New-York tribune., 1875-01-26
HONORS TO 4 YOUNG ORATOR.

COMPLIMENTARY DINNER TO THE FIRST ORATOR OF
THE INTERCOLLEGIATE CONTEST.
A complimentary dinner was given last
evening by the University Of the City OF NewYork to
Mr. John G. Tominson who won the first prize IN ora
tory in the recent intercollegiate contest The banquet
which was at Delmonico's. was attended by the Chan
ceor and Faculty and large number OF the students
Of the University, together with many distinguished
guests. Letters read from Mayor Wickham. Rich
ard Grant White, william Cullen Bryant. aud Col 7. W.
Higginson In letter from George william Curtis
toast was offered TO the American scholar with the
sentiment of Z" Brains and Brawn."
Chancellor Crosby presided at the dinner, and pre-
faced the tOass by referring 10 "the honest pro that
the University had met TO nurturei To honor one who
had bonored his Alma Mater" He reverted 10 scene
OF SO years before when Tomnson of another genera
ton chad electrified an audience upon the theme Of
Genius He had perpetuated his great gifts in his son
in whose honor we arc now met"
Mr.. Tomlinson IN few words, gracefully scknowt-
edged the tribute paid rather to the system OF nstruc
ton which he represented than to himsch 1t was the
system Of his teachers that had triumphed.
Mr.. John Taylor Johnston responded TO the toast OF
the Council" and said that he felt proud that while
the Greeks had their Demosthenes and Socrates. we
bayo our Tomlluson." Prof. B. F. Martin spoke for
the Faculty, and Prof. Jacques for the Law.
Mr.. Whtelaw Reid called on TO respond to the
toast OF THE Press" lie TO say that he
should ask one batter qualified and entitled to
speak for the Press to respond TO that toast.
He only wished TO occupy the attention OF the
company moment, while rs the only one OF the
iudges in contest in oratory who happened TO
be present. he mentioned fact which would be OF Spe
cia interest the guests at this banquet when TIC
Judges retired, after some preliminary consultation.
each wrote on separate slip OF paper the names OF
those 10 his Judgment best entitled 10 the first and sec
ond prizes. Olly one name was found 10 he common
to oil three Of those lists and that was the name OF the
ruest of evening Mr.. John e.. TJmlln5On
After the applause which greeted this announcement
had subsded Mr. Reid asked Dr James T. Fields OF hos
ton 10 take his place and respond for the Press MT
Fields said:
For the and the pleasure OF being here tonight
AIN indeed most grateful 90 YOU. Wlat can oe more
Inspiring to us who are moving down the valley thah 10
bappy eyesi And confess to you mat stand in
such presence this without e"lng that AN iol so
Is ~ u, M wonderny TO see such pluck
energy written oil over your faces aud We arc
bs ,enoing back any weak dispatch like that oGe OF
cowardy French marshal We nave ne' 'ne 'H'''
And what s it TO here this auspcious evening
WHAT ia the meaning OF this most beauIlful ana ss
lowed meeting Of both young aud old TO me u nas
meaning OF the deepest significance FJr the nrst Tune
the history Of our country great uniyesl'y mas @ ss
dergraduate who conferred luster upon his Anna
Mater, who has modesy but trlumpnanty ann,t
wonder at your pride Ia hun; and when heara now @
you students bore on your shoulders the ssa
Thank God, that enthusiasm for letters is not yet
dead 10 the land enthusiasm for what Is prasowortnY
and Of good report for whatsoever tlngs are enduring
aud not vain or ransitOry." Aud believe tnat among
OF her benefits conferred our whole country "
lhese contests VIII be the blessing OF On
thusias, quality, so far as learning u coneerneo'
which has come pretty 10 dying out among IS a
mild and aoetOnate Indifference creeping over the
land Our b:essed English literature was being neg
ected everywhere Steps In tLis brave innoydtOn tns
iutercoe gate movement, and We are saved from uui-
ness ana vacuty forever. think you have made en-
thusiasm contagious and hope every college IN the
country will eaten 1t badly.
do not mean 10 say that scholarship has han no
meaning In America; that unblemished patriotism 70
not appreciated; nor that profound and earnest
thinker hus had Supreme place among us; NOT tnat
great poet has mad chance or recognition faI om
for these rminent Qualtues have Inade one ., you
own beloved tonight not Only the nrs eitllen Oh
New-YOrk but the trst OF America ana no one
living can dispute tnat hign aud unspoted omihehce
vita Mr.. Bryaut
An now envy You the chances and cerfalnues on
your scholars! Tders never was snch can
for frstrate educated everS where as there - oH
pretty good scholar Ia like pretty goOi eeR-hooouy
wants II. Impe fecti0n IN anything Is never in ue
mand; the world wants accuracy or hotuinR
Pardon the commonplace re,uatk, gentlemen OF ihe
UnIyesity, that with all the prIles oi hio
before YOU my brevity ana my levty also
iu closing, change u word Grays magnificent ode,
aud Apply OF mis- telling lines TO your most pTlaht
standug among tHc colleges OF America "hat more
can you desrei What situation could be more ueiight-
imf
IN gallant irm your gillef vessel goes;
loatA on the prJs, AMI crosby 81 tbe heim