New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-06-25
GEORGE r. PECK AT UNION COLLEGE.

Schenectady. n. Y, June A-The first commences
ment in the second century OF Union College took
place to-day the exercises being held in the State
Street Methodist Episcopal Church, the spacious
ditorium being filled TO overlooking. The gradu-
ating class numbered thirty-sx. The GRAFTON
delivered by the Chancellor. George r. Peck. OF
Chicago. His subject Tho Ethical Basis OF
American Patriotism" He discussed the political
duties of educated men, and said in part:
zone Of the highest duties which now appeal TO
the patriotic instinct of this Is. to
abolish party rule. but curb the power Of party
rulers 1t would be shame TO say It If 1t were not
true. and cowardice TO deny 1t since all men know
It is true. that in some wayby stealth. by manage
ment or by the subtle influence that always accom-
panies powera new force has arisen in politics
There day when parties had leaders Far be
II from to say they do not have them now. But
they have also that other almost omnipoent per-
sonage who organizes wards counties and States.
not for the party and not for the country. but for
himself. In every party there men who give
their days and their nights to meditating gnob!e
schemes for controlling the peoples will They rule
the ganzation from within. erecting imperium.
in impcro, fostering an arfstocracy Of spos. des-
potism OF deceit and fraud. They sit in judgment
upon and policies, depressing merit and advanc
ing the Incapable and the unworthy who do their
bidding. II is vicious system. worse. thousand
fold than that described by Kingake which, in the
Crimean war decreed that royal favorites fresh
from London dra wing rooms should be invested
with high command while Colin Campbell. with his
wounds and his forty years Of service should be
only colonel
Gentlemen as I conceive American patriotism, It
will not always submit to such methods. 1t will find
a way to vlndcate the right Of individual judgment.
but 1t will find 1t only when the American people APP
prehend clearly their duties and their obliga-
tons"
Regarding patriotism. the speaker said: "Amity
and concord pleasant words. but. II 1t be true
that a nation is a moral organism, then Ike an
individual 1t must maintain an individual character.
1t must dare to offend. Speaking only for myself.
believe in militant patriotism. There is nothing
dreary the dead level of customary things;
the sudden shock which lifts the Nation out OF It's
the United states should hang out a placard to the
world bearing that cheap mercantile motto: we
must be worked out-perhaps in fear and trembling
in our own way II there be eherShed american
right? II yea then hen let us stand By !, IKE men If
issues. The recent Venezuela incident Illustrates
my meaning. Something may be said. usual.
thriii Of patriotic feeling Which swept over the conn
try was ample payment for apparent commercial
President Raymond presided at to-days exercises.
The several Greek letter societies held their annual
meetings last evening and there were reunions and
banquets OF the classes OF various years. large
United States were present. The Oldest s' among
them is Charles VI. Jenkins. OF Albany of the class
sp ans sn" wa se ess % the b an DR.
Trustees. in place of Stephen X. Williams. term
pred.
The time honored performance of the seniors in
! the grove, with the planting OF the wv also tho
alumni banquet and the class-day exercises. took
place yesterday, and were greatly enjoyed by old
Unions sons. The commencement concert was given
! In the Nah Curier Opera House last evening Tho
exercises closed this evening with ball Of the grad
uating class In Memorial Hall. o
| CONNECTICUT BETA PHI BETA KAPPA
Hartford. Conn. June 2-The annual meeting %
the Connecticut Beta. Phi Beta Kappa was held I'm
Trinity College this noon The following members
of the junior class initiated: H. Won W
Schultz. Utica. y. Y; J. r. Benton Sewckley
Penn; W. c. White, Utica. N. Y. c. G. Ziegler.
| Detroit; p. NJ Wood. Huntington ~ Y: NJ r
Chase Mineral Point. Wis c. g. McCook Hart.
ford. and J. d. Flynn, Hartford.
The officers elected are as follows President the
Rev. DR.. Thomas r. Pynchon, A. Hartford VICE
| president. the Rev. John 7. Huntington. NJ A. 70
Hartford: secretary. the Rev. Dr. Samuel Hart 'ss
Hartford: treasurer. George L. Cooke ~ A. 'JO