Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1845-08-22

AmHERsr, Mass, Aug. ID, 1e45.

a very large number have attended the exercises
of Commencement week, which have just closed
As the exercises have been varied and unusually
interesting, know not how can better employ
few leisure moments than in communicating for
your readers a brief account of them.
The Prize speaking, on Tuesday evening, indica
ted a commendabe proficiency in the most difficult,
though important branch OF Oratory. On Wed
nesday afternoon the several Literary Societies
were most ably addressed by Hon. George Lunt of
Newburyport His theme was, The Progress and
Prospects Of Society in relation TO the country and
the age lie touched upon the various influences
which have operated 10 purity and elevate the So
cal condition Of man /; the most important Of which
is the recognition Of The universal bond Of brother
hood which connects with man. This great
truth realized in us, binds US in closer union with
the Past, and teaches us that all changes in the
worlds history "dis,inct pusations OF the same
mighty heart which will beat on in harmonious
action till the end of time. His allusioD 10 Crom-
we'll and the old English Reformers as the forernn-
Of liberty, and the tribute TO the Pilgrims as
the source whence have issued the great streams
of modern civilization which are yet destined TO
overspread the whole earth, eloquent and we'll
tuned. He encouraged US to hope in and God.
The tendency of the great mass, vivifed by the
life giving spirit of christianity, is onward and will
always be onward in spite of adverse circumstances,
till all evil shall be banished from our hearts.
Prof. Charles U. Shepard, lately elected Profess
sor Of Chemistry in the Institution, delivered an
Inaugural Address on the Chemistry of Astronomy
and Geology. This unique subject he handled in
a manner peculiar to himself He unfolded the
mysteries OF nature as revealed by modern science,
tef'o uk Tho ndrou rpla
tons which exist between the several departments
Of the natural world.
On Wednesday evening the Church crowd
ed al early hour TO listen TO Address by Rev.
Thatcher Thayer, of Newport, R l., graduate of
the College. He selected for his theme, The Prac.
ticaness of Christianity. His chief object was 10
vindicste its claims element peculiarly adapt
ed TO man in every condition of life, against the OBJ
jec,ons Of those who see in it only dreamy va
carries and mystic speculatons And nobly did he
accomplish his object His address replete
with beautiful and eloquent passages. In auding
some of tue great questions of the day all would
not agree with him, yet even his opponents could
not charge him with 4 want Of candor.
The crowd continued to increase till Thursday
morning, when large number unable TO gain
admission 10 the Church.
The graduating class had maintained high rank
in talents and scholarship, and much was expected
from them. And we believe then friends were mol
disappointed. Their productions, which embraced
greater variety Of topics than usual, were indie
pendent and manly in thought and delivery. We
noticed one excellent feature in the themes chosen
The great questions Of the day which agitatine
the moral and political world received prominen
share Of attention, showing that the mind of the
student is not always delving among tile mouidy
tones OF ancient lore. The iniquitnus Texai
scheme, the lngress Of the Catholics, Native Amer
icanism, the political demagogue, the mania fol
bcnevoence and reform which characterizes The
present age, all discussed in their various
bearings upon the interests aud destiny Of the ma
ton. The Salutatory by NJ. Henshaw, of Penn.
was well suited to the occasion, and spoken in
pleasing manner. The Valedietory, by Francis A
March. of Worcester, was dignifed and impressive
The tears coursed down many manly faces as h,
pronounced the last sad, solemn farewell
The graduating class number ,hirty-one. Tween
iy-seven took part in the exercises The Boston
Brass Band afforded rich treat to all lovers of mu
sic. Kendall has few, IL any, equals on the buge
Afler the exercises about 800 paItook OF COLLATION.
prepared for the Alumni These annual festival
witness many happy greetings, interchanges o
| sentiment and revivals of old friendships. Thi
evening the Baker Family gave concert at Acad
envy Hall. The house was filled to overhowing.-
Their fame had gone before them. They sung ad
| mrably, and fully sustained their previous well
merited reputation. All were pleased with thei
simple, unaffected manners. Their music was Ion!
aud loudly applauded.
The College here is in highly prosperous con
diton. The new President, DR.. Hitchcock is yer,
popular. All the departments filled witt
able and competent men. The prospects for larg
Freshman class good. The degree of LII. d
was conferred on Prof John Torrey, OF N. Y, Prof.
/ S. Greeneaf of Harvard University, and Gov
Briggs. The two last were present.
Yours, in haste, S
sThe only member Of the graduating class iron
Vermont, is John Stebbns Lee, Of Vernon