The Washington times., 1902-05-27
Commencement EXerciS-
eS of Howard Univer-
sity Last Night.
WORDS OF GOOD ADVICE
Interesting Address by Ex-senator
Thurston, of Nebraska-Diplomas De-
livered by President J. E. Rankin
Ovation by Students.

Surrounded by admiring friends. twen-
ty students OF Howard University re-
ceived their diplomas at the Consrega-
| tional Church. Tenth and G. Streets
northwest. last night. They listened to
ex- Senator John NJ. Thurston as he laud-
| ed their chosen profession in n speech
full of kindly meaning, words OF wisdom
and of truth of their coming struggle
in the world of endeavor. AS q class
they took an all important part In the
graduating exercises, and two oratious
we're delivered by students. whose ahil-
| lty and oratory brought forth applause.
Although 1880 O'Clock was the hour
set for the beginning of the commence
ment. an hour slipped away before the
church was crowded and the graduates
filed slowly in, preceded by the faculty.
| The orchestra pealed forth a march as
the students entered and filed to tie
platform. about which decorations were
profrsely spread. while flowers in abund-
ance decked the seats on either side
The faculty occupied seats on the plat
form, and before them, ranged to the
right and left In two rows, sat the
graduates. in whose honor the COM
mencement was held.
The exercises opened with music, and
Harry A. Clarke, OF New York, deliv-
cred an Grafton. The subject chosen was
Equality" Mr.. Clarke defined equali-
ty as Justice. right and equal laws. and
the quality Of fairness in dealing with
the whole people. He spoke for ten
minutes. and his address was received
with applause.
Mr.. Louis C. Gregory, A. B., spoke for
some time on The Growth of the Peace
Laws" and Senator Thurston followed in
a mastery address to the graduating
class. In part. Senator Thurston said:
Face to Face With World.
"You. graduates of Howard University.
now come face to face with the world; its
tribulations and distresses. You are to
be the laws defenders; perhaps the law
makers. for every lawyer by reason of
his peculiar training must face the re-
sponsibilities Of the people. To you will
be COufldCd uuCn, ana II Will Ds YOUR
duty to protect and defend the innocen.
and denounce the guilty. Be honest with
your profession. that you may be honest
with yourself, and thus build up repu-
tation which will stand you In good stead.
but there is another thing OF which
would speak. 1t Is of the racial preiu-
dices so apparent over the world. You
men must face them, and 1t will be q
hardship. although the Law recognizes
no color line in the administration of
Justice. II will be your duty then 10
command equality where equality is due.
but YOU will so do il as 20 lead to the
everlasting progress of the race you rep
resent. Modern civilization gradually
pushes onward. and the day will come
when man will be a man ali the
world over. despite color, race or ma
ticrallty l say to you, young men. 20
forth; use power with judgment: up
Mold the weak ard protect the innoceat
In the ways that are just"
DR.. J. Z. Rankin, president Of the
University. conferred the degrees upon
he graduates after Senator ThuTst0n
had finished speaking. He urged the
young men to be honest lawyers. and TO
profit by the advice OF Senator Thurston.
whose ability had brought him to the
highest legislative body in the land. The
exercises closed with a benediction.