The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1865-08-11
CORRESPONDENTS.
Brrwrxs "rnE OssrrErs."
- Aug. 8. 1865.

49,. Brrwxxx "ruE OssrrEEs,"
y Aug. 8, 1866.
Ma. EptroR - Your abscncc from Com.
mcncemcnt Exercises this week ut a. Bow.
doin" has suggested brief report OF tho
Anniversary doingp, at my hands. Bruno
wick was alive TO tho demands Of the occa-
sion as consistency dictated, while the insii
fulton, through its faculty and patrons,
pursued its usual routine. Tho heat was
we'll nigh intOlerable, and the dust was even
worse. However, tho work went on. Pres.
Wotds came out on Sunday cyo with his
occasional baccalaurcate address. which, we
are assured. was characterized by his usual
terseness Of style, sound reasoning and per.
splcuity Of thought. On Monday night tho
juniors displayed their powers OF declama'
ton. The attractions for the visiting pub
lie, however, began on Tuesday p. NJ, with
the exercises Of the Literary Societies. The
grafton, pronounced by Rcv.,J. K. Walton.
Of Portland. was an able effort to harmonlze
the radicalism and conservatism Of Christian.
ity, and prove its univcrs.lity. He was bold
in bis ideas and gave utteranco to indepen
dent thought. Few orators in the land,
however, can hold the undivided attention
Of an audience for nearly two hours. and
there were indications that Mr.. W.'grew
somewhat tedious. The Poet was Rev. S.
ID. Smith. of Mass, who recitcd an interest
ing and creditablc production Of verse. The
concert in the evening was fully attended =
exceeding the anticipations Of tho most san
guine senior and the crowd dispersed in
evident satisfaction at the entertainment.
Commencement Wednesday opened
like many of its predecessors. with abundant
heat. Parts were performed, bouquets dis
tributed, and diplomas granted very much
after the usual order; bu; The feature of the
day. rs Of the week, was the presence OF
Lieut.. Gen. Grant. our military hero. upon
whom was conferred the degree Of l.. l.. d.
His appearance ut the church after being
briefly welcomed at the house Of Maj. Gen.
Chambcrlain-was the signal for grand
outburst OF applause on tho part Of the i'm
mcnse crowd which had gathered to hear the
Chief. Surely Brunswick audience never
displayed greater enthusiasm, and dignity
united with ehipalry and beauty in the glad
some reception. The chairs usually occu.
pied by the Governor and his aids, wero filed
in their absence by the Lieut.. Gen. and Maj
Genls. Howard and Chamberlain. At the
conclusion OF the academic exercises, the
Alumni and guests repaired to Commons
Hall, finding, we regret to say, not very in.
viting tables. It was evident that culinary
matters had bsen entrusted TO new hands.
Tho usual speeches followed, heightened in
interest by the presence of the distinguished
guest and the memories of tho past four
years. In the evening WIS given welcome
to the sons Of Bowdoin who have served in
the war of tho rebellion, at which interest
Ing speeches were made'by men OF military
and civic renown, and where again Gen.
Grant was seen. Commencement day Of this
anniversary will long be remembered by many
Brunswick inhabitant, as we'll MS visitor.
The Grafton before the Phi Beta Kappa
Society was delivered on Thursday by Rev
E. B. Webb. of Boston, and it was sound
practical view Of the requisites Of selfdevel-
opment. Although aware Of tho cagerncss
o! the public mind for national or political
subject-mattor, the speaker yet made himself
entertaining in his able and strictly literary
effort. Your correspondent was unable to
be present at class.day exercises which cane
of in tho afternoon. but was assured by dis
interested parties that high expectations were
entertained, and all promised we'll. These.
together with tho various reunions of class
and society, levees and the like, make up tho
record Of this anniversary. There were but
twenty who took tho degree of A. B. in
course, but We think they havegood cause
to be satisfied with their graduating work.
Our heart was chcercd at seeing many n
face, and yet addcncd at the thought that
many-less favored than ourself, looking
from human standpoint - were not spared
to return from tho battlefield and revisit
those familiar walks and halls. They have
gone to their rest, their life.work done.
Peace to their ashes! ALuuSUs.