LB 41 wmi ■W2?'.w Lfty-J Glass. Book / v. Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2011 with funding from The Library of Congress http://www.archive.org/details/addressdelivered01thom / ■ iESS, DELIVERED ON OCCASION OF THE OPENING OF THE N1VERSITV OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, IN BEHALF OF TEE BOARD OF TRUSTEES, NOVEMBER. 6 1848. BY HOU. JACOB THOMPSON, IS. C. INAUGURAL ADDRESS, DELIVERED ON OCCASION OF THE OPENING OF THE UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI NOVEMBER 6, 1848. ! P BY GEORGE FREB'K HOLMES, A. M. PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY. later e„(qiuo memoria omnis alal, quaque ipsa intueatur mternitaa,) nil dignms ,gt, aut uuoi ii i>4«« !„,„,„,. n T w s ion-arum aus-mentis scicntiarum solnlis ct fructuosis. nobilins, quam . dolelur orbis Icrrarum augment^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^^ ^^ MEMPHIS: FRANKLIN BOOK AND JOE 0) !2>3S4f / . ADDRESS OF THE ' HOI, JACOB THOMPSON, ' Tadies and Gentlemen: This day forms an era in the history of onr village and our community, it opens up new prospects to the St.te and gives a new direction to the feelings and calculations of «m n-ople We here begin a great work, hoping ere long to reap Set of rich fruit, which shall be manifested to us in an improv- ed Sate of society, in a diffusion of useful knowledge, in an elevat- ed and refined condition of public feeling, in an enlargement of moS menSS and religious cultivation. On behalf of the Trustees S this University, we thank you for the interest evinced by you in fono n^ us wTth your presence. As a Board of Trustees who have hXn Important and delicate trust confided to us by our cherished and beloved sovereign, the State of Mississippi, we have performed our duty to the besf of our ability. We have endeavored so to ex- pend the money which has been placed m our hands, and so to exei- cise the p6wer which has been devolved upon us as < to command mblic approbation and support. We have sought in no case to Lrve oSves or to show partiality and favoritism to our immediate WrTds and neighbors; but we have ever kept in mind that we are the agent o?"he whole people of the whole States and as far as in us lies we have acted in all things with impartiality and justice with J> deteriunation to erect a college worthy of the State, and to found an fiMi tution w ich should prove 8 the pride and Wwark of our iellow- dt'zens We have acted independently of party dictation or rehg- iousbias. We have overlooked altogether the divilions of our peo- X in o sects and societies and regarded them only as christians Q it alone the inculcation and establishment of those eternal fSihinh were taught by him "who spake as never man spake, n he name of he tmsteesf I come forward to dedicate our work to he cause of education" these splendid edifices have been erected on this Wtfd^SLwi for the accommodation of the students and the iS We think we may venture to hope, that every Mississip- % w Ifeel thrill of pride and of pleasure when he behodstiiem Knects that they, are the property of the people of the 8 late, we deem them worthy of our honored commonwealth, worthy of the great purpose for which they were intended, w%of &*f^™> who planned, and the workmen who executed them, and reflecting no discredit upon the taste of the trustees. f But the erection of these buildings was by far he easr est par t the task assigned us. To select a President and a faculty to till tin Afferent Ss who should meet public expectation, and enlist ; maintain the public confidence, was no holiday *™<^ ! tho resoonsibilitv. We extended our enquiries far and near, vye o ,8^=1 from the good, the learned ™f»nof the means of offering them a finished Mississippi education, has long been felt and deeply deplored. And our liberal and enlight- ened' Legislature have but responded to the earnest wishes of the popular mind in founding this institution. Every day's experience and observation deepen and strengthen this feeling. The learned men of a country, must from the very law of our being, give tone and dinection to the public thought. Mind must control matter, and reason and knowledge will direct human action; and, until our young men are prepared for the different professions of life at home, we never can be individualized; we never can have that feeling of iden- tity which should characterise us as Mississippians. Moreover there is a growing disposition manifest to us all, in dif- ferent portions of the world and of the United States, to denounce and villify our institutions which have come down to us from a remote ancestry. On the maintenance of these institutions in its integrity and full enjoyment, our prosperity, safety and happiness depend. We can never look to expediency; necessity alone, is the ruling consideration, • and it is of the last importance to us, that the hearts of our young men should be kept in the right place, and it is verily a sin again' om children to send them ^^^^J^Z^tS, rounds our northern eo lieges , rest "'f^ s '"^ ^onelusions; at an age, ian. . „ . „ nm ^ P ,-« among' them, also gives Finding our young men m great ^«^™ f oil ^ delightful plausibility to the slanderer hat ^ ™ * byeathes the deadly climate may sustain a thriving P easa ^ f ' e d U cation and iutellectu- poison of the'Eupas tree upon Jj ^ « IUS sickens and Si advancement-tha^ours^. ^ ^e ^ for in what field where iancy dies. 1 ms we ^ncm of honor, where we haye have we entered as contestant m the ^o<*Loi ^ ^^ not borne away the prize of# wi<£ative halls, and before brethren at the bar, in the pulpit, m n e^ ^^dgment, accords popular asseinbl^and,he -^^f iXncet' superiority. We to us, at least ^au^, ^ ^^^^^^^™ r a11 r nd - They CeToUowed, but they never have outstripj>ea our men No, my audience, 1 scorn to think of iiuei ^nty. . -™ J 1 w ate the charge- must bos^ &e ca^^di ic^ athome We must tram our young men for the cona^st and nsxi i 3^^ «" ite - telli - sent and enterprising people. s*«+p in intel- One of the. -reat obstacles to our improvement as a b. ate in mte n omulu^s ot a supposed interest, to strike our tents and gang plompun ? - o. a ,-, ip new. fascinations Sa a^W^m^lS^ -11 become, the home of the WwhenbSXdren shall find a worthy alma mater m- our State. We hi become permanent and fixed in our purposes, and feel no lonoe i clined again to enter the wilderness, to drive back the wi d beasts and open the avenues of ingress to a more refined and highly CU S? of P u?th?nve in this immediate vicinity, may safely calcu- l.to on the most salutary influences from this Institution. It will neceZvt e"Z\Ld diffuse among us useful information and re- finement It will elevate the standard of morals and improve our 5 It will bring among us gentlemen of the highest intelligence anTrespectability. But as it will fasten upon us the observa ion and criticism of the whole State, can 1 not promise on your -behalf n ad- vance, a cheerful co-operation in maintaining order and ^ ™f ^ success of the College. We must remember, that the University seeks the patronage, favor and support of the whole State, and whatever will conduce to its good and efficient management, to its popularity with the people at large, should be advocated and upheld by us. But I know you too well to doubt. The feeling of every bosom present is, may God speed the good work. • Young Gentlemen : I feel strongly tempted to turn to you and in- dulge in many thoughts which spring involuntarily to my mind, when I see you standing at the door and knocking for admittance, into the temple of science — where you «iow stand, many years since I stood and faithful memory supplies me with many pleasing recollections and incidents. But the time and the occasion is not lit that I should indulge my impulses. It has been a great while since I clambered the height of proud Olympus and sipped nectar in the court of the Gods where mighty Jove in awful majesty presided — or followed that blind old man for whose birth place seven cities contested, around the walls of Troy, sat in war council with Agamemnon, or learned from him the. story of the wrath of Achilles, or travelled with the virtuous iEneas in his wanderings to found an empire. I would willingly again visit Hellicon and Parnassus, the river Peneus and the bubbling lllissus — I would willingly listen to Tully's voice thunder anathemas against the traitor Catalinti, or hear the Grecian orator arouse his abused countrymen against the injustice and incursions of the usurping Macedonian; or witness the .developments of the re- venge of the thwarted love of Medea. Bat I have had my day; yours is before you. In the language of Horace, "carpe diem;' seize and improve the fleeting moments as they fly. The eyes of Mississippi are upon. you. From this day, you cease to be boys or to act from those motives which influence boys.. Your honor and your sense of right alone, become the means by which our