National Republican., 1876-06-10
HOWARD UNIVERSITY.
Sixth Annual Commencement of the Law De-
partment

partment.
Last evening large gathering of people were
congregatsd at the First Congregational church
to witness the sixth annual commencement of the
law department Of Howard University, and to
witness the graduating honors Of the class Of
1s7e. The platform was decorated with vases Of
ferns and bouquets of flowers intended for the
graduates. Seated upon the stand were Hon.
Robt. Purvis, Gen. Balloch Gen whittlesey,
Rev. DR.. Rankin. Professors Bascon, (dean Of the
law Department. FairIaub, Augusta, Robinson,
Richards CCO&, Gregory and johnson.
Tie exercises opened with music upon the organ
by Prof. Esch0G. Rev. DR.. RInkin then led in
prayer. Prof BGsvOn. conducting the exercises
introduced Dir. John 7. Shuften, Of jacksonville,
Fla, who delivered a fine orrtion upon The
Study @. La" After a selection being played
Mr.. Alexander S. Richardson, of Chester, S. e.
was introduced, and made al address upon in
land, Ohio, delivered q neat and well-prepared
Grafton upon Criminal Law"
n. Otey o. Raleigh, n. C., was introduced and
delivered ri6st eloquent address upon "FOrms
and PreaeGents with he Valedictory." Rev
erence iOr thst which has COM down from dis
tant age is a characteristic OF huu.an nature
What we have been accustomed TO hear e1 oiled
Nc eop.hge h 70 praise Gnt men love to leui from
was h. 4lrsI I4Te OOJec. u since
admiration. Tie real danger lies in eleyating
the past the danger Of the present, in allowing
tie dead to tyranniZe over the living. This has
been the great impediment TO progress. He needs
q
come tyrannicai, and th~O-ies that have ,yaeOme
IDOLS in the affections OF the masses, People pre
fer what they have and are TO what they may get
AID be by innovation o. revolution Love Of pre-
cedents mas oeen Sdpcrior 20 their love Of justice
one oi the p-Jst remarkable illustrations OF the
ste" PF-cresS made IN legal reforms is the influ-
Ch-e eXerted by the ieudal system on tie law OF
realty.
The corruption Of cur times is attributed to q
haste to get rich and the love of display. The dis
honest millionaire in his palace enjoys life more
than the poor man in his house. Law is without
effect unless its breach is followed by an
forced penalty aid tie jury system does not in
sure society against the Commission of crime. But
great reforms have been made, and changes are
still going on. In this day we take pleasure in
comparing the founders Of the Republic with the
men Of the present day to the disadvantage of the
latter. Progress is the Eatchword of to-day, and
lawyer and statesman caUnOt keep step with the
music The love Of form and precedents must give
place to the love Of justice and liberty; the love of
the past must yield to a sensible recognition of
the good in the present, and then, and not till
tier, will we ENJOY the advantage Of being fore
mOsI in tie hI.s OF time.
After the execution Of fine piece Of music upon
the organ. Prof. Fairlamb presented the diplomas,
accompanied with a few remarks, TO the following
graduates: John T. Shirlter. Alexander s. Rich
ardson George N. Richardson, and Charles N.
Otey. Then the Professor made q short address.
and dismissed the assemblage with the benedic-
tiCu.