Nash and Kollock school for the purchase of a barometer. Also a check for $25 sent by Mrs. Jos. J. Davis, paid by ladies of Louisburg, for the purchase of scientific apparatus.

BEHAVIOR OF STUDENTS.

        The first session of the reborn University, ending June, 1876, was harmonious as a rule. The sixty-nine students seemed to feel their responsibility, to realize that the eyes of the State were on them, that apprehension was felt that at Chapel Hill would be a revival of the wild pranks that were played in the days before the war. There were two or three, however, whose spirit of mischief or love of fun could not be repressed. Nocturnal peals came from the University bell, and shouts resounded which were not in the course of elocutionary practice. Some of the old by-laws, reinstated by the Trustees, were exceedingly vexatious and their reasonableness was not apparent to the students. The younger Professors occasionally engaged in races after law breakers and showed fleetness of foot in pursuit of robbers of the repose of the students and villagers.

        On one occasion there was a revival going on in one of the churches of the town. At a mock meeting of a small group of students burlesque sermons were preached, ridiculous exhortations addressed to grinning sinners, pretended mourners called up. This thoughtless desecration steeled the hearts of the Faculty against the offenders, five in number. Efforts were made to procure pardon for them. Ladies in town petitioned for them. The two societies added their petition, offering to be responsible for their good behavior. But the Faculty were unrelenting. When those under condemnation, who were popular among their fellows, entered their carriage to journey over the melancholy road to Durham, the students in sympathetic procession, in some instances deserting their classrooms, escorted them to near the corporate limits of Chapel Hill. Passing the house of Dr. Phillips they were stopped by the

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highly respected Chairman of the Faculty. His solemn and touching address of admonition and appeal, beginning: "Gentlemen, this is all wrong," will never be forgotten by those who heard it. It was instantly and completely successful and the marchers turned back ashamed. There were no further signs of insubordination. Four of those dismissed were later allowed to return and became graduates.

        Three members of the Visiting Committee, viz., Kemp P. Battle, Chairman, Rev. Dr. N. McKay, and John Manning, Rev. Dr. Wiley and Major Gales absent, spent several days at Chapel Hill and made a critical inspection of the condition of the University and the methods of instruction. They concluded that the Agricultural Department, as separate from the others, was a failure and would probably continue to be so. Those taking the branches relating to agriculture could do so in other classes pursuing scientific subjects. The committee therefore recommended that a young man be employed who had paid particular attention to Biology, Botany and kindred branches at an initial salary of $1,000. As Professor Kimberly was an expert in Chemistry only, which was under the charge of Professor Redd, and was not an expert in these subjects, he resigned his chair and returned to Buncombe, where he soon died. The saving of a large part of his salary was of importance to the University treasury.

        The Visiting Committee further reported that, owing to the frequent disability from sickness of the Chairman of the Faculty, Dr. Phillips, the interests of the University required the election of a President. He should not have as onerous duties in teaching as Dr. Phillips had, but should spend much time in making addresses and popularizing the University. The Board adopted the suggestion and agreed to meet on the 16th of June, 1876, in Raleigh, for the purpose of choosing this officer.

        On the 26th of May, 1876, died a very prominent educator, Ralph Henry Graves, the elder, who was an efficient Tutor of Mathematics in the University, 1837 to 1843, and then a

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Principal of classical schools of high reputation, for some years a partner with James H. Horner, in the excellent Horner and Graves School at Oxford and Hillsboro. He was father of Prof. R. H. Graves, of the University. The resolution passed by the University is not at all exaggerated. It was said "His course affords an example of elevated principle in his social relations, of faithfulness and proficiency in the discharge of his professional duties, and of honorable zeal in the cause of education. Of a spirit pure and unselfish he united the firmness of the faith which he professed with Christian humility and meekness. * * * The memory of his virtue will still live and shed a benign influence upon the minds of all who appreciate moral excellence."

        The resolution was written by Prof. J. DeBerniere Hooper, the elegance of whose style was much admired.

COMMENCEMENT OF 1876.

        In preparing for Commencement the Faculty concluded to abolish public declamation, as being beneath the dignity of the University. It was thought best to teach the manner of speaking in the classroom. The two societies were requested to choose six debaters each, leaving to the Faculty to designate out of these three from each. This plan was not acceptable to the electing bodies, so they chose three representatives each and tendered them to the Faculty, who acquiesced in the arrangement.

        Mr. R. H. Smith, of Halifax, a prominent planter and lawyer of Halifax, was chosen to deliver an address on Agricultural Education. He declined and Prof. W. C. Kerr, State Geologist, was substituted. Judge Robert P. Dick accepted the invitation to deliver an address on Education. Mr. K. P. Battle was invited to deliver an address on the Past, Present and Future of the University, but he was unable to comply on account of conflicting engagements. Governor Vance was pressed to deliver an address on the Life and Character of the late President Swain, which he was unable to do until the next year. Rev. Dr. Thomas H. Pritchard, of the Baptist Church, was selected to preach the annual sermon.

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        The Commencement of 1876 revived the memories of the grand ceremonies of old times. The attendance was large, the addresses of the best, and the weather in temperature and shine of sun perfect. The preacher and orators had won wide fame as public speakers.

        The original speeches by the society representatives were voted to be quite equal to the efforts usually heard on such occasions. They were delivered on Tuesday night. Arthur Arrington, of Louisburg, spoke on "The Influence of Great Examples"; William B. Phillips, of Chapel Hill, on "The Ancient German Confederation"; W. J. Peele, of Northampton County, on "Liberty"; R. L. Payne, of Lexington, on "Esse quam Videri"; J. B. Lewis, of Nash County, a Eulogy on Edwin W. Fuller, and John H. Dobson, of Surry County, on "North Carolina."

        On Wednesday morning the address before the two literary societies was delivered by Hon. Alfred Moore Waddell, a Representative in Congress and an alumnus of the University of the Class of 1854. He was distinguished for his eloquence and polished diction and fully on this day sustained his reputation. He was introduced to the audience by R. E. Caldwell, with whom on the stage were J. McNeill and E. J. Hill.

        In the evening the annual sermon was preached by Rev. Dr. Thomas H. Pritchard. He was eminent as one of the ablest preachers in his denomination in the State, the Baptist, and indeed in any denomination. His sermon was full of wise counsel, couched in burning words, directed against the infidelity of the age.

        On Thursday, being Commencement Day, there was an oration by Hon. Robert P. Dick, of the Class of 1843, a Judge of the Supreme Court of this State and afterwards of the United States District Court. The invitation to him showed a determination to have no politics in the management of the institution. His address was so felicitous and eloquent that the Trustees gave him a vote of thanks. The behavior of the students throughout the week was so exceedingly orderly that the Board of Trustees recorded a vote of thanks to them also.

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        While there was general commendation of the speeches of the representatives of the two literary societies, not a few of the young ladies said that the words of Mr. P. C. Cameron in congratulation of and counsel to the young men who had won prizes were among the best things at Commencement. In truth his short speeches were always the most appropriate of their kind.

        At the close of Judge Dick's address, there being no graduates, the annual report was read.

        A contemporary writer makes this note: "Messrs. W. B. Phillips, of Chapel Hill, and R. L. Payne, of Lexington, proved themselves so nearly equal in scholarship in their chemical studies that the Faculty was unable to decide between them, and a medal was assigned to each. The two young rivals in honorable strife walked up arm in arm to receive their prizes."

        The Chief Marshal, Mr. Frank M. Fremont, filled his office with grace and dignity and was well supported by his aids, W. B. Phillips and R. L. Payne, Di's, and Julian Baker and Joseph C. Powell, Phi's. The ladies were present in full force from Hillsboro, Raleigh, Fayetteville, Charlotte, Greensboro, Pittsboro, Louisburg, Durham, Lexington, New Bern, and Chapel Hill. The young people had their usual festivities at the Ball on Thursday night, and everything passed off as merry as a marriage bell.

        The honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity (D.D.), was conferred on Rev. Joseph Caldwell Huske, of Fayetteville, and Rev. Evander McNair, of Arkansas. Dr. Huske was a graduate in 1841.

        In recognition of the ability with which he had conducted his department, George T. Winston was created a full Professor of Latin and German. Professor Hooper was confined to Greek and French.

        At a meeting of the Board of Trustees it was voted that the interests of the University required the election of a President and a special meeting was called for that purpose in the Governor's office in Raleigh on June 16th and that the Secretary should give notice of the same especially to each Trustee.

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        As the time of election of a President approached there developed two parties with their peculiar views on the subject of fitness for the position.

        Some few of the younger Trustees wished for a man who had been strikingly identified on the part of the South in the recent war. They favored Jefferson Davis, Joseph E. Johnston, William Preston, son of Albert Sidney Johnston, or Gen. Matt W. Ransom. The other party thought that the financial and other difficulties required a native of the State known to and acquainted with her people, peculiarly identified with the University and loving it with his whole soul, a Democrat, yet not an active politician, and therefore not offensive to men of the opposite party. He must also be a man with experience in dealing with men and not easily ruffled into loss of temper or vindictive retaliation by opposition however malignant. Above all he must be a "one-idead man," and that idea the University.

        Secretary Battle had addressed all his energies to the revival of the University, the difficulties in the way being more formidable than can be understood at this day. The success of the lovers of the University has already been chronicled, but with only sixty-nine students the first year, a gratifying number, however, under the circumstances, it was manifest that better things must be accomplished. An officer must be chosen who would not only be the directing power at Chapel Hill, but who would keep the University before the public by writings and speeches, and, whenever possible, by obtaining money.

        Several Trustees had from time to time in 1875 expressed to Mr. Kemp Plummer Battle their wishes that he would consent to allow his name to go before the Board for the office, but his answer was that he had a home in Raleigh, of which he and his wife were fond, and that he doubted if he had the temperament of an executive officer, that when he was student and Trustee eight years the duties of President Swain seemed to him the most irksome and unpleasant of any imaginable. But when he saw the failure of the plan of having a Chairman of the Faculty and the urgent need of an active chief officer, and

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that no available man was before the public, he began to have grave "searchings of heart."

        The urgency of an old friend, a deskmate at school when they were ten years of age, determined him to undertake the perilous task. It was Col. Rufus Lenoir Patterson, a Republican, a great-grandson of Gen. William Lenoir, of the Revolution, and son of Gen. Samuel F. Patterson, once State Treasurer. He was a Trustee of the University as were his father and great-grandfather, and had lived in Raleigh when a boy, his father then being President of the Raleigh and Gaston Railroad Company. Mr. Battle took him to ride around the city to see the changes in thirty years. They naturally talked of the University, of which Patterson was a graduate in 1852. He said, "Kemp, you must agree to be President. There are some Trustees in favor of electing a man on the war idea, of perpetuating feelings of hostility, which ought to be allowed to slumber. His influence will inculcate hostility to our party; his election will be considered an insult and the Republicans will be bound to oppose him. We have confidence in your fairness. You are not a bitter partisan. I feel safe in pledging my party to your support."

        Secretary Battle saw the reasonableness of what he said. He knew the strength of the forces antagonizing openly and secretly the University, and that the Republicans held the balance of power. It could not be advanced to a higher sphere without their coöperation. The plan of appealing to the bitter ideas of the Civil War would make the University one-sided and end in disaster. Besides no great man of the Confederacy talked about could be induced to undertake the work for any salary that could be paid him. To offer the Presidency to a second rate man simply for his war services would be a fatal mistake. This was the state of things when the Board of Trustees met on the 16th of June, 1876.

        Little was done on the first day. The Board met the next day in the Governor's office. On account of the number, twenty-seven, adjournment was had to the Senate chamber. The Trustees present were: J. S. Amis, D. M. Carter, W. H. Day, P. B. Means, W. L. Saunders, J. H. Thorp, J. A.

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Gilmer, John Manning, Dr. John McIver, R. B. Peebles, W. L. Twitty, John Kerr, N. McKay, B. F. Moore, R. L. Patterson, W. L. Steele, Joseph Williams, W. H. Battle, K. P. Battle, P. C. Cameron, J. A. Graham, Lewis Latham, Z. B. Vance, C. H. Wiley, P. H. Winston, Jr., J. E. Dugger, and S. M. Gales. After some routine business Judge Kerr moved to go into the election of a President. The motion was carried. His motion to make the salary $2,000 was amended by Mr. Manning so as to read $2,500. In order to throw light on the question whether a President should be elected the Treasurer's report was called for.

        The reports by the Treasurer of the receipts and expenditures during the half-year are pathetic, instructive too, in showing from what small things the new University has grown. There was the interest on the land grant, $3,750. Then there was an extraordinary item and not likely to be repeated, an escheat of $1,516.80. This was liable to be repaid if an owner should appear in five years, which fortunately did not happen. The next item was tuition fees collected semi-annually from the sixty-nine students, which was for the year $1,680. There were temporary loans $1,096, and subscriptions to the revival of the University not needed for repairs $3,320. In all $11,362.80, and of this meagre amount the prospective amount of tuition fees was a totally uncertain quantity, the interest paid by the State would of course remain stationary, the loans and subscriptions would soon disappear, and no escheat would probably again fall in.

        The expenditures for the first term included $6,651.31 for repairs, $3,860 for salaries, $322.02 for apparatus, $300.20 for advertising and printing, and $98.64 for court cost, freight and postage, leaving a balance in the treasury of $405.61.

THE NEW PRESIDENT. 1876.

        Judge Gilmer moved to go into the election of a President, which was agreed to. Secretary Battle obtained leave to retire and W. L. Saunders took his place. The vote was by ballot. Kemp Plummer Battle was nominated by Judge Gilmer

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and received sixteen votes, Gen. Joseph E. Johnston, nominated by W. H. Day, five; M. W. Ransom one, and Montfort McGehee three, so that Battle was chosen by over three-fifths majority. Being sent for he accepted the office, making no speech because many Trustees were desirous of taking the train soon to start. Resigning the office of Secretary and Treasurer, Major Seaton Gales was chosen in his stead.

        A newspaper of the day has this to say in regard to the propriety of electing Secretary Battle to the Presidency: "When reorganization was undertaken the first suggestion was the selection of a President who would give character to the institution and attract patronage by the fame of its chief. High scholarship was not so much the desideratum as that brilliant general reputation in arms or in politics, so fascinating to young men. Most fortunately the fortunes of the University were then too humble to attract these shining lights down into the obscure academic groves, and the choice was then narrowed to home and our people. It fell, when narrowed, by common consent upon Kemp P. Battle, to whom the common judgment assigned, and very rightly too, remarkable qualifications. He had been educated at the University, he had served for some years as tutor in the institution, he had become a lawyer and a successful one, he was a planter, and a good and practical one, he had been State Treasurer of North Carolina, and in every position had displayed sound practical sense, enlightened by broad views; and also such perfect integrity and just and fair dealing that every feature combined to make his selection the fittest that could have been made. He accepted with much personal sacrifice, for he surrendered his business and the comforts of his charming home in Raleigh to engage in the arduous work of reconstructing the University, with a certain amount of privation and with unmistakable assumption of very new and very hard labors. * * * To his tact, his judgment, his vast industry and his indomitable energy, his learning, his suavity of manner and his large acquaintance with men, the resuscitation of the University is largely due."

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        To the above considerations moving the Trustees to their choice can be added that from childhood Secretary Battle had been devoted to the University, as had been his near ancestors, his grandfather having matriculated in 1798, and his father having graduated in 1820. He was a resident of Chapel Hill during the most impressible part of his life, from his eleventh to his twenty-fourth year. He was a Trustee of the old and the new University and of the Executive Committee in both. As chairman of a committee in 1867 he had made an elaborate report on reorganization, which was nearly unanimously adopted. And he had been active in procuring payment of interest on the land grant by the General Assembly and contributions for repairs by the alumni and other friends.

        Another consideration in favor of Secretary Battle was, as Colonel Patterson urged, his acceptability to the leaders of the party opposed to his. This was for two causes: First, as State Treasurer, owing to the complication of the revenue laws existing in 1866-'68, he was called on to decide a large number of disputed questions. He thus acted as a Judge and was so fortunate as to gain the reputation of being strictly impartial. In the second place, he had become weary of the excitement of politics, and, from being an ardent partisan, he became a quiet lawyer. The third cause of his having the favor of the Republicans was that when as president he assisted in reviving the State Agricultural Society, in the conduct of the Fair, the first held after the war, he gave the leaders their due weight as judges and other officers. This gave offense to suspicious political leaders of his own party. He was, to his amusement, censured in the leading newspaper for this course, and called "Mugwump" and "Brindle-tail," but he correspondingly gained the favor of opponents. This led to Governor Caldwell's selection of him as Superintendent of Public Instruction, stating that he as such Superintendent might obtain appropriations from a Democratic Legislature for the education of the children of the State, but that one of the opposite party would not be listened to. Although the Supreme Court decided that the Governor had no right to appoint

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the Superintendent, his endorsement of Secretary Battle gained him favor with thinking men.

        By an exhibition of ordinary honesty Mr. Battle happened to gain popularity among the colored people. When president of the State Agricultural Society, a silver trumpet was offered to the Firemen's Company sending up the highest stream from engines worked by human power, and it was won by the colored company of Raleigh. The secretary read out the victory as gained by a white company. It was probably a mistake but the negroes thought otherwise. As soon as the president heard of it he rectified the error, and afterwards presented the trumpet in public to the captain of the company in the presence of his members and of a large assembly of citizens gathered to witness the ceremony. He accompanied the gift with a short speech certifying to the skill and energy always shown by the colored people in fighting fires in the city. They were at that time suspicious of the fair dealing of the whites in public matters and gave the president of the Agricultural Society the credit of obtaining their rights.

        Moved by this kindly feeling, when there was a vacancy on the Board of Commissioners of Raleigh, the Republicans being in the majority, the colored members united with the Democrats and elected Mr. Battle to the place. He found the finances of the city in apparently inextricable confusion, but availing himself of the experience gained in the office of State Treasurer, he soon untangled the knot and placed the money matters of the city in satisfactory shape. A Sinking Fund was placed in his charge, a position he held until he removed to Chapel Hill.

        When Johns Hopkins University, with its ample endowment, was inaugurated, President Gilman and his Professor of Greek, Dr. B. L. Gildersleeve, made a tour of the Southern colleges in order to gain information useful in carrying out the will of the founder in regard to scholarships. They sought an interview with President Battle, who happened to be in Raleigh. In the course of the conversation Dr. Gildersleeve asked "What is the income of your institution?" He replied, "Seven thousand five hundred dollars from the State and tuition

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fees." With a sympathizing look he said, "I am sorry for you." The gloominess of the existing conditions was admitted, but the University had been in worse straits in former days and had emerged with flying colors.

SESSION OF 1876.

        There was much interest felt in the opening of the new session in July, 1876. It showed a healthful increase from sixty-nine to one hundred and twelve, and the friends of the institution took heart.

        Before his election President Battle had agreed to deliver on the 4th of July, 1876, an address on the early history of Raleigh in commemoration of the selection of the site of the city in 1792. There was required much research and nothing could be done with his University duties until the discharge of this engagement. As soon as that was finished he journeyed to Chapel Hill. The mode of conveyance from Durham was very primitive. The strength of the horses was exhausted when they had arrived at the bottom of the long hill ascending to the village, and the newly elected head of the University, instead of arriving on the scene of his labors with the stately ceremony befitting such an occasion, with alacrity walked a mile up the hill, but, unlike the "mighty King of France," did not walk down again.

