Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-07-25
the idea Of a God. Special providences are

general machinery OF law. Because the AL
mighty hand does not directly move each
lever the power is none the less which drives
the central wheel.
MIR. Taylor drew brief picture of Goethe's
whole life Of eighty three years, after which
he paid high tribute to his genius, but con-
demned his moral character.
Butler was the last speaker. The ruin of
the Roman empire was caused by the igno-
rance and grossness of the masses. America
begins TO evince the symptoms which presaged
the downfall of ancient powers. Moral and
intellectual excellence of the masses is the
only safeguard. Universal suffrage demands
universal education.
The diplomas were then conferred on the
members of the graduating class. The COM
mittee on the prize declamatOns Of the Junior
class awarded the first prize to Theodore L.
White of Waterville, the second to Charles
E. Williams of Waterville. The degree of
A. NJ was conferred upon c. II. Cumston,
G. Fl. Farnum, and A. f. Megs, of the class
of 70; the degree of Ii. d. upon James T.
Champlin and Admiral Z. Stone of Spring
field, Mass. the degree of ID. d. upon Rev.
Nathaniel Butler of Leavenworth, Kansas,
on Rev. Mr.. Tiley of Sidney, Me and on
Rev. VIM H. Alden of Portsmouth, N. H
| The degree of A. NJ. was also conferred upon
Rev. Charles NJ. Herring of Houlton, Rev.
Ami S. Ladd of Saco, and Parkman s. War
rem of Methuesy, Mass.
They then proceeded to the inauguration of
the new President, DR.. Robins of Rochester,
N. Y. Dr. Champlin addressed DIR. Smaller
of Portland. chairman Of the Trustees, rs
follows:
Mr.. Chairman These are the closing hours
of our present anniversary and the closing
moments OF my connection with this Univer-
sity-a connection which has row extended
over the course of thirtytYo years, one hal:
of it in the Presidency. As you may well
suppose, sir, cannot leave post which |
! have SO long occupied without some emotion.
Not that would retain it longer; far from
it. Indeed | resigned it year ago, but you
pressed me into the service again, and have
kept me there till the present time. But as
no one can, without feeling, separate himself
from old scenes in which he has passed the
best part of his life, even though those scenes
in themselves are rough and rugged, so !,
though wearied by my long term OF service
amid tie trials and perplexi,es OF college
life, cannot leave that service, | i'll not say
without regret, but certainly not without
| emotion.
This service. such as it 1las been, hope
you and your associates think has been hon
estly and faithfully rendered; and take this
| opportunity, through you, sir, to thank the
Trustees tor INDUCING me till | accomplished
what had set my heart upon-the securing
| Of sound pecuniary basis for the niyersity
| and, to say nothing of other improvements.
the erection On the premises OF those two
noble buildings, the one dedicated to the SER
vice OF science, and the other to the service
OF God and the preservation Of the memory
of our fallen heroes.
But will add no more. And now, sir, |
pass to you these keys, to signify that here
lay down the trust which has been committed
to me, happy in the thought that you will I'M
mediateiy pass them to other hands far moFc
worthy Of them than mine.
/ Rev. DIR. Smaller, as the delegate OF the
| Board of Trustees, expressed their grateful
acknowledgment and appreciation OF the
faithful services Of DR.. Champlin. He re-
ierred to the Jealous attachment and devoted
ness to the interests of the college. II is
their hope that while retiring with the high
respect Of those with whom he had so strenu-
ously labored, he might enjoy in the mote
private walks of life, serenity and peace
through many remaining years. and that when
his earthly work draws to a close il may 20
down as the full rbed sun, more glorious at
its setting.
Turning to DR.. Robins and transferring 10
him the keys of the college, DR.. Smaller spoke
of the arduous labors OF the committee in
seeking and selecting the best man for this
position. They had sought man of broad
culture and thorough christian spirit united
with otler essential qualities, and the task
/ had been not without great difficulties. Guild
ed by an over-ruling Providence, their unan-
mous choice had selected. as they believed.
the right man. The deepest sympathy had
been felt for him in the scenes of affection
| through which he had but recently been call
ed to pass, and now with the fullest conf
dence, they were ready to intrus: him with
the Importance and responsibility of the posi-
ton. He would find in :hc Board of Trustees
4 body of as true men any with whom he
might have been called to labor, and these
men would stand by him in his efforts for the
( advancement of the interests of the higher
education and culture in this institution. In
behalf of the ministry of Maine, of the wide
! ly influential body of Alumni, and all the
friends of Colby University, he pledged an
| earnest endeavo or to sustain the new president
in the discharge OF his office, not doubling
that the result would prove him to be qualified
and fitted to be worthy successor to the re-
firing president.
DIR. Robins replied in an informal address,
accepting the responsibilities of the position,
! firm in the belief that il was the will of the
Master that he should do SO, in dependence
upon him for strength and wisdom, and with
unfeigned self Gistrust because he must sue
coed one, who after so many years of honor
able service, leaves behind speaking memor-
ial of his work, "a well as Of the patriotic
devotion of the noble sons of the University.
He promised faithful discharge of duty.
The music at the church was furnished Icy
the Mendelssohn Quintette Club.
After the exercises at the church 4 process
! sion was formed, and the alumni with a num-
Der of invited persons proceeded to the Me
mortal Hall, to partake of the replst there
/ provided. After dinner the usual speech
, making WAS INDUCED in, DIR. Champlin pre-
siding. He first called on Gov. Pcrham. who
congratulated the college on the prosperity
upon which ii is now entering. He ie!t
| greater interest in nothing more than in edu-
cation. He was very glad that the college
had been opened to ladies'. Having opened
! the doors Of the institution to ladies' he
thought they would soon open the doors OF
| the hall to them.
The chairman then called upon Hon. j. II.
Isrummond of Portland. He spoke OF the old
and new systems Of education, and pref rred
by all means the former. Although students
do not the practical results from studies
at once, they will at some later season soc llsc