Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1853-09-15
*EXcused.


OF these performances we may speak in high
terms of commentator in all respects They
were as interesting, taken as whole, as any
to which we ever listened an any similar occa-
sion. On our scale Of degrees, Southgate,
Cummings and Webb stand highest, and we
have mentioned them in the order of their ex-
cellence as we have estimated it, Soulhgate
is yet young. He has sharp, penetrating
mind, and If his maturer years sustain The
promise of his earlier ones, he will vet be
heard from. Drew had a brilliant part, and
did best what most would desire first of all 10
do-he held the audience, and he who can
harness down that wild and untamable thing
a commencement andience-he who can still
those Maynard and camorous tongues, turn
ing on the smoothest and oiliest pvuts, that
are gathered there, certainly has power, and
Drew did this well, and deserves the credit of
it. Only a single DID. was conferred, and
that was most worthily bestowed upon the re-
firing Professor Goodwin. We are no friend
TO these ''half moon fardels,'' and would that
they could be wholly abolished, or else be or
dinarily better bestowed but we are confident
that few deserve 1t better than he who is 10 re-
tire from the professorship which he has filled
with so much satisfaction.
After the services of Commencement were
over, the Alumni and invited guests took TO
their heels, and in the most undignfed haste,
amid pelting showers, betook themselves TO
the dinner tent. Never was dinner better
run for. There was a most democratic cast
ing aside of dignity. Hon. judges, grave and
reverend seniors, old men and youth, pro-
fessors, presidents and students, all We'd with
each other in the race Short legs were at a
discount and long ones al decided premiun,
and many man was dstanced in that race
who had won; often the palm in quite differ
ent one. The crowd came in, all nnstarched
and dripping. The dinner was hastily dis
cussed and the song sung, and then we sup
posed we were to dispense as usual, but con-
trary TO our expectations we were entertained
by speeches from Messrs. Storer, Crosby, Abb
bot, Benson, and others. We hope we have
naugurated new era at Bowdoin. 1t IS time
that we should have little more of the intel
lectual with our material feast. Commence
ment dinners have been proverbially dull, and
most Of the Alumni have dreaded them. If we
can get up an after-dinner entertainment, this
meeting at the festive board will be one of the
most attractive seasons of all.
The Address before the Phi Beta Kappa on
Thursday was by Prof. H. B. Smith Of Union
Theological Seminary, New York ard the
Poem by Mr.. Field Of Boston. The address
was on the Philosophy of History, and rich
er one, it has rarely been our good fortune to
listen to. We will give no synopsis of it here,
for we could not within our brief limits give
the reader an adequate conception of its vigor,
learning aud power. 1t was the production of
one of the most remarkable young men of the
country. 1t was an honor to him-to the col
lege and the society. Mr.. Fields poem was
worthy to follow such an address, and was the
finest we ever heard on such an occasion
We have not forgotten, and would not fail TO
speak Of the masters Grafton, by MIR. Everett
of Brunswick. Il took US by surprise, or
rather would have done so, had not friend at
our side told us what to expect. 1t was admi-
rably thought and admirably wrought out, and
gave rich promise for the future.
The Commencement is to be held hereafter,
the first Wednesday in August. We know
not how this change may affect the general
welfare of the College. We suppose it has
been duly considered, and made on what are
considered sufficient grounds. One thing,
however, is certain-the change will not con-
tribute TO the comfort of those who attend on
the OCCASION Time will test its eApediency.
The music should not be passed over in ST.
lence. Il was performed by Dodworth's band
of New York. 1t was the best we ever heard,
and the best, we suppose, that the country
could supply.