        He at once plunged into his new duties. In addition to those pertaining to the executive department, he gave instruction in Constitutional and International Law, Political Economy and, to the Land Grant students, Business Law. In order to obtain if possible a knowledge of the character of the students he informed himself of the histories of their fathers' and mothers' families. He copied these into a book which the students soon called the "Pedigree Book." To the best of his ability he carried out the policy of making them self-respecting gentlemen. He gave credence practically to their words even if he had doubts as to the statement. He adhered to this natural manner of treating them familiarly as friends and no one became in consequence presumptuous.

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        By the Act for the creation of the Agricultural Department the Scientific Department of the University was strengthened, the State Geologist being required to lecture two months on such subjects as the Faculty might prescribe. They chose the Geology of North Carolina.

        As it was absolutely essential to deal fairly with the Land Grant appropriation the President sought and obtained leave to visit some Agricultural and Mechanical colleges which had the reputation of being successful. Fortunately Prof. W. C. Kerr, State Geologist, whose wide acquaintance with scientific men much facilitated the investigations, accompanied him. They visited Tuft's College at Boston, The Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Sheffield Scientific School, under control of Yale University, the Wesleyan University, where experiments were being carried on by Prof. W. O. Atwater, the Connecticut State Fair, Williams College, the New Jersey Agricultural and Mechanical College under the charge of Rutgers College, and at a subsequent time the President alone visited the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Virginia, at Blacksburg, now Virginia Polytechnic Institute. His observations led him to the conclusion, and he so reported, that this University was carrying out the Act of Congress of 1862, by theoretical teaching of the branches of learning relating to Agricultural and the Mechanic Arts. The cultivation of fields and orchards and the rearing of cattle, together with experiments on all such subjects, could not be undertaken unless special funds should be given for the purpose.

        In this year it was thought best to strengthen the teaching in the branches relating to Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts by the employment of William H. Smith, of Michigan, a Doctor of Philosophy, as Professor of Natural History. He proved to be a teacher of decided merit, quite an accomplished expert in his department. A pamphlet was prepared by him for general distribution instructing in the art of taxidermy, probably the first attempt of this kind in the State. The circular was issued October 30, 1876, in pamphlet form. It contained minute directions, such as had never been given before in this State, for skinning and preserving the skins, feathers

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and eggs of birds and mammals, for the preservation of reptiles, fish, insects, plants, crabs, lobsters, starfish and sea urchins, corals and sponges. Instructions were also given in regard to specimens of minerals, rocks and fossils, soils and well borings. If the directions given by Professor Smith had been more generally followed throughout the State the University Museum would have been greatly increased in value, and a practical acquaintance with it would have enlightened our people. For personal reasons Professor Smith resigned in the spring of 1877.

        In the fall of 1876 the executive committee of the State Grange made inquiries of President Battle as to the work of the Agricultural Department of the University. On November 1st he made an elaborate reply, which was extensively published and quieted criticism for nearly ten years. After reciting the Act of Congress he called attention to the catalogue which showed that the "branches relating to Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts" had especial attention. "For example, Chemistry, including the composition and analysis of soils, manure, etc.; Botany, Zoölogy, including domestic animals and their foes; Geology, including character of soils; Mineralogy, especially the minerals of our State; Mechanics, including agricultural implements; Physics, light and heat as influencing plant life; also Meteorology; Engineering, including road making, land surveying, etc.; Mathematics necessary for Mechanics, Engineering, etc. All this is in addition to the English Language and Literature, Political Economy, Constitutional and International Law, and the Greek and Latin and the German and French languages needed to make our students intelligent citizens."

        The sequel, however, shows that, moved largely by the example of Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges of other States, who had supplemented the Congressional grant by large donations from the public treasury, the public came to demand an education more largely practical than the words of the Act of Congress required. For the present, owing to the expense necessary, the construction adopted by the University was allowed to stand. The details of the instruction offered were

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left to the Trustees and Faculty of the University. Theoretical and not practical instruction was employed. When at a later date the practical mode of instruction was adopted by the State the costly buildings and apparatus of the College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts at Raleigh show that President Battle was correct in the position that all this could not be done on the slender means of the University, $7,500 per annum. In 1887 the transfer of the $125,000 Land Grant Fund was made to the College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts.

ELECTION OF TRUSTEES IN 1876-'77.

        As has been explained, by Act of 1873-'74, it was provided that there should be sixty-four Trustees of the University elected by joint ballot to be divided into four classes, sixteen in each class, so that every two years that number, increased by vacancies for any cause, must be elected. At the election in 1876-'77 the Senate appointed a committee to recommend nominees. The committee consulted with friends of the institution and reported a faultless list. In the House of Representatives a motion was made and carried to adjourn for a short while and let the Members from each Congressional District select the nominees. The result was that good and true men on the Senate list were omitted and, owing to the more numerous voters in the House, its ticket was chosen. Unfortunately two of the most active and useful members of the Board, identified with the reopening of the institution, Colonels W. L. Saunders and D. M. Carter, were omitted. They immediately sent in resignations of their unexpired terms.

        Knowing that this oversight was accidental, and being unwilling to part with such valuable officers, realizing too that the plan adopted by the House, if continued, would result in a Board of Trustees whose members would be too remote from Chapel Hill for efficient business, President Battle proposed that sixteen additional Trustees should be elected "from points conveniently accessible to the University" and to be classified as was the existing Board. The bill was passed in 1877, Colonels Carter and Saunders were reëlected and consented to serve.

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        The plan of election of Trustees now usually adopted (1912) is to have a joint select committee of the two Houses, who investigate and report to their bodies the names of those who ought to be chosen. The nominations are invariably ratified. At first effort was made to give the minority party a fair representation. Recently complaint has been made that the dominant party is disposed to take more than their share. There has been no charge, however, that the spirit of party has been evident in the choice of Professors or in the practical management of University affairs. Of course the General Assembly can change at will this mode of selection. It is praiseworthy that there never has been any symptom of "packing" the Board in order to carry into effect any measure.

THE UNIVERSITY SECRETARY AND TREASURER.

        When President Battle was elected President he had been borrowing, as Treasurer, considerable sums for annual expenses from the Citizens National Bank of Raleigh on his individual credit, pledging as collateral the expected receipts from donations. These loans were negotiated more readily because he had been a director and attorney for the bank from its organization. Major Gales continued to hold both offices of Secretary and Treasurer until April 1, 1877, when he resigned the Treasurership and President Battle took his place, declining any part of the salary, which was all paid to Gales, his object being to obtain money from the bank more easily. On the death of Gales in 1878 Col. W. L. Saunders was chosen Secretary under the same arrangement, but when all the solvent subscriptions were collected, President Battle gave up the Treasurership and Colonel Saunders held both offices. Ordinarily it would have been dangerous to endorse a note in bank with only a subscription paper as collateral, but President Battle well knew the subscribers and his trust in their faithfulness was not in vain. By the arrangement the Professors and other officers were regularly and promptly paid until the exhaustion of the subscriptions.

        The Secretary and Treasurer held ex officio another office, that of Escheator-General. His duties were to appoint a

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lawyer in each county to keep watch on all escheats, that is, roughly, land having no owner. For many years, when aliens could not inherit land in North Carolina, substantial benefits were derived from escheats, but a change in the law renders them of little value and the emolument to the officer of five per cent on receipts by no means corresponds to the grandeur of the title of Escheator-General.

LAW SCHOOL INAUGURATED.

        The Law School of Judge Battle was reopened in January, 1877, under the stipulations laid down on October 3, 1845, and recited in the various catalogues since. A striking feature of the same was that his Independent students were not subject to the usual University discipline, nor was he responsible for the conduct of any but the law students. There were two classes, the Independent, having no connection with the University, and the University class, consisting of students of the University. Particular attention was directed to preparation for obtaining license to practice law, and it was sought in addition to give a broad general knowledge of the law. The degree of Bachelor of Laws, ordinarily obtained after two years of study, was granted. The fees were: for the Independent class, $50 per term or $100 a year; for the University class, $35 per term or $70 a year. On the payment of $150 the student could attend four terms.

        At the meeting of the Board of Trustees Mr. P. C. Cameron strongly urged that the University should use every effort to secure the construction of a railroad from Chapel Hill to the North Carolina Railroad.

        On his motion likewise the Board tendered its thanks to Mrs. Cornelia P. Spencer for her unflagging interest in the University, her able efforts in its behalf and for her clear and intelligent reports of transactions in connection with one of its most important adjuncts. This was the Summer Normal School.

        Thanks were offered to Governor Vance for his able, eloquent and instructive address on President Swain. And to

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Col. D. M. Carter for his strong and effective argument for the University in the Circuit Court of the United States, involving the quantity of land to be allotted to it, as necessary to its existence as a State institution.

        On February 6, 1877, Person Hall was destroyed by fire. The Faculty concluded that it was caused by the pipe of a large stove being located too near a rafter in the roof. The walls were so thick that the only loss was the interior woodwork and the tin, aggregating about $1,000. This was one of the earliest buildings, finished in 1798. For a long time it was fitted for and used as a Chapel. In 1838 Gerrard Hall was completed, called the New, and the other the Old Chapel. About 1840 it was divided into four rooms for the use of the Professors of Greek, of Latin, of Logic and Rhetoric, and of the Tutor of Ancient Languages. Shortly before the fire the partitions were removed and the building given to the department of Chemistry. By the aid of contributions from Professor Redd, J. S. Carr, S. F. Phillips, John W. Fries and others the building was speedily restored to its original shape.

        A ludicrous circumstance happened at the fire. While the flames were raging in the attic a ladder was produced and a student, Engelhard, started to mount it. Professor Redd excitedly shouted, "Come down, Mr. Engelhard, that is dangerous. The walls may crumble." Then turning to a negro, he said, "I will give you $10 if you will go up." The negro thought he was worth to himself as much as Mr. Engelhard was to himself and declined the bounty. There was no danger, however, as the walls were so firm that they were not taken down in the rebuilding. A sketch of General Person may be found in the first volume.

        In the next month the time honored speeches of Latin Salutatory and Valedictory were abolished, though by an odd inconsistency the best scholar in the graduating class was for several years termed the Valedictorian, his speech, however, not at all flavored with farewell ideas. As explained in Volume I, up to 1838 the Salutatory oration was the prize of the highest distinction. After that year it was reduced to the

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second rank and the Valedictory was first. Then, on the initiative of President Swain, because serious difficulties had occurred from the conflicting claims of ambitious honor men, they were grouped in three classes. Those who were in the first class, at one time as many as eight, cast lots for the Salutatory and Valedictory orations. The memory of former precedence made the latter the most prized, while the drawer of the other frequently exchanged it with one entitled to an English speech. Rarely a student was so preëminent that the Valedictory was conceded to him by the Faculty. General Pettigrew was one of these.

VISITING COMMITTEE AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES.

        The second Visiting Committee was P. C. Cameron, D. M. Carter, W. S. Saunders, Calvin H. Wiley and Rev. Dr. Neill McKay. They made an oral report which was very favorable to the management, after a visit to the University in the spring of 1877.

        At the June, 1877, meeting of the Board the Faculty made an earnest report on the subject of beneficiaries. The present system led to a serious injury to the independence of students, to the culture of the University and to the finances. It resulted in a majority being on the nonpaying list. They recommended that all, save the county appointees, should pay $30 at the beginning of each term. The recommendation was adopted with an amendment offered by Mr. R. H. Battle, that the Faculty by a two-thirds vote could admit without payment. This provision to some extent checked the movement towards free admission of nonpaying students.

        On account of the continued ill health of Dr. Charles Phillips, Carey D. Grandy, an accomplished mathematician, was added to the Faculty with a salary of $700.

        It is sad proof of the poverty of the institution that the Executive Committee felt bound to refuse the Librarian so small a sum as $100 for the purchase of books and periodicals.

        Mr. Cameron moved that President Battle, if he should think proper, should be allowed at the expense of the University to canvass Northern cities for subscriptions. After

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inquiries of Dr. Deems and other friends at the North it was concluded that such solicitations were not likely to be successful. The liberal people had been already so importuned that there was a feeling of disgust. Many college and school presidents had made the effort and returned in despair. Moreover it seemed not compatible with the dignity of the State to beg among strangers for a State institution. The money heretofore raised was nearly all from our own citizens, principally alumni. An elaborate appeal to Mr. W. W. Corcoran for aid to the University of President Polk, Vice-President King, Senator Mangum and others of his personal acquaintances, was forwarded by our Congressman Steele. He replied very courteously, but declined a donation.

COMMENCEMENT OF 1877.

        The Commencement of 1877 was pronounced by many to have had a larger attendance than any of its predecessors except the Buchanan Commencement of 1859. The farmers were present in great numbers and manifested peculiar interest. The village was crowded, but the packing powers of the hotels and boarding houses and the hospitality of the citizens provided for all.

        The accustomed procession was formed on June 6, 1877, and marched to the hall, under the order of George McCorkle, Chief Marshal. After music by the Salem Band the President made a short statement of the history of the University, and then ex-Judge Daniel G. Fowle, soon to be Governor, at the request of the Philanthropic Society, delivered a strong address on the Principles of Civil Liberty. He drew many of his illustrations from the occurrences during the administration of Governor Holden. The speech was earnest and eloquent and was very forcibly delivered.

        A short meeting of the Historical Society was held. Col. John D. Cameron called attention to the death of the President, Dr. William Hooper, and moved that Judge Kerr take the chair. Mr. P. C. Cameron, after a short and touching eulogy, moved for a committee to draft resolutions in regard to Hooper's career, which motion prevailed.

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        He was for years a distinguished Professor of the University, generally of Ancient Languages, but for awhile of Rhetoric and Logic. Some of his addresses and sermons were published and show much literary power. A further sketch of him is given in Volume I.

        President Battle called attention to the fact that the treasury of the association was empty. A committee appointed on his motion proceeded to collect one dollar from each member, and a considerable sum was raised.

        In the afternoon of Wednesday, Rev. Dr. Charles Force Deems, of the Church of the Strangers, New York City, delivered the Baccalaureate sermon. He had been pastor of many congregations in our own State, and then had achieved greatness in the great metropolis. Much was expected of him and his hearers were enraptured. His text was, "I am not mad, most noble Festus!" and he showed that the opponents of Christianity are the true madmen.

        On Wednesday evening the representatives of the societies delivered their original addresses. The subject of Francis Donnell Winston was, "The Union and the Century"; of Alfred Daniel Jones, "The Teacher Must First be Taught"; of John Moore Manning, "Patrick Henry"; of Julius Johnston, "There is No Utopia Here"; of William Lanier Hill, "Man Has Done Nobly; Will Do More Nobly Still"; of Henry Thomas Watkins, "Eulogy on William A. Graham." There were strong men in this list and the speaking was good.

        At eleven o'clock on Thursday a procession was formed to escort Governor Vance to the Hall, where he delivered his address on President Swain. Never did a speaker have a more congenial theme.

        I give his estimate of the character of President Swain, from which may be caught a glimpse of Senator Vance's style.

        "In many senses of the term Governor Swain was a great man. As an author, though a man of letters, he neither achieved nor attempted anything lasting. As a politician, though he rose rapidly to the highest honors of his native State, he did not strikingly impress himself upon his times by any great speech nor by any great stroke of policy. In this respect he was inferior to many of his contemporaries who constituted, perhaps, the brightest cluster

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of names in our annals. As a lawyer and a judge he occupied comparatively about the same position; and as a scholar he was not to be distinguished, being inferior to several of his co-laborers in the University.

        "But in many things he was entitled to be called great, if we mean by that term that he so used the faculties which he possessed that he raised himself beyond and above the great mass of his fellows. In him there was a rounded fullness of the qualities, intellectual and moral, which constitute the excellence of manhood in a degree never excelled by any citizen of North Carolina, whom I have personally known, except William A. Graham. If there was in Swain no one grand quality of intellect which lifted him out of comparison with any but the demigods of our race, neither was there any element so wanting as to sink him into or below the common mass. If there were in him no Himalaya peaks of genius piercing into the regions of everlasting frost and ice, neither were there any yawning chasms or slimy pools below the tidewater of mediocrity. * * * If there be those who singly tower above him in gifts or attainments or distinction, there is no one whom as a whole we can contemplate with more interest, affection and admiration, no one whose work for North Carolina will prove to be more valuable, or more lasting, or more important to future generations, no one to whom at the great final review, the greeting may be more heartily addressed, 'Servant of God, well done!'

        "No estimate of Governor Swain's walk through life could omit the consideration of his Christian character. It was especially marked by catholicity of feeling towards all good men of whatever name. He was accustomed to refer this to the circumstances of his bringing up. He would say: 'My father was a Presbyterian elder, and an Arminian; my mother was a Methodist and a Calvinist, who loved and studied Scott's Commentary. Their house was the home of preachers of all sorts west of the Blue Ridge. Bishop Asbury blessed me when a child. Mr. Newton, a Presbyterian, taught me when a boy, and Humphrey Posey, a Baptist, used to pray for me when a youth. So I love all who will show that they are Christian.' * * * He was a decided Presbyterian. * * * In private life he was most upright, kind, social and hospitable. * * * He had a proper conception of the value of wealth, and all his life practiced a judicious economy, but he knew well how to lend and how to give.

        "His remains lie buried in Oakwood Cemetery, near Raleigh, close beside the sleeping soldiers of the Confederacy, and the soil of our State holds the dust of no son who loved her more or served her better. Peaceful be his rest as he waits for the clear breaking of the day over the brow of the eternal hills."


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        Senator Vance closed with a poetical extract so beautiful that I must needs record it:


                         "The daisies prank thy grassy grave,
                         Above, the dark pine branches wave;
                         Sleep on.
                         Below, the merry runnel sings,
                         And swallows sweep with glancing wings,
                         Sleep on, old friend, sleep on.


                         Calm as a summer night at rest,
                         Thy meek hands folded on thy breast;
                         Sleep on.
                         Hushed into stillness life's sharp pain,
                         Naught but the pattering of the rain,
                         Sleep on, dear friend, sleep on."

        Governors Vance and Swain were born and raised in the same country and in the same lovely mountain air. They had both occupied the highest State offices and there were personal ties to stir up the enthusiasm of the orator. It was by President Swain's assistance, a loan freely given and soon repaid, that Vance was able to obtain his legal education at the University. Governor Vance's talent and literary ability were freely given to this task. The result was a captivating pen picture of a most interesting and unique personage. A correspondent writes, "It was a tribute of the noblest order. It was chaste in style, grand in thought, and couched in language of singular vigor, terseness and beauty."

        At the conclusion, Mr. Paul C. Cameron, on the part of the ladies of Hillsboro, presented to the University a Holtz's electrical machine. His speech was couched in eloquent language, in praise both of Governor Vance and President Swain. He stated that the former was as much an object of interest and good will to the people of the State as when he led his regiment to the field, or as when from his first Executive chair he sent out salt and meal to feed the hungry, and distributed cotton cards to clothe the naked. No man is more nearly equal to all that he assumes, no man can wear with more force and truth as his motto, "semper paratus." The ladies of Hillsboro made this offering in commemoration of William A. Graham.

