Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1867-08-22
RUTLAND HERALD.
commencement at MiddiebuIy Col.
Iege.
ALUMNI CELEBRATION.


ration services TO President Bates, the
annual anniversary OF the Associated
Alumni was held. J. ], Owen, of New
York, President, introduced Rev. Hiram
Mead of South Hadley, Mass, as the
orator, who proceeded to deliver an elab-
crate address upon 'How far man Is in
fuenced by the. world in which he
lives"
He commenced with an analysis OF
the culture Of life. A rapid education
is going on in life, coming from the
forces of society and the surroundings
of one engaged in the busy scenes of
every day, and from these the individu-
al is constantly and permanently receiv-
ing instruction that is influencing men
either for good or i'll. Thus, manhood
is being constantly developed and it is
appa spt to all observers that character
natures fastest in the storm and con-
test of life. The circumstances which
surround in society and business infiu-
ence In all his relations the profess
sional man. The many essentials which
enter into the career Of one engaged in
given profession are constantly giving
tone and aim to his ambition, and enters
largely into his success. The popular
mind is shaped by contact with the
masses OF society from which it receives
stimulus or depression in accordance
with the various lessons that are incul-
Gated by the circle with which 1t comes
in contact. Some are disposed to talk
OF the instability Of society. Yet, Shere
is no instability in society. 1t was an
active living element, in which was con-
cealed force that acted and reacted
upon the popular mind and the individ-
ual, with an educating power that could
not be discarded, or lost sight of in the
progress of mans development, and
made its impression in such way as to
tell upon his present and future life,
changing even the settled habits of the
people, but In a greater degree changing
the current of the mental and moral
habits.
However high in rank or however
low, the individual cannot fail to be in
tluenced by the masses. These infiu-
ences were silent streams which were
daily evolved by contact with society in
its varied forms they did not roar like
tempest, but were like the calm sea
acting silently, yet perceptibly upon the
shore-hence there was necessity, es-
pecially in free and republican form of
government, of adjusting ourselves to
the people and the society in which we
live. The subject was farther elaborated
by allusion to influences which flow out
from the current literature of the day to
affect the action Of and stagDate the
mind and blast the character of the re-
cipient in accordance with the use made
Of the impressions left. The course OF
the clergy in feeding the low instincts
of literature by contributing to the SEN
sational story writing which marked
the present time was severely criticized
The differences of the speaker were sc
rapid that we were unable to catch the
distinct points sufficiently to make 8
fuller abstract. 1t was evidently writ
ten with much care and was forcibly
but too rapidly pronounced.
The Alumni Dinner at the Addison
House succeeded the public literary exer
cises at the Church, after an intermissior
of two hours. About 125 of the Asso
ciate Alumni, with several ladies ant
invited guests, quickly occupied tn
tables, laden with very substantial eat
ables, and after the gastronomic exer
cises were satisfactorily completed, tn
flow of sentiment and reason followed.
DR.. John j. Owen, of the New Yorl
Free Academy Glass Of 1928, presided
and very happily introduced the differ
ent speakers. The POSTMASTER, Philli
Battell, Esq, was not so fertile in classi
cal quotations and happy sentiments a
on previous reunions, and the speaker
mostly responded ia impromptu re
marks.
DR.. E. @. Wines of st. Louis, was tn
Introductory speaker. The means an
ends of learning formed the chain of hi
remarks, which were presented yer
gracefully and forcibly.
President Kitchell was then calle
upon, and addressed his constituency, q
he termed the Alumni present, wit
much force, grace and earnestness {
manner, happily welcoming the fill,
sons of Middlebury to its annual festiva
He then, in clear, practical and touchin
words spoke of the wants and necess
ties of the College. To meet these urger
demands he and his co.laborers locke
to their constituency for support. 7
them he looked not only for sympath
and encouragement, but for action an
jealous cooperation. In every commul