New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1860-08-08
COMMENCEMENT WEEK AT WILLIAMS
COLLEGE.
Of The N. Y. Tribune

Uipb were destined to possess and rule the earth.
This he proved by showing that there was silent
but still continually working law in nature by which
the stronger overcame the weaker and that this law
worked in moral as well az in physical relations lie
remarked that the manner in which the saints would
possess the earth was not as the Hebrews Of old, by
armies and force but that their weapons were spiritual
AND that the Christian did his duty when he went ont
to the duties of life from his closet and the sanctuary,
and closed by saying that the duty OF all young men
was to become heroes in the work that was before
them This discourse was ably written, and showed
the ability of the speaker. In the afternoon notwlth.
standing the falling RAIN, the Old church on the NIL
wac well filed with those who were eager Tor a
spiritual treat. The graduating class entered the
church together at 2 o'clock, and after the usual
Introductory exercises the baccalaureate sermon
WAS preached by the Rev. Mark Hopkins, d. d.,
from John vi, II. His theme was That GOD In,
tended that nothing should be lost neither IN this world
nor in the world TO come. This sermon is regarded by
ali who heard it, as one Of the finest President Hop
kins ever delivered. We viii not attempt to give
synopts, this would be merely to mujlate and dls
figure what is now whole and perfect In TIE evening"
the Mills Theological Soci7ty was addressed by tue
Rev. Mr. Manning of Boston. His eubject was
" Panthe site Philosophy showing that benedict
SpnoZa the Is that reduced II 10 tangible FORM,
and thence he followed II through all Is winnings
down TO the present IL labored aod schOi-
arly attempt and proved conclusivey that Pantheis
res ed alone on intellectually, and rejected the moral
and religious part Of man. Monday was charming
day. The rain had alayed the dust and rendered the
air cool snd bracing. In the evening, Dorng band
of Troy, assisted by Mrs. X. w. Lathe and Miss {.
NJ. Yates, gave concert. Seldom do we have an OPP
poIuIity TO listen 10 such delightful strains rs were
poured into on that occasion. Truly,
Mis- Lathe and Mrs Yates never fail 10
have admirers. The French air, Marseiliaise,
sung by Mss Yaes, and the song The BTd OF
Beau,y" by Mr.. Lathe We're heartily eneored oy an
enthusiastic audiences duet " Oh Cara lnmagino'
added greatly to the occasion. Two polsas composed
Tor and dedicated TO the graduating class performed
by the band; one, the Cascade Polka. composed by
c. Dorng OF Troy, the other, the heAekoHta p0ka,
written by a. C. Reid, member OF the class. These
are both very fine pieces and called forth applause
On Tuesday morning at 1Ol clock Gov Banks and suite
arrived from Ptsfeld, where they had passed Monday
night. At ii clock address was delivered before
& e Alumni by the Rev. ii. NJ. Field Of TIE Nso- YORK
EraHgelisi and a poem by e. N. Emerson. The ad-
drtes was all that could be desired; simple and un-
pretending vet in many places very touching Inc
poem was excellent. AT i o'clock Governor Banks
and suite took dinner with the corporation and Alumni
at tie Mansion House. AT o'clock George
Sumner Of Boston addressed the Adelphic Union So
ciey. His address was especially appropriate, having
reference to the education of the Youth Of America.