requirements are enforced. If yon would carve out for yourselves in life an honorable and worthy name, you must begin now and lay deep your foundation. And, unless we have your active and effi- cient co-operation, all that the State, all that the Trustees have done, all that the Faculty can do, will be of no avail. Mississippi has claims upon you the moment you enter these halls, and she expects each one of you to do your duty. Your good conduct and your suc- cess in your studies will reflect honor on the Faculty and afford un- feigned satisfaction to the Trustees. *"Sana mens in sano corpore^ is a correct maxim for the student. Preserve your health, maintain your morals and improve your minds, and you will prepare yourselve. for usefulness and honor in life and become ornaments of your par ents and the treasures of society. May Providence tlnow his pro tecting mantle around you and preserve you for your country. Mr. President and respected Pro* , members of the Faculty :— In obedience to the power which has been vested in us by the State ■ Mississippi, we commit this Institution into your hands. We h;n selected you from a multitude of applicants from our belief in yoi capacity to instruct our young men in all the branches of learning; give them a finished and complete education. We begin under i vorable >ices. Tho public feeling is now strong in your faarc tat the pubHe expectation has beea ££*&£** «£ energy, and efficacy to _« «h- aswebel ^ dutS; you shall have our cordial and sincere support. OF PRESIDENT G. F. HOLMES, ON THE OPENING OF THE UNIVERSITY AT OXFORD, MISS. Gentlemen Trustees, oe the University oe Mississippi-Lad™ and f c E o™ s" stranger among you, and feel the usual difficulties of aiSur^to address an unfamiliar audience. I cannot noWe>S commence the few remarks lor which 1 crave an n^u gen Wino- n a manner more consonant, to my own feelings, and 1 doun" no moi" in unison with the feelings of all of you, than by Serini'mTcongratulations on the auspicious ceremony which we aif now cm^regated to celebrate. But a few winters ; past, the spot : n which we are assembled, was the seat of _ the India, ^ wigwam now, it is sacred to the ministrations of learning. Id > the m ds. of the primeval forest, where, but lately, was the lair 01 the wild beasts, the Ss of the Architect* and the skill of the workmen have rear- ed fs it by enchantment, this noble fane in all the just proportions, the perfect symmetry, and the classic elegance of Athenian art The impress of the Indian mockinson has scarcely faded awaj n m .be- neath the shade of these patriarchal trees, and a readyby the , nei gv the enterprise and the high resolve of the people of M ssis.ippi, sci once has been domiciled in the haunts of the savage, ana a new sanc- tuary prepared in the wilderness for the habitation of the . mases. ^ It is with these reminiscences of the past, and these pledges of the : pre- sent flooding around us, that we have met this day for the purpose ol *CAr T .WM.NicHo LS .-Tho design, arrangement, and the execution of^UmWsjty buildings reflect the highest credit upon the genius, taste -and science °** h . e Al ° ^ They ale very extensive and happily combined, and mil be completed fox an ou lay of Smore than $50,000. The Lyceum or main building is one cf the most elegant s\w ire in the South inaugurating a new temple of learning. We have met to open to the youth of this and the surrounding States a new shrine of knowl- edge, at whose altars the sacred flame of moral and intellectual light may be kept henceforth, like the vasial fires of old, ever burning and ever pure. We have already consecrated the great work upon which we are about to enter, by invoking the blessing- and the protecting care of that Almighty God, who has placed a spirit in man; and whose inspiration has given them understanding, — and, under the guidance of His superintending hand, we now proceed to the perfor- ' mance of the due and orderly services of the place. This is no trival occasion, — it is one of no ordinary solemnity or importance. It can occur but once in the life time of a nation; for we now open the first seminary of the higher learning, which has been established under the auspicies of the State, and endowed by the liberality of the whole people. Other Colleges may, and, I hope, will arise in due order of time to minister to the new or more extend- ed wants of the citizens; but this is the first over which the State has thrown the mantle of her beneficient supremacy, and will, I trust, live through untold generations to witness the growth around her of a numerous brood of other and flourishing institutions. But it is the purpose which gives its peculiar solemnity to this occa- sion. A new torch of learning is this day erected in the land as " a light unto posterity," whose ever-shining rays may long continue to guide, improve, enlighten, ennoble and educate age after age, the young men of this teeming and beautiful land. It is, indeed, a day to be remembered in the annals of the State. '•The erection of a great College, dedicated to the study of the na- ture of all things, whereby God may have the more glory in the workmanship, and man the more fruit in the use of them," — this was more justly regarded by Lord Bacon " as the noblest foundation upon earth, and the lanthorn of that kingdom," whose magnificent, though unfinished proportions, attest the amplitude, profundity and sagacity of his mind, as fully as the Novum Organon itself. It is his declaration, too, that "there is not any more worthy act than the further endowment of the world with sound and fruitful knowledge !" But in the creation of a new University by the act of the people, and with the funds of the people, the State has exercised its liberality not only in fostering the study of the nature of all things, not merely in securing the further endowment of the world with knowledge — but, above all, in providing for the dissemination of the learning which may be in the world — in extending its treasures to all who may be willing to receive Ihem — and in assuring to ea.ch rising generation adequate and full instruction in that science which has been so highly estimated. This Institution, thus created by the munificence of the State, is a creation speedily evoked from the silent womb of things possible; but its works are as perennial as the benefits of knowledge. The lapse of years, which undermines and obliterates all things, will deal indulgently with this, and only add renovated vigor, and a more am- ple capacity for good, to the veneration which will gradually hover 2 10 over it; nnless ruthless circumstances should mar the work which time would be reluctant to destroy. For this erection of a State University is a great deed, which needs to be but once performed — opus magnum seme I operandum—on& from which, when done, an un- failing stream of all that most ennobles and adorns a people; will continue to flow with increasing volume through countless genera- tions, enriching each, and aiding each in the great race of progres- sive development of the human family. Its creation has demanded no long time, and, when compared with its prospective results, no great expenditure of means, but its fruits endure forever, and will continue to be prodigal of blessings to the present and all coming time. That this is no vain boast — this promise of continued life and health — may be readily proved from the experience of the past. The Universities of Oxford, and Cambridge, and Paris, owe their birth to the night of the middle ages, and yet survive in increased energy and renown. The University of Rome, founded under the earlier successors of the Caesars escaped the perils of the Hun, the Goth, the Vandal and the Saracen — lived through the wars of the Lombards and the Fanks — was left erect after the dissentiohs of Guelph and Phibelline had passed laway — and remains the most splendid monument of the innate strength and persistancy of great Institutions of learning. But a nearer and more recent instance is at hand. With one of my colleagues, I have come from a vener- able College, to which the long protracted circle of a hundred and fifty years had only given higher honor and larger sphere of influ- ence. Her alumni had gone from her halls to the Bench and the Senate Chamber— from her, they had gone to the command of ar- mies, and to the Presidency of the Union— her graduates had con- trolled the fate of nations, and changed the destines of the world. Founded under the rule of a Kingly government, she had witnessed the growth and presided over the struggles, of the Colony in its youth— she had influenced and survived the storms of the Revolu- tion—and had blossomed at its close into full promise and' a higher existence. Her horizon was widening around her-^-and her glorious career was expanding before here, promising a yet nobler destiny in future, when the scacred ark of learning which had been