The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1853-09-01
NO. 348.

Only one question Why will, why does
the President wear, in solemn grandeur, that
odious round, black hat And in the church
too, in the pulpit II is not imposing. lt
adds nothing but RIGHTEOUSNESS to the display
And when he lays it aside to address the trus
tees, in college Latin, and then, in turning 10
the students, places it again upon his head
like the judges black cap when he condemns
the prlsOner) it is impossible to resist a smile
IL the head must he covered, for the sake OF
dignity, why not wear the Oxford cap which
ugly as it may be, certainly has the advantage
Of the round hat.
At Dartmouth, the parts assigned at com
mencement are not given according to meyit,
but by LOT. All in this way have an equal chance,
but the most brilliant speakers and profound
scholars are not always heard. And there was
neither Latin nor Greek grafton.
On this occasion the lots were favorably
cast and the young gentlemen acquitted them
selves well, and neither anxious parents nor
listening friends had reason to be disappointed
in Oar Boy"
The themes chosen were grave and solemn,
almost too mach so for hght-hearted youth.
We gently limited to one of the learned Pro-
lessons: that the wit and mirthiulness might
have been pruned away by come older hand
hut this, We were assured, was our mistake.
We stood corrected
A poem, "The Students Reverie,o alone,
created laughter; and some palpable hits quite
brought down the house-evou the grave as
semblage ON the platform, Black hat and all,
could not refrain.
In the evening, the College Library, and thu
rooms of the Social Friends and united
Fraternity" were open for levee This was
most pleasant conclusion to the ceremonies
Of the day. The College Library has some
fine pictures of the past and present officers OF
the institution, and of its patrons A splendid
picture of the Earl Of Dartmouth, in his robe
of state, is opposite the old President Whee-
lock, in his gown and bands.
The rooms of the Fraters" and Socials"
were gracefully trimmed with oak garlands,
cedar wreaths, and bouquets Female hands
| had evidently been at work here; and we aft
| erwards found that each society had jealous
band OF fair partsans and there was quite a
feeling OF rivalship as regarded the decora-
| tons
We saw in the cemetery the graves Of the
students who had died while in College
| Among them was that of Simonds, erected by
| the United Fraternity and before that sOcl
ETY., of which he was a member, Mr.. Webster
delivered funeral Grafton, while in College
The original manuscript is still in existence
1t was accidentally discovered among come
loose papers after Mr.. Webster's death.
The levee in the evening of commencement
day was eminenty social in its character, free
from the conventionalitics of private act,
even the most diflident could enjoy the scene
Old friendships were renewed new ones form
ed. The oldest graduate, and the student of
to-day, met here on equal terms.
A fine band of musicians was stationed in
the Library and the whole entertainment OF
the evening might have passed under tho ap-
propriate name of Promenade Concert. Thus
pleasantly ended the brilliant performances at
Dartmouth College, July 2sth, 1853.
MCF