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 INAUGURAL ADDRESS, 
 
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 IX CARLISr^E, SKPTEMilF.R 10, 1834, 
 
 fPON" THE RF-OPEVIXG OF 
 
 DICKINSON COLLEGE 
 
 THE REV. J. P.^bURBIN, A. M. 
 
 P R ! N C I P A I. . 
 
 PuWislicd "by order of I lie Boartl of Trnslees. 
 
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 1S34. 
 
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INAUGURAL ADDRESS, 
 
 DELIYEKED 
 
 IN CARLISIiB, SEPTEMBF.K 10, 1834, 
 
 UPOJf THE JBE-OrfeXIIfG OP 
 
 DICKINSON COLLEGE. 
 
 will ^i0mi»f »mf*sii^mtt^ 
 
 •■■ BY , , 
 
 THE REV. jfppDURBIN, A. M. 
 
 PRINCIPAL. 
 
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 cis- 
 
 PuTjlishetl by order of the Board of Trustees* 
 
 CARLISLE: 
 rRIKTED BY G. FLEMING. 
 
 |>if R^ 1S34. 
 
■ S 
 
ADDRESS 
 
 Gentlemen of the Board, 
 
 Friends of Dickinson College, 
 
 and Citizens and Visitors generally : 
 
 In obedience to an ancient and respectable custom, 
 I avail myself of the present appropriate occasion to make 
 a few remarks upon the general question of education, and 
 the particular condition and prospects of this Institution. 
 
 If it were possible to separate the prosperity of religion 
 from the influences of education, there can be no doubt but 
 that education would be the second great interest of man- 
 kind, as Christianity is the first. But as such a separation, 
 from the very nature of the case, cannot be effected, the 
 value of education is enhanced in proportion as it advances 
 enlightened, experimental, and practical piety. Education, 
 therefore, which has not due respect to our moral powers 
 afld religious obligations, should never be considered or at- 
 tempted. Yet it need not be regarded as wholly or mainly 
 applicable to these objects. The extent of its application 
 in this case, is to be determined by the necessary connec- 
 tion which exists between it, and public and private morals 
 and religion. The main design of a liberal education is, to 
 develope, enlarge, strengthen, and discipline the intellect. 
 But in conducting this interesting process, due respect must 
 be had to the connection between the mind and the body, 
 and the influence of the operations of the former upon the 
 health and passions of the latter. The process should not 
 be so severe or extended as to enfeeble the physical man ; 
 and great care should be taken that no elements enter into 
 
it which tend to corrupt and enflame the passions. Hence 
 a Seminary of learning should endeavour to educate the in- 
 tellect, the morals, and the physical powers of the youth 
 committed to its care. 
 
 ' It requires no great effort of the mind to perceive, that a 
 human being, thoroughly educated in these respects, ap- 
 proaches as near the perfection of his nature as his earthly 
 condition will admit; and that, in proportion as a whole 
 population is thus educated, it must not only be more wise 
 and powerful, but more happy, safe, and comfortable in its 
 social, civil, and political conditions. This great truth is 
 attested by the history of ancient and modern nations. 
 Those which have cultivated letters, and the arts and sci- 
 ences most successfully, have been most remarkable for 
 their wisdom, power and virtue; and the conveniences and 
 comforts which render life pleasant and agreeable. Hence, 
 enlightened statesmen have co-operated with the enterprize 
 of enlightened citizens, in providing the means of education, 
 as nearly as possible, for the whole youthful population. 
 And if a comparison of the relative prosperity, happiness, 
 resources and power of Asia and Europe may be considered 
 in evidence on this great question, it will appear very clear- 
 ly, that such appropriations from private or public ben- 
 eficence are the most profitable investments for the 
 mass of the people. The interest which each individual 
 has in the general and particular results of education, 
 though he himself may not be educated, may not appear so 
 obviously at a glance. Bui it is demonstrable to the most 
 ordinary capacity in a very few minutes. Does not every 
 farmer, mechanic, merchant, and citizen find his interests in 
 the construction of roads and canals which equalize the 
 value of their merchandize, and their lands and labor, com- 
 pared with more favorably situated parts? In the produc- 
 
tion and application of steam to facilitate travelling and 
 commerce? In the improvement of manufactures of every 
 kind, thereby reducing the price of the articles? In the 
 invention of new and the perfecting of old implements of 
 husbandry and house-keeping? Thus augmenting greatly 
 the amount of the conveniences and comforts of life, at the 
 same time reducing the amount of manual labor and fatigue. 
 This interesting truth is lost in the prevalence of the fruits 
 of the arts and sciences. It would appear, if we reflect, 
 that the palace of the prince, during the exile of learning in 
 the dark ages, was destitute of the comforts and ordinary con- 
 viences which are found in the cottage of every industrious 
 poor man in those countries where the arts and sciences 
 have operated on the whole population. 
 
