The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1868-07-18


CAMBRIDGE, July 10, 1868.
At the Hub" this day is, legally. holiday.
Banks and offices are closed, greatly to the
satisfaction, no doubt of the clerks and OIL
Gals. Notwithstanding, the recurrence OF the
day in this ancient town does not make
much of stir There is little ripple on the
arrival of the Lancers escorting His Excellen-
cv the Governor of the Commonwealth "a
sIiyht Gathering to witness the procession of
the graduating class to the church-a SUN
smaller one to view the ALUMNI dinner pro-
cession and the town subsidies to its usual
ouietule. But very little notice seems to be
taken of the occasion, save by those particu-
larly interested, the graduates and their small
circle of friends. In fact the glocy of the day
has departed, and "Ichaboa" seems to De
written on all the college walls.
We heard an cd inhabitant mourning the
other day over the change that has taken
place. In the good old times, he informed us,
the day was looked forward to with the great
est interest. A week before its advent the
busy notes of preparation We're heard. Booths
and stands were erected by the sides of the
streets converging to the college grounds;
covered with them; all sorts of games-all
sorts of kickshaws were in full blast-here the
thmble-rigger, there the roulette table here
Punch and Judy, there snakes, abortions, and
all kinds of abOminable shows, all for the de-
location of the assembled multitude. In fact
the whole scene resembled an old-fashioned
country muster. OF course there was an
abundance of the now prohibited article for
thirsty souls, and, We are informed, accommo-
dations wee provided for the most licentious
indulgences. All the world made point OF
being present-young and old of both sexes
and for two or three days preceding and sue
ceeding the anniversary a perfect saturnalia
reigned.
How different an aspect does the day now
present! Ali its demoralizing features are
happily now absent Save the little hustle
consequent upon the arrival of the Governor,
the gathering at the church, the dinner, there
is no outward demonstration. These over all
interest in the day subsidies, and Cambridge
settles down to its old dull routine, until the
next term awakens it to fresh life. Class-day
has entirely taken the wind out of Commence
ment. Then Cambridge weals gala aspect
The college grounds are thronged-music lends
its charms the dance on the green is enjoyed
(this year with the thermometer at 80 deg y
and the graduating class spread" largely to
their frends-some of The Spreads we are
ostentatiously told, costing $780, Hereto
fore class day has taken place about month
before commencement, but owing to its de-
tracing so much fom the interest of the lat
ter dayit will "come off" hereafter at about the
same time.
The Senior class at the present term num-
bers 70, of whom four are from Maine, one
from Portland. The Juniors number Ill
four from Maine, three from Portland. The
Sophomores 1872, three from Maine. Fresh
men 1856, four from Maiue, one from Portland
Total 479. In the Divinity school there are %
one of whom, Edwin S. Elder, is frem West
brook. Law school 125, four of whom are from
Maine. Medical school $50, twenty of whom
are from Maine. Grand total, under gradu
ates and schools, 1907. The classes for mex
year we understand will exceed those of the
| present. There have been 145 accepted
Freshmen, and the four classes will exceed 500
There were twenty-five parts assigned, but the
| audience were mercifully spared many O.
them. We did not venture into the church
for we have no insurance on our life. Think
of being cooped up in such place with the
thermometer at go in the shade! We dare
say the young men acquitted themselves vel
at least let us hope SO. We witnessed the
procession Of the Alumni to their dinner, and
We looked upon them as so many victims going
to the sacrifice. We felt sad for them, and not
withstandng the Germanians did their best
| their music sounded very much like miser-
| ere Tomorrow the PHI Beta Kappa have
| their turn. There will be no grafton, only
| poem by Mr.. Everett. We would like to give
| you fuller account of the doings of to-day
| but who can write in such weather as this?
| .L..... Pro