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No one was so richly rewarded for his well spent life of virtue and labor. On no monument may be inscribed with more virtuous purpose the Latin maxim, Labor ipse est voluptas.

        At three o'clock in the afternoon Hon. Walter Leak Steele, a Representative in the Congress of the United States, delivered the address before the Alumni Association. Senator A. G. Thurman had been invited to perform this duty, accepted the invitation and then failed on account of sickness. Colonel Steele had only twenty-four hours' notice, but delivered a most instructive address. His reminiscences of University life and of the old Professors were extremely interesting, his defense of the University strong and true, and his prediction of future success was that it was not only probable but certain. His reminiscences were a happy combination of pathos and humor. The audience seemed delighted to have an address on University topics, past, present and future, sandwiched among political or literary subjects.

        On Thursday came the orations of the graduates. Frank Murray Fremont led, his subject being "Foreign Immigration." He advocated immigration from Europe but prohibition of that from China, the people of that country being, he said, the most corrupt and immoral race on the face of the globe, slavish, cringing, and powerful. Then came Joseph Clay Powell on "The Philosophy of Crime." Julian Meredith Baker read an essay on the Spectroscope. Then followed an oration on "The Progress of Japan," by James Cole Taylor, and the speaking was concluded by what the correspondent called "the gem of this branch of the Commencement exercises," an oration by William Battle Phillips on "Woman in Politics." It sparkled with humor and abounded in good sense. The judges decided that for combined polish of style and force of thought Mr. Fremont was entitled to the Mangum medal, the prize in oratory established by his daughter in honor of Willie P. Mangum.

        The degree of Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) was conferred on Rev. George Patterson, Rev. W. J. C. Hiden, and Rev. Jacob Henry Smith. That of Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) on Rev. Charles F. Deems and Judge John Kerr.

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        The recipients of medals were:

  • LATIN--Thomas H. Battle, Isaac H. Long.
  • PHYSICS--Julian M. Baker, Frank M. Fremont.

        The Graduates were:

    BACHELORS OF PHILOSOPHY (PH.B.):

  • William Battle Phillips, Chapel Hill.

    BACHELORS OF SCIENCE (B.S.):

  • Julian Meredith Baker, Tarboro.
  • Frank Murray Fremont, Wilmington.
  • Joseph Clay Powell, Tarboro.
  • James Cole Taylor, Chapel Hill.

        Of these Phillips is (1912) a mining engineer of high standing, Professor of Geology in the University of Texas; Baker is a very prominent physician in Tarboro; Frank Fremont was an insurance officer in New York--lost his life in a railroad accident; Powell, who died recently, was a very successful planter, and Taylor cashier of the Bank of Chapel Hill.

        In order to obtain a degree the applicant must have attained a mark of at least 70 in all studies, perfect being 100. Under the old régime the honor men being grouped into classes, their names were read out in public at Commencement. After the reopening in 1875 for some time the names of those who achieved honors, viz., from 95 to 100 the highest, from 90 to 95 the second, and from 80 to 90 the third, were read from the rostrum, but this after a few years was discontinued. I will not therefore attempt to record those attaining 80 and upward as the reader would find them tedious.

        The Chief Marshal, George McCorkle, and his aids, E. B. Engelhard, J. B. Lewis, and D. M. Williams, fully sustained the traditional reputation of the University for the grace and dignity of its officers.

        And the Ball Managers, led by the Chief, Fernando G. James, with assistants, J. H. Faison, N. H. Street, R. H. Davis and F. T. Barrow, prepared some of the most beautiful dances ever seen at the University. The practice of following up the dances by a supper was discontinued on account of financial

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and other reasons. The tradition was that they led to disorder. An incident of one of the oldtime feasts should be recorded. It was the rule that no gentleman could attend the first table without a lady. A Freshman of fourteen summers gallantly offered his arm to an old maid of forty years and weighing two hundred pounds, and under protection of the rule marched boldly by the doorkeeper into the hall where the dainties were spread. The youth who had the pluck to do this has been president of two great universities and one great college.

UNIVERSITY DAY INAUGURATED.

        In 1877, at the request of President Battle, seconded by Governor Vance, the Executive Committee established the 12th of October as a perpetual holiday to commemorate the laying of the cornerstone of the Old East Building on that day in 1793. For the first celebration ladies of the village with some students, headed by Mrs. Spencer, gave Gerrard Hall a lovely decoration. The entire length of the interior was festooned with wreaths of pines and other evergreens. Over the rostrum was an arch bearing the inscription, "Virtue, Liberty, Science." On the right and above the word "Phi" was the portrait of the first President, Dr. Joseph Caldwell. On the left and above the word "Di" was the portrait of the "Father of the University," William Richardson Davie. Within the recess of the rostrum was suspended the portrait of David L. Swain. Opposite the rostrum were the words, "North Carolina" and suspended in the gallery was the beautiful banner exhibited at the Centennial Exposition of 1876 at Philadelphia by ladies of the State and then presented by them to the University. The rostrum was artistically decorated with flowers, and the whole scene was strikingly picturesque.

        The Glee Club sang "The Old North State" and President Battle followed with an address of an hour on the incidents connected with granting the charter and laying the cornerstone. He sketched the characters of the leading men who spent time, talent and money in starting the institution, such

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as Davie, Treasurer John Haywood, Judge Alfred Moore, Alexander Mebane, Thomas Blount, and William H. Hill, the last three Representatives in Congress. Being called out Rev. Dr. Charles Phillips, Rev. J. A. Mason, Prof. A. F. Redd, and Professor Winston responded very happily and received hearty applause.

        On August 31, 1877, the Faculty, and the Executive Committee on their recommendation, again denied the application of Fraternities to be admitted into the University. But Phi Kappa Sigma first and later others existed sub rosa for some years until prohibition was removed and now (1912) the list includes Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, Delta Kappa Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Nu, Phi Delta Theta, Alpha Tau Omega, Kappa Sigma, Phi Chi (Medical), and Omega Upsilon Phi (Medical). After their admission there naturally followed the erection of handsome houses, with sleeping rooms for members and other conveniences. The clubs applied to the Faculty and Trustees for permission to build on the margin of the Campus. But it was concluded that the fee simple of the ground should be owned by the fraternities, so that funds could be raised by mortgage. Therefore lots were bought of citizens of Chapel Hill, most of them just outside the northwest portion of the Campus. The principal halls are those of the Zeta Psi, Beta Theta Pi, Delta Kappa Epsilon, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Nu, Beta Theta Pi, and Alpha Tau Omega. On the whole the fraternity men and the nonfraternity men have worked together amicably, but in the course of time jealousies arose, partly among one another but mainly among the "frats" and the "nonfrats," which will hereafter be related.

AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION ESTABLISHED.

        President Battle became impressed with the evidence that our farmers suffer immense losses in the use of fertilizers: first, in buying the kind of fertilizers that the crops do not need; and second, in being defrauded by the manufacturer or the middleman, or both. He prepared a speech, which he delivered

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at fairs and many other appropriate places, also before the General Assembly, showing that the farming class would be benefited by the establishment of an Experiment Station at Chapel Hill. He offered, as he was authorized by the Trustees to do, to afford all proper laboratory facilities. He also obtained a joint meeting of the State Grange, of representatives of the University, of the several Agricultural Societies of the State, of the Patrons of Husbandry, and the State Geologist. Dr. Columbus Mills, Master of the State Grange, was called to the chair. The conference was addressed by President Battle, Professor Redd, Professor Kerr and Col. J. M. Heck. On motion of President Battle a committee was instructed to lay the matter before the General Assembly. The chairman appointed President Battle, Dr. W. C. Kerr, Col. L. L. Polk and Gen. R. F. Hoke, and on motion the chairman was added to the committee. President Battle wrote their report. The General Assembly passed an act carrying into effect their recommendations. They created a Board of Agriculture and levied a tax on commercial fertilizers, providing among other things for an Experiment Station and analysis of all such fertilizers, the station to be located at Chapel Hill, the chemist in charge to be elected by the Board of Trustees of the University.

        The Superintendent was employed by the Board of Trustees with the approval of the Board of Agriculture. His duty was to analyze the fertilizers and products required by the Department of Agriculture and aid in the suppression of fraud, carry on experiments on the nutrition and growth of plants, to ascertain what fertilizers are best suited to the crops of the State. He was to ascertain whether other crops may not be advantageously grown on our lands, and in general make such investigations as the Agricultural Department should prescribe. His salary was paid by the Department.

        In accordance with this law Albert R. Ledoux, of New York City, a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) of Columbia University and of Goettingen, a most capable chemist and judicious man of business, was elected, in 1877.

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        I give the results of two years' labor in this branch of University work, in order to show its character and efficiency:

        1. Every fertilizer sold in the State analyzed and the results published.

        2. All chemicals purchased for composting and home use analyzed.

        3. The quality and germinating power of all seeds sent to the station tested.

        4. Analysis of soils, marls, mineral waters, etc., made free of charge, when sent with the approval of the State Geologist or the Board of Agriculture.

        5. Sugar beets and other products analyzed when directed by the Board.

        6. Insects injurious to vegetation identified and the means of exterminating them pointed out--all free of charge.


        The liberality of the Board of Agriculture and the Trustees of the University fully equipped the Station for this work. Besides the necessary furnaces, apparatus and reagents, there was secured partly through donations by Mr. Warnecke and partly, at a small expense, from Germany, the most complete collection of seeds in any Agricultural College in the United States, embracing samples of the seeds, the grains, grasses, and weeds, exclusive of the "Centennial Collection" in the University Museum, over one thousand samples.

        The publications of the Station were of great value to farmers and were sent free of charge on application, such as Directions and Formulas for Composting, Directions for Utilizing Bones, Formulas for different crops, Analysis and Valuation of Fertilizers.

        The work of the Station was entirely acceptable to the people of the State, no complaint being made officially or otherwise. The assistants in addition to Messrs. W. B. Phillips and J. C. Taylor being W. Warnecke, of Germany, and A. D. Mickle, of Chapel Hill. It occupied four rooms in Smith Hall, one large laboratory for general work, a balance room, an assay room, and a dark room for work with the polariscope, and also two large store rooms in a neighboring building. In 1880 it was reported that there had been made 900 analyses, requiring 3,000 quantitative determinations. There had been written 5,000 letters on subjects bearing upon the work. In

Illustration

        ALBERT R. LEDOUX

        CHAS. W. DABNEY

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addition to the work heretofore detailed, the following was regularly undertaken: Search for poisons, sent by order of coroners and county superintendents of health; analysis of mineral waters, sent by the State Geologist; directions for making vinegar, for growing sugar beets; the determination of the value of pine straw; of the cowpea, etc.

        In 1880 Dr. Ledoux resigned his office in order to become the head of a flourishing Chemical Laboratory in New York City. He carried with him the reputation of consummate skill and ability as a chemist, an able and keen-sighted organizer of the Experiment Station, of a lofty, generous character, and a most courteous gentleman. He was succeeded by Charles W. Dabney, Jr., a Doctor of Philosophy of Goettingen, a most able and skillful officer, of acute initiative, of unimpeachable uprightness of conduct, in truth a most worthy successor to Dr. Ledoux, who carried forward the work under his charge to constantly expanding usefulness. In addition to the Assistants in the Department already mentioned were afterwards Wm. F. Bruggman and Herbert B. Battle.

        By Act of March 14, 1881, the Board of Agriculture was authorized to erect a suitable building in Raleigh wherein to carry on its rapidly growing work. Naturally it was desired to have the operations of the Experiment Station conducted under the same roof, and by permission of the General Assembly this removal was effected in that year.

PRESIDENT'S ADDRESSES.

        The address which President Battle delivered on the subject of the Relation of the University to the Farming Interests did not by any means exhaust his elocutionary labors. He spoke, by invitation, at the closing exercises of many schools, at Agricultural Fairs, before the Members of the General Assembly, and on many other occasions in this State and South Carolina; but his address showing how the farmers were benefited by a University education was most noticed by the press and by individuals. He was greatly flattered by a unique compliment paid him by a plump, gray-haired farmer at Walhalla, South Carolina. He was humorously satirizing the agricultural

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class for want of discretion in the purchase of commercial fertilizers and the use of those not adapted to the needs of the crops. He said that they acted as unwisely as would a physician who would prescribe calomel or quinine, ipecac or strychnine without seeing the patient or inquiring whether the trouble was fever or rheumatism, pneumonia or heart disease. The old gentleman laughingly observed to his neighbor, "Don't he call us d--d fools nice."

        He accepted every invitation to speak within the range of possibility. Once he was able to address schools at Wilson, Newton and at Yadkin College, in Davidson County, during the same week. Nor did he confine himself to addressing schools and Agricultural Fairs at their invitation. He met the people of a number of counties at their courthouses, alumni of the University advertising the meetings. It was while waiting for his time to begin at the courthouse in Asheville that he chanced to hear the first prisoner testify in her own defense under a recent Act of the Assembly. It was the case of a woman indicted for retailing spirituous liquors without license. She soon convicted herself. During the examination she had a baby in her arms, who clamored lustily for the sustenance for which he tugged vainly from her skinny breast. Judge Dick ordered her to get rid of the child. She handed him to the Judge who rejected the gift most hastily. She then motioned to some one in the crowd who relieved her of her burden. In passing sentence the Judge said: "I am doubtful what to do with this woman. If I imprison her I must imprison the child and he has not broken the law. Let judgment be suspended on the payment of costs." The woman went on her way rejoicing and then it leaked out that the child was not hers. It was borrowed to play on the notable kindheartedness of Judge Dick.

        Besides these speeches directly connected with the University, President Battle was called on to deliver others, which he thought might at least keep it before the public. Among these were "The Early History of the City of Raleigh"; "Fifty Years of the Episcopal Church in the United States," at the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the ordination of

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Bishop Lyman; "Life and Services of Brigadier-General Sumner," at the Guilford Battle Ground Celebration; "Laymen of the Church of England in the Province of North Carolina"; "Early History of the University of North Carolina," before the Wilmington Historical Society; "The Importance of the Teacher's Calling," before the State Teachers' Association; "The Character of George E. Badger," before the Siler City Academy; "The Constitutional History of North Carolina," at the Commencement of Davidson College; "Trials and Judicial Proceedings of the New Testament," before the American Institute of Christian Philosophy in New York.

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CHAPTER IV.

NORMAL SCHOOL OF 1877.

        The General Assembly by Act ratified March 9, 1877, authorized the State Board of Education to establish a Normal School in connection with the University for the purpose of teaching and training young men of the white race for teachers of the common schools of the State. Two thousand dollars a year for two years was appropriated and a like amount was authorized for colored teachers at other places.

        Governor Vance called a meeting of the Board, requesting President Battle to be present and submit such recommendations as the Faculty and himself chose to make as to the constitution of the school. Two plans were suggested. One was to add to the Faculty a Professor of Normal Teaching. The other was strongly recommended by Dr. Barnas Sears, Superintendent of the Peabody Fund, of worldwide fame as an educator, once the head of the public school system of Massachusetts. It was to have a free Summer School at the University, throwing open its halls and lecture rooms, and also its dormitories, and employing the best experts obtainable in all the branches taught in the schools. Such was his faith in this scheme that he offered to aid by giving $500 out of the Peabody Fund to pay the expenses of poor teachers. The Faculty almost unanimously endorsed it, President Battle being strongly in its favor. When it was recommended to the Board of Education Governor Vance said in substance, "Why! with such a project we can electrify the State from Cherokee to Currituck."

        The organization of the school was placed by the Board under the charge of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, Hon. J. C. Scarborough, and President Battle, who always worked in entire harmony. It was resolved to open it on the third of July, to continue six weeks. President Battle, on account of Mr. Scarborough's duties calling him elsewhere,

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had general control, including the employment of lecturers and disbursement of the fund for the expenses of poor teachers.

        An important question came up at the outset. The Act authorizing the school confined its benefits to male teachers and those desiring to be teachers. It was exceedingly important that females should be included. The Board of Education took the ground and the University concurred, that while the public money could not be paid to females, there could be no objection to their attending the sessions, and they were accordingly invited to take advantage of all the exercises. Their presence contributed much to the success of the school, and Dr. Sears gave them their share of the $500 appropriation for poor teachers. The Act by its terms only lasted two years, but at the end of the time it was renewed until repealed and the restriction as to sex was removed.

        The object of the school was to teach the latest and most improved methods of managing classes, arousing interest, imparting knowledge, and developing the minds of the pupils, at the same time giving instruction in the subjects usually taught in the schools. Only acknowledged experts were employed, whether residents of North Carolina or elsewhere.

        The Superintendent employed was recommended by Dr. Sears, Prof. John J. Ladd, of Vermont, a graduate of Brown University, who had worked in the public schools of New England and lastly was Superintendent of the Graded Schools of Staunton, Virginia, a man of large experience in such work. He had the general management and each morning delivered lectures of singular point and common sense, with clear and appropriate illustrations. No one could listen to his instruction without having his enthusiasm aroused and having hints as to how wisely to arouse enthusiasm in others. Prominent inhabitants of Chapel Hill, not connected with the schools, attended regularly these lectures.

        He was assisted by a staff of teachers chosen solely for their skill in their special lines, no matter in what locality they resided, disregarding denominational and college affiliations. The branches taught are Arithmetic, written and mental; Grammar, Analysis, Geography, Reading, Orthography, Phonics,

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Penmanship, Vocal Music, School Discipline, Methods, Organization, Qualifications, Legal Relations of Teacher, Parent, and Child. The instruction was by recitation and lectures occupying seven hours a day. Prof. S. H. Owen, late Superintendent of the Public Schools of Petersburg, Virginia, and late President of Deshler Female Institute of Tuscumbia, Alabama, had charge of Geography. Prof. Alexander McIver, formerly Superintendent of Public Instruction in North Carolina, Professor of Mathematics in Davidson College, and now Principal of the Graded Schools of Greensboro, was chief of the department of Mathematics. Prof. Julius L. Tomlinson, former Professor of Santa Barbara University and late Professor in Central Teachers' Institute, had charge of the English Language and Literature. Mr. Eugene H. Wilson, assisted by his brother, Mr. Charles L. Wilson, both accomplished musical instructors, gave lessons in singing. Prof. George T. Winston, Professor of Latin and German in the University, organized a class in the Latin Language. Mr. John E. Dugger, Superintendent of the Graded Schools of Raleigh, was Secretary.

        The number of pupils enrolled was two hundred and thirty-five, of whom one hundred and twenty-eight were men, one hundred and seven women. One hundred and seventeen were actual teachers, the rest as a rule designing to teach. Forty-two counties were represented.

        In addition to the regular instruction, public lectures were delivered by prominent men at night before the school and all comers. They were very instructive and inspiring, especially to those students who were residents of places far from the centers of population. The following list will show the character of these addresses, which were listened to with the most intense interest.

        His Excellency, Governor Vance, on "America the Granary of the World." Prof. W. C. Kerr, State Geologist, three lectures, on the "Formation of Coal," on the "Climatology of North Carolina," and on "Iron and Iron Ores." These lectures were illustrated with maps, diagrams, and stereopticon views. The third was at the mouth of the iron mine near Chapel Hill, to which the school made an excursion. Prof. A.