 In these remarks, education, or rather the results of the 
 arts and sciences, are considered in respect to our physical 
 condition and wants. But when we consider the influence 
 of education upon the intellect and morals of the pupils, or 
 upon the intelligence and morals of the people, we shall 
 find a still greater interest. It is impossible to say, how far 
 the most illiterate and ignorant member of societ)' is bene- 
 fitted by the general state of education in the community in 
 which he lives. His condition and opinions are positive- 
 ly and extensively modified and improved. He feels more 
 or less the influence of public sentiment, and hence is led 
 to reject many superstitious opinions and injurious errors, 
 and to adopt more elevated views, without understanding 
 their origin. TI is is particularly the case in the United 
 States, where the products of genius, the arts and the sci- 
 ences, are spread before the public, and introduced into al- 
 most every house, by the most varied, free, enterprising 
 and prolific press in the world. 
 
 If this remote and indirect action upon the great mass of 
 
mind, be so extensive and beneficial, what must be the a» 
 mount of advantage to the pupils themselves? One direct 
 and important benefit is, the conscious pleasure arising from 
 the operations of their own minds while they successfully 
 investigate the laws of the material universe, their own 
 powers and responsibilities, involving the various relations 
 of society; and the character of the Almighty. There is 
 another more obvious advantage, which is generally con- 
 sidered ihe greatest: it is the ascendancy which the educa- 
 ted have over the uneducated; thus-giving them facilities 
 for acquiring influence, distinction and wealth. This single 
 fact discloses the true foundations of a republican govern- 
 ment, and the only principle on which the friends of liber- 
 ty can hope for the perm.anency of free institutions: that is;, 
 the unqualified admission of the sentiment, that, ^^all men 
 are born free and equal." The action on this great natural 
 truth can be perfect and perpetual only in proportion as the 
 condition of the whole population is elevated and equali- 
 zed. If a few possess themselves of the advantages of ed- 
 ucation, while the great mass is sunk in utter ignorance,, 
 they will quickl}^ acquire all the elements of power, and 
 thus subvert the liberties of the people. In order to pre- 
 vent this, the people must be educated in common schools- 
 and academies to such an extent as to enable them to judge 
 correctly of the pretensions, demands, and conduct of those 
 who aspire to instruct or to rule them. This is the only 
 conservative principle in any free government on earth. — 
 Let every American citizen, wlio is jealous of the civil and 
 religious liberty he enjoys, consider well this important 
 question, and not only see that his own sons and daugh- 
 ters are educated, but cheerfully and promptly co-operate 
 with the State, and with patriotic and benevolent individu- 
 als in all feasible plans for the education of all the people 
 in the laud. 
 
1 
 
 In the preceding puragrnphs education has been consider^ 
 ed as of public benefit and general application. But when 
 an individual seeks and obtains a liberal education, he is sup- 
 posed to have a professional life in view. The course of 
 studies in Colleges is not arranged with respect to any par= 
 ticular profession, but simply with design to develope equal- 
 ly and perfectly, as nearly as may be, the intellectual, 
 moral, and physical powers of the man, and to put him in 
 possession of the elements of general knowledge. At this 
 stage of his education he graduates as Bachelor of Arts, and 
 is prepared to enter upon the peculiar studies of any parti- 
 cular profession; or to extend and perfect his education iii 
 detail, in pursuit of the sciences and arts, and literature in 
 general: and thus, according to a reasonable usage, graduates 
 in three years, to the degree of Master of Arts. 
 
 In order to bring forth these results, it is necessary to ed- 
 ucate the intellect, the moral senses, and the physical man. 
 To accomplish this, the Collegiate course is arranged, as it 
 respects the branches taught, the extent of the instruction, 
 and the time consumed. There is a general agreement a- 
 mong colleges in these particulars, and Dickinson will not 
 depart from common usage, except, indeed, she may have 
 required a little more than some others for admission; and 
 extended her course somewhat. The Board have establish- 
 ed seven professorships, all of which will be filled as soon 
 as the number and progress of the students shall require it, 
 and the finances of the Institution will permit. On this 
 point it is believed there will be no difficulty. The Profes- 
 sorships are, — 
 
 1. Intellectual and moral philosophy, evidences of natu- 
 ral and revealed religion, and political economy. 
 
 2. "Exact Sciences," embracing all the branches of pure 
 mathematics, including optics, mechanics, and astronomy, 
 
and such other subjects in natural philosophy as depend di 
 rectly upon these. 
 
