Phillips, Charles, 1822-1889
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Fellow members,
After the separation of a few weeks we have again with joyous faces and hearts
elate with hope reassembled in the
Dialectic Hall, for the purpose of mutual instruction and to drink
deep of the pure and copious fountain of knowledge presented by our extensive
library. But above all, we have another opportunity of renewing and cementing
those friendships which are the charms of a College life, and will form
"the bright spots on memory's page," when we shall have left
the groves of
Chapel Hill to mingle in the busy scenes and share in the
all-engrossing cares of the wide world. How necessary then, whilst here
sheltered from the stormy waves of active life and secure of the smiles of
approving friends ready to cheer us on, in our course of intellectual culture,
that we should improve the present opportunity. Every hour that we spend, every
breath that we draw shortens the seed time of life. Yet how much remains to be
accomplished. In this present time of political excitement, when even the public
press losing sight of its proper end — the diffusion of information
indulges in all the madness of party strife, our country calls loudly on her
educated young men to proffer their aid in stopping the headlong
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current that bids fair to overwhelm her bright
prospects in utter destruction.
Although our separation has been short yet on our reunion we find our little band
diminished in numbers. Those to whom we were accustomed to look for advice and
example and with whom we were knit in the closest bonds of amity, have gone to
act their destined parts in the great drama of life, and well are we assured
that they will discharge the duties which devolve on them with honour to
themselves and to their country. In the intercourse which young men enjoy with
each other, as members of this Society and as intimate friends,
frequent and valuable opportunities are afforded for judging of the capacities
of their associates. Hence, although an instructor may form a wrong estimate of
the amount of talent that a young man possesses, his fellow students rarely
mistake. Judging by this rule it is with confidence that we auger the future
success of our late associates. But though this conviction rests with us, still
would we say to them in the impressive language of olden time, "Macte nova virtute, sic itur ad astra." Be
it our care to imitate their good example in the increased attention shown to
our duties both as members of Society and as Students of the University.
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So often, Fellow members, has the word of advice reproof and warning, been
addressed to you from this chair, that were I to follow the same track my
remarks would be as little heeded as the pattering of rain on the shingled roof.
But the commencement of a scholastic year affords such an opportunity for giving
advice, that to refrain entirely might be considered as a dereliction of duty. I
hope that it will be received in the same spirit with which it is tendered.
It must afford sincere pleasure to every true friend of the
Dialectic
Society, to see its ranks so rapidly increasing in numbers, for thus
the sphere of its influence is enlarged and the benevolent intentions of its
founders will be more perfectly realized. But mere accession of numbers will
neither add to the respectability nor augment the usefulness of the
Society. When on the 3
rd June 1795 a few of the
Students of the
University — at that time a mere high
school — formed an association which they called "The
Debating
Society" they expected to found an institution which should
not be materially affected by the hastily formed opinions of the inexperienced
youths who flock to this seat of the
Muses. They intended that it should derive its character from and
owe its chief advantages to the virtue, the talents, the maturer experience of
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its senior members and the unwearied exertion
of all in the acquisition and diffusion of valuable information. For thus it
would attain the highest rank among similar institutions and acquire a name of
which all might be justly proud. And well have their expectations been
fulfilled.
What means were employed to accomplish their object?
If we look back into the history of this body we will find one leading feature
characterizing its operations — the maintenance of a discipline which
knew no relaxation. A strict watch was kept over the conduct of members both in
the hall and in their rooms. Vice and immorality of every kind was firmly
discountenanced not only by the imposition of severe penalties but by the frowns
of the members. Profanity which can present no claims to indulgence, nor offer
any excuse to palliate its criminality, but which has become so fashionable of
late, finding no advocates for its practice, nor partners in its guilt was put
down by public sentiment or if indulged in was silenced by a fine. We have
members whose first application for admission was rejected lest they should
prove undeserving of the honour, but whose names now stand high on the roll of
fame in their native state.
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The ballot box was not
then kept for appearance's sake.
Although many of the old laws were too strict yet we see what a rich legacy has
been left to us through their influence. From a simple "
Debating
Society" where it was gravely discussed whether
"beasts had souls—" and whether "the
ladies or wine exerted more deteriorating effect on the mind of the
Student—" where laws were passed forbidding the members to
appear in the hall barefooted — an association hardly noticed by the
heads of the and of little repute among the students — it
has grown in importance and become a powerful
Society, whose assistance
is eagerly sought by the
Trustees and Faculty in the
preservation of good order, and spoken of with feelings of respect and
admiration by all who mention it. On us devolves the responsibility of
transmitting to our successors unimpaired in vigour of action this sacred charge
which we have received from our predecessors. The question would naturally
arise, how shall this responsibility be discharged? By persevering in the
honorable course pointed out by our hardy pioneers. Let us therefore watch with
renewed vigilance lest in our present increase of numbers practices should be
introduced;
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subversive of all good order.
It is obviously useless to crowd our Statue books with laws, resolutions and
motions in the hope of thereby restraining members from the commission of acts
at variance with decorum and destructive of wholesome discipline, whilst the
means of restraint lies with the members themselves. But a lamentable want of
disposition to enforce the laws is wanting. It has been observed that "public
sentiment is of more efficacy than the laws." If this remark holds good with
respect to communities at large, how powerful must it be when applied to a body
constituted as ours, where the happiness of each individual member depends so
entirely on his intercourse with his fellow members. Exert then this power in
behalf of the Dialectic Society, and put an end to some
practices which are too prevalent.
It was to be hoped that the abuse of our Library would be reformed and this hope
was strengthened by the manifestation of opinion on the subject at the close of
the last session. But the same course is persisted in; no attention is paid to
the Library Laws, books are taken out on irregular days and without covers.
Access to many books is denied to some of the members through the neglect of
members in returning what they have read. Next to the conduct of
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our members, our greatest interest should be
felt in the improvement of our Library. Already we boast of the largest and
finest south of the
Potomac, though still, how, far from perfection. Yet, how
can it improve either in appearance or in real worth, while neglected as it is
at present, when the office of librarian is a perfect sinecure. Let me beseech
you to turn your attention to this matter and produce a speedy reformation.
It is a source of pleasure, to learn that so many of the Senior Class are
unwilling to deprive themselves of the means of improvement afforded by our
exercises, and that they are ready to offer their experience as a guide to the
younger members of this body where precedents have such a sway. The custom so
lately introduced of releasing the older members from all obligations to attend
its meetings could be productive of nothing but injury to the body.
In conclusion, Fellow members allow me to return to you my sincere thanks for the
unmerited honour, you have conferred on me and to solicit your hearty
cooperation in administering the laws and promoting the unity and prosperity,
individually and generally of the Dialectic Society.
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