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W. Mangum on "The Sufficiency of the Bible for the Religious Needs of the World." Prof. J. N. Moffatt, two lectures on "What is Education?" and on "Poets and Poetry." Hon. F. H. Busbee on "The Correlation of Forces." Hon. A. M. Waddell on "Two Americans--Morse and Maury." Dr. R. H. Lewis, of Raleigh, on "The Eye as Affected by School Life." Dr. George W. Graham, "The Ear, Its Structure and Functions." Judge A. S. Merrimon on "Our Public Evils and Their Remedies." Dr. Eugene Grissom on "Mental Hygiene for Pupil and Teacher." Judge John Kerr on "Public and Private Education." Major Robert Bingham on "The Anglo-Saxon Race." Hon. Paul C. Cameron on "Agriculture and Its Changed Condition." Prof. George T. Winston on the "Historic Value of Words." Prof. S. H. Owen, several lectures on "What is Normal Instruction?" Prof. A. McIver, several lectures on "Physiology." Prof. J. S. Tomlinson, two lectures on "California." President Battle on "The History of the University and Its Relation to Agricultural Training." In addition to the regular instruction the male teachers were encouraged to form a Debating Society. They entered into it with spirit. The meetings were public and largely attended.

        In order to promote mutual acquaintance and sociability a weekly meeting of all the school, reinforced by citizens of the village, was had in the University Library, which was then free of alcoves. Here couples, introduced to each other by the energetic tact of Secretary Dugger, promenaded and chatted until the prescribed hour for breaking up, eleven o'clock p. m. Singing and recitations were features of the gathering, so that the "Cold Water Walk Arounds," as these meetings were appropriately called, gave much pleasure and incidentally profit in the practice of easy manners.

        Another pleasant and significant feature of the school was the visits of prominent teachers and other intelligent persons, who came to inspect the novel and much-talked-of enterprise. They did not hand in their names to the Secretary for enrollment, but they gave to the school their approval and spread abroad its prestige. Many of the inhabitants of Chapel Hill were regular attendants upon the exercises. Among the visitors

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from abroad was the Superintendent of Public Instruction of South Carolina, Hon. Hugh Thompson, afterwards Governor, who was so pleased that he inaugurated a similar school in his own State.

        The following lines were found on the breakfast table of President Battle and were recited with great applause at the Normal Concert on the night of Wednesday, the 8th of August. The author was Mrs. C. P. Spencer.

ODE TO THE NORMAL SCHOOL.


                         Let us sing to the Normal School,
                         Where Nature, not Art, is the rule,
                         Where the teacher is brought
                         Like a child to be taught,
                         What is that we call Education?
                         That not all the knowledge
                         He gains in a college,
                         Not the problems that vex,
                         Nor the laws that perplex,
                         Nor the strongest reliance
                         On what he calls "Science,"
                         Are all he needs in his vocation.
                         But he learns that the teacher,
                         As well as the preacher,
                         Must raise his thoughts higher
                         Than selfish desire
                         Of wealth, or of fame, or mere worldly well-doing.
                         That to hear the "Well done,"
                         When his race he has run,
                         He must labor and "tho' faint, be pursuing."


                         'Twas with very much wondering,
                         And laughing and blundering,
                         To the famous old Hill
                         We came with a will,
                         By way most informal,
                         To look at the Normal,
                         Not dreaming of what would befall,
                         And oh! it is past telling,
                         The reading and spelling,
                         The grammar and the writing,
                         And the lectures we delight in,
                         And the kindness that we met withal.
                         Time would fail should we tell
                         Of the campus and well,

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                         Of the walks
                         And the talks,
                         And the tuneful college bell.
                         What a treasure
                         Is the pleasure
                         That the six weeks have brought us.
                         Our hearts will ever burn
                         When our memories we turn
                         To the thoughts of the lessons they have taught us.
                         When each of us became
                         As a little child again,
                         And sat low at the feet of a master.
                         Our pulse will beat faster
                         As we think of the long summer days;
                         When all the good and the great
                         Who adorn our native State,
                         Came to help and to cheer and to praise.


                         And now ere we go,
                         Let us pay the thanks we owe
                         To the college and the President,
                         And every Chapel Hill resident,
                         For the kindness and the grace
                         That have so endeared the place.
                         Never was there such a Ladd,
                         As this Normal School has had
                         To point them to their duty,
                         And show them all the beauty
                         Of a self-denying labor
                         For the welfare of their neighbor.
                         Such instruction makes us glad,
                         Every lass must love a Ladd.
                         And what true and hearty gratitude
                         We shall ever be Owen
                         To him who has been showin'
                         Us his notions
                         Of the ocean,
                         Of climate, dry and wet,
                         And of longitude and latitude.


                         In Professor A. McIver,
                         His quotients and his fractions
                         And other such distractions,
                         We are, each, a firm believer,
                         For though he teased us much,
                         He pleased us much.
                         And though Prof. Winston*

        * Pronounce the name Wine-stone by poetical license.
                         Kept our noses on the grindstone,
                         In a brave attempt to grind
                         A bit of Latin into our mind,
                         Yet our thanks must be sent,
                         For we know 'twas kindly meant.
                         And as for Mr. Wilson,
                         We are sure that Madame Nilsson,
                         Though the world is ringing
                         With her singing,
                         Never draws
                         More applause
                         Than our master's skilful rule
                         Merits from his grateful school.
                         Now when all is said and done,
                         Here's Professor Tomlinson--**

        ** Professor Tomlinson was a Quaker and a bachelor.
                         For such a Friend indeed
                         We have verily a need,
                         As many a kind glance will confer;
                         Yet with every disposition
                         To suggest
                         That a change in his condition
                         Would be best--
                         Alas! is all we can express.
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                         And now, friends, fare ye well!
                         Our pen will never tell
                         Of our heart's true and lasting emotion.
                         Never more,
                         As heretofore,
                         Shall we rove
                         Through the grove--
                         But in that Higher School,
                         Where Christ Himself doth rule;
                         And there we may believe
                         The faithful teacher shall receive
                         The reward of his life-long devotion.

        Of course among so many young people gathered together in the beautiful Campus, there was some love making, but never a scandal or harsh criticism. Some happy marriages owe their beginning to the social attraction of the University of North Carolina Summer Normal School. Among them for

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example the eminent Father of higher female education by the State, Dr. Charles D. McIver, gained his life partner here.

        It is difficult to understand at the present day the amount of interest and enthusiasm created by this Normal School throughout this State and elsewhere in the South. It was imitated by the University of Virginia, South Carolina, Mississippi, and perhaps other States. It was the fons et origo of many graded schools. Dr. Sears affirmed that it was the first summer school in the Union connected with any university or college. On account of his connection with the Peabody Fund he watched with deepest interest all efforts tending to advance public education. He was greatly pleased with the success of our school, and wrote President Battle as follows:

PEABODY EDUCATION FUND.
STAUNTON, VA., Aug. 18, 1877.

PRESIDENT BATTLE.

        MY DEAR SIR:--I write a word to congratulate you on the splendid success of your Normal School. Many things and many men seem to have contributed to this result, but I know enough of such matters to know that he who has had the marshalling of all the forces has been the chief agent. I feel greatly obliged to you for the wisdom, energy and great labor on your part, which has made the whole movement so auspicious.

Yours truly,

B. SEARS,
General Agent.


        In another letter, dated September 10, 1877, Dr. Sears wrote: "I expected some measure of success, but nothing like what has been realized. I am happy to see this new evidence of what I knew before, that all grades of instruction are reciprocally dependent on each other. The University men are to throw their light on all the lower schools, and these in turn are to be feeders of the higher. * * * You are now doing a great thing for the State. It is fortunate that we can work together with so much mutual confidence."

        Mrs. Cornelia Phillips Spencer, ever on the lookout for means to advance the success of the University, was a most efficient co-worker, in increasing the prestige of the Summer School. With the aid of her daughter Julia, now the wife of Professor James Lee Love, of Cambridge, Mass., she sent

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full reports of the lectures to the public press. They were duly published and turned the attention of thousands of readers to the important work going on at Chapel Hill.

BURGLARS.

        During this year was organized a band of four burglars, whose crimes seriously threatened the prosperity of the Normal School and alarmed the inhabitants of the neighborhood. Six houses in different parts of the village and in its neighborhood were entered, the miscreants aiming for rooms in which were sleeping young ladies. On one of them rude hands were laid, but her screams frightened them into a rapid retreat. At last it became known that a widow, Mrs. Margaret Hendon, had received a remittance from her Southern plantation, the amount of course greatly exaggerated, and a little before midnight two of them, leaving two on the outside, boldly forced her front door and then her bed chamber. She rushed to the window and screamed for help. A blow was aimed at her head with the blade of an axe which gave her a deep scalp wound. Other blows followed with a small club. Fortunately her screams were heard by Mr. John Mallett and his father, Dr. Wm. P. Mallett, and the son, quickly followed by the father and some colored boys sleeping in an outhouse, rushed to her help and the robbers fled without obtaining the money. Their victim languished for some weeks, but recovered.

        This transaction aroused the village to fever heat. Patrols were appointed to watch the town at night. An expert detective from Richmond was employed. Leading citizens acted as voluntary detectives. Almost by accident one Albert Atwater, colored, was detected in a minor offense. While a prisoner he became frightened and confessed that he, with two white men and one colored had committed all the burglaries, one or more watching on the outside while the others entered the houses. They were tried in Orange Superior Court and convicted of burglary and three were hanged on the 16th of April, 1878--all except Atwater, who, allowed to turn State's evidence, escaped with a period of imprisonment, but died soon afterwards. The condemned admitted that they had a fair trial and that the

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jury was justified in finding a verdict against them on the evidence, but asserted that some of the evidence was false. The Governor (Jarvis) was importuned to grant a pardon or commutation, but after thorough investigation refused. The chief ground pressed on the Governor was that a white man should not be hanged on the evidence of a negro, but it was shown that there were corroborating circumstances pointing to guilt. The Judge, the Solicitor, and lawyers assisting the Solicitor, including Thomas Ruffin, Jr., late a Judge of the Supreme Court of the State, had no doubt of guilt.

        The execution had a wonderfully good effect. There was not a burglary in this neighborhood for many years afterwards, and in the limits of Chapel Hill not one to this day.

COMMENCEMENT OF 1878.

        In 1878 the Committee of Visitation, Hon. John Manning and ex-Judge Wm. H. Battle, and General Julian S. Carr, reported most favorably on "the character and thoroughness of the instruction and the good behavior and morals of the students."

        The Commencement of 1878 was very brilliant. As an index to the attendance it may be mentioned that at the annual ball, held after the regular exercises were over, the reporter interviewed and described the dresses of seventy-eight ladies, stating that there were others that he was not able to meet. The seventy-eight were from Alabama, Virginia, and from Raleigh, Hillsboro, Fayetteville, Wilson, Richmond County, Greensboro, Yadkin County, Pittsboro, Charlotte, Pitt County, Halifax, Wilmington, and other points. Of course gentlemen attended these ladies, and there were numbers who were not in their service. On the last day large numbers came in from the country within a few miles of Chapel Hill. The reporter counted one hundred and seventeen vehicles between Commons Hall and the Chapel. There was also in attendance the Orange County Guards, a fine company, under Captain Halcott Jones.

        The Baccalaureate sermon was preached by Rev. Dr. George Patterson, then of Wilmington, afterwards of Memphis, of the

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Episcopal Church. He was by descent half Greek, his father named Papatharkes, but becoming an American missionary, changed his name to the equivalent, Patterson. His mother was of Massachusetts. He was a man of eloquence and power, not diminished by some harmless eccentricities. He preached on the "Race of Life," prefacing with a vivid description of the Grecian games and the regulations governing it.

        The address before the two Literary Societies on Wednesday morning was by Major Joseph A. Engelhard, an honor man of the graduating class of 1854, then Secretary of State, an Adjutant-General in the Confederate Army. His subject was "The Duty of Young Men of the South at the Present Time." The discourse teemed with sound and patriotic advice, all the more appreciated because he had served four years in the Confederate Army, mainly under Lee. His peroration was much admired. "My young friends! I ask you to look into your hearts and commence there the exalted work I have proposed for you and the youth of the country. Your hearts are the altars on which must burn the fires of our country's liberty and honor. These altars are no longer made of stone and brass. They are composed of immortal emotions and thoughts. As the best means of preserving our country's honor watch and guard your own: 'it is the immediate jewel of your souls.' Let the life of each of you be the record of your country and humanity, and next to, and part of, your duty to your God; preserve your own characters, always remembering that honor is the armor of the true gentleman. Keep yours as bright as the diamond and the jewel that adorns your breast will be the shield that defends it."

        Hon. James Grant, ex-Judge of the Superior Court of Iowa, delivered a most interesting and instructive address before the Alumni Association. He graduated here in 1831, taught school a year and concluded to seek his fortunes in the then far west. Leaving Raleigh on horseback and alone he stopped at Chicago, then a mere hamlet, but not liking the place he continued his journey and settled at Davenport, Iowa. Here he engaged in the practice of the law, and, according to the custom of the members of the bar of that region, in land speculation.

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He was very successful, rising to the dignity of Judge and accumulating a handsome fortune. In the early part of his address he gave sketches of our old Professors, and then launched into a description of the wonderful progress of the age, especially of the United States. The address was so full of instruction that a copy was asked for publication.

        The original orations of the representatives of the two societies were pronounced to be most creditable. In the choice of these the Faculty had no part. The speakers were as a rule fair specimens of the best society orators, but occasionally afterwards one triumphed mainly because of his being a leader in one of the "Factions" as they were called. Of these among the Di's there were three, the South Building, the West Building, and the New West Building parties. Among the Phi's they were East and South Buildings. It is difficult to explain the difference between these parties. Probably they were not divided on account of any matter of principle, but by the accident of rooming in separate dormitories. The South Building faction, roughly speaking, corresponded to the subsequent fraternities. Although these parties had only a loose organization, with no by-laws or permanent place of meeting, University public opinion held the students very firmly bound and much rancorous feeling ensued from one claiming the privilege to renounce his faction and join another.

        The speakers of the Philanthropic Society and their subjects were: David Bell, Enfield, "The Voice of the People"; James Smith Manning, Pittsboro, "Communism in America"; Robert Watson Winston, Windsor, "Chivalry." From the Dialectic Society there were: Robert Strange, Wilmington, "What Shall be Done With the Turk?"; Edward Benson Engelhard, Wilmington, "Does Defeat Make Treason?"; James Madison Leach, Jr., Lexington, "Philosophy and Effects of Popular Election."

        The audience seemed to favor Mr. Leach, next to him Mr. Strange, and then Messrs. Engelhard and Winston. The first named and the third died early, the second became a Bishop. Winston is an able lawyer and has been a Judge.

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        Thursday, Commencement Day, was perfect as to weather and there was a large company and much enjoyment. There was a procession led by the Salem Cornet Band, at the head of which was the Chief Marshal, Charles B. Aycock. Behind them were the Orange County Guards. After them came students, alumni, citizens of Chapel Hill and vicinity, visitors, teachers, parents and guardians, clergy, Faculty, Trustees, State officers, and lastly Governor Vance and President Battle. The custom of baring the head passing the grave of President Caldwell was kept up. At the Chapel the procession paused, opened ranks and entered in reverse order.

        The exercises began with the singing of the following hymn, attributed to Mrs. Spencer:


                         Oh God, our father's God, whose care
                         With blessings fills the circling year,
                         Rememb'ring Thee in all our ways,
                         We bring our annual song of praise.


                         We bless Thy name, Almighty God,
                         Who giv'st us here a sure abode,
                         For all the favor Thou hast shown
                         The State and age we call our own.


                         Here Freedom spreads her banners wide,
                         Here learning and religion guide,
                         By heavenly Truth's unfading ray,
                         Our youth in Wisdom's narrow way.


                         "Eternal source of every joy"!
                         Well may Thy praise our life employ,
                         And all our powers unite to bless
                         The Lord, our strength and righteousness.

        A prayer led by Rev. Frank L. Reid, President of the Louisburg Female College, followed the hymn. Then came the speeches of the Seniors. Their names and subjects are given:

  • William Pinckney Cline, Newton, "The Anglo-Saxon."
  • James Mann Nicholson, Enfield, "The Dollar of Our Fathers."
  • Nathaniel Heath Street, New Bern, "Be Men, Live Men, Die Men!"
    Page 155

  • Henry Thomas Watkins, Henderson, "Utah and the Mormons."
  • Edward John Hill, Faison, "Other Worlds."
  • John Bryan Lewis, Raleigh, "None but True Americans on Guard."
  • Arthur Arrington, Louisburg, "Choosing a Vocation."
  • Charles Wilcher Gallaway, Mt. Airy, "The Real in the Mythical."
  • George McCorkle, Newton, "Why Leave North Carolina?"

        In the afternoon Colonel John H. Wheeler, author of Wheeler's History, delivered an interesting historical address on Theodosia (Burr) Alston. He inclined to the opinion that the portrait recently discovered in the cabin of a fisherman is that of Aaron Burr's daughter, Theodosia, and that she was either lost in a shipwreck or was made to "walk the plank" by a pirate. After discussing this question Colonel Wheeler narrated the principal events of Burr's life, especially after the killing of Hamilton.

        The services were concluded by singing a Psalm to the tune of "Old Hundred," and the benediction by Rev. Dr. Patterson.

        The graduates of 1878 were:

    BACHELORS OF ARTS (A.B.):

  • Arthur Arrington, Louisburg.
  • James Hicks Faison, Faison.
  • Charles Wilcher Gallaway, Mt. Airy.
  • Edward John Hill, Faison.
  • George McCorkle, Newton.
  • James Mann Nicholson, Enfield.
  • Henry Thomas Watkins, Henderson . . . . . 7

    BACHELOR OF PHILOSOPHY (PH.B.):

  • William Pinckney Cline, Newton . . . . . 1

    BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.S.):

  • Nathaniel Heath Street, New Bern . . . . . 1

        Henry Barber Nixon, graduated in the College of Mathematics; Charles Brantley Aycock, Robert Ernest Caldwell, Alfred Daniel Jones, and John Bryan Lewis in the College of Philosophy, and Marcus Cicero Stephens Noble in the School of Latin.

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        The following medals were granted:

  • LATIN--Frank Battle Dancy.
  • CHEMISTRY--Ernest Haywood.
  • ORATORY--Arthur Arrington.
  • GERMAN--James Smith Manning.

        The following honorary degrees were conferred on the recommendation of the Faculty:

        Doctor of Laws (LL.D.): Ex-Judge James Grant, of Iowa, graduate of 1831; ex-Chief Justice Thomas C. Manning, of Louisiana, alumnus of 1843.

        Doctor of Divinity (D.D.): Rev. James M. Sprunt, Duplin County; Rev. John J. Roberts, New York, a graduate of 1838.

        Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.): Hon. J. B. Killebrew, of Tennessee, graduate of 1856.

        Master of Arts (A.M.): Prof. W. M. Brookins, Ohio; W. J. B. Wesson.