wafted over jhe floods of time, was shipwrecked by the rude and unholy hand of misguided men. # The failure of the last Institution referred to, and the duration of all should guard us against the negligence and indiscretion of trust- ing to chance for that longevity which will only be the reward of con- stant care and unremitting exertion. This University may numder the years of its existence by centuries, but to ensure its permanency, we must at all itmes secure its success. A still more arduous task devolves upon its first Trustees-its first Faculty-and its first stu- dents. The Trustees and the Faculty must organiz its prosperity— the first students must zealously lend their co-operating aid, or every thing which has been done will be in vain. The TrSstees, though they can never be discharged from their duties, for they must ever 11 guard the work of their hands with a watchful eye have performed their exclusive work, and this day deliver the University, and much •of the responsibility which attends its management, to the care of the Faculty. It is to us, the Professors, whom they have selected as their agents, that the public will naturally look for the success of the Institution. We owe it to the untiring exertions and to the confi- dence of the Trustees — we owe it to the munificence of the people of this country, — we owe it to the good will, and hopes of the citizens — we owe it to the enlightened liberality and just expectations of the State — we owe it to the present times, and especially to future ages, which would otherwise be defrauded of their full heritage; to all of these we owe it, to remit no exertion which might tend to guarantee the most perfect success. The obligations of this first Faculty are great; our duties are weighty and difficult; but though arduous, they are noble; it will be for us, with the means that the State has placed in our hands, to erect an enduring College; which may become the pride of the State, and largely repay the generosity which has call- ed it into being. We are to lay the foundations on which our suc- cessors may find it an easy task to raise a vast superstructure; much of our work may be unseen; much may be unappreciated or un- known; but we, who preside at the organization, will either win for the University an enduring life, or bar for years to come, the gates of hope; and thus retard the successful accomplishment of the great pro- ject of University education within the limits of Mississippi. The full accomplishment of our aims will be glorious, equally to the State and to ourselves; the disgrace of failure, whether merited or not, will rest wholly with ourselves. It is with a due sense" of our difficulties and responsibilities, that we enter upon the great work confided to us. We enter upon it with the full conviction that much is justly expected at our hands; but we enter upon it with high hope and a firm determination to succeed. We all come here charged with the high ministry of education, and conscious of the sacred character of its functions. We come as la- borers in the great vineyard of knowledge, anxious to enlarge its domain and extend while we improve its culture. Misled by no pet- ty or selfish aims, but intent upon the glorious mission to which we are devoted, goaded on by no passion for paltry reputation, but stim- ulated by the sense of a lofty duty, we hope to build up a system of Collegiate education "for Mississippi, of which the State may have reason to be proud; and for which, in after ages, she may turn in grateful regard to the memory of its founders. These are my feelings, and these are the feelings of the whole fac- ulty — and they are feelings which will inspire us with renewed ener- gy in all the difficulties which we may have to encounter, and all the trials which it may be needful for us to surmount. There are peculiar difficulties incident to my own position — a greater weight of responsibility will rest upon me than upon the oth- er members of the Faculty — with, X fear, least ability to bear the bur- then. I am bound to be the first in zeal, energy and industry. This, I can promise; and if my pledge be faithfully kept, my owntieficien- s 12 cies in other respects may be compensated by the genius, talent and learning of my collaborators. But while so much is expected from us, and so much is due by us, all does not rest with-us. We require the full and liberal co-opera- tion of the State; and we need, and are entitled to the continued and generous encouragement of all classes of our fellow-citizens. We require the support and confidence of the people; but, we believe, that true patriotism and a well founded State pride, no less than high considerations of policy will induce the gentlemen of the South to prefer to trust the education of their sons to a Southern institution, to the hazardous, expensive and humiliating experiment of sending them abroad, to imbibe at the North delusive views which will infect their minds during their whole life. "We will still have to trust to the continued liberality of the State and the people of the State. We have no observatory, we have no library, and no building adequate to receive such a library as should belong to the University of a great and wealthy State; we have no chapel, and no hall for those public exhibitions in which those who have won honors and degrees give open assurance to the community of the advantages they have en- joyed, and of their profitable employment of those advantages. W e have indeed no Chemical and Philosophical apparatus; though, for the present, we are placed on the same footing with the oldest Col- leges by being favored with the use of Prof. Millington's extensive and complete collection. All these things we need— many bf them are absolutely indispensable. The want of a library is a want which should be speedily supplied— for to adopt an illustration from Lord Bacon, the University without a library is like Polyphemus without his eye. For'the gradual satisfaction of all these wants, we must look to the generosity of the State and the public spirit of the citizens of Mississippi. In the meantime, we gird ourselves for the work, in the lull confidence, that if we justify by our exertions and success the past expenditures of the State, the people will not suffer the creature of their will to remain in complete or inefficient, but will be stimulated by a noble enthusiasm to fulfill all the reasonable require- ments of the University. If we do faithfully our part, we believe that Mississippi will do hers with unstinted munificence. Such are the duties, the position, the feelings, and the views of those to whom you have confided the practical execution of your plans. Have I not said how deeply Ave feel the responsibilities? how sincerely we acknowledge the trust and confidence reposed in us? how anxious we are to justify the public expectation? But, gentlemen, beyond these acknowledgments and explanations the present inspiring occasion suggests an inquiry into the nature of that high ministry of instruction, which we are called upon to exer- cise here; for the full value of the gift which has been received from the Mate, cannot be duly appreciated, unless we apprehend rightly the true nature and functions of education, and especially of Colle- ct f^nr** 011, 7^ ^jects are so wide that we must necessa- S2 SOm t e definite hmits on our speculations, so varied that to HmeS Z WlH> 6Xpedient t0 Vi6W th6m With ref — 13 Of ]ate years the merits of the great question of education have been so fully discussed in public speech and written argument, that it might seem needless for me to dwell at any length upon it. But while orators and essayists have enlarged upon that general educa- tion, which it is so desirale to bring home to the fireside of every man in the country, their attention has been in a great measure, with- drawn from an equally just consideration of that higher order of education which is pursued in our Colleges and Universities. Yet, the one without the other is lame and defective — and is wholly inad- quate to produce that heritage of good which may be freety antici- pated from the adoption of- a sufficient scheme for the public diffu- sion of knowledge. In every country, but especially under a free republican government like our own, it is of vital importance to the tranquility, good order, and prosper^ of the body politic that the advantages of education should be as widely disseminated as the air and light of heaven. To accomplish this, Common Schools and Academies have been instituted 1 - throughout the length and breadth of the land, so as to place, within the reach of every man that rudi- mentary education which is the life of freedom, and the necessary preliminary to all higher knowledge. The laboring man, who is un.J able to save from the hard-earned gains of the year enough to board his son at a distance from home, or to pay for the expenses of his family's