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the harassed seniors were included. In the afternoon the Boynton Hall
chapel was crowded for a long session. One may well marvel at the
fortitude of those who sat through such marathons of speech no less
than at the endurance displayed by the speakers.
President Salisbury, in his introductory address, sketched the history
of the institution, explained its future needs, and expressed
gratitude to those who had assisted in the production of this first
group of graduates. The address to the class was given by
Prof. William P. Trowbridge of Sheffield Scientific School. It was
scholarly and interesting, but because it covered nearly the whole
field of pure and applied science and contained an abundance of
advice, it must have produced much fidgeting and chair squeaking. In
fact, one of the future studies of the trustees was to be "how to
maintain order at graduation."
The next address was the valedictory, delivered by Elmer P. Howe,
whose attainments and personal qualities had endeared him to both
faculty and students during the three years. Principal Thompson then
said farewell to the class in his sage and kindly manner. "Be tolerant
of all forms of knowledge and belief," he counseled. "The great woe of
practical men is the tendency to moderate other kinds of
knowledge. Value knowledge for its own sake. It is a good rule for
every man, no matter what his business is, to devote a little time
each day to some employment as unlike it as possible. The mind needs
relaxation as well as the body." Diplomas were delivered by Stephen
Salisbury, accompanied by another donation of advice, and the ordeal
by oratory was over.
The social climax of the day was a reception at the Salisbury
mansion. President Salisbury welcomed the graduates and introduced
them to the distinguished company of guests. The other trustees and
members of the faculty were present, also Governor Claflin, members of
the Massachusetts senate and house, manufacturers, and other noted
citizens of
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