The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1903-09-30
FALL CONVOCATION.
DIR. True Makes Fine Plea for
Agricultural Interests.

New Science of Agriculture-6rea
Work Being Done by Experiment
Stations-Head of Piano Department
Makes Big Hit-Prof. Spence Re-
ceiyes Ovation-Dean Wrightson
Warmly Received.
The University was formally OPEN
ed for the year last night by the con-
vocation exercises which were held in
Commencement Hall. The hall was
well filled, scarcely seat being EMP
ty The exercises had features OF I'M
usual interest.
DIR. A. G True, OF Washington, d
c., delivered the address OF the even
ing. His subject was agriculture
10 the University" He is director of
the Agricultural Experiment Stations
in the United STATES, and is perhaps
the best authority in America on the
subject he was asked to discuss.
In introducing DR.. True, DIR. Pur-
nton said be feared the importance
of the department of agriculture In
the University had been overlooked,
and that the study OF the subject
had been neglected. Last winter, the
Legislature had given an additional
$40, 900 for the work, and hereafter
the department would geta just share
OF attention.
Or. True took some pains to define
the functions of University In soci-
ETY. as it is organized at present. In
the old world universities, the idea OF
caste was still prominent. In the
United States, where we studied the
pursuits OF peace, rather than those
OF war, this was lost to great extent,
but some of the old prejudices remain
ed, and there were those who still re-
gard theology, law and medicine as
the only learned professions. Accord
ing to the new idea, the function OF
the University is to train every man
for that which he is best fitted to do.
The quicker the feeling of priggish ex-
clusiveness in learning was swept
away by the cyclone blasts Of Chris
tian civilization, the better.
Agriculture, DR.. True continued, is
one OF the great fundamental indus
tries, on which depend the safety of
the human race. LII the United States
alone, $50, 000,0 900 acres of land in
over 5000, 600 farms onwhich 40, 000,-
900 people live, and which give EN-.
ployment to over 10000, coo men, are
devoted to it. These farms represent
a value Of 500, 900, 900, 900. with an
annual product valued at $1,000, 00O,- |
900.
Only recently, the Science Of Agri- |
culture had been built up, and its
many branches, had been reduced to |
sound pedagogical basis. The expert |
ment stations Of the United States
and the Agricultural colleges were
doing great work. The University of |
Illinois was cited as an example. The |
college OF agriculture had been reor-
ganized on modern basis. and the |
number of students had increased |
from II to 2S3 in four years. Hun
dreds OF young men were being taught |
practical, profitable farming.
DR.. True's address was one OF the |
most scholarly ever heard in Commen-
cement Hall. 1t was of deep interest |
to all who are in any way interested |
In agriculture The subject was
handled in mastery manner, and |
The address might very profftably be |
issued as one of the Stations next bull |
letins.
The music of the exercises was re-
ceived in notable manner. Prof |
Spence appeared for the first time since |
last summer, and was given fatter.
ing ovation. His violin solo was
greeted with burst of enthusiastic |
applause, that did not stop until he
played an encore.
Prof. Rudolf Wertime scored heavi- |
ly at this, his first appearance in Nor
gantown. Although the most tlatter-
ing reports OF his artistic gifts had |
preceded him, his performance Of i
that work of genius, the Chopin Bal
lade of SO, as we'll as of the charming
Liebes Waltz-by Moszkowski, had
scarcely prepared his audience for
such display oftechnical equipment
and tenn permanent. The Liebes Waltz,
bit of Moszkowski in his happiest
vein. was given with exquisit charm
and abandon, despite its brlsting
pianistic difficulties. The tone was
clear, limpid, and warmly,-one is
tempted to say Observation-Disclosures
full, so quietly did it creep in upon the
delighted senses of his hearers; and at
times 1t possessed volume and carry
ing power that gave promise of better
things to come. Sure enough, the
enormous demands ia the way OF
breadth and dignity of tone made by
the Ballade, Choir Is seem heaped
up in places as If the master had care
lessly thrown 10 few more for good
| measurement-were fully satisfied,
while the artist seemed still to have
power in reserve. To the insistent
demands for an encore, Mr.. Wertime
responded with Gavotte by d'AIbeft
(which favored splendid vehicle for
the display of some delightful tone
coloring as we'll as massive chord eff
fects in the magnificent climax.
We hasten to congratulate the
School of Music upon the acquisition
Of an artist of such merit and attain
ments and predict that when the op-
portunity to study under pianist of
Prof. Wertime's rank is known TO STU
dents, the genial Dean will again be
heard clamoring for "more room ~
Dean Wrightson was greeted with
the usual enthusiasm when he sang
Nevin's 'Mon Desir'', aud Bishops
Jane, and when, in response to an
encore, he began the familiar strains
Of "Dixie", the usual cheers, OF extra
ordinary pitch and volume, arrived on
scheduled time.
Following, DR.. Purlnton's announce
meuts, the audience joined in singing
the grand old convocation hymn.
TO FIGHT lNJUNCTIONS.