New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1855-08-06
COLLEGE COMMENCEMENTS.
NEw-YoRK CENTRAL COLLEGE

oorre,pondenee of1he N. Y. Tribune.
McGRAwvILLE, Thursday, July IL, 1855.
The Anniversary exercises of this Institution
commenced on Sunday p. NJ, Jaly 9, with
Bacca 'aureate sermon by President Cslkins.
He spoke from the words "Lord, wha. wilt
." thou have me to DOT" He presented in clear
and forcible manner the duties aud obligations
which rest upon the educated young men who
are about to engage in the activities of life. The
discourse abounded with wholesome admOnitions
and Christian precepts, and was delivered in the
sneakers characteristic, forcble and impressive
manner.
On Monday evening as on the former occasion,
a large audience assembled TO listen TO prize decla
nations The exercise did great credit TO the per-
formers. The pieces were well selected, and pro-
pounced with a taste and propriety that eyinced
previous discipline and culture.
On Tuesday A. NJ the Rev Mr.. Pryne of SYRIA
euse preached before the College Association, from
the text "Quit yourselves like men" IL was
bold and impressive production; and was delivered
with much energy.
In the evening large and intelligent audience
convened TO hear the renowned and justly dlstln-
euished bard, the Rev John PierpOnt. As the
venerable sage, poet, and scholar advanced W the
stand be was warmly greeted by an eager throng.
AS he proceeded in the delivery OF his poem
GREATNESS silence Itbttu upOh e1NA,HSNf ""'N
when ever and anon burst forth pcals OF applause
that shook the building to its foundation. The poet
was in his happiest mood. His countenance
clowed with inspiration, and he seemed to lose
himself in the theme and occasion. L shall make
no attempt to report or describe the poem. 10 De
appreciated and fh 1t mnst be heard, and tiat from
tie poets own lips.
Wednesday was Commencement Day proper.
The day was propitous, and at an early hour a
large audience was assembled but still the people
came. and by / o'clock p. NJ. the chapel and
wings were densely crowded. The doors, win
dows, stairs, and every place that Afforded the
least prospect we're thronged, while multitude
were without, yainy seeking to gain admittance.
The exercises were opened by representatives
of the Freshman Glass, who, with those Of the
other Undergraduate classes, acquitted themselves
with honor Their OratiOns were, for the most
part, high toned and manly productions; and some
of them were of decided excellence
The graduates five in number, pronounced
their oratiOns in the afternoon; and never before
have we witnessed in graduating class better cul-
ture and more maturity OF thought than this Class
evinced Their subjects were of high order, and
were handled with great ability.
The valedictory pronounced by Arthur Holmes
was composition of great merit He dwelt for a
few moments in an interesting and eloquent man
ner upon brotherhood" and then addressed the
Faculty and students in way that secured for hun
at least the silent applause OF every heart In the
audience. All were impressed with his ability,
and his prospects to be a useful and influential
man.
This Glass is the fret that has ever graduated
at this Institution and well may the friends OF the
School be clad that such a Class is to go forth
to represent them and advocate their cherished
principles of the equality of the human family.
At the conclusion OF the Grafton by the gradu
ates the Hon. Gerrit Smith was introduced and
warmly received by the audience. He pronounced
an able argument on the cOnstitutiOnality of the
Maine Law His address was characterized by
clearness and force, and was delivered with that
eloquence for which Mr. Smith is so justly distin-
guished At the present crisis it is Opportune that
the influence and voice of such men should be ex-
erted on the side Of law and order.
At the close of Mr. Smiths address the President
conferred the degree of Bachelor of Arts upon the
following persons, members of the Graduating
Class: Arthur Holmes, j. c. Porter, Azariah
Smith, NJ j. Smith, Miss c. A. Stickney.
The remarks Of the President to the Glass were
hnppy and well timed He spoke with deep feel
ing of their connection with the Institution, and
enioned upon them in strain of thrilling earnest
ness to live for high and holy purpose, to rest
their actions the principles of justice, aud strike
fearlessly for the right.
This occasion was one long TO be remembered
by the friends of the Institution as bright epoch
in its history. The influence that goes forth from
this exercise cannot but add to the growing repu-
tstion of the College The prejudice which has
retarded its growth is fast giving way to more
liberal and just appreciation Gifts character. Inc
school is now in a hourishing condition, and but
Give expression TO the prevailing opinion when L
say that it has for its President one of the most
ACCOMPLISHED and successful educators OF the day.
BOWDOIN COLLEGE.