 3. ^'Natural Sciences/' comprehending natural philoso- 
 phy, chemistry, mineralogy, meteorology, geology, botany, 
 and animal and vegetable physiology. 
 
 4. '^Ancient Languages/' the Latin and Greek, Roman 
 and Grecian antiquities. 
 
 5. * ^Belles Lettres," embracing rhetoric and elocution, 
 to which are to be added philosophical, critical, and classi- 
 cal illustrations of the English Language and Literature. 
 It is intended that this shall be a prominent and eiEcient de- 
 partment. 
 
 6. '^Modern Languages," French, German, Spanish and 
 Italian. The studies in this department will be optional with 
 the student, or his parents. It is intended to meet the de- 
 mands of the age, and enable the institution to offer every 
 facility to a complete education. 
 
 7. ^'Law Professorship." This department is to be un- 
 der the entire control of the Hon. John Reed, and it is ex- 
 pected to open the ensuing spring. There will be a class 
 proper, intended for the practice of the law. Judge Reed 
 will deliver a regular course of lectures on the general prin- 
 ciples of law, and on international law; and on the constitu- 
 tions of governments, particularly our own. 
 
 The students in college, at proper stages in their studies,, 
 will attend these important lectures. 
 
 This is an extended and excellent course, designed not 
 only to afford a liberal and solid education to the alumni, 
 but to acquire some splendor and reputation to the State, 
 and the country. It is not deemed necessary to say any 
 yiing respecting each particular Professorship, or of the 
 value of the studies contained therein. They are all essen- 
 tial to an accomplished scholar; though it will be admitted 
 
that some are more important than others; and it is stated 
 that some are at the discretion of the student or his parents. 
 The arrangement for Collegiate lectures upon the general 
 principles of national and common law; upon the promin- 
 ent features of different forms of government, and the pecu- 
 liarities of our own, is considered a great improvement. 
 These lectures are not intended to make professional or 
 practical lawyers, but to give the graduates general inform- 
 ation upon the most important principles of national and 
 common law, and the science of government. No text 
 books or recitations will be required. The student may 
 be examined upon the lectures as he hears them; but such 
 an examination will not be required for graduation as Bach- 
 elor of Arts. It might be desirable to have^nilar lec- 
 tures upon Anatomy, Physiology, and some other branches 
 of the Medical Profession. It is feared that the graduates 
 of most of our colleges return home with but little know- 
 ledge in these great departments of science; not sufficient 
 for the ordinary purposes of conversation in intelligent so- 
 ciety; or to direct their conduct in common cases which 
 may arise. 
 
 Before the internal and domestic plans and interests of 
 the Gollege are noticed, it may be well to advert to the in- 
 fluence which its success will have upon the prosperity of 
 Common Schools. Almost every State has a well digested 
 system of Common Schools; and funds provided for their 
 support. There are children in abundance to be taught, and 
 the States have ample means to pay for their instruction : 
 but where are suitable Teachers in sufficient numbers? 
 There is a great and distressing deficiency here. It is earn- 
 estly desired, and faithfully intended, that Dickinson Col- 
 lege shall supply this lack to some reasonable extent. Spe- 
 cial care should be had to the instruction of young men for 
 
10 
 
 teachers In Common Schools, when it is ascertained that 
 they incline to this occupation. Thus will our Institution 
 co-operate with the State, in carrying fully into effect an ex- 
 cellent system of common and universal education. 
 
 The experience of the best conducted Colleges clearly in- 
 dicates, that the government ought to be chiefly, if not 
 wholly, paternal. It certainly ought to be so as nearly as 
 the assumed relation between the Professors and students 
 can be made to assimilate to the natural relation existing 
 between parents and children. And this assimilation is 
 much closer between excellent and faithful professors, and 
 good moral and obedient students, than can be ascertained, 
 except upon trial. The ties are intimate, tender, and strong, 
 and last through life* But since a college is a Christian 
 family constituted by voluntary association, while the gov- 
 ernment is paternal and gentle, it must also be steady, firm, 
 and, when necessary, decisive; so that no one may remain 
 in this family whose presence and conduct are injurious to 
 the members. With these views the Board have very 
 much abridged the Statutes of the College, particularly the 
 chapters on **Crimes and Punishments." All the usual spe- 
 cifications here are left out, and only two or three para- 
 graphs of a general nature are retained. 
 