education — who cannot, perhaps, afford to dispense for any length of time with the services of his children, is thus enabled with little waste of time and without intolerable sacrifices, to give them that medicum of education which may render them competent to dis- charge their duties respectably, in the same condition of life as him- self — and which is the necessary vestibule to all higher progress in learning. That knowledge, which is absolutely indispensable to all, is thus brought home to all by the system of public schools; but, still, the benefit is only partial, for much remains to be done before even those for whose exclusive benefit Common Schools are established, derive the full profit of a system of public education at the expense of the State. If oiir views of the range of public instruction were arrested at this point, but little permanent good would be accomplish- ed by the intervention of the State. The air of heaven though free, can be kept pure only b}" the constant action of the solar heat — and the light of heaven which traverses the immensities of space, must be incessantly replenished from the exhaustless fountains of the solar fire. With no higher instruction furnished to the community, the grade of education which might be afforded by the Common Schools, and which, under healthy influences, might have been cap bio of in- definite expansion would become gradually lowered until little but the name of education waslofr. The diliusion of knowledge always tends to its decline, unless a sufficient stimulus from above bo applied to excite further progression. It is the constant attraction of the cen- tral and superior globe which keeps the inferior planet true to the path of its revolution. There \\ a no period of the Roman Empire, when knowledge was more widely diffused than during its decay — yet, notwithstanding the dessemination of learning, it dwindled 14 away, because there was no incentive to higher acquisitions. We cannot, therefore, with any safety, rest contented with having intro- duced a o-eneral scheme of Common School education, but are com- pelled, in order that that scheme itself may prove most fully effec- tive ', to provide for a higher order of instruction which may re-act up- on the lower, and tend to elevate its teachings, and enlarge its range. But again, in the economy of the world, and in the economy of States, large provisions has been made by the ordinances of Provi- dence, and by political organizations for the healthy manifestation of all grades of talent, diversities of character, varieties of adven- titious "circumstances — and inequalities of fortune which we find amongst men — and will continue to find as long as the round globe hangs together. These dissimilarities must not be disregarded in a general plan of education, if we intend it to be complete, or reap from it its full harvest of fruit. It is for the general interest of all, and of this, there is no doubt, to extend to all classes in the commu- nity the opportunity of acquiring the rudiments of knowledge, it is no less important for the same common interest to afford to those, who may have the time, the means, and the capacity for further instruc- tion, that higher education which is to be obtained only at Colleges and Universities. We are all interested in having the management of political affairs committed to the care of discreet, intelligent and wise legislators; it is of vital importance to all to' have the attendance of scientific physicians in sickness — and to have a body of thorough- ly instructed lawyers to guard their social rights, and save them from pecuniary loss. None can underate the benefit to the community of an enlightened and intelligent judiciary; or of a sagacious, because highly informed ministry to guide our footsteps in the paths of relig- ion. The increase too, of national wealth which springs from the skilful application of science to the arts, enures to the benefit of all, and is experienced in the multiplication and extension of the means and comforts of all. Thus that collegiate education which forms the principal avenue to excellence in all these departments of human study, provides directly for the highest interests of all the members of the community: and, it is by the institution of Universities, that the State secures the maintenance, furtherance, and dissemination of the higher branches of knowledge; as it is through its Common Schools that it furnishes the needful elementary instruction to all. Let it not be thought then, that the advantages derived from the Universities are enjoyed solely by those who frequent their halls. They are in- deed the first recipients of their benefit— their intellects are trained,, developed and expanded — their minds are informed with various and valuable knowledge— their views open with the enlargement of the temple of their mind, they are adorned with the elegances of litera- ture and become ornaments to society— and they are enriched with the capacity of rendering inestimable services to their country and then- age. But, though first to reap the grain, they are not the ex- clusive gatherers of the harvest. For the good derived immediately by them is communicated through a thousand channels to all ranks and classes in the community, and is felt in every pulsation of the 15 great heart of the State. It operates powerfully (as we have a,- ready had occasion to remark), upon the Common Schools themselves, and tends to augment and elevate the curriculum of studies pursued there, while it kindles the aspirations of those who frequent those schools by offering to them at once, the image and the means of a higher education. On the other hand, the general instruction of the mass gives life, and vigor, and efficiency to collegiate education, by exciting and spreading the general desire for knowledge — by creat- ing a want for higher- instruction than they themselves supply — and by forming a class of young men prepared to receive that additional education which may fit them for admission to the highest schools of learning. Thus, the system of Common Schools, unless accompan- ied by the institution of Universities, is lame and defective— it is the foundation of a vast edifice on which no superstructure is to be rais- ed. And the institution of Universities without that general diffusion of education, which results from the establishment of Common Schools, is vain and profitless — for it is an attempt to erect a mighty superstructure before any sufficient foundation has been laid. The two systems, therefore, sustain each other — they are mutually the complements of each other — they combine together into a perfect system of public education, and the strenuous advocates of the one should be always the most zealous supporters of the other. This intimate connection between the higher and the lower grades of education has been too frequently overlooked — and in consequence, a pernicious hostility has arisen between $heir respective partisans, which has retarded or defeated the success of one or both. To pre- vent, as far as may be in the power of one man, the growth of any such dissention in this state — and, by preventing this pernicious antagonism, to expedite and ensure the fullest success for the public education of Missis- sippi — and, also, to supply, in some measure, the void which has too often been left in the discussion of the importance of State appropriations for pub- lic instruction; I shall- beg to detain you with a fuller exposition of the in- functions of collegiate education, in ministering to the practical requirements of the present age. The belief that there is a distinction, or even an opposition between the highest intellectual desires and the practical wants of men, is a popular fallacy very current in the present clay. No delusion can be more danger- ous or more false. It is one, however, which has not the doubtful merit of novelty, which has been boastfully claimed for it by its advocates. It has- been frequently preached, practised, tested, and exploded before. Once crushed, it has often re-appeared in various periods of the world's history, and is likely to re-appear frequently again. In the days of Reuchlm, clas- sical erudition was persecuted as impiety: and the pursuit of Latin and Greek was descried, not merely as "a vain and unprofitable study; but as closely connected with magic and other black arts. Yet, these were the very studies that paved the way for Kepler, Galileo and Bacon — and led directly to the discovery 'of the New World- The prosecution of science,, partly owing to the indiscret pretensions of its votaries, was punished with the faggot and the stake, and regarded as necromancy — yet, it was the com- mencement of the sciences of Medicine, Chemistry and Astronomy — and. to the Alchemists and Astrologers of the Dark Ages, we arc remotely in- debted for all our modern arts and manufactures. Yet the error, which