The Portland daily press., 1884-07-02
THE COLLEGES,
commencement Exercises at Colby Uni
versity.-Class Day.-Dedication Of Go.
burn Classical Institute.

History by Walter G. Emerson.
Prophecy by Herbert M. Lord
Address to the under graduates by John l.. Deer
ing.
promenade concert on the Campus.
At the alumni meeting in the afternoon the per-
traits of Rev. j. T. Champlin, latesdistinguished
president of Colby, DIR. Babcock. former president,
president A. Briggs, trustees, Adam Wilson, D. D.,
Thomas Baldwin D. D. and David S. True, class Of
AT, were presented to the alumni association, also
the original model of the panel in the monument at
Plymouth, entitled Singing the social compact in
the cabin of the Msyfower." Also various works
of art. The presentation speeches were of grea
interest.
The trustees ofthe Kelley Memorial Fund, de
signed to fill an alcove in the library report $500
collected. The following officers were elected:
President-C. V. Hanson Damariscotta.
Vice President Prof. A. A. Luce, Waterville.
Necrologist-C. E. Hamlin, Cambridge, Mass.
Secretary and Treasurer-Prof E. ". Hall.
Councillors-Prof A. W. Small, r. W. Dunn and
L. ID. Carver of Waterville.
The necrologst reported the following deaths:
Neurology.
Neurology of Colby University 1SS3-1s84.
b. VIM. M. Stratton, Augusta, Me-, class of 49,
born GI;. NOV; "a. 1911, died August 8, 1883.
o olyer Emerson Miles, Mich class of 49, b. Mch.
BENJAMIN 9. Pierce, Beverly, Mass, class of 80,
b. Sept. 20, 1873: q. Nov; u, 1888.
10, 1911, d. Sept.I4 1858.
Stephen II; Myric, Washington, D. C., class of
'3S. b. Jan. 8, 1919, d. Oct. 29. 1858.
John c. Hyde, Bristol, Penn. class Of s4S, b.
Mch. 2, 1921. d. May 6, 1884.
Thomas H. Gamsey, Boston, class of 81, b. May
rs, 1881, d. May 20, 1884
Henry A. Kennedy, Waldoboro, class of Isl, b.
Nov. 6, 1884 d. March 8, 1884.
~ Frank B. Gushing, class of 81; b. 1860, d. at
Rufus Lapham, class of '51, b. Feb, 1914, d. in
New York April 20, 1880.
The trustees meeting resulted in the discussion
of business and the appointment Of committees
but in no final action. The absence and reported
sickness of ex-Gov. Coburn delayed consideration
of important matters.
The evening train brought large numbers of
alumni. Gov. Bobie Gen. j. 7. Richards ColonelsA
G. Hamlin, f. D. Pullen, W. A. R. Boothby, G. G.
Burrill and B. Nealy of his staff present, also
Secretary of State, j. o. Smith.
The evening at the church S. L. Caldwell, D. D.,
president of Vassar delivered Grafton before the
literary societies, an abstract of which follows:
DIR. CaldweIps Remarks.
Some verses OF Mr.. Emerson were quoted alluding
to the early companions in study whose presence
gave charm to the place. Reference was also
made to Mr.. Emerson's Grafton on "The Methods
of Nature" given here forty-three years ago. This
led to the consideration of Mans relationship to
Nature, especially as the subject of science and
poetry; the different ways in which each treat Ma
ture. After looking at Nature as factor in the
convenience and discipline of ife he considered 1t
next as a factor in human knowledge. The very
first question which Nature provokes is whether we
can know the outward world in itself. Then comes
the farther question, not only What Nature is, but
Whence and How. When Science has told all it
can about Nature, there remains questions it can
not answer.
The main thought of the discourse was employed
in considering What Poetry does with Nature, and
the contrast of the poetic and scientific methods
Poetry considered a creative rather han an
initiative act, using nature rather the organ of
the poets own thought and feeling, than as some
thing in itself to be interpreted This infusion of
the spirit of nature into poetry has given it dis
tinctive character, especially in recent times. The
love OF nature is modern rather than an ancient
feeling.
A contrast was drawn between classical and mod
ern poetry in this respect and the question discuss
ed whence she difference arises. The question was
first raised whether it could be the result of ncreas
ed knowledge of nature gained by physical science.
