Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1844-08-23
For the Phpnix.
For the Phpnix.
COMMENCEMENT AT AMHERST COLLEGE

Mn RYrHER--Sir s--Pfesuming that your intelligent
readers are DESTROYS Of learning whatever OF interest
going on in the literary as well the political world
hasten to give brief detailed account of the exercises
at the above-named Institution during last week.
On Tuesday evening we had prize speaking by the
Freshmen and Sophomore classes. G. w. Thompson
of Amherst and S. Nash Of South Hadley bore of the
prizes.
On Wednesday afternoon, Ex-Gov. VIM. II. Seward
Of Auburn, N. ". addressed the Literary Societies
His subject 1.-THE elements Of Empire in America,
was ftly chosen, and treated with mastery power lie
enumerated the sustaining elements in our national fab
ric together with those influences which are operating
against H. Among these are extent Of territory, slave
~ agriculture commerce, manufactures, religion lit
eraturo patriotism, free sufrage,a of which he con-
sidercd in their individual relations and drew from the
whole most cheering prospects for the future Slavery
he said must cease and that speediy not by the bal
lot box-not by force or ridcule-but by it, insult
6ciency, and the regeneratng power of Christianity
He alluded in beautiful terms the liberal and growing
policy of this aud other governments in their treatment
Of foreign powers The doctrine of fraud or force,
which was thought so indispensable by the ancents in
their dealings with other nations is fast passing away
before the light of the phianthropc principle Of mutu-
al concession lie rebuked in strong terms those who
are continually prophesyng the downfall of Union
Party spirit indeed reigns, but under wholesome re-
strins No party disloyal to the government. can eY-
er exist here while there is much patriotism among
the people II may oppose the erisng administration
but Just il arrays itself against the govern
ment that il loses all confidence with the peo-
pe and falls to ruins Surrounded by much to cheer
u.s. let us rather dwell in the sunshine OF hope than in
the gloomy shades Of despair. But limits will not
permit us to give abstract Of this Oraton-so
rich in thought, instructive in sentiment We re-
joce hear that is to be published II will only add
another to the laurels Of this distinguished statesman
and scholar.
Rev Dr. Robert f. Pattison Secretary Of the Baptis,
Board Of Foreign Missions, addressed the Alumni
Hs subeci,-the education Of the conscience, the
moral part OF the mnd-was treated with that ability
and nice metaphysical aecumen for which the author is
so deseryedly distinguished He urged greater
ton the cultivation Of our moral faculties essen
tiil part Of finished education. In the evening Rev
Dr. Woodbridge delivered Address before the Soce-
~ Of Inquiry His general subject was the duties OF
the scholar His address more Of desuiory char
aeter than those which preceded him yet it exhibited
great powers Of mind and contained much interesting
aud instructive matter. lie recommended more thor
oughncss scholarship, and greater attention to NOR
al and religious education.
On Thursday came of the exercises Of the graduating
class We noticed good degree Of variety in style
manner and matter. 1t generally remarked by
those present that the speakers displayed origin
atty and greater depth of thought than usual such
occasions II perhaps invdious to make distinctions
where all did well but say that the orations
of Messrs. Grow, Emerson. Dudley, Ellsworth. and
Hunting exhibited high order of intellect and
common maturity Of thought The colloquy, 'Galleo'
Recantaton, brought down the applause OF the whole
audience Its design, which 10 illustrate the insane
and bgoted opposition which the Catholic priests Of
three centuries ago offered TO every Improvement in
science and art happily chosen, and exhibited with
perfect nGirste. This spirit Of intolerance made
TO appear in beautiful contrast with the enlightened
liberal spirit OF the present day The Masters Ora
tons,' BY e. G.. Tyler OF Pittsfeld, and f. w. Bond
Springfield, eloquent and finished performances
That OF Mr. Bond especially the object of which wa
give just view of the abors of Hamilton in forming
and establishing the American Constitution excited tn,
admiration OF all who heard him. The Sautafory Ora
ton by F. X. Alden of Randolph and the Valedctory
by Lewis Green of Lowell were of high order, wei
fitted for the occasion. The exercises were inerspers
ed by most excellent music from the South Hadle,
Band Gov. Briggs there and by his mild and gen
tlemanly department and truly demoerae bearing gain
ed universal admiration. Happy is the State ovei
whose interests such man is called to preside.
The graduating class consisted of thirty. The de
gree OF A. NJ was conferred about twenty. Some
changes have been made in the faculty which is prop
er 10 notice DIR. Humphrey has resigned his Office a.
President Of the Institution, which he has filled with
much fidelity and honor for wentyone years. In his
old age he leaves with the good wishes of thousands
who have enjoyed his society and instruction. May his
latter days be peaceful his former have been pros
porous and useful. Prof George Shepard, of Bangor
Theological Seminary, has been appointed his
sor and he will probably accept and upon his du
ties at the commencement Of next term. As profound
scholar and eloquent orator he stands high and the
friends Of the Institution have congratulate
themselves in being able 10 his services Rev
j. Leaytt Of Providence has been chosen Professor OF
Rhetoric and Oratop. With these additions the Fac.
ulty is of the most efficient that be found in
any New England College. Its future prospects are
encouraging. PHILOMATHOS.
A Groton correspondent Of the Barre Patri-