ex- 10 penence has so completely exposed, still infests the minds of many and re- fuses to be eradicated. Paradoxical as it may appear, there is infinitely more truth contained in the converse of this erroneous proposition. The highest intellectual diffi- culties of the day, and the most recondite speculations of which the age is capable, are in reality those from whose solution the present practical bene- fits may be anticipated. Experiments in electricity were long regarded as curious and amusing, rather than useful; yet, from them, we have derived galvanic plating,. the electro .type, and the Magnetic Telegraph. Investi- gations into the elasticity of vapour, were, to all appearance, sufficiently re- mote from any practical application— they have given us the various .forms, and the unlimited powers of the steam engine. An inquiry into the oxyda- tion of metals, is sufficiently difficult and recondite; thence, however, we have derived the Daguerreotype. Wherever we turn, we shall find fresh confirmation of Bacon's remark, that • i 'experimerj,tk lucifera,' n are to be preferred to " experimenta fructifera ,, —for they will be ultimately produc- tive of the largest amount of valuable and practical results. If we are anxious to confirm confirmation, and to make conviction doubly sure, we need only cast a hasty glance over the studies pursued in a Colle- giate education, and tra^e their direct practical influence. If we begin with the classic languages and even omit all mention of their efficacy in training, forming, educating, and ennobling the mind and heart — they furnish us with the laws of universal grammar, and with the highest exemplars of grace, beauty, strength, and order in composition — they supply the keys to unlock the literatures, the languages, and the laws of all modern nations, — and they contain 1 buried in their vast bosoms, exhaustless treasures, which can be drawn from no other source."' They are the lasting monuments which prove most cogently the ennobling influences of free institutions on the mind and the genius of man. In them, too, is locked up the history of the world from Solon to Cromwell. And, above all, they contain the record of the convent, and the archieves of our faith. It will not suffice to reply to this, that Latin and Greek books may be read in translations. Not a thousandth part . of the riches imbedded in those languages have ever yet been translated — no translation from an ancient author can be anything more than a caricature of the original — and moreover, those who neglect to acquire the classic languages themselves will rarely have recourse to translations. In addition to this, all the important incidental advantages to be derived from the study of these languages are wholly lost by the substitution of translations. If, then, on these numerous accounts the Latin and Greek are worthy of our attention they merit for the same reasons diligent and persevering study. They are the true pierian spring, from which, if we would drink, we must drink deeply and largely. The benefits we have pointed out are the rewards of long and intimate familiarity, and are not to be gained by a hasty and superficial acquaintance. We must learn to think in their own language as the Greeks thought, before we can truly inhale the glorious and inspiriting atmosphere of Athenian wisdom — and' we must learn to feel as the Romans felt before we can become participants in the profound and practical sagaci- ty of ancient Rome. When this familiarity has been acquired, we will dis- cover in the tongues of Greece and Rome, the avenues to an immense con- tinent of knowledge which Greece and Rome had never explored. To pass on to the physical sciences. The immediate practical benefits derived from the application of natural science to arts, manufactures, and agriculture are the cause of most of our modern prosperity, and are so con- tinually submitted to our daily observation as to be perfectly familiar to all 17 of us. We owe to the founder of our modern philosophy the maxim that ' the limits of our knowledge of nature constitute also, the limits of our pow- er to render her operations subservient to human wants; and that the further we can push back the former, so much the further do we extend the latter. It is needless to exemplify the manner in which the physical sciences have been ministered to the satisfaction of human requirements — the steamboats that cover our waters — the factories that are spread over the land — the rail- roads that link together the ends of the country with their fetters of iron — the telegraph that outstrips the sun, and bears our tidings on the wings of lightning; these, and a thousand other modern miracles bear hourly testimo- ny to the fact and the mode of its accomplishment. But steamboats are built, and railroads are laid down by those who are wholly unacquainted with the profund mysteries of sciences; and many wonderful inventions have been due to the genius and perseverance of men whose knowledge scarcely extended beyond the rudiments. From these admitted facts, it may be er- roneously supposed, that profound scientific acquirements are unnecessary for the practical requirements of the times. Not so: each great practical invention by whomsoever it might ultimately be made, has yet been due to anterior investigations carried on from the pure love of speculative truth in the most abstruse and recondite regions of human knowledge. Millions, both before and since the Marquis of Worcester had seen the lid tremble on the boiling kettle, but the steam-engine was due to researches into the expan- sibility of gaseous bodies. The electric fluid had been coming round the world since the stars first sang together, to one American we owed the re- cognition of its existence and properties; and to another, we owe the inven- tion of the magnetic telegraph; though, a few years since, electiicity was considered so far removed from the possibility of practical application, as to be regarded merely as a field for curious and amusing experiments! The security of our lives and properties at sea is in like manner dependent upon tregonometrical calculations, and upon the highest and most difficult spec- ulations of astronomy. Thus the stars which gem the blue depths of heaven lend themselves to the common wants of men; and the ends of knowledge are brought together to render us habitual service. If from these illustrations I lurn to that new branch of Physical Science whose growth-is but of yesterday, and look rather at its promise for the fu- ture than at its performance hitherto, the importance of profound scientific acquirements in order to attain practical ends will be infinitely multiplied in your estimation. It is only since the publication of the researches of Lie- big that Agriculture has begun to assume a scientific form by the extension and application of both organic and inorganic Chemistry. The earlier spec- ulations of Sir Humphrey Davy, who was the first to enter upon this untrod- den path o( inquiry had exercised but little influence over the cultivation of the soil, though they had been sufficient to awaken the curiosity and stimu- late the investigations of Chemical philosophers. At this day, however, Agriculture is rapidly assuming a strictly scientific form; and by this change of character, is ministering daily, more and more to the wants, nay, to the vital necessities of the human race. It was truly and nobly remarked by Swift, that the man who made two blades of grass grow where only one had grown before, deserved better of his species than all the conquerors and all the statesmen who had acquired glory amongst men. This victory over nature has already been, in a great measure, accomplished by agricultural Chemistry; as yet, it has been introduced into practice to only a very limited extent; yet, already, of those who have applied it to the cultivation of their lands, some have increased their returns twenty fold; some, thirty fold: some, 3 18 forty fold; and, some, even an hundred fold. If such be the fraita of this; science in its infancy, what may we not; anticipate from its maturity? The population of the earth may be doubled with an increase of the comforts of man instead of being attended with that progression of daily deepening want and degradation which otherwise is threatened by the aspect of the modern world. At a time, like the present, when destitution and misery are convulsing the kingdoms of the old world, and ushering in Revolutions with, the delusive hope of removing social ills which cannot be reached by politi- cal innovations; at) a time when famine stalks abroad like a giant and deso- lates Europe and Asia, leading in its train its inevitable attendants, the plague and the pestilence; at such a time, it is impossible for us to overate r or for any to underrate the vital importance of that science whose creative energy can double the fertility of the