Evening star., 1902-05-08
ADVICE 10 GRADUATES
JUSTICE BREWERS ADDRESS AT
GALLAUDET COLLEGE.
Exercises at Institution for Deaf and
Dumb-Degrees to Be Con-
ferred June 1S.

Inc principal address at the thirty-eighth
annual commencement exercises of Gal
laudet college for deaf mutes, at Kendall
Green, which were held yesterday after
noon, as stated in yesterdays Star,
delivered by David ]. Brewer, associate
justice OF the Supreme Court of the United
States, who was recently made a member
OF the board of directors of the institution
Two Of the graduates, Ezra c. Wyand Of
Maryland and George G. w. Andree of
Michigan, who have learned to speak dis
ttnctly, read their own orations. The pa
pers by Miss Slave A. Snyder of Ohio, Will
liam j. Geilfuss of South Carolina, Miss
Frleda w. Bauman of Illinois and John H.
Clark of Utah, respectively. were read by a
member OF the faculty, while the graduates
interpreted the contents of the papers to
the audience in signs
Justice Brewers address was communi-
Gated to the members of the class by DIR.
Gallaudet through the sign language. In
opening, Justice Brewer said it was an un-
usual experience to talk to those who were
unable to hear what you say, but he said
he had often wished when listening to
weary lawyers, that judges were deaf and
lawyers dumb. Continuing, he said in part:
An Eventful Period.
"The closing days of college life are an
eventful period Of every persons life. 1t
ton, while in the future lies the days of
action. 1t is curious that we call the last
day at college commencement day, and
yet is it not fact that 1t is the commence
ment of active life? We all realize that the
time passed has been the time of childhood,
OF study, and of preparation, while now
comes the day when we look out upon life
or usefulness and achievement.
1t Is a beautiful thing that the young
are full OF ideas. l am glad that they are
day-dreamers and builders Of air-castles;
and they are wrong who would smile at the
fancies of the young. No man or woman
will achieve do unless in his or her
youth the soul is stirred with ideas Of doing
and achievement
Barrier Overcome.
You are Of those who are deprived Of
one avenue Of communication between the
soul and the outside world but you have
struggled and overcome the barrier; you
have trampled over hindrances-this should
prophesy strenuous life. Before all things
cling to your IDEAL cling to your professions
and accomplishments, because Of all persons
If you give up your ideals and fancies there
is nothing more for you to do. You will be
thrown into contact with the world, and will
be somewhat handicapped in the struggle
with those possessed of every power. 1t is
almost a miracle that those who are de-
prived Of senses have been educated to Won
derful achievements.
justice brewers 8 concluding remarks were
in praise of the teachers who had devoted
time and energy in the work of educating
the graduates.
Honorary Degrees.
The degrees will not be conferred on
members Of the class until Wednesday,
June IS, when the summer vacation begins
DR.. Gallaudet announced that it had been
decided to conferi the honorary degree of
master Of arts on Prof. ]. w. Jones, super
fntendent of the Ohio State Institution for
the Deaf and Dumb, and also the degree of
bachelor of pedagogy on Prof. j. w. Mich
aeis, who formerly attended Gallaudet but
is now in charge of the Arkansas institu-
ton.
A large number Of visitors from the city
attended the exercises, and the beautifully
decorated chapel in which they were held
WAS crowded.