New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1859-07-20
COMMENCEMENT OF THE FREE
ACADEMY.

ACADEMI.
Last evening the Academy Of Music was crowded
to its densest capacity the occasion of the Com
nsrcement Of the Free Academy. On the stage
were seated the members Of the Board Of Education,
the Faculty Of the Free Academy, with Prof. Web
sser at It's head and leading members Of the various
prUfsssioIs well known for their active interest IN
the cause Of education in the city.
The exercises commenced at early hour in the
svepng and did not terminate till nearly ii O'clock
standing this prolonged session, there was D
apparent tagging of interest the part of the au-
d,ebce- fact doubtless TO be attributed in no small
measure to the presence of DodwOrth's Band, which
ed some of their choicest music for the OCCASION
snd were obliged TO respond to several encores.
There were twenty Six graduates, of whom eighteen
vronoun ced orations As whole, the youthful grad
ustes acquitted themselves exceedingly weli-ihe ma
jority Of the orations being written with unusual COM
psc,ness and cearness and the delivery characterized
by freedom, force and earnestness.
RICHARD WARES, President of the Board OF Edu-
cation, presided.
The Rev. +. ii. CHAPIS made opening prayer.
I The salutatory address by JOHN Il. APPLEToS, led
off the oratocai exercises of the evening, and was
written iD the usual style of valuations. Inc Board
of Education was the first subject OF santston; next
The Faculty of the institution; and lastly the
Audience; the ladies, of course, being galIantiy
awarded more than moety Lack of force in the writ
ing and Of energy and disinctness in the delivery,
we're drawbacks which the shower of boquets thrown
nj the feet of the speaker at the close OF his oraon
did not serve to make lees apparent.
" Pointlessness" was the subject chosen by OSCAR
BRows IRELAND, the second orator. How worthless
needle is without point character without hxed
and positive him, and Grafton without some defining
and Ineligible point, the points made and eu-
eidated with commendable success. A rather slow
utteIance characterized the Grafton.
"The Founders of our Ins it'll ton,' was the subject
oftbe next Grafton by REID SANDERS. reference to
the struggles of the Revolution combined with alu-
sion to the present struggle in Italy for liberty, elected
general cheering from the audience. A glowing
tbute to the founders of the Free Academy was the
burden of the Grafton. Earnest delivery and clear
articulation marked the effort and the speaker left the
stage bearing an arm-full of bouquets.
HORACE L. DRESSER pronounced the fourth ora
zion His subject, "The Romance of Religion, was
brilliantly written, the thought striking and original,
and the delivery excellent. The usual shower OF DO
quets followed its conclusion.
The Philosophical and third honorary Grafton, the
subject, "The True Source of Happiness" was next
delivered by RICHARD b. ELLIOTT. He success
fully showed that integrity and industry were the
foundations of happiness. He was interrupted by
frequent applause. note thrown on the reporters
table announced that the speaker was the son OF
shoemaker and that through his entire academic
course he had pursued his studies in his fathers shop,
with the lapstone ON his youthful knees The tumult-
nous applause and profusion of fowery offerings that
greeted his entrance and exit from the stage,
doubtless spontaneous tributes to his industry and
success.
1.-THE Ruling Passion" was the chosen theme of the
next GRAFTON, by John A. CAROLYN. He gave an
earnest and glowing description of the workings Of the
ruling passion as shown in the life of the poet the
philosopher the of science, and the devotes OF
letters He spoke in a loud, distinct tone and was
very happy in bis gesticuatiou.
Asa BIRD GARESER gave the next Grafton on The
Present" The present state Of inventions, literature,
religion and politics alluded to, with closing ref
erepce to the present European The belief that
this war was working ont the great liberty problem
of the age called out hearty response from the aud
fence He withdrew from the stage carrying the sew
enth load of boquets.
The eight honorary Grafton was delivered by JAMES
KNOX His subject was the Expulsion of the Moors
from Spain" This well known historical episode in
Spanish history was coneisey told with an eloquent
portrayal of the results following. He spoke with uu-
usual energy and effect, and received the usual closing
floral tribute.
The ninth Grafton was on Friendship and its
Literature by GARDINER SHERMAN. The speaker
failed to make himself audible, but he had personal
friends who did not fail in their duty to hurl boquets
at him at his closing in.
The ethical and fourth honorary Grafton was de-
hvered by DAVID PARKs FAeKLER on the Source OF
Power He aimed to show that inherent love and
pursuit Of the noble and true was the steppngstone
to sucsess in any field of human effort. lie was
happy in thought, in delivery and in receiving the
smiles and boquets of his friends.
"Old Things through New Spec;acee," was the sub
iect of the seventh honorary Grafton by SOLOMON |.
WooLr. This speech burst through the shacklss Of
Commence ment oratons, and treated the audience 10
a sparkling caus,c and witty sashing of the present
rule of pedagoguism. The local illusions Were hap
py, and the sharp severity OF criticism and ocnsure
vas warmly appreciated and aPpisadsd. Agrscc!a