The Independent Press

Furman University—Address of Col. Orr.

This distinguished gentleman, on yesterday, delivered an address before the literary societies of the Furman University, the students, faculty and trustees of the institution, and a large and brilliant assembly of ladies and gentlemen, in the new and capacious hall of the court house just constructed. It was the first meeting of any kind ever assembled in the building. Before the speaker was introduced, the Rev. Wm. B. Johnson, D. D., according to the announcement, offered up an appropriate prayer to Almighty God.

The address was an able one; the speaker discussing principally the superiority of the University system over the College plan. To us the argument was conclusive, and we presume it was so to many who heard it.

The recommendation of the early establishment of a law school and medical department in the University, we trust, will be carried out by the Trustees. That has always been the intention.

Col. Orr alluded, in the beginning of his address, to the death of Professor Mims and to the death of some of the students in a most feeling and eloquent manner.

The tribute to Professor Mims was felt by all to have been merited and becoming the occasion, as likewise the allusion to the untimely death of those young men who have been taken away in the midst of their preparation for the duties of life.

We presume the address will be published and read generally in the State, and that it will make an impression. On one subject, especially, it will doubtless elicit much discussion. We allude to the argument in favor of the State appropriating money annually to all the denominational colleges of the State. We cannot concur in the propriety of the scheme, and think there are many weighty objections to it, We expect to discuss this subject when time permits.

We have heard gentlemen of the first character and intelligence of the State who heard Col. Orr's address, speak in terms of warmest praise concerning it We think it will help to put the ball in motion.
will overturn the system of condy.