, 1908-06-18
COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES OF
EIGHTEENTH CLASS HELD
AT THE UNIVERSITY
THIS MORNING.
State Represented by Acting Governor
William r. schnitger, Faculty by
President Merica, Board of Trus-
tees by President Gramm n Stu
dents by Prof. Towar-Degrees
Conferred by President.

Conferred by President.
The University of Wyoming cele-
| brated its eighteenth commencement
lthis morning, under suspicious circum-
stances, the rostrum of the auditorium
being banked with blooming plants
and festooned with the national flag
and with university and class pennants
for the important occasion.
Seated on the platform with the
members of the class of 1908 were
Profs. Nelson, Merz, Ridgaway, Gilki-
son, Wergeland, Knight, Soule, Dow
ney, Stoner, Quaintance. Hebard,
Dart, Adsit, McWethy and Hill of the
faculty and the distinguished speakers
OF the day. President Gramm of the
board of trustees was in charge of the
program, and grouped with him were
Hon. William Il. Schnitger, acting gov
ernor; President Charles oliver Mer-
lea, Prof. ]. d. Towar and Dean Ar
mold G. H. Bode.
The Opening Number.
The university orchestra rendered
effectively the opening number. play
ing Benefits Flower Song, "a Bunch
of Violets," under the direction of
Prof. Rickel. The impressive invoca-
ton was delivered by Dean Bode, and
Miss Grace Peabody sang sweetly, "A
June Morning (Willeby).
Acting Governor introduced.
In happy and characteristic vein
Hon. Otto Gramm introduced Acting
Governor Schnitger, who held the
closest attention of his audience while
speaking.
Mr.. President, Ladies' and Gentlemen:
1t is not often that I am persuaded to
accept an Invitation to deliver an adj
dress, but feel that this is an ex-
ceptional occasion, one that appeals to
me very strongly indeed, as l have
always entertained a very strong per-
sonal friendship for this institution
and the citizens of Laramie.
| am not unmindful Of the RESPONSE
bility you have placed upon me in re-
questing me to make a few remarks to
your new president upon this occa-
sion. AS a citizen having the highest
interests of his state at heart, as q
legislator working for the common
good of all our people, 1t has been my
privilege to give the best support with
in my power to this higher institution
of learning. / have fully realized the
disadvantages and the trials That must
necessarily come to such an ~institu-
ton, in a state settled so sparsely as
ours, and which must gather its stu.
dents in competition with older instt
tutions of learning dear to the hearts
of many parents, and located in cities
where living expenses must of neces.
sity be lower than in a state young in
all that the word implies.
Achieved Splendid Results.
Under the conditions it has been
compelled to struggle, this university
has achieved splendid results. The
young men and young women who
have been graduated here have taken
high rank among the people OF the
earth. The students VINO have gone
from this institution to other univer-
stiles and colleges have found that
they could take up their studies where
they had left off here, their mental
equipment being equal to that of the
students elsewhere throughout the
land. 1t is a source of satisfaction to
US all that the graduates have been
proud of their alma mater and have
not been ashamed to say they were
from Wyoming.
A Great Responsibility.
President Merica, the people of wy
oming, through the power vested in
the board of trustees of this university
by the constitution and statutes, have
placed in your hands the greatest re-
sponsibility that ear come to a public
man in this commonwealth. There is
no higher nor grander work than the
education of the people. AS the exec
utive head of this institution, you are
charged with the responsibility of not
only training the young men and young
women of the state, but with culti-
waiting the minds Of adults through
university extension courses, schools
for teachers and short courses for
stockmen and farmers. In fine, this
institution must take the lead in all
educational matters. 1t is, therefore,
incumbent upon you to raise he stan
dard higher and higher.
The Practical Side.
In a financial way, this institution
is well supported by the people, and
they have reason to expect from you
a proper return for the investment
In the training Of the youth Of the
state, they will look quite as much to
the practical side as to the side of the
theorist. This institution has achieved
material results of lasting Importance
to the people in other ways than
through the education of its students
1t has brought Wyoming to the front
as an agricultural state. We are
bound to give 1t credit for proving tc
the people of the earth what can be