In the evening the Prize Rhetorical Ex-
hbition drew ITS usual great throng, hardly
less than at Commencement proper. Members
of the lower classes spoke original compositions The
prizes were awarded TO Mr.. Brown of the Freshme0,
Mr. illus of the SophOmores Whose claim was very
closely contested by Mr.. Ball, and Mr.. Dana OF the
Juniors. The night was passed by many students In
various forms of harity, IN celebration OF their ap-
preaching ire dom. Some, accompanied by DorlnS
Band serenaded Gov. Banks, his stall and their lady
friends and it broad daylight before the sound OF
songs and cheers had died out IN those usually quiet
sire but all excess was pardoned school was out,
and the Professors faces wore smiles The crowd
increased with each day. In addition to Gov. Banks
and suite the stage Wednesday was graced by Gov
buckingham of Connecticut, Gen. Wool ana stan OF
Troy Judge Rockwell, DR.. Chids John n. Goodridge,
and John Islam Of Geor'ia. Seldom do College Com
meucements present such brilliant collection vi nota-
bliles; politics, the pulpit, the bar, medicine, the
army the militia, science, and society, all contributed
some of their brightest ornaments. The galleries ana
side rows of seats were perfect iower-beds OF female
beauty from which and auon, as favored students
bow ed their departure were thrown brilliant bouquets,
uet late meteor emit ed portions Of its gorgeous
beauty an it swept through the air. OF the respective
merits Of the different oraOns delivered by members
OF the graduating class there space to speak III de-
tail. Sense in matter ard good taste III execution were
he unvarying characteristics. Gentlemen from BOs-
Ton familiar with Harvard Commencenents but never
I'D Berkshire County before, were quite astonlshed
with TIE exercises They said most decidedly that
or depth OF thought freedom of expression, aud true
natural eloquence the students at Williams quite sur
pass ANYTHING ever seen on Cambridge platforms.
There is, undoubtedly, different type Of mental de-
velOpment at Williams there ia more originality aud
force though perhaps less perfection of finish; aud
the students will probably average two three years
older than at Harvard this superiority OF thought may
be accounted no reelection Jon the latter Institution.
But Harvard old and superior she may cl ,m TO be,
can find much TO learn from her younger and less
bilious sisters; but whether she incorporate the
advantages visible here upon her own establishment
mag be questionable unIess she can seduce away the
President of Williams AID nst into her faith some Of
those steiner doctrines which give much robust
ness and character 10 the education and men found
among the hills of Berkshire County After the speak
irg exercises were concluded the degrees were
fered the class II has had during its career II
members, lost 2 by death, aud graduates 81. The de-
gree Of Master Of Arts was conferred on sew
tral members of the class of 1857, IL of whom
were present. The honorary degrees are as fol-
the Rev. S. s. Smith of Warren, Col. Ezra
Lincoln Of Boston, State Engineer on the Troy AID
Greenfield Railroad d. d., the Rev. u. Eddy of
Northampton; LII. D., the Hon. N. p. Banks OF
Wa thsm, Macs, and AloDzo Paige Of Schenectady,
n Y. DIR. Davis Of Westield was chosen orator be-
fore the Alumni for the next year. with Samuel Knox
Of ST. Louis a substitute, and 5. b. Sumner OF Great
Darlington poet. At the Alumni dinner on Wednes-
day. Gov. Banks and Gen. Wool were both ca lied up,
and made interesting and enivening speeches. Tne
General said il he could talk the Governor did he
would not ASK the people 10 elect him President; he
would make them do il. The Alumni have now at
the instance of the Graduating Class taken the lead in
seeming 10 President Hopkins d vac atiDn, and the
means TO enjoy it in foreign travel
vote wss passed urging upon the Trustees the
fora al granting OF such vacation, and Mr.. DAVID ID.
Field pledged the Alumni to do for the President What
religious fOeittes do under similar circumstances for
q elr fayorite pastors, viz foot the bills; oieriug for
hnsefto pay uch asa any Alumnus for this purpose
John u. GUOorldge said ditto for himself The feeling
was warm and decided both that the President needed
such vacation and tour Of travel and that he should
have it, Between 40 and 50 have been examined for
the next cass and this s ali excellent omen. The
festivities OF the week closed with so,ial gathering
at the house of DR.. Hopkins, in the evening
Beauty crowns the feast and dries its tears in
parting with graduated Seniors in smiling sweet
welcome 10 fresh suite Ia in the coming Freedmen j. l..
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NIAYES ANu LILLE 81 AIE-TR1uE