 To preserve the morals, manners, and tempers of the stu- 
 dents in a healthful state is very desirable: but how to do 
 this, is a problem which has been of difficult solution. To 
 shut them up in the college where they must board and 
 lodge among themselves, has always been productive of 
 evils. To allow them to reside wholly among the citizens 
 has been productive of other evils. The medium, there- 
 fore, has been supposed the better course. Hence the 
 Trustees have ordained that the students shall lodge in the 
 
II 
 
 college, and board in private families.* This will exclude 
 them from society sufficiently for the purposes of study and 
 discipline; and yet bring them into intercourse with it so 
 as to have a beneficial efiect upon their morals and manners, 
 and produce a common interest, to some extent, between 
 the students and citizens. In this arrangement it is abso- 
 lutely necessary that the students and family sit down to 
 the table together, under the influence and in the observance 
 of the established rules of propriety and private life. If a 
 family consent not to this, it is a sufficient bar to the admis- 
 sion of students: if a student do not conduct himself in 
 strict accordance \yith these views he should be excluded 
 from the family. 
 
 There is np question, connected with the re-opening of 
 Dickinson College, which excites such intense interest as 
 this: What religious requisitions will be made upon the 
 students? This shall be answered with all frankness. 
 There will be no further requisition than is stated in the 
 following recent ordinance of the Board: — 
 
 Every student shall attend public worship every Sab- 
 bath morning, at some church in the borough; and in 
 the afternoon or evening also, unless there is a Bible re- 
 citation during the day, tender the direction of the Prin- 
 cipal. 
 
 Attendance upon public worship during the Sabbath day 
 will, therefore, be required; but there is not any requisition 
 as to the ministry or church. These are at the option of 
 
 * The steward, who has charge of the College Edifice and grounds, re- 
 sdes in the building with his family. His family is therefore considered a 
 private famili/ with whom the Students may board. The Faculty regulate 
 thej;nceof board here, though there is no compulsion on the students. 
 There is no occasion to give more for board than the price fixed with the 
 Steward, as it is fixed in view of his keeping a respectable table as in oth- 
 er private families in the town. 
 
12 
 
 the student or his parents, The FaeuUy will see that each 
 student gives regular and respectful attendance, at some 
 church in the borough as required. Thus the students 
 will mingle with the citizens in their attendance upon the 
 worship and service of God. 
 
 But while this reasonable liberty is cheerfully conceded 
 to each student, and admitted to be right and proper; it is 
 not to be supposed that Dickinson College will be indiffer- 
 ent to the religious interests of her sons. They will be re- 
 ceived as Christian youth, members of Christian families, 
 in a Christian country; and it will be the duty of this an- 
 cient and venerable Institution to see that they lose not this 
 character by a residence within her walls. This duty will 
 be discharged faithfully, yet discreetly, v 
 
 It may be proper to make a single remark upon the finan- 
 cial plans and prospects of the college. The project which 
 the Trustees and friends have naarked out, and which they 
 earnestly anticipate and strongly hope will be fully reali- 
 zed, is this: To call upon the friends and alumni of the 
 Institution particularly; and the patriotic, enlightened and 
 benevolent generally, for voluntary subscriptions for the 
 purpose of permanently endowing the Professorships. 
 There is no doubt but this call will be fully answered as 
 between Fifty Five and Sixty Thousand Dollars have been 
 subscribed already. The funds raised by these subscrip- 
 tions are to be invested in the most safe and profitable man- 
 ner, and only the interest used for the current expenses of 
 the school. This plan will ensure it a permanent support,^ 
 and place it above contingency. The subscriptions are in- 
 creasing. 
 
 It is not to be expected, however, that private benevo- 
 lence can supply the current expenses of the college, and the 
 additional buildings and apparatus, which must be necessa- 
 
13 
 
 ry in a very short time, if reasonable success be attained. 
 For these, chiefly, it is intended to ask the Legislature, at a 
 proper time, for an appropriation to be expended in increas- 
 ing the realty of the college, which being constantly insur- 
 ed will always remain and be the property of the state. 
 
