Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1885-07-03
Prof, Clark's Remarks.


Having been connected with this institu-
ion for number Of years have pecu
lar interest in its welfare and progress. /
am glad to see that the spirit which pre-
vailed forty years ago is still alive, and
hat it promises to continue far into the
future. In those times we probably
spoke in more philosophical terms spoke
)f the subjective and objective which the
people in general understood very little
about, but we were inspired by noble
Christian spirit'a am glad tOsee that
it still lives in this University as indi-
Gated 10y the addresses of the graduating
class, especially the last two. stand for
the old principles first and always and | [
hope they will he maintained in this insti-
tuition as long as it is i'll existence. |
think the exercises Of the last .
two days will have Il strong ten
dcncy to perpctuate the faith which is
by this University as the !
basis of all true knowledge. When | |
came here the buildings on the hill were
not familiar to me, but the chapel is full |
of old associations and is full Of snggeS-
tive meanings and the tablets ON the walls |
are especially suggestive. They speak of
that patriotic spirit which impels one to
die for his country If need be, but above
all to do good service for God and our fell
low men. The inscriptions on the Win
dows of the chapel and the desk
also point 10 lne nlOSJ iii pOTldnI elements
of character, and 50 long rs these princi-
pies are inculcated so long will the spirit
of Christian culture he maintained in this
institution. The Billings Library too,
with the historical associations of many
of its volumes that speak of the noble
lives and Christian deeds of their former
poSseSsOrS, will he II constant source of in
splralion to those who frequent its halls
and alCOves.
In closing let me beg Of YOU not to for
get the old collegiate education. Don't
BE- carried away by the rage for special
study. Let young men who come here be
headed right Don't let this become
school of technology. Let your gradu-
ates not only be good special students,
but far seeing, wise and cultured men as
well. But above all do not try to 90 out
of your sphere. Hold Oh to the Old spirit.
Do not try to be "A Harvard Yale or Dart
mouth; but be in the future as now the
University of Vermont.
Prof. Clark S remarks We're received with
prolonged applause. President Buck
ham then introduced the new member of
the board of trustees, Mr.. John Converse
of Philadelphia as follows If | should
ask the friends of the University, and es-
pecially the young men, what they would
like to see III the board of trustees-not
lUhOm they would like to see, but lChdt-
what answer would you give? Would
it not be, brains We have just appoint
ed Il new trustee-a name which Will be
received with great favor by you all-Mr.
John Converse, Il member of the great
Baldwin locomotive firm of Philadelphia !;
the senior member Of which firm told me,
recently, that they had admitted a young
man from Vermont who mad more brains
than all of them put together. Mr.. Con
verse responded as follows:
Mr. Converse's Remarks.
\ great philosopher has said that graft
itude was the power to truly appreciate
faVorS to come. In that sense | might eX-
press my gratitude on this occasion for
the honor you have conferred upon me,
| can assure you of my great
appreciation of the ,compliment-fOr |
take it entirely as IL compliment and if
it should be III my power ever to be of
service to the University, it will be one
of the proudest things can accomplish in
| the future. | can assure you that,
whether am here or not at Commence
meut season, my interest in the college
remains undimiuiShtd. 1t Is Il great sat
stactOn to see now much has been done
/ for the college, and yet all these benefits
mean added responsibility. Increased
opportunities bring increased response
/ blHticS. We must take good care OF the
gifts which have been entrusted TO us. y
fund ought to be created now for the gen
elal expenses eff the college. \ friend
suggested that $4,000 was needed, and |
told him that thought | could raise one
fourth of that amount in Philadelphia.
/ Applause What we want now more
than anything else are men and money,
We want to he able to attract students
here from all parts Of the country. We
want endoWments tor our professors hips,
50 that our men cannot be taken away
from us; and hope that the friends OF
the college Will now interest themselves
III this most important work.
President Buckham said that very rare
ly did it give HIM 50 much pleasure To con
Ter IL degree as he had experienced III be
slowing tins honor upon his Old cOlleg,
mate and friend, the friend OF the faculty
and of ali the students, Prof. Bliss Prot
Bliss name WAS received with prolonged
: applause. He responded as follows;
H.m,rl<s of Rev. nr. nliss
,,
NE; Ireslueht anu ucuIiclleH 1oI
are al doubtless aware thaI II mas peel
my duty III the past 10 make olherS SPEAK
t rather imam to speak myself III the SAM
manner as the teacher on the piano III
strucls put uous not eAeuute, nu' aii
t DWARF may so'' W ioV '"tV tol ePetG
iloili iiit, ~ t"'nei iepon'e ~