Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1884-07-04
MIR. BLAINE AT BATES COLLEGE
He Makes n speech at the Commence
mcnt Dinner.

LEWISTON, Me-, June 26.-Bates College
Commencement dinner was never so fully
attended as it was to-day. Gov. Robie re-
| sponded in behalf of the State of Maine in
| pleasant speech. He was followed by Rev.
A. II. Heath, Rev. d.. Bowen, D. j. Gala
han, r. f. Johonnette, Rev. DR.. Westwood
and Mr.. Blaine, the latter said 81 thank
you very sincerely Mr.. President for intro
ducing me to these kind friends simply as
| one OF the trustees for 1t is only IN that
capacity that am with you to-day, although
in speaking of me in other relations of Ii fe
my sangune clerical friends from Massa
chusetts on my right and left have certainly
made good attempts to test my capacity for
blushing. Laughter and applause. The
long term OF years to which DIR. Cheney has
alluded have not passed single one of them,
without my taking, in some form active or
passive, profound interest in this institu-
ton. And to the young men and women
now going FORTH bearing its diploma, |
wish to say Just why and how it was that
my interest was excited in favor of the instl-
tuition. 1t was simply because of the tremend-
GUS energy and undying faith of nr. Cheney
in its beginning. Applause. | was then,
~ years ego, but "a years of age and co.
operated with him in an humble way in
securing the first endowment from the State
OF Name The result Was worth a greet
deal more 10 me than S1500a endowment
was 10 him; for II taught me the value of
perseverance. l don't believe another man,
or whole regiment of men, between the
New Hampshire line and Canadian border,
could have wrung $15, 900 cents out of that
legislature. But he did it and he had my
sincere and humble help; for was then a
member of this branch, ] was doing wha.
the young men there (pointine ia teporters
are now doing. was reporting very poor
speeches Tor newspapers and appreciate the
TACT that constantly had TO deal with leg
lslators who were OF course anxious to ap
pear better in next mornings paper than or
the floor. Laughter, Dr. Cheney
realized that had certain
commanding avenues of influence
Ills perseverance struck me as strongly as i,
did others, and l was afraid sometimes tt
look down street lest ! might eec him comipl
Laughter When I heard him poundin.
my old fashioned knocker Of an evening
knew 1t meant trip through the boardln.
houses, interviewing the members, and
hard nights work. He combined faith ant
works and they, as this new man on my lef
Camp Meeting John Allen who is nov
struggling to enter the ministry will testify
are the foundation of Christianity. | hav
not Deen mere Tor many years, but remem
: Der very well the last time wac here. DR.
, Cheney asked me to say something pcrttnen
to the occasion. / remember little anec
2 dote which told them and which seemed Il
r produce good results and will repeat it now
An English mother was teaching her BOZ
] gymnastics. lie made several vain attemrt
to go over the bars and d
! last she exclaimed ''John Euer
! Obbs hif you put your heaI
hover these bars your legs will follow.
: Laughter. The bearing of this story lie
e In the application of it, and think sewers
/. subscriptions followed 1t when told 1t be
. fore. l am grateful for the opportunity {
= being here. am grateful for the friend shi
y OF thirty years between your honored pres
dent aud myself. | am grateful for III
S accomplishment of his work He has bee
l. laboring for the elevation and adtancemer
I; OF great religious bcdy and not merely fc
II new college. He has been abundat Il
!. blessed, and in thanking you for your yer
VI kind attention know that you will Join n
IS in the wish that his last days may be h
" happiest days. Applause.