Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1871-08-11
[CoMMUNIcATED.

COMMUN1CATkD.J
| Commencement or st. Johns College.
The tventy-sixth Of July was memorable
day in the history of St. Johns, the brightest
she has seen for years. The graduating class
displayed remarkable proficiency in the
studies they had pursued, and, with the plau-
dts of host Of admiring friends, they receiv-
ed such honors as are not often awarded to
the iaspirants for College favor. One Of the
graduates, Mr.. Wilmer, took the FIRST honor,
and the remaining FIVE members of the class
took the next, which was only one degree re-
moved from the FIRST.
The evening before the commencement an
address was delivered by DR.. Yelling, form
terly the Principal of st. Johns, now one OF
the faculty of Princeton. 1t is not possible to
do justice to this most admirable production
without seeming exaggeration. 1t tcemed
with learning. The deep p6ilosophic vein
that ran all through Il was only equalled by
the poetic beauty Of the thoughts and the ex-
traordinary richness Of the diction. 1t was
listened to with the intensest interest by a
large and appreciatfSe audience. Although
one hour and a.half were consumed in the de-
livery, there was common feeling of regret
that the end was reached. It is but just to
say that it was more Than equal to the repu-
tation of the distinguished orator.
The speeches delivered by the young gen.
tlemen Of the graduating class were, all Of
them, marked by great vigor and originality.
They were happily conceived and brilliantly
executed. The Salutatory and the valedic-
dictory were peculiarly excellent. The former
was 10 the Latin tongue and reflected great
credit on its young author, Mr.. Carlisle, of
Washington, who made it the more impress
sive by the beauty Of his elocution. The lat
ter, by Mr.. Wilmer, of Charles county, was,
beyond question, both, for matter and man
ner, one of the very best discourses ever de-
livered by Bachelor, of Arts. 1t was full Of
beauty, power and pathos. have no hesita-
ton in giving this strong public expression Of
my opinion Of the rars excellence Of these pro-
auctions, since the Hon. Reverdy johnson
stated that neither in Oxford nor in the United
States, had be ever heard anything compare
BILE to them. He pronounced the class as one
Of the finest he had ever seen.
The degrees were conferred with remarka-
bic impressiveness BY Mr.. Garrett, the pres
ent Principal of the College. His address to
the class was perfect gem. II was brief YET
comprehensive, full Of feeling and rich in SEN
timent nothing could have been more appro-
pirate or effective. Il satisfied us all that We
have the right man ID the right place.
The orator for th& day, the Hon. George
Wells. of Annapoli lhazged bis duty with
the ability that Ills course il
johnson, in So (.feat force and elo.
quence. It was the speech for the occasion
He was called upon unexpectedly, but yield.
ed to the earnest solicitation Of. the friends O
the College, and, if he had had months fol
preparation, be could not have pursued lint
Of thought more happily conceived, or blend
ed in its discussion more logic and eloquence
The banquet was truly brilliant. Judge
Tuck presided, assisted by the Hon. Alexan.
der Randall. In the discharge of this duty
suddenly sprung upon him, he displayed {
readiness and tact that won for him the high.
est praise. His Introductory remarks wers
touchingly beautiful, and with each toast b.
seemed to catch fresh inspiration, and poured
forth the illusions of his richly stored mint
with marvellous ease. Judge Mason was tn,
FIRST of the speakers, and he sat down amid
the plaudits of the company, after giving ex
preston to thoughts Of the highest concern
ment to the College, and of the gravest i'm
portance.
Mr.. johnson followed. He gave some ia
terestihg facts whom speaking Of William
Pinkney. the most distinguished man of hi
times. Judge Marshall told him that be neve
heard Pinkney speak without being forced t.
guard himself against bis wonderful eloquence
and more wonderful legal logic. Joseph Gate
told him that be went to the Senate Chambe
to take down Mr.. Pinkney's speech on tn
Missouri question, but dropped bis pen. afte
fifteen minutes under the spell Of the orator
He said he had heard Mr.. Pinkney, Will
walking up and down in his parlor, pour GU
such rich floods Of learning, eloquence; an
logic as be had never heard anywhere els
from any other man. Ofcourse it was graft
flying to hear one Of the greatest of our Twin
Alumni speak of our dead in terms of sue
unqualified praise, and to find the opinio
based on two such facts as are altogether with
out parallel.
One thing added to the interest of the ot
casion, and that was the presence of an alum
nus who has been long absent, Judge Hall, {
Minnesota. His speech was worthy Of b
Alma Mater. He has, by life devoted
literature and the law, won for himself big
, distinction in the home Of his adoption, and
now dispensing justice with steady eye
, the right-an honored son of bis loving Aim
, Mater.
l. I said this was bright day for st. john
and SO it was. The people Of Maryland shout
, know it. Our fathers, in the strong belief thu
, a great State College would be an ornamer
to the State and source Of the greatest bless
ling to her citizens, subscribed literally of the