The same question raised about the influence of
religion, and the belief of Divine Presence in Ma
ture. Again, it suggested that the enlarge
mont OF human sympathies, which is perhaps one
OF the sequels of more spiritual religion, may
have extended to the natural world. And then
there are epochs whose thoughts and poetry are SO
absorbed by man and the interests of life that ma
ture loses power. The conclusion was that poetry
need have no apprehension of being displaced by the
growth of science unless science itself should so
far aggravate materiaistic tendencies to extin-
gush faith in the invisible and dry up the true
and perennial fountains of poetry in the soul of
man, and in his faith in Living God.
Then followed Hon. E. F. Webb, whe as the rep
resentative of Gov. Coburn presented to President
Pepper the keys and conveyances of the property.
the Coburn Classical Institute He spoke as fol-
lows:
Hon. 4. H. Webb's Remarks.
Mr.. President:-I am intrusted with a communi-
cation to you, as the Executive Head of Colby Uni
versity from the Hon. Abner Coburn, who by reason
Of the nrmities incidental to more than four score
years of active and honorable fe is not present at
This is not the FIRST time in tbs history Of the
University, that it has had occasion to hold Gov.
minded hberality and generous gifts, which are
traceable in every department of the University.
and now following freshly in their shadow, he adds
sion.
1t is fact of general publicity that Gov. coburn
mas erected here, for the benefit of the University
an imposing edihce, at an expense Of fifty thousand
dollars.
The material structure is designated by the don.
or, both as monumental record, in honorable
memorial of the names of his brother and nephew
whose names are engraved thereon, and as a foun,
tain of learning to which all may come who wish;
nay more he has also covered into the Treasury al
the University the sum of fifty thousand dollars in
money, as an endowment fund to aid in the main
tenance OF Coburn Classic al Institute; thus making
at this time and for this branch of the University
the extraordinary and welcome donation of one
hundred thousand dollars.
git is his desire to place the title to the same in the
university Tor all coming time, and therefore at
his request and in his behalf now deliver to YOU
the keys and with them the title to the edice and
dnaa, linus placing within your control "a powerful
equipped not only with palatial edifce and gener-
Gus endowment. but with an instructor at its head
of faculty.
Mr.. President:-I should feel that had left some
thing undone, at this time, and in this connection
should omit to make mention of one who became
connected with the Institution, when it was known
as Waterville Academy, when its condition was en-
feebled, and its existence evidently yielding to
FQF oNf r1,A
brought to its rescue his individual learning labor
and reputation, and through whose efforts the
tute has been achieved.
And, Sir, l am not making DIR. Hanson indeli.
cately or unJustly prominent when l say he has
history of similar institutions of learning in the
country.
Gov. Coburn, seeing the development of the In
sltutlon menaced for want or a suitable edfce and
endowment, and moved by the impulses OF a noble
hearts has made these comprehensive donations
sHsS Sne poor GGy OF the future may find the
and Invested of the hardships endured BY the
generations that have gone before.
And believing that wide spread education ia the
great guaranty of civil Eand religious freedom he
commits these gifts to the University with the
conndlng nope that they shall be dedicated to the
separated from each other-the honor of God and
the service of man.
President Peppers Reply.
President Pepper received the keys of Coburn
Classical Institute on behalf of the trustees. and
emphasized the sacred trust which they symbolized
He paid gra ceful tribute to Dr. Hanson, its illus
trious head, who is also its heart He congratulate
ed ex-Gov. Coburn that in this gift Ito learning he
had transformed gold and silver into mental and
moral life, and had thus secured fit and perpetual
memorial of himself and of those whose names are
inscribed upon its 'front.' Thrice happy must he be
to realize and to participate in the benefits and
blessings of his own muniicence. He remarked
upon the beautiful and suggestive location of the
building. facing the rising sun; the business and
life OF the town; and contiguous to the park with
It's monument commemorative of the undying virtue
OF patriotism and fanked by the spires of the tenn
pies OF worship, and surrounded by Christian
homes. He next spoke of the beauty the symme-
try and good taste. and substantial and enduring
quality of the building, and said "But we remem-
Der that it is school house. and not mere wsrk of
art, and If not adadted to that purpose it must be
wretched failure The true school house is not less
teacher teaching than place and means for
teaching by teachers. 1t is object lesson perpet-
ually exerting SILENT but potent influence on the
community in which it stands; and especially on
the youth who daily assemble in it. Very close is
the affinity between good taste and good
morals, and we cannot we'll oyer-estimate
the power OF such a structure as that
we tonight dedicate. to help our children