The Cleveland leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1865-1865, 1865-06-12
DAILY LEADER.
COMMENCEMENT AT HIRAM
Anniversary or the Hesperian
Society. -. ~.
TsOsoial Oorapoadsne. OlsTslaad Ia1DIa.l;

lsDecial Correspondence Cleveland nzADIR.l,
HTRAM, June 8, 1865.
To day occurred the Fifteenth Com
mencsment Of the Eclectic Institute. The
rain of yesterday cooled the atmosphere
and laid the dust 30 that the weather and
travelling we're highly delightful to the
thousands Of friends and visitors who con-
gregsted here from various parts of the
country, That the Eclectic has long had 9
deep hold upon the confidence and sfec-
tons Of the people is proved not only by
the large number of students in attend
snce from term to term, but also in the
number attending the Commencement TX
ercises Of each successive year. We doubt
whether any educational institution in the
State attracts q larger number of the PeO-
pie. This is partly due it is true to the
popular character of the exercises, their
aim being not so much to indulge in learn
ed disqaisitions upon topics that range
above the comprehension Of the masses, ss
to speak to their hearts in words of prac-
teal meaning, and to instruct by whole
some amusement. This is the proper ex-
PLANTATION of the nature of the programmes,
in which an Efforts made 10 combine the
scholarly with the popular and practical.
The propriety of such 8 method of pub
lie entertainment is also illustrated In the
consideration that the Eclectic does NOT
aspire to the honoIs Of Hsheep-skins, think
ing it s much higher field, at present. 70
prepare young ladies and gentlemen for
any c lass in any college in the country
which msy finally be selected. By doing
this, the cause of sound learning is more
completely subserved than if the Thousands
of young men snd women who attend here
were allowed TO graduate with a. Ms at
tached to their names, but with an inferior
standard Of scholarship on which to predi-
cate the title. The cause of sound learn
ing hes of late years suffered materially in
the West, in consequence of the facility
with which newly fedged colleges are made
and half fl dyed graduates are turned out.
Pretentio us "Colleges" have sprung up
everywhere, so that we have, Is a people,
the most abundant facilities for reaching
the dignity Of Bachelors of Arts without
the sound scholarship OF the older colleges
of the land. In consequence of this, the
Eclectic Institute has maintained its posi-.
ton as s training ground for the best col
in the land, and for the preparation
of young men and women for the duties
of every day life. The good already done
in the number that have gone forth from
its care, as teachers, and otherwise, is in
Its influence has been felt far
and wide g the land. Hundreds of its
young men have served with honor and
distinguished bravery in the ranks of the
army,
AS early as nine O'Clock Hiram
to throng with the thousands that
were to gather to witness the exercises Of
The day. In casting the eye over the crowd
hundreds of familiar faces were visible
From fer and near hsd the old students,
many with their wives and children, col
Iected IS by ONO common understanding.
scqusintsnces were to be renewed
greetings and salutatiOns, kind en-
and congratulations, new introduc-
ions and old friendships, filed up the in
of the day, SO that many have
been rendered gladOr and happier for the
year TO come.
At ten o'clock A N, with an audience Of
several thousands already on the ground
he exercises began with prayer by the
Rev. Mr.. Hswley of this place. The fol-
owing was the
PROGRAMME CT THE DAY.