The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1864-02-15
medical college Commencement.


The exercises at the close of the session,
which took place on the evening of We'd
nesday, the 10th, we're of more than usual
interest. The College Hall was crowded d
to overfowing, and more, too, for it would
not contain the multitude that ccngrega-
ted to witness the closing exercises.
Hirt's Band was present and added
largely to the qualification of the evening
by their we'll selected and well-executed
performances.
The Hons. Judges Wright and Dillon,
of the Supreme Court, we're present and
occupied a seat with the Faculty.
The Rev. DR.. Gillstt opened the exer-
oises with an appropriate and expressive
prayer, after which, Professor MEG ugin,
President of the Faculty, administered
the usual solemn vow, which the candi-
dates are required to take. In addition
to the usual formula, the President on
this occasion added, with his usual degree
Of warmth ana patriotic enthusiasm, after
extorting promises honestly to demean
themselves, and to continue their studies
and Investigations, "That in presence Of
God and these people, you solemnly
promise an undying fidelity to the Union,
the Government, and the Country'-to
which the candidates universally. prompt
ly and cmphatically answered "yes."-
Then came the deafening applauses of the
multitude, which made the old College
walls tremble from centre to crcumfer-
ence.
The diplomas were delivered to the
candidates, thirty-nine in number, By
Professors Cleaver aud Taylor, with ap-
propriate and we'll selected remarks
Then followed the valedictory by Profess
sor McGugin. He only had about two
days in which to prepare it, and be, at
the same time, had been worn out-more
than thread bare-with his other numer-
Gus duties and labors, and then had that
to prepare after not averaging two hours
sleep IN twenty-four for two weeks. 1t
was but another evidence of his intimate
Acquaintance with, not medical lore only,
but also with natural science aud general
philosophy. Every man. woman and
child, needed but pay attention to be
both edited and instructed.
He showed in beautiful manner the
rise and progress of medical science; its
condition at the different periods of the
worlds history, aud among different peo-
pie and nations He showed how igno-
rant people generally arc of their own
structures and the fixed and beautiful laws
governing them; that those who are SO
zealously engaged in other departments
of science, and of the arts, knew less of
themselves than Of all things else, and
treated the mandate. "know thyself,"
with neglect and contumely.
To the graduates he said, "If all men
should know these things, how much more
is it necessary that the student of medi-
cine should acquire perfect familiarity
with them ?"
He finally wound up by warning them,
as they were small boats, that they should
keep near shore lest they be ssramped by
heavy sea; and not TO throw out too
much sail lest they be capsized. To be
men, and plain men, not tops and cox.
Combs. To act and appear naturally, no,
trying to appear and look very wise, as
they would be apt to overdo it, and look
and appear very foolish.
The address seemed to please all who
heard it, frequently eliciting loud ap.
plauses. In short, they had q good time
general ly-one we'll calculated to remain
as bright and pleasant oasis in the life
of both students and Professors, and may
their memories often revert to it with
Measurable emotions n q