Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1870-07-21
Norwich University.
COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES.

The Thirty-Sixth Annual Commence
ment of the Norwich University, located
at Mortified, began on Sunday last and
closed on Thursday. A brief sketch OF
the history and location OF this college
may be interesting to the reader In 1920,
an institution at Norwich, in Windsor
county, under the name of the American
Literary, Scientific and Military Academy
was started, and commodious buildings
were erected for its accommodation. Capt
Alden Partridge, well known military
teacher, was in charge, and cadets were
in attendance from all the States in the
Union, securing flourishing condition
for many years. On the 9th of Novem
Der, 1924, this school was incorporated as
Norwich University, and Capt. Partridge
was appointed President. The Trustees
are required to provide for constant
course of instruction in military science
and civil engineering. The University
went into operation under its charter in
May, 1885.
The plan and principles of this institu-
ton are somewhat unlike those of our COL
leges and universities generally. AL
though regular course is prescribed, yet
each student is permitted to advance as
rapidly as possible in his studies, due re-
gard being had to thorough understand
ing of the same, and he is admitted to an
examination and to the honors of the in
stitution, if found qualified. For the
accomm odation of students who have not
the time or means to complete the full
course, partial course is adopted, which
will we'll qualify young man to become
an instructor in an English institution, a
practical surveyor or assistant engineer,
and for the practical duties of the citizen
and citizen soldier, being thoroughly in
structed in military science. The disci-
pline is strict, being in principle military,
and in practice parental. Military exer-
cises are attended at such hours as not to
interfere with the regular studies, but &C.
cupy such portions Of time as are gener-
ally spent in idleness or useless amuse-
ments, for which they constitute healthy,
ruUlOudl anu
Some of the advantages of the institu-
ton, it may be interesting to enumerate
in this connection, while many of our in
stitutions fit pupils to enter on the study
of some one of the learned professions,
this in addition fits them, if they desire
to enter directly upon the discharge of the
active duties of life,-to become agricul
turalists, merchants, manufacturers,
teachers, surveyors, engineers or soldiers,
as inclination may direct. AS each stu
dent is allowed to advance as rapidly as
he can, consistently with thorough IN
Outstanding of the studies pursued much
time and consequently much expense may
be saved in completing a course of eduoa-
ton.
While large portion of the students
leave other institutions with their con-
stitutions broken or their health so much
impaired as to incapaciate them for future
usefulness. Those from an institution
like Norwich University, in consequence
of being Injured to regular military and
firm and vigorous constitutions, capaple
of enduring fatigue and enoountering the
severest labor.
Capt. Partridge left the institution for
the establishment of another institution
of similar character in Pennsylvania, and
the late Gen. T. B. Ransom, who fell in the
Mexican war, for several years presided
over its destinies. In 1860 the University
building at Norwich were destroyed by
fire, which were not rebuilt, and the seat
of the University was transferred toI
Northfield, ten miles from Montpelier,
and in about the geographical center OF
the State, where new, elegant and COM
modious buildings have been erected upon
a beautiful eminence, overlooking the sur
rounding country. In 1868 Rev. Roger |
s. Howard, ID. D., an eminent teacher and |
distinguished divine, was elected to the |
Presidency, and entered upon his duties
in September, 1869, and under his ad-
ministration the University is entering
upon "a new career of prosperity. Capt.
Charles A. Curtis of the regular army has
been detailed as the Professor of Civil
Engineering and Topography and Mill
tary Instructor. Rev DIR. Bournes, q
graduate of the University of Dublin,
and man of great learning, is Professor
of Ancient Languages, and Gen. Alonzo|
Jackman. Professor of Mathematics.
These gentlemen constitute u fine corps OF
instructors.
The commencement exercises were
commenced on Sabbath evening July 10,
by the delivery of an able and instruc-
tive baccalaureate sermon by Rev. Roger
S. Howard, ID. D., the new President OF
the University.
On Wednesday afternoon Reunion OF
the Associate Alumni and Past Cadets
took place. The public exercises were
held in the Episcopal Church.
After prayers by Rev. President Howard,
Col. Henry o. Kent, editor of the Coos
County Republican, at Lancaster N. H.,
the President of the Associate Alumni,
before introducing the Orator said:
Were we meeting under the shade OF
old Norwich it would be unnecessary for
me to say anything. The removal of
the seat of the University has changed
the relations of its Alumni and Past
Cadets, and it is not surprising that no
more respond to roll-oall to-day The
Reunion Society grew out of the Social
Fraternity, College Society. The first
was held in 1860. Soon after, the war
broke out, and many of those who would
have gathered around their Alma Mater
were on the field, some respond to roll
call and others have answered the final
rol-call. In 1865 the second Reunion
was held We met TO recall the
friends of other days They were not all
there, the great rebellion had scattered
and thinned our ranks, for the students Of
Norwich University were in all branches
of the service. On land and sea the
members of this institution were to be
found. Soon after our last meeting the
Ioss NJ the old South H.. l.. ~ f,,l