Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1893-07-06

ality upon their times, the men who were
pioneers in their departments OF knowledge,
and who have largely controlled the desti-
MES OF art and science, have been men
whose practical endeavors were controlled
by general education. And yet certain
rlass of critics are almost fierce in their at
tacks upon our higher educational systems.
Not long since in the North American Re-
view, Mr.. lngersoll voiced this modern crit
icism by saying, among many other very
unkind and illogical things, "The college
professor Is no longer a match for
the master mechanic. The master mo
rhanic not only understands principles
but their application. But every practi-
cal business iuan knows that this arraign-
ment of higher education, like many other
criticisms entirely overlook the fact
that if the master mechanic understands
both principles and their application it is
because the "bookish theorists as he sheer
lngly designates them have gone before the
master mechanic. think many of the de-
mands and much OF the criticism in the
realm of higher education to-day grows out
of the fact that the educator and the bust
ness man do not always understand each
other. The one Is apt to be impatient OF
the other who propounds to him something
which lie instinctvey feels will not stand
the test of application, and doubt not tue
other is equally intolerant OF the one who
tries to ride roughshod through his theo
ries. Each should respect the other for the
good there is in his system, each is necessary
to the other, and certainly they are each
necessary to the great civilization they are
together shaping. Many elements enter into
the great mosaic of our modern lite. A few
years ago the eminent painter Kaubach
ave to the world his now famous picture
representing the "Period OF the Reiorma-
ton" In that picture there Is seen Column
bus and Bacon, Paracelsus and Harvey,
Petrarch and Shakespeare, Cervantes and
Hans, Sach, Queen Elizabeth aud Gustavus
Adolphus, Huss and Savonarola, Gutten
burg and Calico. They all meet in large
.iothic hall and measure the earth, dig
manuscripts from an old sarcophagus, scan
verses on their fingers. grasp their
swords, while Calvin administers the sacra-
inent, and choir sings from hymn book
in the organ loft, 1t required all
these eements to perfect that great
achievement Of the painters art,
End in like manner, the age as we see it to-
day, is the result of many forces at work,
forces that are largely under the direction
of scholarly men. BY reason OF the course
Of study here pursued the young men who
20 out from the University of Vermont
ought TO be vastly better fitted to enter
upon active life than those who have never
enjoyed these advantages, and the more
nearly the institution makes easy and ma
tural the entrance of its graduates into the
world of action and affairs the more fully
will it accomplish the benefcient purposes
Tor which it was originally established,
President Buckham next referred to the
new buildings given by Mr.. T. II. Williams
of Philadelphia and which he hoped would
he completed by next commencement as one
of the pleasantest antcpations Of the year.
OTHER SPEAKERS.
President Buckham called on James
O'Halloran of Cowansvile, Province of
Quebec, to speak for the class of
1913, Mr.. O'Haloran said that he was not
accustomed to speak to such large assem-
biage, his audiences being usually composed
Of ~ men. He referred TO some of the
changes that have taken place in the college
during the last 30 years, with some inter
estIng persona! "reminiscences. He could r ot
realize that it had been 30 years since he
had been in college and been one of the
boys. During that time the institution has
grown strong and vigorous and healthy.
He closed by expressing his pleasure at be-
ing back for the exercises OF the week.
Judge E. II. Bennett of Boston and of the
gave some interesting "reminiscences OF his
days in college. He spoke of the contrasts
between colleges which are called small and
those called large. Numbers do not make
value. Numbers are trItling as compared
with quality. The L. V. NJ. does not sut-
fer by comparison with any other in the
land, whether as regards instruction or the
qualities shown by the graduates.
DR.. a. f. A. King of Washington was
called up to speak for the Medical depart
ment, but he turned the duty over to DR..
a, +. GrinnelI. DR.. Grinnell sc 1med to he
taken unawares, but he was, as usual, equal
10 the emergency and made the wttiest
speech OF the afternoon. lie hesitated to
speak aud gave many reasons for his en-
barrassmeut, one being the presence Of Gov
Fuller with his uniformed staff. He was
always embarrassed before SO much brass
lie referred to the degree of master of arts
which the college hal conferred on Gov
Fuller and thought that the governor would
now he able to make as good speech he
could. In fact the first part of Gov. Full
ler's speech, delivered extemporaneously,
was much better than the part he prepared
two weeks ago. He referred to the several
departments Of the University and in speak
ing of the agricultural depar tment said "a
few years ago your president had the great
est difficulty in telling cabbage head from a
cauifower. Now, however, he is able to
speak intelligently of all forms of vegetable
growth.
Speaking for the medical department he
thought the department was now doing
better work than ever before. They were
continually adding 10 the staff OF instructor
and were now we'll supplied with professor.
in all the ''ologies' necessary TO turn gu,
first class doctors. DR.. Grinnell concluded
NOW that | am started l might conl ue
but now that am started | think | had
better stop"
The next speaker was Mr.. Kent Of De
tloit, of the class of 1856, who spoke of tn,
difference between small colleges and large
institutions and Of the necessities of a sinai
institution. lie thought we should speal
| rather of the advantages OF a small college
If young man can come into contact witt
wise, enthusiastic and capable man, whC
can impart enthusiasm and make him coun
for what be is worth, that young
man is receiving Fan education and Ia,