"The valedictory of Mr. F. R. Hill, of West Virginia, the next feature of the programme, was an eloquent and interesting address, and in its delivery made a deep impression on the large audience. Mr. Hill, unlike the majority of college valedictorians, introduced into his composition much originality of thought and feeling. His manner was marked by that simplicity which always distinguishes the true orator, and which invariably attracts and holds the closest attention of an audience.
MR. TILLETT'S ADDRESS.
"After singing 'The Randolph-Macon Roundelay,'the alumni address was delivered by Hon. Charles W. Tillett, of North Carolina. This eloquent speaker dwelt in feeling terms upon the great Randolph-Macon System. The foundation, he declared, had been laid with enduring material, and to-day all could unite in applauding the distinguished success of the master hand. The occasion was one on which a little glorification was pardonable, and every Randolph-Macon man and woman might well feel proud of his or her alma mater, and particularly of the joint commencement, which they all recognized as the grandest and most successful commencement of Randolph-Macon's career.
"The exercises were brought to a close with the singing of the song,
'Alma Mater, O.'
THE BALL GAME.
"An immense crowd gathered at the park in the afternoon to witness the ball game between the Bedford and the Front Royal Academies. The boys from Bedford had the best of the contest from start to finish, and won out by a score of 13 to 1."
FRANKLIN HALL.
"At night the exercises of the 'Frank' Hall were introduced with prayer by Rev. W. H. Atwill. The declamations were: 'The Fireman's Prayer,' by W. W. Wood, of Bedford; 'The Innocent Drummer,' by Miss Bethel, of Danville, and 'The Village Schoolmaster,' by J. L. Humphrey. W. J. Gills, of the College, delivered an oration on 'True Patriotism,' and the exercises closed with an essay by Miss Lula B. Woolridge, of the Woman's College, on 'Triumphant Life.' The Society medals were awarded as follows: John Kilby, of Suffolk, for declamation; F. C. Campbell, of Ashland, for debate, and Marvin E. Smithey, of Brunswick, for improvement in debate.
THE ALUMNI BANQUET.
"The annual banquet of the Alumni Association was held at the 'Carroll'
Wednesday night from 11 to 2 o'clock. After half an hour's feasting, the
remaining time was devoted to speeches of prominent members of the
Association. The following toasts were responded to: 'Randolph-Macon
College,' Dr. J. A. Kern; 'Randolph-Macon Woman's College,' Dr. N.
Knight; 'Randolph-Macon Academy' (Bedford), Principal E. Sumter Smith;
'Randolph-Macon Academy' (Front Royal), Dr. B. W. Arnold;
'Randolph-Macon Institute' (Danville), Miss Nellie Blackwell;
'Blackstone Female Institute,' Rev. James Cannon, Jr.; 'Board of
Trustees,' Dr. E. B. Prettyman; 'Randolph-Macon of 1898,' J. E.
McCulloch; 'The Alumni,' Charles W. Tillett; 'Glories of the Past,'
Captain Richard Irby; 'Randolph-Macon of the Future,' Dr. W. W. Smith."