BEA UTY FOR ASHES. 
this brief summary of recent events in the 
history of the college, President Ewell has 
appeared three times before Congressional 
Committees — the last time in April, 1874 — 
urging the justice of an appropriation for 
the college, in consideration of “ Revolu- 
tionary losses, and because of the destruc- 
tion of its building, and other property, by 
United States troops, during the late Civil 
War,” — a petition eloquently supported by 
the Hon. Mr. Hoar, of Massachusetts* Of 
the result, if any, of this application, we are 
not advised. In 1869, the main building 
was substantially restored, the Faculty fully 
re-organized ; and the venerable institution 
has begun a new career of usefulness, under 
able and experienced officers, in whose hands 
* General Meade thus writes in relation to this 
destruction : 
“I am satisfied, on examination of the facts of the 
case, that the destruction of the buildings of William 
and Mary College by our troops was not only un- 
necessary and unauthorized, but was one of those 
deplorable acts of useless destruction which occur 
in all wars. 
it promises to resume its ancient celebrity. 
If excelled in wealth and the number of 
students by other universities, it is unsur- 
passed for the excellence of its moral and 
intellectual training, and the refined influ- 
ences surrounding it in the old city of Wil- 
liamsburg, now, as formerly, remarkable for 
the high tone of its society. Let it be ad- 
ded that, surely, the historical glories of the 
old Virginia capital should count for some- 
thing. It is scarcely a mere fancy that 
something of the spirit of patriotism and 
virtue which inspired Washington, Jefferson, 
Pendleton, and other eminent men of the 
last century, lingers in the; ancient metrop- 
olis — and to resemble these is the worthiest 
aim that the young men of to-day could 
present to themselves. 
“ In this view, and believing that its reconstruc- 
tion will tend to cement and strengthen the bonds 
of union, and to give encouragement to the growth 
and spreading of Union principles, I take great pleas- 
ure in recommending the appeal of Professor Ewell 
to all those who have the means and the disposition to 
assist him in the good work in which he is engaged.” 
BEAUTY FOR ASHES. 
Beauty for ashes thou hast brought me, dear! 
A time there was when all my soul lay waste, 
As the earth dark before the dawning lies 
Whereto the golden feet of morn make haste. ] 
Like mom thou comest, gladness in thine eyes, 
And gracious pity round thine ardent mouth — 
Like rain of summer upon wasted lands, 
Thy tender tears refreshed my spirit’s drouth. 
To-day is calm. Far off the tempest raves 
That long ago swept dead men to the shore — 
I can forget how those wild billows broke — 
Against my hopes and me they break no more. 
White butterflies flit shining in the sun — 
Red roses burst to bloom upon the tree — 
Birds call to birds till the glad day is done, 
The day of beauty thou hast brought to me. 
Shall I forget, O gentle heart and tme, 
How thy fair dawn has risen on my night — 
Turned dark to day all golden through and through — • 
From soil of grief won bloom of new delight? >J 
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