Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-06-24

there. became principal of Vassalboro
| Academy where he remained one wear,
in the meantime studying law with
| Boutelle a. Noyes of Waterville. After
his college debts were paid he devoted
himself solely to his legal studies. and
WAS admitted to the bar in October.
| 1850. After a business trip to Califor-
mia, he returned in June, 1851 and be-
gan the practice of his chosen profess
sion in Waterville, succeeding to the
| Office and business of his legal tutors
who had retired from actce work.
Mr. Drummonds rise in the profess
sion was rapid but there was no sky
rocket character to it. He had a mind
which worked with mathematical pre-
cision. It's processes continued along
the line OF ineXorabie logic. He did not
tolerate the existence of fallacies in his
own reasoning, while his keen view de-
teCted their existence in the reasoning
of his opponents. He had a close
grasp of legal principles and good
judgment in their application to ex-
listing facts. He took to justice and
equity almost by instinct, as the hound
takes the scent. He was of the same
order as Chief Justice Marshall; and a
story OF the great justice illustrates the
chan actcr of both. 1t is said of Judge
Marshall that at one time as he sat
with his associate justices, one of those
difficult and intricate questions which
frequently arose in those early days of
constitutional questions was under dis
cussion. The chief justice ended the
Interpretation with the statement. The
law of the case is so and So and turn
ing to one of the judges he continued:
You will please hunt up the authorities
to sustain my position
Mr.. Drummond not only knew the
law but he possessed the ability to
apply it to the facts as they were pre-
scented in such a way as to promote
justice and equity. He was my legal
tutor; and l have always been grateful
that my first impressions of profess
sional life were received in an office
where existed such a high ethical
standing. No young man could grad
uate from his Office with any intention
TO engage in pettifogging, to indulge
in the technicalities of the law at the
expense of justice or to resort to queS-
tionable practices. When a client con-
suited Mr.. Drummond he received from
him his best judgment regardless of ex-
pccted. fees and emoluments. Mr.. Drum
mond was elected trustee of this col
lege in 1857 At the time of his death
only one member had served longer. our
venerable, useful and beloved associate,
Moses Giddings-'Serus in caelum re-
dealt For As years he gave to the in
terests of the college his unremitting
effort and his loyal support. In 1890, he
was elected vice president and chair
man of the board and continued to mold
the position until his lamented death.
His strong personality always gave him
influence in the cOunSels of the board.
Nature endowed him with a command
ing figure. When l first became ac-
quainted with him in 1859, he seemed
to be perfect specimen of the physical
man-tall, wei! proportional and filled
with an alertness and vigor not often
seen. He was strong, determined and
aggressive man. When his nina was
once fixed it was difficult task to
change it, but while he was Il man of
rigid opinion he was kind hearted, SYM
pathetic. generous and unselfish to an
extent that oftcntimes unduly affected
his own best personal interests. he
was always ready to assist young men
by his counsel, particularly his own
boys, those who had pursued their legal
studies under his direction.
At this time we were not thinking so
much of the lawyer, the citizen, the
parliamentarian, the mathematician,
the patron of education, or the Mason,
as of the true and friendly heart, the
brother and comrade who was never so
busy with his own great tasks as to
lose interest in the work OF others,
never so absorbed in his own affairs
as to be indifferent to the humber Ia
bors and less distinguished achieve
mcnts of those about him. He was noted
for his great -heartedness. He was full
of charity, always seeking the good and
rot the evil in his fellow men.
He mover made a brow look dark
Nor caused tear but when he died.
at is with great pleasure, therefore,
that the corporation accepts from the
hands of his loving friends the portrait
of Josiah Hayden Drummond, one Of
the most loyal and distinguished grad
yates of the institution 1t will be
placed upon the walls of Memorial hall,
there to remain as Il perpetual reminder
of his worth as n man and as q Stlmu-
liant to the young gentlemen who shall
come to this college in the generations
to come"
In the evening the class and fraternity
reunions were held ard all Of them were
largely attended. The special feature
however. was the Phi Beta Kappa ora
ton which was delivered in CITY han by
Daniel G. Gilman, president of the Carnc-
eic Institution. on the subject. re
Considered with Reference to
American Colleges.
Thcre was a large attendance at this,
| the house being We'll filed. Music was
| furnished by Halls orchestra and was
| of a very high order. Prayer was Of
| fercd by Rev. G. ID. B. Pepper. The
| spoaker was introduced by Rev. A. L.:
lJlane. Mr.. Gilman began with brief
reference to the Phi Beta Kappa under
whose auspices he was speaking. sketch
! ing its history from its founding at Will
! liz M and Mary in the days of the Ameri-
can Revolution. He then passed on to
his subject. speaking in part as follows:
Philosophy makes use Of three agen-
s-rehectioA. authority and research.
| | shall ask you to consider the future of
science from the standpoint of a watch