        The Marshals were as usual efficient and well supported the dignity of the occasion. They were Charles B. Aycock, Chief, with John M. Manning, Joseph E. Ransom, and Frank K. Borden, of the Philanthropic Society, and John C. Angier, Thomas I. McNeill, and Charles C. Covington, of the Dialectic. The Philanthropic Society at first elected a law student, Neil A. McLean. The members of the opposition party protested before President Battle that he was ineligible as the law passed by the Trustees confined the office to undergraduates of the Junior Class, and at that time law students were not subject to the ordinary University discipline and classification. Mr. McLean gracefully retired. But the party to whom the Society had already given the three Assistants also coveted the place of Chief. Their candidate was, however, defeated by Mr. Aycock. Mr. McLean, by his ready acquiesence in the adverse ruling of the Faculty, was entitled to and received their approbation. If he had insisted on his claim of right to the office it is certain that he would have been sustained by the majority of the Philanthropic Society, and we would have had a repetition of the trouble of 1852. He was excellently qualified for the position, having talent and goodly appearance and having learned how to manage men when Captain in

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the Bingham School. He afterwards became a State Senator and a prominent lawyer.

        The first chosen Chief Marshal of this notable Commencement was Frank Wood, a member of the Philanthropic Society, but he was prevented from accepting the office on account of a trip to Europe.

        The Ball Managers were Alva C. Springs, Chief, of the Dialectic Society; Joseph C. Dowd and Thomas Edmundson, Phi's, and Charles C. Cobb and Lucien H. Walker, Di's.

        In 1877-'78 Professor Redd took General and Analytical Chemistry; Professor Graves, Engineering and Physics; Frederick Wm. Simonds, M.S. (Cornell), succeeded Professor Smith, resigned--his department was Geology, Zoölogy, and Botany; Professor Grandy became Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Mineralogy, and Botany; Professor Simonds became Librarian; Professor Grandy, Secretary.

NORMAL SCHOOL OF 1878. KINDERGARTEN.

        The Normal School was opened June 18th and closed July 26th. Before enrollment the teachers were addressed by President Battle, Rev. Dr. Charles Phillips, Rev. J. F. Heitman, and Rev. Dr. A. W. Mangum, of the Methodist Church, and Rev. A. C. Dixon, of the Baptist Church. These all gave a hearty welcome to Chapel Hill and urged strongly the importance of a teacher's calling. They were followed by Prof. J. J. Ladd, who expressed his pride in being engaged in this glorious work. He regarded his connection with the Normal School of North Carolina as a crowning event of a long life as a teacher.

        President Battle had general charge; Prof. John J. Ladd was Superintendent and Lecturer on Methods, School Management, Discipline, etc.; Mr. S. H. Owen had charge of Geography and Reading, Phonetics, and Penmanship; Alexander McIver had charge of Mathematics, English Grammar, and Physiology; Major Jed Hotchkiss lectured on Geography and the methods of teaching it; J. Madison Watson lectured on Elocution; Walter H. Page was Professor of English Philology;

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George T. Winston and M. C. S. Noble were Professors of the Latin Language; R. H. Graves was Professor of Algebra; C. D. Grandy lectured on Chemistry; Messrs. E. M. Wilson and C. L. Wilson were teachers of Vocal Music; Prof. J. E. Dugger was Secretary.

        So much attention had been given in recent years to the training of children it was thought best to employ an instructor in the Kindergarten system. An accomplished exponent of the system was found in Miss Emily M. Coe, of New York City, who regularly taught a special class of teachers, and also delivered lectures on the subject before the whole school. Fifty-three children of various ages were daily drilled under her guidance by the members of the Kindergarten Class. This is thought to be the first Normal Kindergarten class in North Carolina.

        In addition to the regular instruction by the Faculty of the school lectures on important subjects were delivered by prominent gentlemen of this State and elsewhere. A list of their names and subjects are given.

  • President Battle: "History of the Selection of the Site of the University."
  • Maj. Robert Bingham: "The English Bible."
  • General Thomas L. Clingman: "Follies of the Positive Philosophers."
  • Major Seaton Gales: "The Nineteenth Century."
  • Hon. S. F. Phillips, Solicitor-General U. S. A.: "Influence of the Normal School on Education in North Carolina."
  • Prof. A. W. Mangum: "History of Church Customs."
  • Hon. J. C. Scarborough: "Defects of the Public School System in North Carolina."
  • Governor Vance: "Practical Education and Its Importance to North Carolina."
  • Major Jed Hotchkiss: Three lectures, on "Geography" and "Stonewall Jackson's Valley Campaign."
  • Prof. John R. Blake: "Natural Science: Its Importance."
  • Dr. Thomas W. Harris: "The Circulation of the Blood."
  • Miss Coe: "Color and Form."
  • Prof. J. Madison Watson: Four lectures, on Teaching Reading, on Spelling and Letter Sounds; two on Elocution.
  • Rev. Dr. J. Henry Smith: "The Importance of Little Things."
    Page 159

  • Judge R. P. Dick: "The Bible as a Textbook."
  • Prof. W. C. Kerr: "The Geology of North Carolina."
  • Prof. C. D. Grandy: "The Spectroscope."
  • Rev. Dr. C. H. Wiley: "The History of Our Public School System."
  • Rev. Dr. T. H. Pritchard: "The English Language."
  • Rev. Dr. N. B. Cobb: "Phonography."
  • Hon. L. L. Polk, Commissioner of Agriculture: "What Are the Demands of Our State and How Shall We Meet Them?"
  • Prof. George T. Winston: Two lectures, on "The Character of the Romans" and on "Latin Pronunciation."

        This was a brilliant session of the school. The total number in attendance was four hundred and two, of whom one hundred and ninety were women. The number of counties represented was fifty-nine. Among the new features were the novel and suggestive lectures of Major Hotchkiss, of Staunton, Virginia, particularly his illuminating story of the Valley Campaign of Stonewall Jackson; the lectures of Mr. Watson, writer of popular school books and teacher in the schools of New York; the teachings on English Philology by Mr. Page, illustrated by extracts from the great authors, particularly Shakespeare; the best methods of teaching Algebra, Latin, and Chemistry, by University Professors, Messrs. Graves, Winston, and Grandy; the introduction into the State of kindergarten instruction, by the accomplished Miss E. M. Coe, of New York, while the vocal music was further extended by the addition of Mr. Charles Wilson, who formed choirs and glee clubs while his brother taught the school at large. The singing added liveliness and happiness to the school and enabled the teachers to secure the same result among their classes.

        An inspection of the list of lecturers will enable one to realize what intellectual advantages were enjoyed during this school. General Clingman was then in his prime and discussed his subject in a way to delight all orthodox hearers. Major Bingham handled his great subject in his usual able, thorough and unconventional style. Rev. Dr. J. Henry Smith and Judge Dick were, as always, strong and eloquent; Professor Kerr was the greatest then living authority on the Geology of North Carolina, and Professor Grandy explained lucidly the wonders of the spectroscope. Dr. Wiley's history was highest authority,

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as it might be said to him, "quorum magna pars fuisti." Rev. Dr. Pritchard was considered one of the ablest speakers in his church, the Baptist. Dr. Cobb showed how easily a bright mind could acquire shorthand writing. Colonel Polk's office gave him full opportunity to know the needs of the State and he well illustrated his subject. Dr. Winston's lectures showed much thought and impressive delivery. President Battle's History of the Selection of the Site of the University was listened to with great interest. Major Gales was considered one of the best speakers in the State and his lecture was one of his most admirable. Solicitor-General Phillips proved what we claimed, that the Normal School was almost revolutionizing education in North Carolina. Rev. Dr. Mangum was at his best in the History of Church Customs. Mr. Scarborough's long service as Superintendent of Public Instruction gave him full insight into the defects of the Public School system and he most forcibly pointed them out. Governor Vance showed his usual strength and forcible style in pointing out the advantages to individuals and to the State of practical education. Prof. John R. Blake, of Davidson College, gave a charming exposition of the importance of Natural Science, and Dr. Thomas W. Harris a lucid exposition on the Circulation of the Blood. And finally Miss Coe, in the graceful style for which women are conspicuous, lectured on Color and Form.

        The teachers in attendance organized a State Teachers' Association, and took steps toward the formation of County Associations. President Battle was elected President.

        The Normal students were allowed free use of the University Library, and by the courtesy of the Dialectic and Philanthropic Societies, of their libraries. The University Museum and Laboratories were likewise open for their use.

        The Normal School Debating Society, formed the previous year, was continued and was of great advantage in training how to speak and how to write. The orations and essays on the closing day by Messrs. C. W. Howard, R. P. Pell, J. M. Bandy, C. B. Aycock, R. S. Arrowood, J. H. Small, R. E. Caldwell, and W. R. Slade, were much praised by the large audience, both for matter and manner.

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        The fund placed in President Battle's hands by Rev. Dr. Sears, $500, supplemented from the State appropriation, for the payment of the expenses of indigent teachers, was carefully expended and was a blessing to many. By this aid eighty-three indigent teachers were enabled to attend the school. The fund was devoted almost entirely to defraying traveling expenses. The railroad companies of the State and the Blackwater line of steamboats likewise increased the attendance by granting reduced fares.

        Every exertion was made by giving the free use of the University dormitories, and the loan or rent of bedding, etc., as well as by supplying facilities for cooking for those desiring to board themselves, to reduce expenses to a minimum. Many persons of small means lived at a cost of only $4 or $5 per month, while others, from Orange and adjoining counties, and even from counties as remote as Randolph, Johnston, and Harnett brought their supplies and lived almost as cheaply as at home. The business agent of the school, Mr. Andrew Mickle, was indefatigable in counseling and assisting those needing his services.

        President Battle reported to the Board of Trustees that "the industry and efficiency of the instructors of the school, the enthusiasm, order, and devotion to duty of the students have achieved results of lasting benefit to the cause of education in the State." There were teachers in attendance who had spent years in their calling; there were teachers only beginning their work; there were those seeking to become qualified to take charge of schools. But, one and all, over four hundred of the best material in the State gave unanimous and earnest approval of the Normal School. They declared that they had their minds enlarged and quickened, their stores of information and power to acquire other stores, increased. They of their own accord united in a memorial to the General Assembly for the continuation of the school in the future, expressing the decided conviction that "the discontinuance would be a great misfortune to the State." The memorial was submitted to the Board of Education, who indorsed it and transmitted it to the General

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Assembly. The appropriation of $2,000 per annum was continued until repealed and its benefits were extended to females.

        The closing exercises of the school were of exceptional interest. They were preceded on the day before by the kindergarten class of nearly sixty children, many, quite young, exhibiting the perfection of their training under Miss Coe and her coadjutors. The same evening was the enjoyable concert, mostly vocal, but with guitar, piano, and violin music, very pleasurable. On the closing day Mr. A. J. Jones, President of the Debating Society, called out the speakers. Rev. J. F. Heitman, of the Methodist Church, offered prayer. The speeches and the essays were considered to be quite up to the standard of those of the average college graduate. Then Prof. John A. Woodburn, on behalf of the students, presented Professor Ladd with a gold headed cane, and Miss Nettie Marshall to President Battle a beautiful mantel clock, ornamented with a figure of the Genius of Education, a graceful woman pointing a boy at her side upward to Heaven. Both the presenters made very appropriate speeches, which met with impromptu replies, as the secret had been perfectly kept,--disproving the hoary gibes on woman for non-reticence.

        In the absence of the Governor, Mr. P. C. Cameron, President of the Board of Trustees of the University, in his usual forcible and happy style, closed the school. A hymn, composed by Mrs. C. P. Spencer especially for the occasion, was sung with spirit.

        Mr. John H. Mills, traveling with a Concert Class of the Oxford Orphanage, he being the Superintendent of the Asylum, met the Normalites going home as they spent the night at Durham. He wrote, "The Normal School is closing and these are the most affectionate students we ever saw. Such delicious promenades and tender adieus! They have enjoyed a Chapel Hill Commencement six weeks long. * * *Everybody was as happy as an old woman at a campmeeting. Long live President Battle, Governor Vance, the gifted Professors, and Brother Dugger! * * *Farewell, happy Normalites!"

        Rev. Dr. Thomas H. Pritchard, President of Wake Forest College, addressed the school, and on his return home gave his

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impressions in the Biblical Recorder. I give some quotations from his article:

        "It may not be inappropriate to say that Professors Grandy, Watson, Owen, and the Brothers Wilson are Baptists. The School continued six weeks wanting two days, and rarely has so much work been accomplished in so brief a period of time. There was an air of business about the whole thing that struck every one--everybody seemed to know everybody and to feel perfectly at home, and resolved to realize all the good they could out of the school while it lasted.

        "Did space allow I should like to describe in detail the exercises of a day, the morning worship, the lecture in Geography from Professor Owen; the striking system of instructing the very young, known as the Kindergarten System; the very wise and practical lectures of Professor Ladd on the discipline of school and the best methods of teaching; the classes for studying Arithmetic, Grammar, analyzing English, Latin; the Shakespeare class of Professor Page, and his lectures on the English language; the rare skill in singing, and the training of the Professors Wilson; all was interesting and must have been profitable in a high degree.

        "Almost every night there was a lecture on some important and interesting topic by prominent men from this and other States. Besides Major Hotchkiss, of Virginia, and the Hon. Samuel F. Phillips, of Washington, D. C., Governor Vance and Messrs. Polk, Wiley, I. H. Smith, Gales, Dick, Bingham, Pritchard, etc., addressed the school.

        "It would be difficult, I think, to estimate the good that must result from this school. The teachers were greatly benefited. Not only did they learn much as to the best methods of teaching and managing schools, books, etc., but they were obliged to be intellectually stimulated and quickened in a high degree, and besides this they formed valuable friendships, they came to appreciate their calling more highly; there was necessarily and naturally awakened in them an esprit de corps, which has already manifested itself in the formation of a State Teachers' Association. Then they, as well as the hundreds who visited the school, will take to their homes a quickened interest in the

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cause of education, to be felt, I trust, throughout the State, and exert an influence upon the coming Legislature by which our system of common schools will be greatly improved.

        "Of course, the Normal School is a splendid advertisement to the University. Dr. Battle and everybody else at Chapel Hill were so pleasant to all these strangers, and all the associations of the place were so delightful that very many of these teachers will feel very much like saying a good word for the University when they see a boy who wishes to go to college."

        Scores of eminent men of the State visited the school and their testimony coincided with that of Dr. Pritchard. Major Bingham said in a public address, "The establishment of the Normal School was the greatest event in the history of North Carolina of the past one hundred years. Its successes are more direct and affect the future of the State more than any event which has occurred or is likely to occur.

        "Again, this State is the first to connect the Normal School with her University, and put it under the control of the same. In this the State has done wisely. President Battle has done more for North Carolina in his efforts for education than any man in the State. This is the first time in the annals of the State that females have enjoyed the benefits of the public money." He eulogized the Normal School and stated that had he attended a Normal School many of his own defects would have been remedied. " * * * It will be a sad day in the State when the sun of the Normal School shines for the last time on the University Campus."

        These views from one of the most distinguished educators the State has, or ever had, are entitled to the utmost respect.

        Governor Vance made several addresses before the school. He congratulated in tones that gave depth and earnestness to his emotions the teachers present, and their teachers, and their friends, and the Faculty of the University, and the residents of Chapel Hill on the wonderful and most gratifying results of this experiment. And his messages to the General Assembly reiterated this view.

        Rev. Dr. A. D. Hepburn, the scholarly President of Davidson College, was as emphatic in his laudations. He congratulated

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President Battle "on being called by God's good providence to inaugurate this new movement in education; this effort to popularize culture, to show that the University was for all the citizens of the State."

        The commendations of scores of our best people, especially teachers, were equally strong. It can not be affirmed that the press of the State was unanimous in the same direction, but it is true that no contrary comment was ever heard of, and the leading newspapers endorsed the movement in strong terms. For example, the Raleigh Observer said, "The opening of the Normal School at the University inaugurated a movement the beneficial results of which will continue to be felt for all time to come, in fact we regard it as the actual dawn of a new, brighter, and better era in North Carolina."

        Solicitor-General S. F. Phillips said, "This Normal School is giving to the future of North Carolina a light possessed by no other movement since the war."

        University Day was in this year held for convenience sake on October 11th. The rostrum was beautifully decorated by ladies, above it the legend "Sicut patribus, 1776-1878." The Glee Club sang "The Old North State." President Battle then continued his History of the University, by giving an account of the several buildings, beginning with the Old East. The University Ode was sung and President Battle then introduced Hon. John W. Norwood, of Hillsboro, of the Class of 1824, who proceeded to give a most interesting history of his class. Out of eighty Freshmen only thirty-six took their degrees. After a lapse of twenty years only five were left in the State. Some great men belonged to the class, among them Wm. A. Graham, John Bragg, Matthias E. Manly, Edward D. Simms, Daniel B. Baker, James W. Bryan, A. J. DeRosset, Thomas Dews, Augustus Moore, David Outlaw, Blomfield L. Ridley. Only Judge M. E. Manly and Dr. A. J. DeRosset and the speaker were then surviving.

        The exercises were closed by a hymn sung by the Glee Club, and the benediction by Rev. Dr. Roe, of New Jersey, a relative of Dr. Charles Phillips.

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        It was remarked that Judge William H. Battle, who had been a Trustee since 1835, except for the interval from 1868 to 1874, and who had attended almost every public exercise of the University during that period, was present on this occasion, his last attendance on a public exercise. Fifty-eight years ago he had at his graduation delivered the valedictory oration from the rostrum in Person Hall. His interested face was seen at almost every Normal School exercise.

MEDICAL DEPARTMENT.

        On February 12, 1879, the Medical School was established by the Executive Committee in accordance with a scheme considered after consultation with Dr. Thomas W. Harris, late of Chatham County, a first honor graduate of 1859, an M.D. of Paris, a Captain in the Confederate Army, a physician of recognized skill and ability. Dr. Harris was elected Professor of Anatomy and Dean of the School. Prof. A. Fletcher Redd had charge of General and Analytical Chemistry, Frederick W. Simonds was Professor of Botany and Physiology. The design of the school was modest--to prepare students for attendance on the lectures of the leading medical colleges. For the first year's course instruction was given in the above named studies. For the second year instruction was by Dr. Harris in Anatomy, Materia Medica, Therapeutics, and the Practice of Medicine. Anatomy was taught by dissection of human subjects and by models, of which the Professor had a large collection of the make of the celebrated Auzoux. Then followed a short course in the operation of Surgery, in which Dr. Harris was well skilled. Free clinics were given once or twice a week and opportunity afforded to the students of seeing diseases at the clinic and at other times, and, under the direction of the Professor, of treating them. The Professor of Anatomy was not subject to University regulations and received no salary.

        Dr. Harris had exceptional advantages as Dean of the Medical School. He graduated at this University in 1858, being one of the first honor men in a class of ninety-three. He obtained his medical diploma at the University of New York.

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He then spent two years in hospital work in the famous Ecole de Medecine of Paris, France, devoting himself especially to Anatomy. He was medical attendant for nine months under the distinguished Velpeau. He studied diligently the latest French and other works and was abreast with the newest discoveries of his profession. He was very active and industrious, with a decided genius for his science.

        Dr. Harris was an able man and a good teacher, but the necessity of engaging in general practice resulted in such frequent absence from his classes that they continued very small. This caused his resignation and removal to Durham in 1885. The School of Medicine was then suspended for five years.

