New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1876-06-24
Tgr COMMENCEMENT SEASON.


colleges. We show our estimate OF their i'm
portancc by conccding n liberal space to re-
ports of them. Apart from the sentiment
which they suggest, their interest Is thor-
oughly practical for upon the real attain
ments of these numerous graduates the future
greatness and prosperity of the country VIII
not n little depend. Observers who have long
taken part in the activities OF lie some
times subject the exercises of Commencement
70 an unfair criticism. The topics selected
for summary treatment are usually large ones,
and such as demand n vigorous and
capable handling, which they are not
likely to get from men OF twenty.
What we may reasonably expect Is promise
and not performance. What we want Is
earnestness tempered by modesty. The young
orator who inevitably gives us Renaissance OF
his reading is entitled to n patient hearing, II
his reproduction of the borrowed thought
proves that it has really taken possession OF
his mind. The college anniversary is well
called Commencement. The four years OF
study have only been years of preparation for
tie work which is to come No science has
been mastered 10 language has been attained;
no art has been thoroughly acquired; and yet
in tho bearing, and the speaking, ana the
writing Of the gra -uate, we may ma assaf-
ance OF an assiduous useful, and well-arIanSed
life, and tokens Of n predestnate manliness.
Whatever may be the defects of our col
lege training, We get III these yearly gradu-
ations sufficient evidence of its fair ac-
complshmout Of what il undertakes to do.
lie gives the scholar the right start; 1t
secures for him general knowledge OF what
is to be acquired; it furnishes him with
scheme Of research and with literary tastes
and instincts, while it prepares him Tor pro-
fessional studies Moreover, though the alum
nus may become n merchant or mechanic, or
whatever may be his career, he seldom loses
the respect for literature which he acquired IN
college. lie at least does not hold books and
writers in contempt, like tho sclfrade Grad
grinds who submit everything TO the test of
monetary valuation. He keeps up tho
character of the class To which he belongs.
lie is among those who have always word OF
encouragement for the student cnvironed by
difficulties He helps to endow prolessorships
and to increase libraries. He is among the
friends and active promoters of public schools
He buys the new books and he reads them.
He is the discriminating patron of art; his
ways are generous and his manners are refined
in spite OF his constant contact with the misery
the selfish, and the mean.
Colleges are now, as they always have been,
an assertion of the truth of the old prOverb
that learning ,is better than houses or lands"
No matter how slenderly they may be en-
dowed, or how incomplete may be their curric-
uium, they are sill dignifed and venerable,
even in their pretcnsiOn and in spite of their
newness. Very naturally therefore, "A young State
of sparse population and of limited resources
feels that its foundations are not well laid
until it can boast OF University The
institution it is true, mast wait for that COM
pletcness which only years can give; it's re-
sources must be gathered by slow accreton ;
if wisely projected and managed, it will see
many colleges fall into merited decay. There
will, however, be surely a survival of the
iittest. The institution which is needed, and
which meets tho public want, will live
and exercise for generations beneii-
cert influence. 1t may pass through
long period Of difficulty and of adversely
but its day of power and Of greatness, ana of
firm hold upon the respect and affection Of
society, will come at last. There are graduates
who have the happiness to see their colleges
already occupying this IMPORTANT position
There are others who have the reputation and
the future prosperity of their Alma Mater in
their keeping. They may have no money by the
gift OF which they may prove their affection,
but they may prove it not less by useful and
honorable lives.