The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1900-06-22

The eighty-third annual commencement
exercises of GeOrgr = Sn University were
held yesterday morning in CASTOR
Hall. in the 2 essence of large
assemblage. The III was deliberately dec
GRATED with cut flowers. palms. ported
plants. and streamers Of the colors Of the
institution
For some time before the hour for OPEN
ing the programme the streets in the i'm
mediate neighborhood were thronged with
the fathers, mothers, sisters. brothers.
and sweethearts~ of the score or more OF
young men who had completed their
studies and were about to take up LIES
fight on their own account.
CASTOR Hall was packed to the doors.
and the graduates and graduates.
wearing the cap and gown OF the Uni
yersity. with the hood OF appropriate color
for their degree, marched 20 their posi-
lions at the head of the hall they were
received with rounds Of applause. II was
a gala scene, and the heart of many a
fond mother beat with joy as her son, the
pride Of her heart, took his position and
proudly awaited the coveted "sheepskin"
that was TO be bestowed upon him as the
result Of study and labor.
The programme opened with an over
ture. The Beautiful Galathea,' by the
United States Marine Band, under Leader
Santelmann. and Sousa's march, The Man
Behind the Gun" was played as an en-
core
The Glass OratiOns.
The theme OF the class orstions of the
day was The District Of Columbia. 1900
1900" John Edward Laughlin, OF Penn
tion. The masters Grafton was delivered
by Edward Broadnax Colgin. 3. A, OF
Louisiana, and the Doctors Grafton, The
National Capital by Francis Xavier b.
den OF Wisconsin.
1t was expected that Senator Vest, Of
Missouri would be present 10 confer the
degree upon the successful candidates,
and at the same time be the recipient Of
a tribute TO himself that was TO be con-
ferred upon him by the rector and faculty
Of the institution, but al the last moment
il was found that he could not come In
view Of this fact the Rev. John D. Whit
ney, S. J., President Of Georgetown Uni
versity. performed that function.
The President said IN part:
1T is the privilege Of Georgetown Uni
versity TO honor today a man who. during
his many. years Of usefulness in his OVID
State. and in the United States Senate,
LdS NOI lOE himself Il AdllOldl Etpuld-
ton. the Hon. George Graham Vest, senior
United States Senator from Missouri.
distinguished as a lawyer. and orator,
and statesman. he is still better known
to the country as Just. upright. and fear
less man. who has compelled the respect
and admiration OF men Of all parties. a
man whose fair fame no breath OF scandal
has ever dimmed
over and above these titles to recog-
milton, one other stands out prominently
one which Georgetown University, as the
oldest Catholic University in the United
States. cannot but consider II her special
right 10 proclaim Again and again. on
the floor Of the United States Senate
Senator Vest has earnestly eloquently
and disinterestedly pleaded the cause OF
the American Catholic Indian. and borne
ungrudging witness TO the self sacrificing
and fruitful labors OF the devoted priests
and nuns who are labOring among them
Besides this he has not hestitated 10 raise
his voice 10 advocate the claims Of charity
in the case Of the Catholic orphans Of the
District Of Columbia.
Moved. therefore by a gratitude. as
much as by admiration. for his qualities
as man OF culture and q statesman. the
rector and faculty CT Georgetown Univer-
sity have conferred the degree Of Doctor
Of Laws on the Hon George Graham Vest,
senior United States Senator from Mis-
souri,"