The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1871-06-22
From Our o,cn Correspondent,

Inc regular commencement exercises OF La
fayette College were held here this week. the date
however being somewhat earlier than that of
the similar occasions of former years. The exer-
cises have passed off, without exception, in the
most satisfactory manner, the weather being
the utmost that could be desired. The college
graduated to-day q class of thirty-six members
which is the largest number that has ever be-
longed to any one graduating class since the
formation of the college.
The entire undergraduate department of the
college shows the most 1ourishtng state of
affairs. The faculty is now complete in all de-
partments, and the best men to be found in all
cases fill the chairs. The attendance in all the
classes is very large and an increasing number
of students is looked forward to every year. The
interest taken by all parties, the alumni, the
trustees, the contributors and friends of the
college, and the citizens of Easton, who take
great pride in their institution, is of the
most lively description. Under such auspicous
circumstances the college cannot but prosper.
Its star is certainly in the ascendant, and its
numerous friends devoutly believe that it will SO
continue until the name of Lafayette shall be-
come as well and as favorably known as the
name of any one of her older sister institutions
in either the old or the new world.
The Baecalaureate.
The first official proceeding of the commence
ment was the delivery of the Baccalaureate
sermon, which was preached on Sunday last to
the graduating class by Professor Cattell, the
President of the college.
The text was in Psalms lXxviii, 8, "The chill
dren of Ephraim being armed with bows turned
back in the day of battle" The aim of the dis
course was to show that all men had certain
duties and responsibilities, but that some like
the EARNED bowman" in ancient warfare had
still greater responsibilities on account of the
more important trusts committed to them
At the conclusion of the sermon the speaker
addressed the members of the graduating class
reviewing their history and giving expression
to the affectionate interest he felt in them all.
He reminded them that their college course had
fitted them Tor eminent service IN this age OF IN
tellectual activity; like the men referred to in
the text they were "a rmed and carrying bows"
and God would then hold them responsible for
great results. He concluded as follows
The saddest sights in this world are the
moral wrecks which are floating all over Times
sea. Men led captive by their passions, slaves
to the animal, dead to every noble impulse. In
their plans for the future and in the occupa-
tions of their lives they have regard only to the
physical. They never seem to dream, or If they
do 1t is only dream, that they are destined for
an immortal existence, that they have untold
capacities sumbering within, fires burning
which eternity will not extinguish They
big children, or human swine; they play their
brief part here, and then disappear into nothing
ness.
The class-day exercises were held on Monday
afternoon on the college campus. A tent had
been erected in case of rain, and the prepara-
tions by the graduating class for their real fare
well to ''Alma Mater" were complete and sue
cessful. The character of the addresses was
without exception of the very highest order. A
PRAYER was made by Rev. DR.: Eckard after
which Mr.. o. j. Harvey opened the proceedings
and welcomed those present. The first Grafton
was delivered by William Wiely, Jr., entitled
''The Cultivation of the Beautiful"
Next was read the History" by Mr.. o. j.
Hary hqUiOOinU w
tion,
"And now will unclasp the secret book,
And to your quick conceiving discomfort,
I'll read you matter deep and dangerous"
1t consisted of history of the class during its
four years of college life and experience, and
was remarkably true as to facts.
Mr.. Bryan followed with the ''Tree Grafton"
He spoke of the past of the class of IL their
meeting as strangers, their parting as friends.
Their happiest hours had fed while connected
with Lafayette, and 1t was but natural that they
should wish to leave on the old campus part
ing token. They therefore planted a tree,
sacred to the memory of the class. AS typical
of their common aspirations and friendship,
they had chosen the tulip-tree.
Then came by Mr.. +. w. Edgar, San Expo
sitlon of the Science of Physiognomic-Crani
logy," together with San examination of the
Crania of the class, an attempt full of wit, and
exciting responsive mirth.
Next followed representations" by ]. s. Axtell
ESQ, consisting of a speech accompanied by
some comic manipulations of spree Horn, !"
which was nnally presented 10 MT. paVld hlng,
prospective tutor" in Lafayette College, with
instructions to take it to the Faculty, and
"guard it tenderly."
The "Parting Song of n" was then sung,
written by Mr.. Crawford, of the class.
The last Grafton was vaedictory by w. B.
Owen. The speaker spoke of college friend
ships and the power of love. clock up your
money-bags if you will; get knowledge and keep
it if you must: but woe to the man who boards
the wealth of his heart" The man is independ-
ent of his Alma Mater. However the college
may fare manhood is eternal.
On the evening of Monday the class day con-
cert was given in the Court House by Dodworths s
band, of New York, which has been in attend
ance during the week, officiating at all the per-
formances, including the commencement proper.
The Reunions of the Literary Societies.
On Tuesday morning the annual reunions of
the two literary societies connected with the
college, the Washington and the franklin, were
held In the halls of the respective organizations.
In Washington Hall, after the opening roll
call, Rev Mr.. McFetridge, of "a, led in prayer
The orator of the day, Hon. A. c. Trippe, OF
'64 was then introduced, who delivered an elo-
quent and stirring discourse, which had for its
subject the "Triumphs of Oratorv."
James A. Mcknight then arose 10 deliver the
farewell ADDRESS of II TO the hall, having
chosen for his subject the all-important one Of
Success"
In reply, d. W. Bruckart, of 7S responded in
tehalf OF the undergraduate members of the
Iall, 1.-THE Progress of Truth" being the subject OF
lis discourse.
Then followed remarks from several of the
old members present. Rev. Mr.. Tully spoke o.
the days when the college was the other sidt
of the Lehgh, when Washington Hall was ye
in its infancy. Rev. Ar. Hudson exhorted thu
members of the hall to the utmost faithfulnes
in the discbsrge of their duties TO it. assurin!
them that Ii was one of the most important o