Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1918-05-09

Upon Professor Samuel Il. Emerson was
conferred the degree of doctor of humane
letters, while Benjamin Malcolm Harris
n. B., Brown University, 1918, received
The degree of master of arts. and clever
fifierent sorts of degrees were conferred
.ron Il members of the class of 1918 al
inc 114th commencement of the University
uf Vermont and State Agricultural Col
lego, held at the university gymnasium
Monday morning.
The academic procession, headed by the
faculty, then the class and last the under
graduates, formed at the Williams Science
hall and marched across the campus
around the statue of Lafayette and then
to the gymnasium. The green and gold
banner which goes to the class having
the largest number of it's members in the
academic procession was carried by the
class of 1920.
The stage, which was at the north end
Of the gymnasium was decorated with
flags and palms. Directly in back of 1t
were the flags of the allied nations,
grouped in the shape of a shield. Upon
the platform were Acting President G. II.
Perkins, Dean j. w. Votey, Dean j. L.
Hills. Dean II. C. Tinkham. DR.. w. II.
Hopkins as chaplain, Commissioner of
Education NJ. b. Hillegas, Comptroller
G. w. Bailey, Messrs. c. j. Wright, Elias
Lyman, n. *. Chaffee and Robert Roberts
Of the board of trustees, Professor s. F.
Emerson, the Rev. l. c. Smart, who acted
as sponsor for Professor Emerson, and
Major II. A. Leonhaeuser, who acted as
marshal At the right of the stage was
1t,,'e, t,l,
professional and furnished music during
the exercises.
Prayer was offered by the Rev. w. II.
Hopkins, d. D., of the class of 1885. The
commencement address was given by Milo
Burdette IIllegas, Phi. d. LII. D., COM
missioner of education Of the State Of
Vermont. Mr.. Hillegas was introduced by
Acting President C. II. Perkins who paid
a high tribute of DR.. HillegaS's work
along the lines of education in the State.
DR.. Hillegas said:
THE UNIVERSITY AND THE STATE
Institutions like individuals. are to day
Judged by their relationship to our coun-
try's needs During the brief period of
pne year the line of distinction has been
drawn between essential and non-essen
tial Industries and occupations. New or
revived industries involving the invest
ment of millions in capital have brought
together thousands of workers. while
countless other plants have been FORCED
to make their choice between closing or
changing the character of their product.
The tests that have come to our col
ieges and universities during this first
year of war have demonstrated their inn
portance to the welfare OF this nation.
1t Is indicative or the type or their lead
III, hot In, ;,,yt l., t1,ara h.a
charge of disloyalty or lack of COOP
Grafton with the government against any
institution OF higher learning. Unpatri-
otto words or acts on the part of individ-
ual instructors or students have been
rare and the institutions themselves have
been the first to condemn such persons.
Depleted upper classes and starry SER
vice hags bear silent though eloquent
tribute to the students and alumni who
have gladly offered themselves to their
country. AS In the Civil War, the names
and records of these heroes will pass
down to future generations OF college
students as priceless heritage. Patriot
ism Is not lessened among these sons en-
gagged in mortal combat for the right
and these daughters who are serving the
wounded because there comes loving
thought or alma mater and resolution
to be true to her traditions.
colleges and universities have been
quick TO place their plants and equipment
at the command OF the country. The gov
eminent has been welcome to the SER
ices or officers and instructors, In many
cases free from cost. Their great labora-
tories ana shops are, or soon will be,
hlled with those preparing for important
services IN the 2'niy. Several years ago
the president q H Great university is re-
ported to haze oi9eeted to military train
ing IN his institution because il wns not
desirable to have their students in uni
FORM That university now welcomes men
IN khaki and extends TO them every facil-
ity OF the institution.
important rs has been the contribution
ol gu. universities 70 inc country It IL
mp. .an' 'nat 'hey tIce the future win
more important services. II was IN n,
expected that our higher educational in.
stitutions would meet all of the require
rnen,s placed upon them NV LOYALTY ana
patriotism because thew could NOT do
otherwise md remain true 10 tho min
ciples upon which thew wcro founded
The confidence that these institutions
command Is indicated by the fact that
gifts and benefa ctions for the pnst v,,nr
will compare most fayorably with those
received in any previous year The Pres
ident ana those who are most concerned
Tor the welfare of our country are uru
ing extreme efforts on the part of those
who manage the public schools in order
that we may be able to meet the condi-
tions that will exist after the war. There
ere many reasons to belleye that we ara