soil, can create infinitely the necessa- ries of life, and make the desert blossom like the rose. In this case, the practical benefits of science are obvious and immediate; in other instances they are equally grate, but they are more remote and less apparent In. all, however, these blessings are drawn from no shallow waters, but from the depths of the deepest streams of knowledge, from no hasty or superficial ac- quaintance with science, but from the most difficult and recondite branches of human philosophy. Having rendered so apparent the mode in which these sciences lend themselves to the practical requirements of the day, and showni the limitless range of their actual or possible services, but few words- will be demanded to prove the importance of that lofty branch of hu- man learning, which forms the necessary vestibule of all strictly sci- entific knowledge. The functions of mathematics in the prosecution of all physical investigation render it an indispensable preliminary to all accurate study of nature, and constitute it one of the most impor- tant departments of the higher education. Completely isolated as it appears to be frrnn our ordinary wants, yet as the obedient minister of physical science, as its constant and inseparable attendant, it partakes of the direct and immediate practical importance of those studies, whose operations- it so essentially subserves. But, in addition to this, the habits of mind which are formed by that diligent training in math- ematical reasoning, which is requisite to master its abstruse mysteries r are of themselves sufficiently valuable to ensure the recognition of its high practical utility. During the four centuries which have wit- nessed the progressive deterioration of logical science, the social, po- litical, and scientific evils which must inevitably result from the disre- gard of the principles and conditions of accurate reasoning, have been in a great measure averted and wholly concealed by the increased ap- plication to mathematical studies during that period. But these evils, though delayed, are- certain to befall us: — and in the present age we are beginning to feel the fatal consequences of the world's distaste for Logical science, and the dependent branches of Ethical Philosophy. For there can be no sophistry or error in our prin- ciples of reasoning, which will not work itself out into pernicious ac- tion in practical life; and there can be no vice in our private or social existence which will not re-act upon our philosophy, and contaminate its principles. ' Of this we have abundant testimony around us in the present age, if we can only so far purify our intellectual vision as to 19 pscognise the real condition of the times. For, notwithstanding the rapid and immense increase of all the apparent elements of the ma- terial prosperity of nations — the augmentation of national and indi- vidual wealth; and the multiplication of the comforts and convenien- ces of life; the times are sorely diseased, as is amply evinced by the revolutionary spirit of the day. This revolutionary character is not confined to the sphere of politics, nor is it limited to the continent of Europe. It exists in greater or less intensity in every region of the civilized globe, and infects society, religion, literature and science, no less than the crazy and decaying institutions of the old world. In the Northern States of this Confederacy we have among ourselves Social- ism, Mormonism, Fanny Wrightisra, and we are rapidly naturalising St. Simonism, Fourierism, and the other diversified forms of Agrari- anism. The prevalence of these weak and oft refuted delusions should assure us thatf even our own free and enlightened Republic has not escaped the contagion of the revolutionary fever. These are in- novations which are not limited in their action to political institutions, but convulse the whole fabric of the social system, and like the mad spirit of Abolitionism, so rife in the present day, travesty or deride the language of scripture, and make a mockery of the express command- ments and the recognised ordinances of God. But when our general- ly received systems of moral philosophy draw their inspiration from that beggarly Benthamism, which is the meanest form of Utilitarian- ism — itself always mean — how can we hope for any better result? — We have suffered ourselves to be carried away by the plausible name ■of utility, until we fail to perceive that Utilitarianism inevitably de- feats the accomplishment of its own most especial object. A most one-sided view, and a still more defective application of the princi- ples of the Baconian philosophy, have inveigled the -world into the error of making only a partial and imperfect estimate of the results of that philosophy, until we regard Utilitarianism as the legitimate de- duction from the maxims of Bacon, and lend the sanction of his name to a system which he scorned and detested, and against which he fre- quently and deliberately forewarned us in his writings. This Utilita- rianism has forced its way into our stafcemaiiship and politics, but it leaves the most abstruse problems of government without anything better than a temporary and provisional solution, because it leaves wholly beyond its range those higher principles of practical policy, from which alone a satisfactory solution could be deduced. The shallowness and insufficiency of our moral philosophy are the conse- quence of the imperfection of that metaphysical science, of which morals are abranch, and to which as the spring-head, political econo- my must also be referred. The stagnant condition of political econo- my—the habitual denial of some of its fundamental axioms by one party — the partial acceptation of its truths by the other — the negation of the possible existence of such a science — the discussions which still take place in regard to many of its leading topics — the dissatisfaction which is prevalent in regard to several of its most general conclu- sions — and the obvious incompleteness and want of method in the sys- tem — all these things show on how vague and unsettled a basis the 20 whole scheme is reared. At the same time the increase of wealth and the concomitant increase of misery among the masses—social dis- tress contemporary with commercial prosperity; the multiplication of commodities and the reduction of their price attended by a diminished capacity among the million for obtaining them; the twenty thousand shirts in the factories which by no magic can be brought into contact with the twenty thousand naked backs in the streets— national penu- ry co-existent with public plenty— and famine in the midst of full gra- naries—these irreconcileable anomalies in our practical life remain a standing mockery of the pretensions of political economy. If we would discover a remedy for these evils, and a correction for these anomalies, we must detect the intellectual aberration from which they have sprung— and that aberration must be found in the domain and by the aid of metaphysical science. But what are the metaphys- ics of the day? If we regard the received systems of the present age we have before us for our choice, the idealism of the transcendental- ists, the materialism of the positive school; the eclecticism of Cousin, the mysticism of the Germans, and the empiricism of the Scotch. — Which of these is right?— or are they all wrong. As yet they have been prolific of little but wranglings and disputes— the foundations of our knowledge remain as indistinct and obscure as they were in the Brahminic age of the Sankhya and Nyaya philosophies. To deter- mine how far any of these systems of intellectual philosophy may be correct, we must examine anew, or construct anew the whole fabric of the science, and to do this effectually we will require the aid of that logic which has been so long undervalued and neglected. But in four centuries of contempt and despiteful entreaty our logic has dwindled into a shallow and puerile synopsis: there is a rapid and descending attenuation of the subject from the schoolmen to Ramus, from Ramus to Milton, from Milton to Locke, from Locke to Watts, and from Watts to Hedge, who stands at the lowest possible round of" the ladder. During the whole period nearly all the works which have been pro- duced in this department of study have been elaborate efforts to cir- culate the least possible modicum of the science under the name of logic. Within the last few years, indeed, the successive labors of Wheatley, Sir Wm. Hamilton and Mill — and in a higher though more obscure degree, of Hegel and other German scholars — have given evidence of a disposition to recall a long forgotten but most essential branch of human speculation. Before, however, it can be definitely or satisfactorily reconstructed, we must investigate the sources, the limitations, and the conditions of our knowledge. In other words, the creation of a new and sufficient science of logic