 Among the first additions contemplated from this source 
 is, the foundation of the Manual Labor System, arranged 
 both for profit and health. This system will not only tend 
 to the preservation of health, and to the pecuniary aid of 
 those who may use it for this purpose; but it will reduce 
 the general expenses of the college, and improve the mor- 
 als and discipline. The accomplishment of this great ob- 
 ject has already attracted the particular attention of the 
 Board; and as soon as means can be obtained, the plan will 
 take efiect. 
 
 It is necessary to have a well organized Grammar School, 
 in which students may be properly prepared for the class- 
 es. The Board have not only given special attention to 
 this matter, but have been very fortunate and successful in 
 their plans, and in the selection of Teachers. The Gram- 
 mar school is in excellent order, and very full. 
 
 The time will quickly arrive, when a separate building, 
 with a suitable Boarding House, will be necessary for this 
 school. It cannot long; continue in the Colleore Edifice. 
 The pupils in it which come from a distance, are generally 
 small, and it is not desirable that they should be dispersed 
 through town. They are not competent to take care of, 
 and provide for themselves. Hence, the Grammar School 
 should be a Boarding School for these small pupils frofn a 
 distance, in which every thing should be provided for them 
 as in a well regulated family. From this Boarding School 
 they will remove to apartments in college, upon entering 
 the classes. 
 
14 
 
 It will be perceived from what has been said, that the 
 original character and objects of the college are not changed 
 upon its resuscitation. It is intended to be strictly and en-, 
 tirely literary and scientific. Its doors will be impartially 
 open to the whole population without distinction of sect or 
 party. The earnest desire of its friends is, to make it a pub- 
 lic blessing, an ornament to the State, and the pride and, 
 glory of the borough. 
 
 The success of a college depends, to some extent, upon 
 many circumstances; mainly upon the following: — 
 
 The wisdom and faithfulness of the Board of Trustees, 
 They ought not only to be the guardians of the Institution, 
 but its patient, warm, and active friends. They should be 
 parental and judicious in their enactments in reference to 
 the students; liberal and candid in their arrangements and 
 intercourse with the Faculty. 
 
 The ability and aptitude of the Professors. Experience 
 has fully demonstrated that a Professor may be an accom- 
 plished scholar, and yet an unsuccessful Teacher; 'owing to 
 his want of tact and facility in communicating instruction. 
 His method of teaching is a matter of great importance. It 
 should be by careful recitation on the part of the student, 
 accompanied with appropriate and full illustrations in fa- 
 miliar and easy conversations by himself. The student 
 should not be restrained from proper and respectful inqui- 
 ries, but rather encouraged; with comparisons of thoughts 
 and views, both with the Professor and members of the 
 class. Whenever the college shall attain such a condition 
 as will allow of it, each Professor should have an Assistant 
 or Tutor, who should hear many of the recitations, and 
 thus afford him time to prepare Lectures for his classes, in 
 ^vhich the subjects will correspond with the progress of the 
 student in his text books. These Lectures will afford va- 
 
15 
 
 ried and extended views of the subjects contained in th(^. 
 recitations; and will Inform the student of the best method 
 of prosecuting his inquiries; and the authors from which to 
 derive accurate information. This I conceive to be the 
 most perfect system of instruction in colleges. 
 
 The good morals and orderly behavior of the students 
 contribute much to the success of an Institution. Any 
 school, the students of which are remarkable for morality 
 and virtue, will be more successful than others less remark- 
 able in these respects, but more eminent for learning and 
 science. The reason is simply this: Whatever parents 
 may allow in themselves, they are not disposed to have 
 their sons educated in vice. And there is a growing dis- 
 position in community to adopt the sentiment; That virtue, 
 purity) and goodness, with a large share of ignorance, are 
 better than universal learning accompanied Vy^ith depraved 
 principles and bad morals. It is hoped and believed that 
 every student entering Dickinson College will have due 
 respect to his personal reputation, and the glory of his Al- 
 ma Mater. 
 
 The sentiments and conduct of the citizens have some in- 
 fluence upon the success of a College. They may contri- 
 bute to its morals and discipline, by favoring its govern- 
 ment, and discountenancing and removing from the town 
 and neighborhood, as much as may be, all occasions of vice 
 and temptation. In this way the borough will acquire a 
 reputation for morality, virtue, and good order which will 
 contribute largely to the success of Dickinson College. How 
 much the Board rely upon the citizens in these respects, 
 may be seen in their arrangements for boarding the stu- 
 dents, and their attendance upon public worship. 
 