        While he was at the head of the department the body of a woman disappeared from a country graveyard. Shortly before bedtime an aged colored woman, once Judge Battle's cook, called on President Battle. She said, "Mars Kemp! them people are mighty mad about that body being stolen. They have got the right from the Mayor and are going to search the University and I thought you ought to know it." I suitably thanked her and went in the rain nearly a mile to the residence of Dr. Harris. He said simply, "They will not find anything," and they did not. It was never known who robbed the grave.

        There was much indignation and anxiety in the neighborhood. One man had the graves of his two daughters guarded by an armed watch for the nights of three weeks. It led to the passage by the General Assembly of an act making grave robbery a misdemeanor. The Professors gave their assurance to the people that no such act should be perpetrated by their students. For nearly thirty years the promise has been faithfully kept and the fears and anxieties of those whose relatives and friends lie in the ground have completely passed away.

JUDGE BATTLE.

        Judge William Horn Battle, on account of increasing infirmities, resigned his professorship in January, 1879, and died March 19th of the same year. He had been an enthusiastic and efficient Trustee for thirty-eight years, beginning with

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1833, and much of that time a member of the Executive Committee. He had been Professor of Law for twenty-three years. While he was not charged with enforcing the discipline of the University, after his removal to Chapel Hill in 1843 until the death of President Swain, in 1868, it was the constant habit of the President to consult him on all matters of difficulty connected with the government of the institution, and by invitation he attended Faculty meetings when not attending his courts.

        Judge Battle was born October 17, 1802, graduated at this University in 1820, among the highest honor men. He studied law with Chief Justice Henderson in Granville County, where he met the lady who afterwards became his wife, Lucy Martin Plummer, daughter of Kemp Plummer, a leader of the bar of Warrenton, N. C. He settled at Louisburg as a lawyer, was a Member of the Legislature; was joint Reporter with T. P. Devereux of the decisions of the Supreme Court; largely aiding in the extensive necessary copying. He was then sole Reporter until appointed in 1840 Superior Court Judge. In 1848 he was appointed by Governor Graham a Judge of the Supreme Court, but was not elected by the General Assembly, because there were already so many high officers from Orange County, and because he refused to solicit votes from Members of the Legislature. He was reinstated in his position as Superior Court Judge. In 1852 he was elected by the General Assembly to the Supreme Court and so continued until 1868, when he was not reëlected because he was opposed to the party dominant under the Reconstruction Acts of Congress. He then practiced law in Raleigh until 1876, for one year being president of the Raleigh National Bank. The next year he removed to Chapel Hill and was elected Professor of Law.

        In addition to his labors as lawyer, Reporter, Professor and Judge, he edited and annotated some of the early North Carolina Reports, republishing two volumes with copious notes. He also published four volumes of Digests. In 1836, with Chief Justice Nash and ex-Governor Iredell, he prepared and published the Revised Statutes, residing in Boston some months in order to read proof. He also prepared at his own charge

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Battle's Revisal, which was accepted by the General Assembly. Judge Battle, though without prejudice against the other denominations, was a faithful member of the Protestant Episcopal Church. He attended as a Delegate all of the Diocesan Conventions and was a Delegate to all the General Conventions, in the United States and in the Confederate States, from shortly before the War of Secession to his death. In 1865 he assisted Bishop Atkinson in reuniting the Episcopal Church.

        The Faculty attested that Judge Battle was "eminent for all the virtues and endowments that ennoble one's nature." "His career is an admirable instance of well poised intellectual and moral powers, under the influence of right principles, steadily applied to the accomplishment of high purpose and noble ends." These words were penned by Prof. J. DeBerniere Hooper, who had been an intimate friend for a third of a century.

        Chief Justice Merrimon of the Supreme Court Bench said: "I shall not say that Judge Battle was a great man in any single respect, but he was great in the unity, symmetry, goodness and beauty of his character. His whole record is stainless."

        A writer in the University monthly says: "The period of his death is a memorable one and will ever be vivid to the students of 1879. On Sunday morning as the sun was rising the old College bell rang out for the students to do the last honor to the old man, the Judge, who had gone to his well earned rest. They escorted the remains to the edge of the village, and their committee went on to Raleigh to lay the body in state in the Capitol. Three days later, in the darkness of the night, the bell rang out again. At the dreary summons the students once more gathered. This time it was to perform the same service to one of their comrades, one who a short time before had been as happy and as thoughtless as any one. In double file they followed the corpse slowly and sorrowfully to the edge of the town. They thought as they separated of the strangeness of death--of the old man taken in the fullness of years, of the young man taken in his prime."

        Judge Battle's teaching in the University was from 1845 to 1868, and from 1877 to 1879. He was a Trustee from 1833

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to 1868 and from 1874 to 1879. While a resident of Raleigh, 1840 to 1843, he was an active member of the Executive Committee. He was an ardent lover of the University and infused that love into his wife and children. I give an incident of his early manhood, as indicating his temperate habits and as a lesson to young men to avoid spirituous liquors. Being in poor health his physician prescribed the old fashioned remedy, a toddy before breakfast. One morning while dressing he said, "Old Woman!" (a playful name he gave his wife), "Old Woman! I will not take another toddy!" "Why?" said she, "I think it is doing you good." "Well, I think so, too, but I found myself dressing fast in order to get to it. Don't make me another." And so he lived with mens sana in corpore sano.

        He was buried in Oakwood Cemetery in Raleigh, by his wife of forty-nine years, near children, parents, and other relatives. The young man above mentioned, Maurice H. Wilcox, found a resting place among his kindred in the cemetery of Warrenton.

ACTION OF TRUSTEES ON CAMERON AND SWAIN DEBTS.

        The Visiting Committee for 1879 were Rev. Dr. C. H. Wiley, Messrs. J. D. Cameron, J. S. Carr, John Manning, and Will H. Battle. Their report was very favorable. The Executive Committee were Governor Vance, B. F. Moore, Wm. H. Battle, Paul C. Cameron, William L. Saunders, and George V. Strong.

        Mr. P. C. Cameron brought before the Board the claims of his sister and President Swain. They were of high dignity, for money lent to the University for finishing the New East and New West Buildings. The principal of the former was $10,000, and accrued interest brought it probably to $15,000. The latter was at first $3,000 but increased to about $5,000. After discussion of the claims, the matter was referred to the Governor, K. P. Battle, and D. M. Carter. The committee after investigation found themselves unable to pay the debt for the reason that everything owned by the University, and whatever was given by the General Assembly or by private donors, were for the special purpose of carrying forward the

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work of the University and could be used for no other purpose. The Swain debt was left unpaid. Mr. P. C. Cameron determined to save his sister's claim by buying all the land sold under the decree of the court. This embraced some two hundred and fifty acres at Chapel Hill, decided by the court not to be necessary to the life of the University, and a large tract, whose extent was unknown, of escheated lands of David Allison, in the counties of Buncombe, Henderson and Transylvania. This tract after survey was found to be much larger than was expected and Mr. Cameron by a fortunate resale more than paid his sister's debt. The Trustees of the University took no step towards ascertaining the value of this land for in no event was it deemed possible to pay out of the proceeds the debts due the banks and all others. It was not deemed wise to expend out of the small amount in the treasury sums merely to increase the dividend on liabilities totally beyond their power to meet.

        The lands about Chapel Hill bought by Mr. Cameron have been mostly resold by him or by his executors. Part of this land is about seventy acres reaching to and comprising about one-half of Piney Prospect. It is to be hoped that means may be found to save this for the University. To lose Piney Prospect with its extensive vistas, described by Davie and resorted to by students and visitors for over a hundred years, would be a disaster. From it can be seen hundreds of square miles of the old Triassic Sea, with the spires and factory chimneys of Durham, the Main Building of Trinity College conspicuous above the trees. It gives the University the advantage of semi-mountainous scenery.

COMMENCEMENT OF 1879.

        The Seniors of the reconstructed University dearly coveted the privileges of their predecessors of the old régime, constantly petitioning for the same, never daunted by yearly refusals by the Faculty, until their stubborn denials were found to be final.

        They had heard of the Senior vacation of old times, giving the Seniors a month's holiday before Commencement. The

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reason assigned was that time was necessary to enable the speakers to prepare their orations. As these constituted only about one-third of the class there must have been another reason. It was in accordance with the policy of President Swain to aggrandize this class. It was a favorite maxim of his, "As is the Senior Class so is the University." Hence was granted this coveted holiday, and hence the "grave and reverend Seniors," besides this vacation, were required to attend only two-thirds of the hours of lectures, being exempted from the recitation before breakfast, a boon dear to the somnolent youth, and of real value to those of the diligent who devoted themselves to general reading.

        Such was the meagreness of entertainment of visitors at Commencement that the Secretary and Treasurer took the responsibility of expending $91.36 for purchasing bedding and other furniture for the accommodation of the Trustees. His action was ratified and the articles purchased were afterwards sold to students.

        The Chief Marshal was James M. Leach, Jr. His assistants were J. C. Dowd, J. H. Hill, E. P. Maynard, Philanthropics; R. D. Reid, C. A. McNeill, and C. D. McIver, Dialectics, the Chief belonging to the same society.

        Rev. Dr. Moses D. Hoge was on his way to the University to preach, by invitation, the sermon to the graduating class, the Baccalaureate sermon. At Durham he met President Battle, who informed him that Senator Thurman, who had agreed to deliver the annual address, was unable to carry out his promise. The Philanthropic Society, whose turn it was to choose the orator, requested Dr. Hoge, instead of a sermon, to take the Ohio Senator's place. He kindly consented and delivered without notes an address of great power and appropriateness on the "Nobility and Beauty of an Unselfish Life." He was introduced to the audience by Henry E. Faison, of the Philanthropic Society.

        At the meeting of the alumni, which took place after Dr. Hoge's address, Major J. W. Graham announced the death of ex-Judge Wm. H. Battle, president of the Association, and nominated Prof. J. DeBerniere Hooper, as president pro tem.,

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in his place. Being unanimously elected he took the chair, and Mr. Fabius H. Busbee introduced Hon. Samuel Field Phillips. Solicitor-General of the United States, the meeting being public. His address was of great excellence. Graduating in 1841 at the University, one of the first honor men, he soon was regarded as one of our ablest lawyers and ultimately attained the eminent dignity of Solicitor-General of the United States. Among other topics he eulogized in glowing terms three of our graduates, who had recently died, B. F. Moore, William H. Battle, and David M. Carter, whose lives shed lustre on the University. He also eulogized Lewis Bond, of Tennessee, and Hugh Waddell, of the Class of 1818, once Speaker of the Senate, both of whom had died during the year. He gave many reminiscences of the past of the University and wise suggestions as to its future and that of the society. General Phillips' tongue, pen, and purse were always at the command of his Alma Mater.

        On Wednesday night the society representatives delivered original orations. In introducing them President Battle alluded to the colors of the two societies. "A man who wears a white ribbon never says Die, and no one cay say Fie to one who wears a blue."

        The Dialectics were Roderick Belton John, his subject being "Three Necessary Elements of National Prosperity"; James Wiley Forbis on "The South Shall Yet be Free"; and Robert Paine Pell on "The Present Demand for a Southern Literature."

        The Philanthropics were Marcus Cicero Stephens Noble on "National Unity"; Locke Craig on "The Philosophy of the Strength and Progress of Islamism"; and Charles Randolph Thomas on "The French Revolution."

        On Commencement Day, after the usual procession, well conducted by James M. Leach, Jr., Chief Marshal, a very large company assembled in the Chapel. The exercises were begun by a prayer by Rev. Dr. Theodore B. Whitfield, of the Class of 1854. Then followed a hymn led by the Salem Band.

        The first speaker was John Moore Manning on "Capital and Labor as Affected by Government." The next was Robert

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Watson Winston on the "Effect of Modern Inventions on Politics and Morality." Next came a strong speech by Robert Strange on "Compulsory Education." The fourth speaker was Richard Bullock Henderson and his subject was "Call Things by Their Right Names." This oration was peculiar in having much humor. Francis Donnell Winston followed on "National Character as influenced by Agriculture." The audience pronounced this speech as "replete with brilliant ideas, and abundance of old fashioned hard horse sense." James Smith Manning received the praise of having "an excellent speech" on "Influence of Individual Character." "Some beautiful and valuable gems of thought" were attributed to Willliam Joseph Peele, his theme being "Philosophy of Reform." William Lanier Hill in a forcible speech on "The Chinese in America" advocated bringing them to America for the purpose of building our railroads and other works.

        The Mangum Medal was won by R. W. Winston. It was presented by Gen. James Madison Leach.

        The annual report was then read by Prof. C. D. Grandy. The following Degrees were conferred:

    BACHELOR OF ARTS (A.B.):

  • Kemp Plummer Battle, Jr.
  • Richard B. Henderson.
  • William Lanier Hill.
  • James Smith Manning.
  • John Moore Manning.
  • William Joseph Peele.
  • Alva Connell Springs.
  • Robert Strange.
  • Francis Donnell Winston.
  • Robert Watson Winston . . . . . 10

    BACHELOR OF PHILOSOPHY (PH.B.):

  • Isaac Montrose Taylor . . . . . 1

    BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.S.):

  • Gaston Ahi Robbins . . . . . 1
  • Total . . . . . 12

        Battle, Springs, Robbins, and Taylor were allowed to present theses instead of speaking.

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        The Honorary degrees were as follows:

        Doctor of Laws (L.L.D.): Thomas Samuel Ashe, 1832, and John Henry Dillard, 1839, then Judges of the Supreme Court, and Samuel Field Phillips, 1841, then Solicitor-General of the United States.

        Doctor of Divinity (D.D.): Rev. F. H. Kerfoot, of Baltimore; J. F. Pickett, of Mississippi, 1859; Daniel S. Henderson, of Alabama, and Aristides S. Smith, of North Carolina.

        Master of Arts (A.M.): Fabius H. Busbee, 1868, of North Carolina, and John M. Webb, 1868, of Tennessee.

        The winners of Medals and Prizes were:

  • GREEK MEDALS--Charles Duncan McIver, John Alton McIver.
  • CHEMISTRY MEDAL--Robert Ransom.
  • LATIN MEDAL--Louis Morehead Patterson.
  • BINGHAM MEDAL (Entrance)--Albert Sidney Grandy.
  • GERMAN PRIZE--Alexander Lacy Phillips.
  • MANGUM MEDAL--Robert Watson Winston.

        After the graduates had been called up to receive their diplomas at the hands of the Governor, as President of the Board of Trustees, he gave them sound advice and fairest wishes for success and happiness in life. He reminded them that "Success in arms in the acquisition of territory gives temporary renown, but after the lapse of a few centuries everything but the great thoughts of a people perishes." The reporter adds, "How true! We speak of the age of Dante, careless of what Julius or Nicholas or Gregory might occupy the Papal chair."

        Judge Ashe gave an amusing account of the reception of his doctorate by Judge Dillard. The Supreme Court was puzzling over the question whether an old lady, Mibra Gulley, was a necessary party in an action. Judge Ashe walked into Judge Dillard's room before breakfast and found him poring over his books. "Good morning, Dr. Dillard!" "What do you mean?" said Dillard, looking up from his work. "I mean what I say. The University has made us Doctors of Laws." "The Dickens you say. A mighty sorry Doctor of Laws am I, when for the life of me I can't decide whether under the Code of Civil

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Procedure old Mibra Gulley should be joined as a plaintiff in this action."

        The graduates of 1879 have, as a rule, done well in life. Battle an eye, ear, and throat specialist; Henderson and Manning, J. M., prominent physicians; Manning, J. S., ex-Supreme Court Judge, State Senator, and Representative; Peele, lawyer and author; Strange, Bishop of East Carolina; Winston, F. D., Judge, Lieutenant-Governor, and State Senator; Winston, R. W., Judge and very prominent lawyer; Taylor, long assistant physician of the Western Hospital for the Insane, and now Principal of the Broadoaks Sanitarium, at Morganton; Robbins, a Representative in Congress, now dead; Hill, a prosperous lawyer, and Springs, a bank president.

        On Thursday night an effort was made by means of a lawn party to provide amusement for the large number of nondancers present, engineered by a most worthy man, Eugene L. Harris, whose useful career in a few years was cut short by pulmonary consumption. Chinese lanterns were hung on the trees in the Campus, light refreshments were provided and seats distributed where "sweet nothings" could be whispered. The experiment was not successful. The absence of the gay dancers was severely felt and it was found that those who did not participate in the mazy whirl preferred the brilliant lights of the ballroom, where they could gaze on the flashing diamonds, the radiant costumes, the graceful figures of the evolutions. A Methodist, writing for the Christian Advocate, gave his impressions as follows: "The ball, as usual, was, as I am told, largely attended, and continued all night until morning light. Many members of the different churches visited the enchanting scene, some going just to meet their friends, some to accompany their visiting friends, some to hear the music, some to see the ladies' dresses, and some to hear the woman play on the fiddle, but I have heard of none who went to see the dancing! Perhaps they ought not to be blamed too much for going, for the thing is equal to a circus to draw the curious and the impressible."

        It may be well here to explain the attitude of the University towards dancing. On one hand there are people of excellent

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piety and good intentions who think it wrong, as inciting to licentiousness. They also think that the tenets of their churches, as expounded by their clerical leaders, are against it. On the other hand there are people of equal piety and good intentions who think it a harmless amusement. They point to the undenied fact that young men and women of the highest character and conduct participate in it and are encouraged to do so by godly parents. Moreover, the preachers and leaders of other denominations of Christians countenance it, at any rate they do not object. Under these circumstances the University takes sides with neither. It is a social question about which there is difference of opinion. The authorities can not think it a crime or leads to crime for experience shows that the ball managers and other student participants are and have been among our most hightoned and free from vice, and the wildest malignity dares not to cast suspicions on the conduct and purity of their partners.

        The allowing the use of a room on the Campus, not needed for instruction at the time, was not considered a violation of neutrality. But even this was forbidden when the increase of the library required that its floor should be taken up with alcoves.

        The Chief Ball Manager was B. C. Sharpe, the assistants C. D. Hill, J. P. MacRae, W. E. Philips, and R. W. Winborne.

        One of the most agreeable features of Commencement was the Reunion of the Class of 1854. Death by disease and battle had made sad inroads in its ranks. The members present were Hon. Richard H. Battle, Rev. Dr. Needham B. Cobb, Captain Elnathan Hayne Davis, Colonel Ivey Foreman Lewis, Captain Richard B. Saunders, and Rev. Dr. Theodore B. Whitfield. They had their social meeting and in the Chapel had reserved seats together. The class contained sixty members and many of them have been distinguished in Church and State.

        A novel incident of the Commencement was the bringing of the members of the Masonic Order, then in session in Durham, by Messrs. W. T. Blackwell and J. S. Carr, to Chapel Hill to witness the Commencement exercises. There were seven four-horse

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and five two-horse vehicles, all gaily caparisoned. Each Mason was puffing away at a long reed and clay pipe. A bounteous picnic dinner was had on the lawn.

        Solicitor-General Phillips, Hon. John Manning, and Prof. W. C. Kerr were appointed by the Alumni Association to procure funds for erecting on Mount Mitchell and at Chapel Hill monuments to Dr. Elisha Mitchell. That on Mt. Mitchell was provided for by the will of Mrs. Eliza Grant, his daughter. It was in due time placed in position after much difficulty and labor by the energy of Dr. Wm. B. Phillips. A marble slab in a conspicuous place in Memorial Hall, by order of the Trustees, and a similar slab in the Presbyterian Church, keep alive the memory of the learned doctor.

