The Portland daily press., 1881-10-28

mortal Hall-Th0 college In the war.
Correspondence of the Boston Adyertiser]
BRUNSWICK, Oct "a. 1881.
The college year at Bowdoin opens with ac-
cessions to the higher classes and with Fresh
man class fifty strong. Some applicants were
rejected, for Bowdoin has faithfully observed
the traditional principle, which has cost the
college numbers, but has preserved its dignity.
that the entrance examination should in no
case be nominal thing. A full catalogue is a
pleasant sight, and large tuition receipts never
come amiss, but when these agreeable results
are the outcome of superficial tests and ques-
tionable methods of attracting students, the
sober second thoughts of those concerned must
be regretful. 1t is seventy-nine years since
the college began its work, and it satisfaction
to declare that the high standard which the
founders established is to-day the measure
whereby the real condition of the institution
| is determined and the size of the classes is reg
| alated.
Some changes in the board of instructors are
to be noted. Professor Gabriel Campbell for
many years in the chair of mental and moral
philosophy in the University of Minnesota is
to have charge of the same department in
| Bowdoin. This gentleman was very highly
| esteemed in Minnesota, in fact the presidency
of the university was offered him at one time,
and his characteristics are described as those of
| fine scholarship and rare skill in teaching His
studies in Berlin, his contributions to philo-
sophical journals and his long experience in in
structing in philosophy are an assurance that
this very important branch will be taught with
discrimination and much practical ability
Other things being equal, the actual exercise
of the gifts and graces belonging to the ac-
ceptable instructor is an indispensable prere-
quisite to success in undertaking the charge of
an advanced class in college. 1t is matter of
congratulation that Bowdoln welcomes one
who has been teacher as we'll as a thinker.
The Winkley professorship of Latin has
been accepted by Mr. John FL. Wheeler, Phi.
d., who has been instructed in Harvard. A
graduate of Harvard, fellow of Johns Hop
kins University and a student at the Univer-
sity of Bonn, he has enjoyed special opportu-
mites in preparing for his profession. In the
early days of Bowdoin Harvard men were in
the faculty and contributed to the reputation
enjoyed by the college. Professor Parker
Cleayeland, who died in 1858, was the last
representative of the University at Cambridge
in the Bowdoin faculty, and now, at the end
OF nearly quarter of century, the success
sion is renewed.
The art treasures of the college have been
enriched recently by gifts which are entitled
to a careful description, but there is opportuni-
ty now for no more than a brief allusion to
them. The conventional remark, that pic
ture is either an original or very fine copy, is
OF service in referring to painting presented
by Dr. Joseph 81. Warren, of Boston, gradu-
ate of the medical department of the college.
The subject is Hagar and Ishmal, and the
work purports to be by Titan, during his So
journ in Rome, 1S53-154S, and painted for the
church of Santa Maria Maggiore The rich
coloring and the delicacy of touch, indicated
by the lines, gives assurance of mastery
treatment, even if the great master himself
did not execute the design. Whatever the au-
thentic history, the painting is one of exceed
ing beauty, and the donor has done graceful
and generous act in placing it in the Bowdoin
gallery.
John A. Andrew, class OF 81, after W. M.
Hunts picture, has been received and will be
one of the conspicuous objects in the new me-
mortal hail. The college affectionately re-
members that the Massachusetts, war-governor
was a graduate, and claims share in the he
itage of honor which falls to the heirs of the
executive of the mother common wealth. The
name of the giver of this most acceptable offer
ing is not announced but the fine proportions
and the impressive likeness will make the por-
trait witness, not only to him whose fern it
reproduces, but likewise to the son or friend
of Bowdon who has remembered the Col
lege.
During the college year the memorial hall
will be finished, and its dedication will enable
the alumni to show forth in the most grateful
and affectionate manner their appreciation of
what they did in whose honor the building is
erected. 1t was lovelyday so long ago assNov.
Is, 1867, that ground was broken for the struc-
ture Prof. VIM. Smyth was most earnest
advocate of the plan to build what he proph-
esied would be San instrument of a broad and
liberal culture, and just pride alike to the col
lege and state"
To those then assembled, Prof j. B. Sewall
now of Thayer Academy Braintree, gave these
statistics of service: Living alumni, 1150-260,
nearly one-fourth, in service; also nine under
graduates. OF this number were major gem
erals, 10 brigadier generals, IL colonies, IA
observation-disclosures, 16 majors, SO captains and
lieutenants. Nearly 40 died of wounds of
disease contracted in the service.
The first name on the roll of honor is that of
DR.. Luther V. Bell, class of %, who died at
Budd's Ferry in February, 1862 His services
in his profession in the state and in the army
were eminent, and he ranks among the fore
most IN the catalogue of those who counted it
sweet and honorable to die for their country.
The story OF Bowdoin in the war is
very touching and inspiring, as such an
mails ever must be, and the motion of Professor,
afterwards President, Harris, made at
a special meeting of the alumni in 1865,
that the monument to the devotion of the army
men should take the form of a building, wise
ly embodied the enthusiasm then felt, and
which is not to die out, for their self-forgetful
ness courage and loyalty Professor Smyth
then declared that the hall would be "the COM
mon ralying point of the alumni at commence
ment tme;" and at the exercises two years
later, already referred to, he pictured the inte
rior of the finished building; "the marble tab
let's" conspicuous in the hall proper, on which
the names of the dead should be written,
while the record of the names of all who serv-
ed should be made prominent elsewhere in the
chief room and the founders and friends of the
college be remembered by suitable memorials.
After many years the wishes OF those who
labored at the beginning, and of all who have
contributed are near their realization. The
high feast of the dedication, possibly on some
day in the commencement week, will call to-
gether the survivors of those who were in the
service, the graduates in general, and represen-
tatives of the State at large. The president Of
the college, himself the exemplification of the
devotion of Bowdoin to the nation, and whose
service was brilliant and memorable, will
doubtless be surrounded by many who have
distinguished themselves in civil and military
life as the building notable in strength and
beauty, is set apart as perpetual witness to
suffering for the Union even unto death. Ma
terial for eloquence will not be waning Mem
cries moving and ennobling will enforce the
living voice. In a word, no day in the history
of the college will have had in it SO many ele-
ments which invest a public gathering with
dignity and impressiveness.
1t is not doubtful but that the great opportu-
nifty will be eagerly and appropriately used and
that there will be full celebration, in tho
presence of throng of sympathizing witness
es, of the valor and virtues of those whose
words and wounds and dying are part of the
incalculable wealth of college and a COM
munity.
Union Conference.