II. S. Burgwyn, had been chosen com
mencement orator by the joint invita
tion of the Philanthropic Society and
the Alumni Association of the Univer
sity of North Carolina, we felt satisfied
that a better selection could not have
been made, and so expressed ourself at
the time. A gentleman of rare nat
ural gifts and attainments, and an elo
quent and impassioned speaker, we
recognized in him those qualities that
made his selection an eminently wise
and fitting one. Col. Burgwyn chose
for his subject, "The Necessity of Pre
serving the Memorials of the Past, and
of Transmitting to Posterity a Just and
Impartial History of North Carolina."
How well he handled his theme is
abundantly shown in the enthusiasm
aud applause with which his speech
was received, and the further fact that
it was decided at once to establish a
Chair of History at the University, and
the promptness and alacrity with which
subscriptions were made.
Much as Col. Burgwyn is to be fe
licitated upon his admirable address,
which was pronounced by those who
heard it an elaborate and finished pro
duction, its happy issue, resulting as
above stated, is a higher compliment
still. He not only talked well, but
talked to good purpose, aud its high
and noble influence will be perpetual
and lasting to the State.
The State Chronicle gives a brief sy-
nopsis of Col. Burgwyn's speech as fol
lows :
col. nuncwYx's aiidress.
