The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1849-12-03
Inauguration OF the President OF Columbia
College.


College.
On the evening of the 28th ultimo,
CHARLES KING, esq, was inaugurated as
President of Columbia College, in the city
of New York. The ceremonies took place
in the college chapel, which was filled by
large audience, among whom were the
venerable ex-President Of the college, DR..
Moore, and on his right General WIN
FIELD ScoTT. A large number of the
reverend clergy were also present, with
the entire faculty of the college, and seve-
raj other gentlemen distinguished in lite
nature and the arts, as well as in our le-
gislative halls. The exercises opened
with prayer by Rev. DIR. Haight. The
Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Mr..
Laight, then announced their new choice
for President in the person Of Mr.. KING.
The Dean of the Faculty, Rev. DR.. Nc
VIcKAR, rose and proceeded to address
Mr. King in terms well fitted to the occa-
sion.
The remarks Of DR.. McVIcKAR, and the
reply OF Mr.. KING, we find in the Tn
6Ine.
DIR. McVrcKAR paid somewhat heightened and
eloquent tribute to of the great benefactors of
the college, Rufus King, father of the newly elected
president. Eighteen years ago member of the
board OF trustees Of the college, though immersed
in other cares, he never wavered when point of
principle or duty interviewed; and in moments of
ayh.,
ciPe, he threw himself into the scale, sustaining
the honor of the institution and the fidelity of its
sacred trust. The distinguished success of the col
lcge was next illustrated by the speaker We
have only to look, said he, to the gubernatorial
chair at Albany-to the Senate to the bench, the
bar, the pulpit, and the forum, to find the alumni.
The present generation other sons, he confidently
predicted, would not be found wanting in any re
quisite for greatness and eminence Of station.
Hence he argued the reasonable, just pride which
must be felt by every president of the institution in
welding such an instrument of good over the land
Education is high and holy thing; preparing
men for hfe-ftting them for usefulness here and
happiness hereafter. Its influences are boundless
in their nature; its blessings manifold its extent
unfathomable, but ever wonderful and attractive
DIR. McV. enlarged upon the several themes he
had introduced with much elegance and aptness
attempted no detailed report of his remarks, which
were listened to throughout with marked attention.
and were frequently interrupted by manifestations
of applause
Mr.. KING's address, in reply was of much
length and comprised rapid summary of the ope-
rations of the college from the earliest period with
numerous reflections and dissertations upon its pros
pcrity and prospects for future usefulness In com
mencing, he observed, that in accepting the high
and honorable station to which he had been called
hc was not unmindful of its chief responsibilities
nor Of his own inadequacy. He had listened to the
eloquent remarks of the Dean of the Faculty with
touched heart, and accepted his congratulations as
pledges Of harmonious personal intercourse. The
memories of an honored fathers name had touched
both his affections and his ambition; and in proper
ton that father had felt deep interest in the in
stitution while member of its board of trustees,
he should strive to follow in his footsteps and carry
out the work which he had begun. Mr.. KING went
on to review his own younger days, and lamentcd
the opportunities he bad slghted i'm his early years
The narrative was deeply interesting. From his
own experience he drew the most powerful inccn-
tives to industry in the pursuit of learning Know
ledge Is not wisdom, he said, though il is power;
and hence the necessity of that kind of education
which, while it supplies the intellect is fitted for
the development Of character and the formation
of a true moral nature He addressed himself
particularly to the young gentlemen students now
in the college-who all rose TO receive his obser-
vatons He was gratifed to be able to say that
during the brief period Of his presence among
them as president, their conduct had been marked
by manlness and gentlcmanly consideration
He asked for the confidence of their hearts, and
promised for them the best wishes and efforts of a
disposition on his own part to promote the welfare
4 II Al
they were especially warned against; and Truth
above all things earnestly enforced as the fun
damental, cardinal virtue. Altogether, much good
counsel embodied in this exhortation; and the
conclusion was a preccpt in Latin, often cited by
the presidents venerated tutor, signfying, sub
stantially, "Always strive to be the best"
Mr.. King then reverted TO a rapid running
stretch of the operations Of the college, He found
IN the retrospect many events Of prominent and
universal interest; in the present, fund of learn
ing and thorough crudition; and in the future,
brilliant prospects for distinguished success and re
markable achievements. He prophesied for many
of this years alumni career marked by the smiles
of fortune, and justified by their own attainments
and particularly he urged the claims of Columbia
College. He disclaimod, in its behalf the presence
of any sectarian prejudces prohibitory enact
mentspressed its advantages and its distinguished
name upon the consideration Of our families, our
merchants, and our men of literature and Of lei
surc-and finally presented in glowing light its
intrinsic merits and the advantages derivable from
participation in its benefits.
At Top m. the audience separated each and all
doubtless highly grati6ed.
The Paris correspondent Of the New York Jour
nal Of Commerce, In his last letter, says:
"a sensation, and quite fiattering one, has been
produced on both sides of the channel bv the nro-
csedings of the American Convention for the At
lantic and Pacific Railroad. Europe begins TO be-
Geve that nothing is impossible for the American
people"
The CONVENTION OF IRoN MASTERS at Pittsburg
adjourned on Friday last having completed the
business that called them together. The great
point of discussion i'm the convention was whether
specific duties a sliding scale would be the most
ecacious for the protection Of the interests Of their
trade. The matter was debated for a long while