        There were only a few changes in the Faculty of 1878-'79. Professor Grandy was given the Chair of Natural Philosophy. The Chair of Law, vacant by Judge Battle's death, was temporarily filled by President Battle. Thomas W. Harris, M.D., became Professor of Anatomy and Materia Medica. W. C. Kerr, Ph.D., State Geologist, was Lecturer on Geology of North Carolina. Isaac E. Emerson was Instructor in Chemistry. He has since used his chemical education to such advantage that he has become one of the most prosperous druggists in the United States. He is numbered among the millionaires of the land, now of Baltimore.

RELIGIOUS EXERCISES.

        It was in this year that Professor Redd, a strong Baptist, authorized by his church to be a lay preacher, and often exercising this liberty, took the ground that it was against principle to require students to attend Prayers. He contended that enforced religious practice was especially against the tenets of his church. The Faculty concluded to yield to his arguments and to try the experiment. It resulted as some predicted. For a short while there was a respectable attendance and then the numbers present dwindled almost to the vanishing point. It was determined to resume the marking of absentees. For some time the roll was called and the absent thus noted. When by the generosity of Mr. David G. Worth, of Wilmington,

Illustration

        BAPTIST CHURCH

        METHODIST CHURCH

        PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

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the interior of Gerrard Hall was remodeled and chairs replaced the uncomfortable benches, numbers were attached to the chairs, each student having his own number. Two students, one for each aisle, are employed to report the numbers of the vacant chairs. The penalty for nonattendance is, first, the loss of character as an orderly student, and second, being reported to superiors at home. The result is good, especially as public prayers are not held on Saturday and Sunday mornings, nor at any time during the examination period. As for attending divine worship on Sundays, there is no obligation as a University duty. Experience shows that the removal of compulsion promotes the cause of religion. The number of professing Christians has largely increased. While a considerable number shirk the Sunday services, if they should be forced to go, by inattention and positive misbehavior they would not only derive no benefit to themselves, but be of injury to others.

        For years the meeting for Prayers was held a half hour after the breakfast hour, but now (1911-'12) it is after the first morning lecture. To give greater inducements to attend, after Prayers are over a five minutes' talk on an interesting subject is given by some selected person. The seats placed in the Hall by the donation of Mr. D. Worth, were found to occupy so much space that only one-half of the students could be accommodated and the gallery benches were too uncomfortable for use. Both these troubles were afterward remedied, so that the Seniors and Juniors can join the Sophomores and Freshmen in the worship of their Maker.

        For one year, in accordance with a vote of the Faculty, the giving of Bibles to graduates was dispensed with. One of the Trustees, Rev. A. D. Betts, D.D., of the Methodist Church, was so hurt at this omission that the practice was resumed. As this is a literary institution having no theological department, and as Bibles are commonly owned throughout the land, the Faculty surrendered their judgment only in deference to religious sentiment, as voiced by Dr. Betts.

        The University has never made a continuous effort to introduce the study and the practice of instrumental or vocal music. In 1877 Mr. Eugene Wilson, a very competent man, was employed

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for one year to teach singing to those desiring to learn. In 1879 a member of the Senior Class, Rev. Wm. A. Betts, although entitled as the son of a preacher to free tuition, preferred to pay it by giving similar instruction with consent of the Faculty to a class in singing, and to lead a choir at Prayers. And President Battle, who believed in the efficacy of singing as a mode of recreation and culture, as well as aiding in discipline, procured song books of Yale University, in the hope that some of the stirring odes of that institution, slightly altered, would be popular here. He had a temporary success. A Glee Club was formed, led by Mr. Betts and Mr. James M. Leach, which showed considerable enthusiasm, but it soon died away. Since then Glee Clubs have been formed from time to time. They have even given concerts here and elsewhere. And at match games of football and baseball we hear rollicking songs to cheer the players, or at other times a carol from an untaught group on the Campus. But there is a deplorable absence of systematic practice among the students generally. The Superintendent of Public Instruction of Connecticut stated to me that the Superintendent of the high schools in Berlin informed him that the 6,000 pupils under him all sang. Said he: "Any one who can talk can sing." I saw two German students once at a private house requested to give specimens of their University songs. Each pulled from his pocket a well worn note book, one took his seat at the piano and they proceeded to comply with the request of the hostess. I can not conceive of two Chapel Hill students always prepared for singing by note as those Germans were. We have generally had in recent years one or two sufficiently skilled to lead a choir by playing the tune on the piano, but as a rule he has been insufficiently supported.

        The foregoing criticism does not apply to the various Glee Clubs, who, after proper instruction, here and elsewhere sustained the honor of the University.

        Besides the Glee Club, at various times companies of students have acted in dramas with as large a measure of success as could be expected of novices. Some of them had never seen a theatre.

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        The Faculty asked that Person Hall should not be rebuilt and the money thus saved should be spent on equipment, but the Trustees resolved otherwise. They were, however, as liberal in this regard as the state of the treasury justified.

        The Faculty kept a vigilant eye to prevent people of bad character from pandering to the vices or evil habits of students. Boarding with such at tables prepared by them was broken up and all except visitors were forbidden to frequent the Campus unless licensed by the President or Faculty.

        The habits of the students were much influenced by the condition of old times, when the forest stretched for miles from the buildings towards the South. The question of how to introduce the decencies of modern life was often discussed and proved to be insoluble until the General Assembly gave funds for the construction of water works. At one time water closets of planks, having every appearance of being of a temporary nature, were constructed near the old dormitories, Old East, Old West, and South, but it was not long before the larger was burned as a public nuisance by students who roomed near it, and the Faculty had the others torn down. The primitive status of things is indicated by the grave law of the Faculty that no dead animal should be deposited within a half mile of the Campus or on the premises of any citizens. As the University had no control over any other than a Professor the enactment could not protect the Faculty from the odors of the unsavory prey of those useful birds, whose comeliness and graceful flight can only be appreciated when "distance lends enchantment to the view."

        Cognate to this provision of law was the prohibition at or near Chapel Hill of lager beer saloons. Whatever argument was used for them, by those who declaimed about the small percentage of alcohol in this popular beverage, was rendered futile by the potent fact that the beer could be, and would be, adulterated with additional measures of alcohol, even as harmless cider often becomes an intoxicating mixture. But even without this liability to become stronger the license would have been refused.

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        The Secretaries of the Faculty from the reopening to 1886 are here given: Prof. George Tayloe Winston, 1875-'78; Prof. Carey D. Grandy, 1878-'79; Prof. Frederick W. Simonds, 1879-'80; Prof. Carey D. Grandy, 1880-'81; Asst. Prof. Robert P. Pell, 1881-'82; Bursar William T. Patterson, 1882-'84; Prof. and Registrar J. W. Gore, 1884-'86; Asst. Prof. and Librarian James Lee Love, 1886.

MOUNTAIN CLIMBING.

        Four of the graduates of 1879, Robert Strange, Kemp P. Battle, Jr., Alva Springs, and James S. Manning, determined to take a pedestrian tour over our mountains. For the information of those inclined to follow their robust example I give their itinerary. They journeyed to Icard's Station, now Connelly's, in Catawba County, by rail, then began their walking, first to Lenoir, visiting Hibriten peak; thence to the top of the Blue Ridge, Blowing Rock, and Raven's Rock. Crossing the Ridge they visited Valle Crucis and Dutch Creek Falls, then climbed Grandfather Mountain, camping on top to see the sun rise. They next visited Linville River to the Falls, then Table Rock, Hawk's Bill, and the neighboring cave. Again crossing the Blue Ridge they went down Plum Tree Creek to Toe River, thence up the river to the Yellow Mountain, where they spent the night in a deserted cabin. They then followed the ridges to the Roan and its points of interest; thence to Bakersville. Their itinerary then led to Sink Hole mica mines, Black Mountain, Swannanoa Gap, Hickory Nut Gap and Falls, and Cæsar's Head, then around the headwaters of the French Broad to Mt. Pisgah, then to Whiteside Mountain, then to the Macon Highlands, to Tallulah and Toccoa Falls in Georgia, thence by rail home. Their entire outfit consisted of a few articles of clothing carried in knapsacks.

        The Bakersville Republican, from whose columns the foregoing points are gathered, adds, "Their gentlemanly deportment and social manners won the admiration of our citizens, and they left with many heartfelt good wishes for their safety on their trip. If these young gentlemen are a fair sample of

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the students at Chapel Hill, North Carolina may well be proud of her State University." The editor then goes into poetry, probably the refrain of a mountain song,


                         "They strapped their knapsacks on their backs
                         And started off for Georgia."

        They carried no fishing tackle on their journey, nor firearms of any sort, but occasionally borrowed instruments for fishing or hunting. They met with kindness everywhere, enjoyed the mountain food, as a rule, gloried in the scenery, and grew stronger every day. There was only one mishap, a sprained ankle, but this did not detain them long. There came near being a serious trouble. Borrowing a gun Battle went grouse hunting. Stepping on a log in a place where the laurel was extremely thick he felt something writhing under his feet. Looking down he saw a huge rattler. The rapidity with which he leaped back and shot the snake was a credit to the first baseman of his team at Chapel Hill. This was the only rattlesnake seen on the whole trip.

        Some particulars of the experience of these walkers may be of interest to those contemplating a similar vacation tour. They walked in all about 530 miles. They made no effort to cover much distance in a day, except once towards the close when they made thirty-four miles. They crossed the Blue Ridge eleven times during their journey. They met with great hospitality except when, in one instance, they asked for lodging after bedtime and were requested to try the next house. Let us hope that the occupants had good reason for this exceptional treatment. Sometimes there was no charge for entertainment. Once it was ten cents for supper, lodging, and breakfast. More often it was twenty-five cents. The whole trip cost about $75 each. They were never required to pay for the use of guns or fishing tackle. The fishing luck was sometimes good and sometimes bad; one of the party caught about thirty small trout one day on the Grandfather reaches of the Linville. Mr. Galloway, the guide of the Grandfather, who lived on the dividing line between the Watauga and the Linville, instructed them in the art of tying flies for trout; they

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did not fish for bass or other fish. One incident of their trip is memorable. On the flanks of the Big Yellow they experienced the hospitality of a couple who lived in a log cabin of one room about twelve feet square. The children were ten in number, some sleeping on trundle beds and some on the floor. The four travelers spread themselves on the floor in front of the fire, "And all lived happily together," as children's stories go.

        Our trampers returned rich in health and strength, with pleasant memories to last a lifetime, and ready to begin with stout hearts the business of life.

        It was in this year that a short physical struggle took place between two Professors, which created much amusement. The poverty of the University was such that Chemistry and Physics had been placed in charge of the same Professor. As this did not have good results, the Professor of Pure Mathematics was induced to add Physics to his charge. The two Professors proceeded to divide the apparatus. All went on amicably until they reached the air pump, which was mounted on a temporary tripod for convenience of lecturing. A vigorous dispute ensued over the possession of this article. Finally temper was lost. Mathematics forcibly pushed Chemistry against the wall, seized the bone of contention and darted for the door. Recovering from his surprise Chemistry made a lunge for the retreating air pump, caught the tripod and held it triumphantly, while Mathematics carried to his lecture room the spolia opima, the air pump.

        Of course this little ebullition of temper, which was witnessed by three students who chanced along, was seized on by all the satirists and wits in the University. Next morning at Prayers, on the wall behind the pulpit appeared two broadsides--two locomotives about to crash into one another. One was colored red and the other gray. The engine drivers were frantically objurgating one another and demanding in opprobrious terms the right of way. The other caricature showed two game cocks, one red and the other gray, valiantly fighting for the honors of the ring. Dr. Charles Phillips conducted

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Prayers that morning and by promptly tearing down the offending papers put a stop to the fun.

        These were the best caricatures I have seen of University happenings, said to have been the work of a very orderly and successful student, Frank B. Dancy. It was nearly equalled by a series of pictures on the belfry about 1852, done in black on the white wall, pleasantly ridiculing the names and other peculiarities of the old Faculty. President Swain, by promising the merchant who furnished the paint that he would not prosecute the offender, ascertained that he was Frederick Henry Cobb, of Alabama, a fine manly fellow and a fair student, who had acquired skill in drawing and penmanship.

        After the ill health of Dr. Charles Phillips prevented his attention to the duties of his chair, which was evidenced by the report of a committee of which Mr. P. C. Cameron was chairman, the Trustees liberally allowed the employment of a mathematical substitute at $800 annually and Dr. Phillips to receive the residue of the salary. Afterwards his physician, Dr. Wm. P. Mallett, gave it as his opinion that his patient should resign permanently his professorship in order to obtain freedom from responsibility, and avoid the nervous wear and tear consequent on holding an office the duties of which he could not perform. This advice was taken and Dr. Phillips ceased to be a working teacher of the institution he loved so well. The Trustees voted him to be Professor Emeritus, a position without pay and without work. The Executive Committee adopted unanimously resolutions of regret for the resignation and its cause, and their sense of the great value he had been to the University. He lived for ten years longer, never recovering his health but keeping to the last his deep interest in the affairs of the University and rejoicing in its upward march. He said to me one day, "Kemp! it is a sore dispensation to me to witness the efforts made by you and others to advance the University while I am chained by sickness, so that I can not work for its advancement, but God's will be done!" He made no complaint, but left his case in the hands of his Maker.

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        Prof. Ralph H. Graves married Julia, third daughter of Prof. John DeBerniere Hooper. When their eldest child was born Rev. Dr. Charles Phillips published the following in a local newspaper (The Ledger.) It shows a remarkable association of one family with the University.

A NEW PROFESSOR AT THE UNIVERSITY.1

        He arrived Thursday morning. His ancestors to the fifth generation have been officers in the University of North Carolina. His father2 is now a Professor. His paternal grandfather3 was a Professor. His maternal grandfather4 is now a Professor. His mother's maternal grandfather,5 his own great-grandfather, was a Professor. His father's maternal grandfather,6 his own great-grandfather, was Steward. His maternal grandmother's paternal grandfather7 (by marriage), was the first President of the University. He has been represented in the Faculty by his father, his two grandfathers, two great-grandfathers, and one great-great-grandfather. His great-great-great-grandfather signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776, and his great-grandfather was present at the Centennial in Philadelphia in 1876. At present he is in the department of Literature, his specialty being Elementary Sounds. Weight, ten pounds.

        Explanation of the above:

        1 Ralph Henry Graves, Junior.


        2 Ralph H. Graves, his father.


        3 Ralph H. Graves, father of (2).

        4 John DeBerniere Hooper, Professor of Greek and French.


        5 Rev. Dr. Wm. Hooper, Professor of Ancient Languages.


        6 John Taylor, the first Steward.


        7 Rev. Dr. Joseph Caldwell, who married the mother of Dr. Wm. Hooper.



NORMAL SCHOOL OF 1879.

        The Normal School of 1879 was opened June 17th and closed July 24th. Some of the officers were the same. President Battle retained the general authority with the coöperation of Superintendent Scarborough. Prof. John J. Ladd was Superintendent and Lecturer on Methods, School Management, etc.; Alexander McIver was Professor of Mathematics, English Grammar, and Physiology; Julius L. Tomlinson took charge of English Grammar and Geography; J. Allen Holt was Professor of Drawing and Penmanship; Dr. Wm. B.

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Phillips of Chemistry, M. C. S. Noble of Latin and Algebra, John E. Dugger of Reading and Phonetics, Wm. G. Gaither of Grammar and Geography, Benjamin W. Hatcher of Arithmetic and Reading, Wilbur F. Tillett of English Philology, N. C. English of Grammar and Geography, Franklin S. Blair of Arithmetic and Grammar, Wm. A. Bridges of Geography and Reading, John W. Thaxton of Arithmetic and Grammar, Miss Emily M. Coe of the Kindergarten System, Misses Marshall, Lawrence, and Wilkinson of Calisthenics; Messrs. Eugene H. Wilson and Chas. L. Wilson of Vocal Music. Captain John E. Dugger was Secretary. Inspection of the foregoing list will show that some of the pupils were employed to drill the classes and thus were classed with the Faculty. The Secretary in addition to his teaching and secretarial duties was of inestimable value in cultivating harmonious relations between the students, thus making them feel at home.

        Lectures and addresses were delivered by prominent men and were of great value:

  • Prof. Jed Hotchkiss gave eight matchless lectures on Geography, one on Stonewall Jackson's Valley Campaign, and one on Arithmetic.
  • Rev. A. W. Mangum, on "The Best Lights are Those that Shine From Above," and one on Elocution.
  • Rev. N. B. Cobb, on "How Shall We Develop North Carolina?"
  • Hon. J. C. Scarborough, "Public School System of North Carolina."
  • Prof. J. H. Horner, "Language as the Instrument of Thought."
  • Prof. W. H. Pegram, "Nostrorum, Nostrarum, Nostrorum."
  • Prof. W. C. Doub, "Some Essentials to Success in Elementary Instruction."
  • Miss E. M. Coe, "The Teacher's Work; Its Rewards."
  • Dr. S. S. Satchwell, "School Hygiene."
  • Maj. Robert Bingham, "A Method of Teaching English Composition."
  • President K. P. Battle, address, "Education for Farmers," and four lectures on Palestine and Jewish History.
  • Dr. F. W. Simonds, five lectures on Natural History.
  • Prof. Walter H. Page, "How Shall We Get to be a Reading People?"
  • Prof. J. A. Tomlinson, "California."
  • Dr. Thomas W. Harris, "The Vocal Organs."
  • Gen. Wm. R. Cox, "The Duty of Teachers to the State."
  • Rev. A. C. Dixon, "Mental Gunnery."
  • Capt. John E. Dugger, "Graded Schools."
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  • Prof. W. G. Gaither, "Relations of Teachers to Church and State."
  • Prof. Allen McIver, "Aims and Methods of Instruction."
  • Prof. A. F. Redd, "Poisons and Their Detection."
  • Prof. W. B. Phillips, "Water."

        These addresses and lectures were generally at night and were in addition to the regular instruction.

        The whole number of pupils enrolled was 290. The average daily attendance 207. There were fifty-four counties represented. There was much enthusiasm among teachers and pupils. Miss Coe may be considered the introducer into North Carolina of Kindergarten instruction. She was not only extremely skillful with her class of children but formed an advanced class of teachers and imparted the system to them. To those of us who remembered how odious the monotony and confinement of school were to us in our boyhood it was a marvel to see children of all ages eager for Miss Coe's school to begin and regretful of its ending.

        The lectures of Professor Hotchkiss were novel and illumining. His explanation of the causes of deserts, rainfalls, and other phenomena were not only entertaining but of lasting value. His lectures on Stonewall Jackson's Valley Campaign gave a vivid idea of the wonderful strategy and tactics of that great soldier. And so the learned instruction of Ladd, McIver, Tillett, Phillips, Holt, Noble, and the others have borne excellent fruit in the schools in which their pupils were teachers.

        A most valuable feature was the instruction and practice of vocal music by the Messrs. Wilson. They had not time to enter on the niceties and refinements of the art, but aimed successfully to enable their pupils to introduce singing as a part of school exercises.