demands the concur- rent production of a new and more definite science of metaphysics. — The one requires the aid of the other; they must advance together hand imparibus passibus, for, like so many of the higher branches of knowl- edge, they are mutually interdependent, and consequently require co- incident development. I have thus shown the existence of important practical wants and grievous practical evils, and traced the means of their satisfaction and redress through the different ethereal sciences to the required improvement of these most abstruse and recondite scien- M ces — logic and metaphysics; By so doing, I have brought them and the rest of the ethical sciences within the number of those studies which minister to the practical requirements of the age. I have not overlooked, though 1 have not mentioned the subject of international law. 1 have passed it over because its practical influ- ence can scarcely be mistaken; and because its condition is necessa- rily dependent upon the state of the kindred sciences of politics, po- litical economy, and moral philosoph}'. It must seek its improvement and development from the same sources from which they are replen- ished — and much it requires improvement, for it has gained little in substance, and has lost much in form, since the days of the founder — Grotius. But while I have traced social and political evils to defects in our logic and metaphysics, I could with the same ease have pointed out the necessity of an enlargement and rectification of these sciences for the further development of the physical sciences themselves, and for the correction of their errors and deficiences. I have already said that a mistaken view of the Baconian philosophy has distorted its ap- plication, and infected -it with the base alloy of an exclusively utilita- rian bias: and the consequence is that in the present day we are al- most wholly engaged with the comparatively petty duty of applying our knowledge of nature to purposes of immediate pecuniary gain, instead of examining, purifying, correcting, and expanding the scien- ces of nature themselves. We are occupying ourselves with the con- sideration of mere details — the infallible symptom ofva weak intellec- tual age — instead of investigating the ultimate speculative principles of natural science, from which alone any solid or permanent good can be anticipated. We have closed our ears to the lofty and ennobling maxims of Lord Bacon, and in consequence have strayed from the well delineated path of progress which he pointed out. Thus all our natural science has become diseased — chemistry is multiplying ele- ments, when a more severe scrutiny might possibly reduce their num- ber — it is concealing from itself and the world its own obscurity and ignorance by hypostatizing agencies, of which we can detect only a few and scattered phenomena; it is endeavoring to stereotype a vague distinction without a definitely assigned difference between combina- tions in an organic and in an inorganic body. Natural philosophy in all its branches is impaired and rendered unsatisfactory and delu- sive from the absence of accurate views of the metaphysical princi- ples which are involved in this, as in all other branches of human speculation. The law of gravitation is definitely established; but we have not advanced much beyond the unphilosophical reveries of Sir Isaac Newton, with respect to the causes, the nature, and the modus operandi of gravitation. These sciences are constantly occupied with tracing effects to their causes, and causes to their effects; yet they are fettered by the unsolved metaphysical difficulties which embarrass the relation between cause and effect. In optics the connecting theo- ries of Newton and Fresnel still divide the scientific world, without our being any nearer the discovery of a test of their truth, or aware of the necessity of its detection. Our cosmic speculations are splen- >)v> didly grand and unlimited, but they are uncertain and indefinite for \yant of a rigid determination of the nature and credibility of our tes- timony, and a precise demarcation of the impassable boundaries of human knowledge. In all these difficulties we are repelled by doubts which natural sciences cannot solve, and driven to seek an answer to the enigmas from those sciences of logic and metaphysics, which ought to be able, and alone can promise, to give a satisfactory solution. Thus again by a different chain the improvement of these sciences is connected with the immediate and essential practical requirements of the present day. • Of religion I have said nothing, though much might be said, think- ing any examination into its condition unsuited to this place, and in- expedient on this occasion. Within the walls of this University we have no more to do with religion than to indoctrinate the students in christian morals, and to inculcate Christianity as the law of the land, and the rule of life lor the citizen, the scholar and the gentleman. I have also avoided entering upon many higher and more abstruse speculations in confirmation of my remarks relative to the practical importance of the studies enumerated, from a reluctance to weary your patience by too tedious an address, and from the conviction that they could be better urged on a more suitable occasion. I need only add more, that the immediate practical importance of many of these studies has already been shown to be sufficiently great, notwithstand- ing their need of improvement — and that those which have been spe- cified as promising the necessary corrective of existent social and po- litical evils are thereby of no less practical benefit. Their condition is far from satisfactory, but their diligent study must precede their amendment, and the full accomplishment of our hopes. Still such as they are, they may be employed most profitably, while awaiting a fur- ther development. At the same time, their agency in informing and training the minds of young men for the duties and exercises of ma- ture life, of which we have said nothing give them a practical value, wholly independent of the other purposes to which they ma}'' be applied. We look then to the study of the ancient languages, of Mathemat- ics, Astronomy, Natural Philosophy and Chemistry; and of the differ- ent branches of Ethical science as the means of increasing the bles- sings and rectifying many of the evils of the day. These are, as- suredly, most important practical benefits. We regard them also as furnishing the most complete and effective system of education, and this is testified by the full experience of a long series of ages. We regard them not merely as the best, but as the necessary cradle of the highest intellectual accomplishments — and, for these reasons, again we claim for them immediate practical utility in ministering to the requirements of the times. For we deem the most valuable and the noblest wealth of a State to consist in the virtue, the learn- ing, and the intelligence of her citizens. But all these studies form part of the curriculum of the Collegiate career. The young men who may frequent the sacred Courts of lit- erature and science which the State has here established, will be familiarised with these branches of learning at such periods of their '23 course and in such order as may best ensure to them the greatest amount of thorough Tlnd useful knowledge. The student will thus be prepared, when he may have finished the due term of his College exercises, and obtained the honorable testimonial of his proficiency, to enter upon the duties of active life in any profession or occupa- tion in such a manner as to do credit to himself and his State, and to render essential sevice to his country and his kind. We cannot hope that all will reap this rich harvest— for there are good soils and bad soils — and the seed that will produce an hundred fold on good soil, will be wasted upon bad — but to all will be afforded the oppor- tunity, the stimulus and the encouragement to become upright, pol- ished gentlemen and thorough scholars, furnished with all that can render them valuable members of society, and the instruments of new benefits to their fellow-citizens. Before, however, this great re- sult can be fully attained, much will be expected from the students themselves — and asths will be expected from them, I will now take the liberty of addressing myself more particularly to them, hoping that they will ever bear my remarks in mind for their own guidance and improvement, and communicate them to such as may come after them for their information and direction. There remains but few words for me to say, and they will have relation principally to the duties and discipline of the students. Young Gentlemen : It is for yon r and those who like you have devoted their youth to the noble pursuit of instruction that this graceful Temple, these commodious Houses have b«en erected — it is for you that the generous