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About Hesperian student / (Lincoln [Neb.]) 1872-1885 | View Entire Issue (June 1, 1879)
NO. 0. COMMENCEMENT. iai certainly my something for the support of such efforts. Think it over during vacation ami come hack in the Fall with plans matured for carrying out something of the kind. Do not let us he behind all the colleges of the country in such enter-prises. (j&ommcnccmmt. BACUALAUKEATE ADDltESS. At an early hour on the evening of June 8th, the Opera House was filled to overflowing with an appreciative audi ence to listen to the Baccalaureate Ad dress of Chancellor Fairfield. Most of churches in the city had been postponed because of the occasion, and the Opera House became the centre of attraction for young and old, religious and patriotic. After a prayer by Rev. Lewis Gregory, and the usual excellent music rendered by the Glee Club, the Chancellor entered upon the discourse of the evening. Throwing himself into the true spirit of an American, he first disclosed the con tending elements in the higher and lower social circles. Following out this idea he showed the responsibility that rests upon the student in choosing and main taiiiingthe principles of civil and religious reform. Above all national progress was dependent upon the elements that com prised the nation. Banish the soothing balm of religion, and harsh and revolu tionary measures must' be an immediate consequence. Not only the purity of so- cicty, but the virtues of our political insti tutions, would then be tarnished. The original style of the Chancellor, added to his graphic and sublime descrip tion, caused the exclusive attention of the audience throughout. More thai: once although the heat of the evening was op pressive, the fans were seen to lfe motion less in the hands of an enraptured audi encc. Music rendered by the Glee Club closed the exercises of the evening; and the aud ience broke up, each and all comment ing upon the rare abilities of the Chancel lor, and the fidelity and integrity with which he had ever executed his several duties in connection with the University. A distinct feature of the address noticed by all, was the rejection of much abstract and metaphysical thought, and the sub stitution of practical and civic ideas. Considering the relations of the Universi ty to the State, this change in itself ap pears highly commendable. For the student reared by the Slate, is expected to render some service to the State, and an address imbued with such a sentiment must properly represent the true spirit that should pervade the University. GKADUATION DAY. The eight annual Commencement of the Nebraska State University has come and gone, and the institution has sent forth five more able representatives to mingle with the busy world. At the appointed hour on Wcdnesda' morning, the Stale, County and City offic ials, the Board of Regents, Faculty and Alumni, Graduates of other Colleges and citizens from abroad, together with a large body of Students formed a proces sion on the University campus, and marched to the Opera House, prccceded y the Lincoln band. Every street was lined with an anxious throng; and the friends and patrons of the University from all parts of the State wended their way to the Temple of Oratory. We noticed one new and pleasing feature in the ar rangement of the procession. The diflcr cut class organizations assembled ui a body and formed the van. Each member of the Junior class wore a neat budge upon which was printed the college rank. It was crowned by i handsome button hole bouquet. The Sophomore class wore an elegant white satin beau, and the Frcshics bore the insignia of their class. As the procession uearcd the Op. era House, the command "Open order"
