Morning journal and courier., 1881-06-28


 In Batten chapel last evening President Porter delivered a memorial address con- memorative of the late Dr. David P. Smith of Springfield, Mass, late professor of sur gerry in the Yale medical school. There was a large attendance of medical gentlemen with their ladies, all of whom appeared to be | deeply interested in President Porter's ad- dress.
 President Porter spoke in substance as follows: During the past collegiate year the ] medical department has suffered in the death | of Dr. David P. Smith. He was just making arrangements to move to New Haven and de- vote the remainder of his life to the medical profession. He was born October 5, 1880, at Westfeld, Mass. His father was gradu- 1 ate of Yale College, also his grandfather. Dr. Knight did not hesitate to say that the senior Dr. Smith had done more for physics and surgery than any other man in Connecti- cut. The studies in America and Europe by | the late Dr. Smith had given him that ability | which fitted him to the practice of his profession. The loss of his mother, at the age of thirteen, increased his sensitiveness He was a faithful but not a
 
 or, and at once adopted the profession of his l father, that of medicine. He early showed l himself medical man. He was married 1 July 15, 1854, and a son was born to him in l 1860. The secret of his success was that he devoted himself to his profession. He was l laborious, indomitable and perseverlng, but he did not stop here. Strong as were his sci entifc propensities, yet he widely earned 8 l reputation for skill as surgeon and phy- sician. The blood of his grandfather was in 1 him. He entered the army at the outbreak l of the rebellion, and did excellent service, retiring with the brevet rank of lieutenant colonel. The number of operations performed by him while in service was hardly exceeded by one. His son died at the age of 12 in 1873, and life with this death lost its zest. Yet he did not lose his love for his fellow men. In coming to Yale he was animated by this love, and he resolved to do all in his power for the benefit of his fellow men. He felt that he must henceforth live for humanity, and he cherished ardent hopes for the enlargement of the medical school, so that they might receive pupils ra- diating all over New England and other parts of the country. It seems a regret that he did not at first make this his scene of &C., tion. Yet he delayed. His final resolution came, but his vital energies had been slowly wasting and he fell prostrate and was trans formed to other scenes. He left a memory that will long be cherished.
 Let me call your attention to some of the more striking features of his character. His logical and penetrative judgment, and his growth of mind by steady progress, were dwelt upon at length. His modest demeanor during the first years of his profession were referred to, and the maturity arrived at by diigent application to study and the ultimate results, were referred to at length The speaker continued and said that skill in the science of medicine required time hence practitioner became positive and almost inspired. Dr. Smith suddenly found himself inspired by genius. No can easily de- scribe the personality of friend but he was always direct truth loving and magnan- imous. As man and a thinker he combined manly sense with childlike simplicity. How ever, like every man of genius he was some- times romantic in his way. Although intol- erant in his own opinions he was not incon- siderate to the opinions of others of his pro- fession. He was a firm Christian believer. Ills was not fond of temporizing and never offered himself as acommunicant of church unless he had full faith in the pastor and the people To his pastor in his last illness he said, q have no fear. rest in the arms of Christ. /" His life exemplifes the character of the profession
 In closing President Porter dwelt upon the relations of the physician and his fellow men, and said the words of the Lord Christ, (: was sick and in prison and ye visited me, l" may be applied to the faithful physi- cian With few exceptions the medical in stitutions of this country are private in their character and in these men should be placed of the highest character in their profession and their chairs should be endowed, and this was the opinion of our departed friend. May this sentiment be carried out and then our friend will not have lived and died in vain
 The Senior Promenade
 took place at Alumni Hall, which is far more beautiful than ever before owing to the lib- erality of Henry Farnam, of this city, to whom Yale was already greatly indebted The character of the improvements of the hall may be seen from their cost, which is undoubtedly considerably more than $10, 900. The improvements have already been re- ferred to. The hall in addition was greatly beauti6ed by the senior promenade commit. tee, the chairman of whom was MT. Hart. "Yale '81'' burned in gas jets, conspicuous ly flanked by magnificent floral tributes; the window seats were banked with elegant mass es of flowers and ivy. The shells of the ravy were suspended aloft, and the navy flags were appropriately displayed. Lander's orchestra