        A writer in the Raleigh Observer gives a truthful account of the general worth of the Normal School. "The teachers attend lectures and recitations all day, except at proper intervals for meals, listen eagerly to two lectures at night, return home to compare notes, indulge in criticisms, etc., and appear next morning fresh and ready to undergo the same arduous routine. Such indeed is the daily program of the Normalites. Every one looks cheerful and happy. Dr. Mangum says it is a

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marked feature of the school that it obeys the Apostolic injunction to 'rejoice always.' Mr. President is cheerful, the Professors are all cheerful, the ladies are all cheerful, the gentlemen are all cheerful, and the sun shines cheerfully upon them all."

        The exercises at the close were very interesting, and a short description is given. They began with a chorus by the Music Class, followed by a prayer by Rev. A. C. Dixon. Mr. Edwin Anderson Alderman made an address on the subject "Thoughts on our Professors." Mr. Henry Horace Williams read an essay on "Select Teaching." The query was debated by Cyril T. Wyche and Adolphus G. Faucette in the affirmative and James P. McNeill and Benjamin F. McMillan in the negative, "Ought the Ability to Read and Write be Established as a Qualification of Voters?" Mr. Alexander L. Phillips read an essay on the "Responsibility of Educated Men to Society." Mr. Henry Elias Faison then delivered an oration on "A Normal Department in connection with the University." The speeches and essays were followed by music.

        Governor Jarvis was unable to be present and Professor Ladd formally closed the school, which he did in chaste language. After him came a hymn and benediction. At night there was a concert by members of the school admitted to be notably harmonious and in excellent taste. The leaders were Misses Faison and Clinton, Mrs. Tankersley and Miss Milliken. There were solos by Miss Bessie Whitfield and Miss Merry, which were received with enthusiasm.

        The ladies of the school, through the Secretary, Captain Dugger, caused to be read the following graceful resolutions adopted by them.

        "We, the ladies of the Normal School of North Carolina, desiring to express our appreciation of the benefits accruing to us therefrom,

        "Resolve, first. To the honorable body, the Legislature of North Carolina, we tender our sincere thanks for giving us such an opportunity of elevating and improving our standard of scholarship.

        "Second. To President Battle, and the professors and teachers of the school generally, our grateful appreciation of a wisdom, kindness and courtesy which 'like the sun has shone on all alike.'

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        "Third. To the distinguished lecturers who have honored us since the commencement of the school, our thanks are due for a feast of reason rarely vouchsafed to us before.

        "Fourth. To the citizens of Chapel Hill an acknowledgment of a kindness which has made us feel that we were indeed at home.

        "Finally, to the Giver of every good and perfect gift, the homage of our praise and prayer that this school and every effort to promote the good of our State, 'may be so ordered on the best and surest foundations that peace and happiness, truth and justice, religion and piety may be established among us for all generations.' "


        The school was marked by polishing influences of calisthenics, drawing, and music, by severe drilling in the usual branches taught at schools, by the best experiences of discipline and methods, by instruction in the elements of chemistry and other sciences, in public speaking, in higher literary culture by Professor Tillett's lectures on Shakespeare, and in the inestimable advantages of the association of old and young, from different grades of society and far removed localities, all intent on self-improvement in one of the most useful and important professions of life.

        The proceedings of the school and abstracts of the lectures and addresses were fully and lucidly reported by "R. P. P.", known to be the initials of Rev. Dr. Robert Paine Pell, now the able president of Converse College in South Carolina.

UNIVERSITY DAY OF 1879.

        University Day was celebrated in 1879 on October 13th, the 12th, the eighty-sixth anniversary of the foundation of the University, falling on Sunday. President Battle gave another chapter of the history of the University. He described the excellent men who assisted in the ceremony of laying the corner stone, beginning with the illustrious Davie. He also commemorated the first President of the Board of Trustees, William Lenoir, who was also the last survivor, dying fifty years after his appointment, and expressed gratification that two of his descendants, Louis Morehead Patterson and Thomas Ballard Lenoir, were then among the students.

        Short ex tempore addresses of a most interesting nature were made by Rev. Joseph Blount Cheshire, afterwards bishop,

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one of whose ancestors was Lawrence Toole, who changed his Christian name to Henry Irwin, in honor of the gallant officer who was killed in the battle of Germantown; by Rev. James Pleasant Mason, a Baptist minister; Rev. Mr. Heitman, the Methodist minister at Chapel Hill, and by Professors Winston, Simonds, and Redd. The University Glee Club of students, assisted by ladies of the village, sang two odes composed for the occasion by Mrs. Spencer, one of them being the University Ode, given elsewhere, the first verse being,


                         Dear University,
                         Thy sons right loyally
                         Thy praises sing.
                         For thee, our Mother dear,
                         May every coming year
                         Fresh crowned with joy appear,
                         Fresh honors bring.

DEEMS FUND.

        December 20, 1879, Rev. Dr. Charles F. Deems, former Aujunct Professor of Rhetoric and Logic in this University, and then Pastor of the Church of the Strangers in New York City, sent to the University $300 as the beginning of a fund to be lent to the students on good security with interest. He wrote, "I wish the sons of the members of the North Carolina Conference to be preferred. I was once a member of that body and many of my most cherished friendships have been with good men, some living, some dead, who were my co-laborers therein. After this class, let the money be lent to the sons of any ministers of the Gospel. If there be none of them who desire it, let it be at the discretion of the President of the University." He requested that Professor Mangum be associated with the President as long as both are members of the Faculty. The fund is a memorial to his first-born, Theodore Disosway Deems, who was born in Chapel Hill and fell at Gettysburg. Dr. Deems adds, "The Lord bless you and the University." He closes his letter by a characteristic evidence of feeling.

        "With great respect, I am affectionately your old preceptor, CHARLES F. DEEMS."


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        President Battle wrote compositions and studied Horace under Dr. Deems in 1848.

        This gift is unique, in that it provides that the principal as well as interest shall be loaned to students on their giving security. A Trustee on hearing this said that they could get money at home on giving security, but the result proves that he was wrong. The Faculty decided that not exceeding $200 should be lent to any one during the year of his membership.

        Subsequently Dr. Deems increased the loan fund by $400, making his donation $700, and then Mr. William H. Vanderbilt added $10,000 through him. He then made several changes in the machinery of administration: First, putting the loan into the hands of the Faculty; second, allowing loans to nonresident students; third, removing preferences of sons of ministers of the Gospel.

        The fund has been of conspicuous benefit to indigent youths and to the University. Very little has been lost. The worthy find no difficulty in getting friends to become their sureties. There is a constant stream of outflow to borrowers and of inflow of repayments. From $10,700 the fund has grown to nearly $30,000. The plan prescribed by the donor of lending the principal, instead of the interest on an investment, secures more firmly the perpetuation of the memorial intended by the giver. Single investments are often lost by panics, misfortune or fraud. The annihilation of the values of all the numerous secured notes given by rising young men of all parts of the country seems practically impossible.

THE NO-FENCE LAW.

        A great grievance not only to the University but to the village was the running at large of cattle, including hogs and goats. On the streets, often, daintily dressed ladies were forced to the option of taking to the middle of the street in order to avoid the ponderous beasts sprawling on the sidewalk or to wait until by repeated urging they rose from their lair and opened the way. About the University buildings there was a constant noise, accompanied by a pungent odor, especially in fruit and watermelon time. A favorite joke in ancient days

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was to throw a slip knot around a half-grown pig and draw him up amid loud porcine lamentations to the third story.

        Of course gates were erected to keep the Campus sacred from intruders, but with so many careless young people passing and repassing the effort was practically fruitless. The annoyance continued, with an occasional worry of a bovine pulled and pushed up three flights of stairs and fastened to the bell rope. This would not have been thought of if the aforesaid bovines had not been running around the buildings and disturbing the inmates with unacademic lowing.

        Another evil of the cattle running at large was the practical diminution of the Campus. The Trustees had passed a law making that extend from the line of Dr. Battle's fence to that of Prof. A. H. Patterson, late Professor Gore's, and of the same extent north and south. As it was impracticable to close the Raleigh Road, the stone wall was built west of this road, cutting off temporarily from the Campus a very beautiful territory.

        The experiment was tried of having a small space of the Campus enclosed and called a pound, in which the cattle trespassing on the Campus could be confined. This succeeded to a limited extent, but with the ill will of the owners. After some years the General Assembly passed a law allowing a majority of the voters of Chapel Hill Township to decide by ballot whether cattle should be kept confined. A majority was against the proposal. Then a law was procured requiring the County Commissioners, on the affirmative petition of one-third of the landowners of the township to place it under what was called the "No-fence Law." This method secured the confinement of cattle, and no complaint is ever heard of its operation.

COMMENCEMENT OF 1880.

        On Tuesday of Commencement Week, at eleven o'clock, was the address before the Young Men's Christian Association by Rev. F. C. Woodward, of Elizabeth City. He showed more than ordinary gifts of oratory and made very successful this the first participation of the Association in the exercises of Commencement.

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        On Wednesday at eleven o'clock an address was made before the two literary societies by Judge Augustus S. Merrimon. His subject was "Some of the Duties of a Young Man to the State." He spoke from a heart in sympathy with the rising generation and from deepest love for his native State.

        At four o'clock came the Baccalaureate sermon, which was preached by Rev. Dr. H. H. Tucker, of Georgia, author of works on religious liberty and other subjects. His sermon was strong and peculiarly appropriate to young men.

        On Wednesday night the representatives spoke. The chronicler noted that "The sweet music served the double purpose of welcome and of strengthening the nerve of the young men, upon whom the success of the occasion depended." The first speaker was Allen T. Davidson on "The Present Demand for Political Culture." He showed a high appreciation of the duties of a true statesman. Next came James D. Murphy on "Centralization, the General Tendency of the Age." In eloquent style he made plain how the ideals of the fathers of our government have been thrown aside and a stronger government substituted. "The Importance of a Congress of Nations" was then discussed by Lycurgus E. Mauney. His argument for peace was so strong that a member of the Society of Friends, who was in the audience, presented him with a Bible. Then came William J. Adams on "The Present Duty of North Carolina in Regard to Education." Education causes material advancement and our State would be made richer and more happy by fostering higher culture. He was succeeded by Donnell Gilliam on the "Progress of Society." Mr. Gilliam was an accomplished orator. He gave the causes that have changed the manners of a barbarous age into the refined society of the present day. Robert B. Albertson spoke on "The Negro and the South." As he was known to be a Republican his views commanded all the more attention. He contended that the South needed the Negro's labor, and harmony between the two should be the rule.

        The next day at ten o'clock, after a hymn and a prayer by Rev. Dr. Joseph M. Atkinson, Senior speaking began. As

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usual at this time the number of speeches was not limited, as the classes were small and it was desired to interest the parents and friends of the speakers in their efforts.

        Robert Ransom began with "Republicanism in France." He spoke with force and developed his interesting subject well. He was followed by Thomas C. Brooks on "Agriculture as a Vocation." He pleaded for agricultural education and the beautification of country homes and in general making life in rural districts more agreeable. Then came Locke Craig on "Catholicism in the United States." His subject was treated in an exhaustive and tolerant style and the speaker showed the traits of a true orator. Both he and the Faculty were censured in a public print because he criticised the Roman Catholic Church. The Faculty could not think that the speech could injure this powerful organization and it was felt to be important that the students should discuss subjects in which they were interested.

        He was followed by Thomas H. Battle in a strong and rather pessimistic discussion of the question, "Will Russia be Dangerous to Europe?" He predicted that it will be--has he changed his opinion since the Japanese War? Alexander L. Phillips came next, his subject being "Protection Necessitates Protection." His arguments were cogent in proving that high rates press heavily on other business. "The Late Commercial Depression of the World" was discussed by Charles C. Cobb in a thoughtful way. "Why have we no Southern Literature?" was a question which Roderick B. John essayed to answer. He showed an extensive knowledge of general literature as well as that of our Southland. "The Irish Question" was the theme of Ernest Haywood. He handled it with his usual thoroughness and with a sympathetic spirit. Next came William B. Slade on "Empire Against Republic." His address was worthy of this great question. Then Charles B. Aycock delivered a discourse on "The Philosophy of New England Morals." The audience predicted for him the reputation as an orator which he has since attained. Then came Albert L. Coble on the great theme, "The Unification of Germany." Latimer C. Vaughan followed with a discussion of a profession which he

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embraced for several years in the distant State of Florida, "Journalism in North Carolina." Henry E. Faison closed with a thoughtful speech on "Science, the Benefactor of Mankind."

        The judges thought that Aycock was best, and the audience generally concurred. He was awarded the Wiley P. Mangum medal for oratory.

        The diplomas were delivered to the graduates by Governor Jarvis, who addressed to them very appropriate counsels as to their duties in life.

        There were Bachelors of Arts (A.B.), eleven; there were Bachelors of Philosophy (Ph.B.), four; a total of fifteen.

        The members of the class, as a rule, have been successful. Battle is president of a bank and manager of a large cotton mill; Craig a State Senator and able lawyer; Coble has been a Judge; Haywood a successful lawyer; John a Presiding Elder in the Methodist Church; Phillips, a Presbyterian Doctor of Divinity; Slade, president of a bank; Aycock, Governor of North Carolina; Betts, late president of Mansfield Female College in Louisiana; Cobb, a thriving lawyer in Texas.

        The degree of Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) was conferred on Wm. N. H. Smith, Chief Justice of North Carolina, and on David Schenck, Judge of the Superior Court and an author.

        The degree of Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) was conferred on Rev. David McGilvary, missionary in Siam; Rev. Thomas G. Starr, of Richmond, Virginia; Rev. Joseph M. Atkinson, of Raleigh, and Rev. Edward Rondthaler, of Salem.

        The Medals and Prizes were awarded as follows:

  • GREEK MEDAL--Frederick Nash Skinner, Henry Horace Williams.
  • CHEMISTRY MEDAL.--John Morehead Avery.
  • LATIN MEDAL.--Charles Watts Smedes.
  • GERMAN PRIZE.--Robert Paine Pell.
  • MCCAULAY PRIZE.--Donnell Gilliam.
  • BINGHAM ENTRANCE PRIZE.--Hugh Paris Markham.
  • BINGHAM ENGLISH MEDAL.--Charles Brantley Aycock.
  • MANGUM MEDAL.--Charles Brantley Aycock.

        The Marshals of 1880 were Frank Battle Dancy, Chief; Charles E. McLean, Edward E. Richardson, Thomas T. Covington,

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Dialectics, and Frank H. Stedman, James P. Joyner, and Noah J. Rouse, Philanthropics.

        In 1879-'80 there were no changes in the Faculty except that Rev. Charles Phillips, D.D., LL.D., having resigned the Chair of Mathematics, was made Professor Emeritus. His resignation was on account of ill health.

        The Ball Managers were John M. Walker, Chief, and Thomas D. Stokes, Frank G. Hines, L. B. Eaton, A. W. McAlister, assistants. The reporter becomes enthusiastic: "The decorations were exceedingly tasteful and beautiful. Every part of the handsome hall seemed fairly ablaze with light. The striking contrast between the sombre black of the dress suits and the brilliant hues of the ladies' costumes afforded exquisite grouping of colors, while the merry chatter of the gay couples made a very contagion of merriment. Every section of the State had sent forth its fairest to grace the scene."

        The reporter then gives the dresses of thirty-nine ladies and states that the ball broke up at four-thirty o'clock "amid a perfect pandemonium of those peculiar unearthly yells in which the college boy delights and excels."

TREE PLANTING, 1880.

        In the spring of this year the Senior Class originated the custom of planting a class tree. This and the Class Day exercises were held together and the affair was at first successful. A large audience of students, Faculty, and villagers was gathered in amphitheater shape in the open space in front of the College well. The class then marched out from the front door of the South Building, led by its President, Thomas H. Battle, carrying the class tree, a fine sugar maple, on his shoulders.

        After forming in line in front of the audience they sang their class song, written for them by Mrs. C. P. Spencer. A class history, a class prophecy, etc., were then delivered. Charles B. Aycock, whose fame as an orator and great educational Governor is now so well known, was one of the chief speakers. Others were Robert Ransom, of Northampton County, Secretary

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of the Class and now a large planter; Alexander L. Phillips, now in charge of the Sunday School work of the Presbyterian Church in the South; William B. Slade, now a banker of Columbus, Georgia, and Locke Craig, now a well known lawyer of Asheville. The tree was then planted on the edge of the "Forbidden Ground," where it now remains--a harbinger of the ever increasing value of the good Class of 1850 to its Alma Mater.

        By the way, this "Forbidden Ground" was a curious relic of North Carolina conservatism and respect for ante-bellum traditions. It was originally planned to preserve the great quadrangle between the East and West Buildings and Main Street as a section for foliage, etc. The two societies were enlisted in the attempt to make the students "keep off the grass," and imposed a fine of fifty cents for each transgression. Offenders were reported by the society monitors and fined without mercy. This was carried on effectively for several years. During the spring in question, 1880, a rabbit was once started up and pursued by a crowd of students across the "Forbidden Ground" and every soul that a monitor could locate was fined fifty cents. The restraint that the societies then exercised in this and other matters was really unique. At times it almost amounted to Blue Law persecution. For instance, a prominent member of the Class of '80 was actually fined two dollars for "reading matter in a church not connected with the service," the matter being a note just received from his best girl. This member is now a well known clergyman.

NORMAL SCHOOL OF 1880.

        The Summer Normal School of 1880 extended from June 24th to July 29th, President Battle having general charge. Major Jed Hotchkiss, of Staunton, Virginia, was Superintendent until July 6th, when he had engagements elsewhere. He was likewise Lecturer in Geography. He was succeeded in the office of Superintendent by Prof. Henry E. Shepherd. LL.D., of Baltimore, Maryland, Superintendent of the City

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Schools, who was also Lecturer on the English Language. The other members of the Faculty were as follows:

  • Alexander McIver, once Professor of Mathematics in Davidson College, afterwards Superintendent of Public Instruction: Teacher of Mathematics, English Grammar, and History.
  • Prof. J. L. Tomlinson, of Baltimore, Md., late Teacher in Graded Schools of California: Teacher of English Grammar and Geography.
  • Dr. Richard H. Lewis, of Kinston, once Doctor of Medicine, late Principal of Kinston College: Physiology and Hygiene.
  • Prof. Robert O. Holt, Oak Ridge, N. C., Teacher in Academy of Oak Ridge: Teacher of Drawing and Penmanship.
  • Prof. Wm. B. Phillips, Chapel Hill, N. C.: Teacher of Chemistry and Natural Philosophy.
  • Albert L. Coble, Graham, N. C., since Judge of the Superior Court: Teacher of Algebra.
  • Alexander W. McAlister, Asheboro, N. C.: Teacher of Latin.
  • Prof. Robert T. Bryan, now President of Baptist University at Shanghai, China: Teacher of Latin.
  • N. C. English, Superintendent of the Graded Schools of Greensboro: Teacher of Grammar and Geography.
  • Capt. John E. Dugger, Superintendent of Graded Schools of Raleigh: Reading and Phonics.
  • Prof. Benjamin W. Hatcher, Principal of High School of Selma: Arithmetic and Analytical Geometry.
  • Prof. Robert P. Pell, Instructor