The Portland daily press., 1867-08-07

BRUNSWICK, Aug. 6, 1867.

BRUNSWICK, Aug. d, 1867. 4
To the Editor Of the Press:
The Congregational Church was filled to re-
pletion last evening to listen to the prize deca-
nation of the Junior class. The Germania
Band, of Boston, which will furnish the musi-
cal entertainment during the week, discoursed
its sweetest sounds. President Harris pre-
sided AMI introduced the speakers, according
to the following programme; as "a
l. Orvile ID. Baker, Augusta,
The Battle of Inkerman Anon.
2. George L. Chandler, Watervi i,.;,, ,,
D. ohar'es o. o""i' Extract from Everett.
a. Charles H. Cusbman. New Gloucester,
80 Launching of the Ship. L0ngfellOw.
'' The Dying Alchyinist. Willis
G. r. Jefferson Emery, West Falmouth,
Regulus to the Roman Senate.
T. Simon Fogg, Jr., Panora, Iowa. 4 TIT
Bernardo del Carpio. Mrs Hemans.
s. John A. Hinkley, Gorham,
Supposed Speech of Patrick Henry.
~ FRANK L. Hitchcock, Damariscotta,
The Gamblers Wife. DIR. Coats.
10. Charles g. HOlyOke. Yarmouth
MI Appeal for the Hungarians.f Kossuth.
IL. LeonardW. Rundlett, Brunswick, ~ lIfiFfl
The Traitors Death-bed. Lippard
IL. W. Frank Shepard, Bangor,
The Fate of Virginia. Macaulay.
H. George A. Smyth. Brunswick.
Sims Anniversary. Phillips.
There were so many poetical selections in
the order of exercises, that it is very difficult
to make any comparisons between the speak
ers. A theatrical rendition might be critic
rion of excellence, if the stage were the scene
of the best oratorica efforts, but it is not. The
oracles of the bar and the pulpit are delivered
in prose. 1t is supposed that the oratorical
talent of our colleges seeks one or the other OF
these professions 4
The best declarations were given by Baker,
Chapman, Holyoke and Rundlett.
Bakers articulation was perfect, and his de-
livery earnest. Chapman's carriage upon the
stage was easy. and his gestures natural
Holyoke has fine voice, and he entered into
Rundlett's rendition was almost perfect, his
style of speaking being very impressive.
The first, second and third prizes were
awarded to Rundlett, Baker and Holyoke re-
spectively
At II o'clock this morning, the procession Of
Trustees, Overseers and Alumni under the
marshalship of Col. E. P. Loring, class of 81
moved from the College chapel to the church
where the ceremony of inaugurating Samuel
Harris as President of the Institution, tool
place. The exercises were commenced with 6
prayer by Rev. DIR. John Pike, after which
Rev. DIR. Sewall Tenney, of Ellsworth, in be-
half of the Trustees and Overseers, indicted
the new President into his Office, by delivering
him the keys Of the Institution, the symbols Of
his authority. The general clapping Of hands
by alumni and students, which followed this
III I'D: 1o.r 10
the change which has been made. 'l 10
President Harris then proceeded to deliver
his inaugural address. His general subject
was "The Object of College Course" Thu
College aims at harmonious and systematic
training for future activity. The task masters
of life are more severe and rigorous in thei
demands than the task masters of college,
The aim is not knowledge, but discipline, it is
to put man into possession of himself Every
true scholar is a worker. College life and alst
culture in the abstract, are conducive to goot
morals One in four of young men who 60 tt
our cities are ruined morally and financially
while colleges develop manhood A college
teaches principles and methods, and one prin
ciple is worth a dozen facts. Three subjects
are to be studied in college-Nature, Man ant
God. Certain college reforners have arisen
who urge more extensive study of Nature
on the plea of usefulness. The highest pro
duct is not corn and cotton but man. The de
gree in which science is useful to man, is il
proportion to the degree in which the mar
himself is developed. Comparative philology
is a sort of geology of thought. We should
have knowledge of man. and the language.
spoken by him. Is not this as useful as the
knowledge of the elements of a particle O
sand ages before the existence Of man? Why
is not the knowledge that Caesar crossed thu
Rubicon, as useful as the knowledge of the av
erage weight of the human brain? He dit
not disparage the study of the sciences, but h.
believed in them. Not because they are usefu
or practical, but because they discipline man
He then declai ed that man and God should b,
studied as well as Nature.
He congratulated the friends of the College
upon the present condition and prospects O
the College. No College in New England ha
larger list of men noted in literature. art
morals, politics and war. n
The exercises were closed with prayer b,
Rev. Mr. Tappan of Norridgewock.
The grafton was very able, fit beginning o
the new administration.
Prof j. ii. Seelye, who was to deliver th,
Grafton before the Peucinian and Athen@an
was unable to attend. His place was wei
filled, however, by Rev. Dr. Henry B. Smith o
New York city. B.