Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-07-02
Norwich University.

fnencetnent began sunday evening, June I'd, by
the delivery OF the baccalaureate sermon at
St. Mary's church by the rector, Professor F.
Weston Bartlett, University chaplain The text
was Colossians /: s; Beware lest any man
spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit,
after the tradition of men, after the rudiments
OF the world, and not after Christ" The
sermon was listened to with close attention
by the congregation, which filled the house to its
utmost capacity. The closing remarks to the
graduating class were especially well chosen
The singing during the services done by a
choir of cadets, with their organist, Cadet Will
marth, assisting.
On Wednesday evening the Grafton before the
trustees was delivered in Concert Hall by Rev
Walter Mitchell, A. NJ Of Rutland. The Grafton
occupied about fifty minutes in its delivery, and
was listened to with the marked attention which
is the best applause. 1t was scholarly produc-
ton, and strong plea was put in for more purely
classical study in our colleges. The study of
history and, for American students especially the
history Of the Mother Country" was strongly
recommended, as a means Of learning by the sue
cesses and the failures of that country what to
emulate and what to avoid in our own political
action. The other exercises of the evening con-
sisted Of music and reading, and the programme
was as follows Solo, "Let me like soldier die"
Mr. W. f. Baker of Montpelier. Solo, Flow
gently sweet Atom Miss Matte Dole. Solo,
1.-THE Village Blacksmith" by Mr.. W. F. JONES'
who, on being heartily encored, sang "The Old
Sexton" Mrs Nina Gregory slayton Of Chicago
was then introduced, and rendered in her most
admirable style the reading Of "The Little Stow
away" Mrs. Sayton was also heartily encored
L,,k III, fnt,r
begged to be excused, much to the regret OF the
audience with whom Mrs. Sayton is a great
favorite. The exercises OF the evening were
concluded by a finely rendered quartette sung by
Misses Mary and Matte Dole and Messrs w. f.
Baker and Walter Dole.
After the exercises in the hall the corps OF
cadets, assisted by part of Company +, Vermont
National Guard. under command of Captain Cur
It's gave torchlight drill and parade, the effect
Of which was very fine.
Thursday was Commencement day proper, and
the exercises began at half-past ten o'clock at
Concert Hall. Music for the occasion was kindly
furnished by the Mortified cornet band The
opening piece of music was followed by prayer,
reading of the service of the Episcopal church foi
the occasion and singing of hymn by the cadets,
Chaplain F. Weston Bartlett leading the exercises.
Then followed the orations of the graduating class.
The first was a Latin one by Cadet Captain Charles
II. Spooner OF Charlestown, N. H., subject, "Quam
quisque norit drtem in hdc Sc ererceat" This ora
ton was well and carefully written, and did Cadet
Spooner much credit The second Grafton, "What
Have We Gained by the Late WARP was by Cadet
Lieutenant f. NJ. Carr Of Louisville, Ky. The
Grafton was an exceedingly well written one. and
though objected to by some as tending to keep
alive sectional feeling between the North and
South was finely delivered and greeted with
hearty applause. Then followed recitation of a
German selection, Erlenk0nig," by Cadet W.
II. Wilmarth The piece was dramatic in style
and was rendered in fine manner. The closing
Grafton, with valedctory, was by Cadet Captain
J. B. johnson OF Montgomery Center Vt. The
Grafton was entitled "A Mad and Destructive
Conflict for Fame" This Grafton was longer than
either of the others, and was well received by the
audience. The orations were all OF marked ability
and were highly commended by the most dis
tinguished gentlemen present. 4
After the speaking, which occupied an hour,
the degree of A. B. was conferred upon Captains
Spooner and Johnson, and that of b. s upon
Lieutenant E. NJ. Carr, The following additional
degrees were then announced al having been con-
vener class of '6s, A. NJ in course W. Nj
Rumbaugh class OF 70 C. E. in course. Thomas
j. whipple Laconia, N H, q. A. McAllister
Quincy. Mass, A. b. in course; Lieutenant John
Arthur, b. S. General Granville NJ. Dodge, A. b.
DIR. II. A. Cutting, Phi. D. In his remarks relative
to the graduating class Captain Curtis briefly
said that any words of commentator or praise he
might have spoken had already been told by the
officers knots seen upon all their shoulders, and
that to be chosen an officer OF Norwich Uni
versity is proof positive OF proficiency and good
behavior Cadets Smith and Randall were hon
orably mentioned by President Curtis as not hav-
ing received dement, during their entire oonnec-
ton with the University.
The exercises on the parade ground began at
three o'clock 7. NJ, and consisted OF infantry
drill and bayonet exercise, under the command
of Cadet Lieutenant +. NJ Carr broad sword ex-
ercise under Professor w. NJ. Rumbaugh, and ar
tery drill and salute OF forty guns under Cadet
Captain johnson The drilling was well DONE all
the movements being executed with precision and
accuracy
During the afternoon the drawing room Of the
University thrown open and visitors had
opportunity to see some OF the work done in this
department under Professor Rumbaugh. Some
of the drawings were very fine and Professor
Rumbaugh may well feel proud OF the work done
| by his pupils. There was Typographical draw
| ing OF portion OF Dog River Valley drawn from
| actual surveys by the senior class. This kind OF
practical work can but be OF great to the stu
| life work,
| Perhaps one Of the most interesting features of
the day TO the old graduate revsiting his Alma
| Mater " was an informal meeting OF the alumni
present 1t was called at the instance OF Dr.. Sted-
man OF Boston, Tor the purpose OF taking meas
ures TO advance the future interests Of the Dstitu
ton. The meeting WAS organized by electing DIR.
| stedman chairman, and George L, Hobbs, Esq.
OF uxbridge, Mass, secretary. Short speeches
| were made by DIR. Stedman, DR.. Conn OF Concord,
n H., Colonel Robert Grosvener of Providence,
X. l., II. J. Howe OF Marshalltown, Iowa, George
| T. Hobbs and others. Great enthusiasm pre-
vailed, each man pledging himself TO do all in
his power to further the interests Of the univer-
| sity. II was decided to hold the next series OF
meetings in Boston, July I'd, to which all alumni
are cordially invited.
From eight to ten In the evening President and
Mrs Curtis received their friends In their pleasant
house on Central street A large number both OF
citizens and visitors from out OF town awaited
themselves of their kindly hospitality, and 1t WAS
| a very pleasant affair
AT the Cadets Hop at the Center Village hotel,
about forty couples were present. The uiui was
delightful, the ladies charming, and all report a
remarkably pleasant time the dancing conclud-