expenditure around yoirhas been made. It is for you that the Trustees have brought lis, the members of the Faculty together, from far distant regions — it is for you and your benefit that we have come, for beyond our pri- vate advantages, we are fully conscious of the further responsibilities of the high and holy vocatiou which we profess. Tt is for you that the State and the Citizens of the State have poured out their treasures. The object of all which has been done r and all which may yet be done is correlative with your own object in coming here. You stand knocking at the Porticoesand Vestibules of the Temple of knowledge — we are here to introduce you into its sacred recesses, and initiate you into its recondite mysteries — and all this expense has been incurred by tiie State, that your hopes may not be without fruit, nor your desires with- out satisfaction. Without this aid your hopes would be vain — the necessary expenses of a Collegiate establishment are so' numerous and so heavy, that no amount of fees that could be charged or would be paid, would be adequate to its support. Hence, in all countries and in all ages, from the days of the Emperor Constantino to our own, the means of their mainten- ance have been furnished by States and cities, Emperors, Kings and Princes — or by the as- sociated and accumulated endowments of wealth or of countless individuals. This vast ex- pense roust be incurred for your benefit before you can contribute your mites, or receive the advantages whicl), result from it. Now, by what services have you merrited this munificence of your State? Of yourselves you have done nothing. Ought you not then to feel grateful for the proffered favour? — a favor which from being open to all is not the less extended to each of you individually. I cannot suppose any of you so far destitute of the highest feeling* which adorn humanity as not to feel profound gratitude for the blessing offered, and an earnest desire to* make a suit- able return for it. But there is only one return in your power to make — there is only one expected from yon. The State, convinced that to her, as to the Roman Matron, her sons are her brightest jewels; has, with lofty views and for noble purposes, erected and endowed this Institution for the young men of Mississippi — the only return which she expects or can' receive is that you do your duty as she has done hers — that you will avail yourselves to the utmost of the opportunities- accorded to you — and render to her in your own walks of life the tribute of a high and honorable character; of willing and upright hearts; and of instruc- ted and intelligent minds. Thus will she be amply rewarded for her care and liberality; and we will receive the best meed of our labors. The demands of the State correspond with your own highest temporal interests; you will be the first and the last to reap the rewards of your industry and good conduct here; and there will be no period of your lives when you will not feel the magic inflnenco of a creditable career in this University. Thus ronr duty to 24 Yourselves, your duty to your benefactors, your duty to the State, your duty to your par- oats, all concur in exacting a profitable use of your time here. In order that you may derive the full benefit of the advantages promised to you by this University, constant good order and 'gentiemanly propriety of deportment on your part are indispensably required. Without these, your scholastic pursuits here will be defrauded of their just results, and your career in life distorted at its commencement. For young gentle- men, you now put off the boy and put on the man. Your entrance into College is your reception of the Toga Virilis — and the character which you make for yourselves here, will attend you through life; and, in a great measure, determine the complexion of your lives. Here then, for your present benefit and for your future reputation, you must establish for yourselves a character for honorable sentiment, high sense of duty, industry, good order and gentlemanly conduct. And for the 'exercise of these virtues there will be constant occa- sion; for here is the gymnasium for the development of moral and intellectual excellence; and you will find the whole discipline of the Institution is a constant appeal to your better feelings, and always presupposes their existence. Some discipline is requisite whenever men are associated together for a common object — aiid it is especially necessary in the case of young men who have just begun to learn the difficult art of governing themselves. We have labored to remove as far as practicable all irksome restraints in the government of the College — but in- proportion to our moderation must be your own self-control. The faculty are here with the same common purpose with yourselves. Our common efforts are to be directed to your cultivation and improvement. We expect you accordingly to co-operate in working out your own good. All that we ask of you is that you will conduct yourselves as gentlemen. You will meet with the treatment of gentlemen, and it is hoped that you will behave as gentlemen. Instead of adopting the inquisitorial system of discipline adopted in most other Colleges, we appeal to your honor as Mississippians. The laws will be made known to you before your admission, you will as- sent to them or not as you please. If you are unwilling to incur the obligations which they impose, you do not enter the University, but seek some other institution which may be more consonent with your feelings. If you approve of the laws on the contrary, you pledge your honor as gent emen that you will not wilfully violate them. We then hold yon by your own prom.se, and keep you on your word of honor during your connection with the University. It there should be reason to suspect any of you of any breach of discipline; of any violation ot the laws, we do not hunt up evidence against you, and weigh testimonies in the balance against you but ask you privately on your honor as gentlemen, whether you are guilty or not of the offence. It has been suggested that we hold you by a weak tenure- we think not We have remitted all of discipline that is harsher oppressive-we make you feel as gentlemen and hat you are under the responsibilities of gentlemen-and we will not harbor wSSSelvS^ sus r i0, T V hat 1 an , yMis r sip P ian - thatan y young ma* of the South m ecS o £ Tl ■?' K H SUCh Sl T ld be f0Uud ' he is ^worthy to remain within the mav hale fnlSfi ^u I' ^ W f>P e to build U P a societ y of gentlemen-he who ruItXrfrom d thelr W mid d st nd T? ^ h ° n ° r ' V ^ 110 * l ™ «?»* ^tlemen, and riSSSiStS "if that ° n y ° U aS thG first 8tudents of the University, its fate will in a Ed a SJn » n rf P ?h . ^ , C0 '°P. erate freeI ^ and cordiall y with Y™* Professors in build. So ■ tt™w thorough system of education; and in laying firm and broad the founda- result We nromi " e fn melU ™ P f S the S , tudents ' certain and enduring success will be the hUh "fir* SK TJ, in ,W C ,° mp letG a ? d eleVated a Collegiate course of study as is pursued eh uld be ,tiiu fated to th fn\? ' f"^ M */ W8t rema '" S t0 be done ^ > 0U - And y«« ations brtKSron^thi/t^ ?T* ° f y ° Ur dut y' in addition t0 i 1 other consider- turned upon von voir Vlin, eyeS ° f J " ° WU State and of the adjoining States are thusiasZy fee3nf ZS fhT' 7°^ ^ te .P ride should be kindled into an ardent en- and that thlt L entrusted tr J" aCter f of M.ss.ss.ppi is largely involved in this experiment, deposite brigh t and ^untarnished after h° 7 ™ ^^^S- See that you return the sacred I will now dismisi Z IrU ' , h a v >ng preserved it with filial reverence and care, yourse ves Tf 3 "Z \m feS 7 ! **"* J ° U ^ find >' our P"fe«oni, if you will avail fices, and ilW^TuSWo^^S.-otSS' ^^ ^ ^ l ° aff0rd y ° U theil ^°° d ° f - areno real lines of 5 arln (Jn! 7 It ™ retUrn - There are no artificial, as there With to-morrow, v P r co Znc P eou7res he amicable . Change of kindness and civility, look back with pride to Rw res P ec tive duties; may the State of Mississippi ever back with fonde'rpSe to the ££ , * ^H mid - ma y J' 011 S ive her "use to look #J has e^tablishS'fSrlhfd- SSrorSr! u,% firSt t0 ^ ^ ™ «"* h " ^ i ESS DELIVERED ON OCCASION OF THE OPENING OF THE UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI IN BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES, NOVEMBER, 6 1848. BY EON. JACOB THOMPSON. M. C. INAUGURAL ADDRESS, DELIVERED ON OCCASION OF THE OPENING OF THE niVERSITY OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI NOVEMBER 6, 1848. BY GEORGE FREB'K HOLMES, A. M, PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY. Inter ea(qu8B memoria omnis alat, quaeque ipsa intueatur ffiternitas,; nil dignius est, aut nobilius, qnam si dotetur orbis terrarura augmentis scientiarum solius et fructuosis. Bacon, de Aug. Sci. L.b. n. Ep, Dcd. Ad Regan Siuch. MEMPHIS: • FRANKLIN DOOK AND JOR OFFICE. 1849. LBFe'iO