Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1844-08-09
COMMENCEMENT.

the University took place on Wednesday the
9Th inst. at the New Congregational Church.
They we've preceded by an address on
Monday evening before the Society for Re-
ligious Inquiry, by Rev. Joseph d. Wick
ham of Burr Seminary, and by tho Junior
Exhibition and the anniversaries of the So
cietics on Tuesday afternoon and evening.
The address of Mr. Wckham we had not
the good fortune to hear, but learn that it
ELECTED high praise.
The Societies we're addressed on Tuesday
by Prof. Geo. w. Benedict in very able
and interesting discourse on the New En-
gland system of Education, and by the Rev.
Walter Cotton of the U. S. Navy, who re-
cited a poem full of beautiful, pathetic and
humorous passages, bu, with no particular
order or method in their arrangement. The
POEM excited good deal of speculation as
to the design of the author, and who of his
numerous heroes was the hero but we sus-
pect the object attained was the one desired,
namely TO keep expectation kecnly alive to
the end, and then remorsclessly set it adrft
without qualification. Certain it is that the
doubts as TO the hero, did not deiract from
the conceded beauties which we're plentiful
ly strung upon the invisible thread.
The performances of the Juniors were
creditable both TO them and their instructors,
and were attended by large assemblage of
people.
On Wednesday the exercises commenced
about nine o'clock, aud the crowd was so
great that none but those who were lucky
enough to be early on the ground, could OBJ
tain seats or even standing room. We were
not of the number, and can only repeat what
we heard of the proceedings. The gradua-
ting class are universally spoken Of as young
men ofhigh promise, and several of their per-
formances we're the subjects of unbounded
praise. One thing we have observed in the
remarks made concerning the speakers, which
it is well for all to think of. Every graduate
whose piece we heard commended, was es-
pecially praised for his loud, clear and dis
tinct cnunciation This essential prc-reqni-
site of an effective speaker is far too apt to
be forgotten or undcrvalued by young men,
who argue to themselves that sound and
eloquent discourse, should produce the same
effect however conveyed to the mind. We
may agree with them that it should, but that
it does not and cannot, all experience album
dainty proves. The most profound and
beautiful composition falls unheeded and I'M
productive upon ears that are listening to a
careless, mumbling or nnintcllgible speaker.
The interests of the exercises was greatly
heightened by the capital orations Of the two
gentlemen who were candidates for the second
degree. We have not now list of the de-
grces conferred, but intend to publish an au-
thenic one next week.
The Albany Brass Band we're in atten-
dance throughout Tuesday and Wednesday,
cnlvcning the exercises with their inspiring
music.
After the close of the regular business OF
! the day, meeting Of the Alumni was held
. for the formation of an associa ton, the pro.
ccedngs of which will be found in this pa
per. They were addressed by Charles
Adams Esq, one of the earlics, graduates OF
the University. upon the mission of the peo-
, pie of the United States.
We we're unable to attend the delivery Of
u this address, but it is represented as mos
i comprehensive and able discourse upon the
! hopes, the duties and the responsibilities O
y this nation. We trust it will be published
: that we and all who like us were prevented
from hearing it, may enjoy the pleasure ant
. profit of its perusa!.
The following are the Senior themes:
u MORNING.