Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1914-05-07
Faculty, Alumni and Undergrad
yates Honor the Memory
of Ira Allen.
GRAFTON AND ADDRESSES
Announcement Made of Elec-
tons to Honorary Societies
Singing Competition
for Lyman Cup.

The 21st celebration of Founder s
Gay was held at the University of Yer
mont Friday morning. The exer-
rises. which were attended by a crowd
that filled the seats, were held in the
university gymnasium. At $3.50 o'clock
the battalion marched to the Billings
library, and from there accompanied
the Boulder men. old and new, to the
Boulder. where the customary exer-
sises were held. President Benton ex-
pressed his appreciation of the work
Of the old men, and congratulated the
new members From there the seniors
died into the gymnasium and took
seats allotted to them, followed by the
members of the other three classes and
the public. The exercises In the gym
nasium began at half past nine, with
music by the orchestra. followed by
an anthem, Radiant Morn" by the
choir. Prof. j. L. Goodrich then read
the Scripture lesson, followed by a
prayer by the Rev ]. w. Buclkham, So,
dean of the Pacific Theological Sem
mary at Berkeley, Cal. There was an
ode by the choir then the first speak
er, Roderic Marble Olzendam. rs, of
Woodstock, was introduced. Mr. OIL
zendam said in part:
FREDICK BILLINGS.
During the year that is behind us the
University of Vermont has lost two OF
its best friends, With the death of Mrs
Julia Billings and Mr. Fritz Billings the
close connection Of the past 20 years
which has existed between the Billings
family and the university seems to be
ended. 1t is entirely proper and fitting
that to-day We should speak and think
for a brief space about the Billings
family and the hearty interest which
they have taken in our Alma Mater. At
IT, with scarcely any money. Frederick
Billings came to the University of Yer
mont from Woodstock to receive an edu-
cation. The young man was an excep-
tionally brilliant scholar, and his wit and
Joviality made him a favorite in college
and in the social circles Of Burlington
When President Buckham entered COL
lege some years after Mr. Billings had
graduated. he found his fame still fresh
in the college traditions the fame of his
splendid scholarship, his popularity, his
leadership in social and intellectual af-
fairs. Everyone who knew him then
could see naught but a brilliant career
for him"
In 1siS Mr. Billings sailed to California,
where he became very active in the ex-
citing events of the formative period of
that States history. After establishing
the first law office in San Francisco he
was appointed attorney general of the
State While President Lincoln was re-
constructing his cabinet Mr. Billings was
Pacific coast. Anything which the peo-
pie Of California had in their power to
give was his for the asking but he felt
the call Of Vermont and soon returned to
his native State.
Mr. Billings was princely in his NUM-
fcence but Of all the beautiful gifts
which he made none will cause his name
to be held in higher esteem than his
noble gifts to his Alma Mater. After the
death of George p. Marsh, Mr. Billings
purchased his famous library and sig
nified his intention to erect a building
worthy of this collection and the library
of the university. Americas greatest
living architect was chosen to do the
work and the Billings library now stands
as the pride of the university. 1t rep
resents an outlay of a quarter of a mil
lion dollars.
This good man predicted a great fu-
ture for the university on the hill and
constantly aided the institution. In his
will he said: When the estate is di-
vded. the children shall share equally
but If none are living and leave no heirs,
the estate shall go one-half to the Uni
versity OF Vermont"
There is type of character broad. all
from petty faults, The coming of such
men as this is one of the mysteries of
Providence Fortunate indeed the peo-
pie to whom they come, To this type
Of men belonged Frederick Billings He
was prince In his faith, he was a gift
ed man intellectually. religiously, execu-
lively and emotionally. President Buck
ham has said that probably no man that
our State has ever produced, and few
men of our time. had such power to
arouse, and move, and sway the hearts
of an audience as Mr.. Billings had
But we should be untrue to him II we
did not stop and hear him say to us all.
Life is opportunity; win in the fresh
morning Of your youth the loyal love Of
faithful friends who will 90 with you
unafraid into the darkening shadows.
Hlih u 'IOu as lllc 'OlIIHoH ldtH'I Oh
all men Be so eager to serve that you
will begrudge the hours in which you
sleep. That will be success"
SCIENTIFIC ADVANCEMENT AND
pliACE.
Seth r. johnson. IA, of Williston then
delivered an address on 1.-THE Relation
Of the Advancement of Science to Uni
versal Peace" He briefly traced the
early history OF the industry, telling of
the handcraft stage. The application OF
caused the development Of science ma
chinery and industry The early history
If the discovery Of steam as motive power
was touched upon, the work of james
Watt the inventor Of the steam engine
being emphasized, The coming Of steam
power gave "A great impetus to manufac-
ture of all kinds, Industrial conditions
rapidly changed with the extensive in
PRODUCTION of machinery.
Watts invention had a profound moral
and ethical result upon society. lnyen-
ton has brought about a new school or
ethics The relation OF the wage-receiver
10 society, his wages, hours, education
and cost of living must be contemplated
from the ethical viewpoint. Living con-
ditons OF the labOrer In this age or ma
chinery are greatly improved over Tor
mer DAYS. Education and "A higher sense
Of morality nave gradually BROUGHT into
lu4u ! minds the idea that Wars axe not