 In all this matter the citizens will find their benefit. The 
 prosperity and reputation of the college should be a matter 
 
16 
 
 q( pride, as it is the interest of every one. The business 
 and employments of the town will feel the impulse and 
 presence of a successful college, through all the stores^ 
 shops, hotels and cottages. But the beauty and conveni- 
 ence of the college grounds and buildings; the apparatus* 
 cabinet, museum, Iibrai*y, and reputation of the school^ 
 ought to be the pride and boast of every citizen, and such 
 as shall be mentioned by visitors after they have left the 
 borough, and noticed and admired by the traveller in the 
 stage. It is not doubted but the citizens of Carlisle will 
 give all reasonable assistance to produce these desirable re- 
 sults. 
 
 It may be well to remark here, that the legitimate action 
 'of the civil authorities in suppressing vice, and thus remo- 
 ving the causes of corruption and temptation from the stu^ 
 dents, will faciliate success. 
 
 But the hearty and constant co-operation of parents for 
 the suppression of extravagance in the expenditure of mon- 
 e}', and the promotion of strict economy, is one of the most 
 important means of rendering an Institution successful. If 
 parents will supply their sons with money to expend pro- 
 fusely, or for purposes not necessary to their residence at 
 college, they not only corrupt their own offspring, and de- 
 feat their education; but they materially affect the wishes 
 and practices of other students, and thus tarnish and destroy 
 the reputation of the school. It will be strictly required 
 of parents and guardians to confine their supplies of money 
 to the reasonable necessities of an ordinary residence at 
 college. The Board have wisely enacted, that whenever 
 a student shall become extravagant in his expenditures, he 
 shall, after proper admonition and forbearance, be dismiss- 
 ed. And it may be well to add, that as the judgment and 
 execution of this matter are committed to the Fatuity; they 
 will in no case fail to act discreetly, yet promptly and firm- 
 
17 
 
 iThe periodical press has some influence upon the success 
 of a Seminary of Learning. There can he no doubt hut 
 that it sometimes speaks too favorably of individual mem- 
 bers, or of the general reputation of an Institution. And 
 there is as little doubt but that it sometimes censures with- 
 out cause, or accurate knowledge of facts. The public press 
 should regard a college somewhat in the light of a private 
 family, whose internal interests and concerns are mainly . 
 peculiar to itself; respecting which no censure should be 
 made, except with great care, and upon the most indubita- 
 ble information, which should be sought, and not taken from 
 report, or ex parte statements. Recent occurrences, res- 
 pecting an ancient and celebrated Institution in the East, 
 will attest what is here stated. An unwarrantable censure 
 of a college, in a public paper, however well intended, may 
 inflict a wound which no subsequent explanation or apolo- 
 gies can cure. The press in the vicinity of a Seminary 
 ought to regard it as a domestic institution; a common foun- 
 tain from which may issue excellent essays and pleasing 
 contributions to enrich its columns. And as Dickinson 
 College is not, and shall not be, connected in any way, with 
 any political or local question or party, it is particularly de- 
 sired that the general acts of the Institution, and the par- 
 ticular acts of its administration may be understood accord- 
 ingly. 
 
 The condition of our country, the genius of our civil and 
 religious institutions, and the intrinsic value of Elocution, 
 demand that the students shall be carefully and correctly 
 taught the principle and practice of good speaking. Spe- 
 cial care shall be had, and suitable arrangements made, to 
 cultivate among the students a natural, easy, forcible, and 
 just elocution. Not an elocution of a uniform and marked 
 character, so as to enable one to say, when the graduate is 
 
*^ 
 
 18 
 
 heard to speak, he is an alumnus of Dickinson College. 
 ])ut an elocution which shall be the product of deep feeling, 
 inspired by a just and powerful comprehension of the sub- 
 ject. The eloquence of nature directed and chastened by 
 proper instruction and suitable practice. 
 
 To attain this great and available result of a liberal edu- 
 cation, it may be necessary to allow declamation upon most 
 of the interesting topics which are, at the time, engrossing 
 the attention of the public. If such liberty be allowed, it 
 will be common to all sides and questions; restrained with- 
 in the bounds of moral propriety of sentiment and language, 
 and personal respect. It will be considered simply as a 
 piece of declamation recited on the stage, and not as indica- 
 ting the sentiments of either the speaker, or any member of 
 the Faculty, college, or corporation. This is a liberty 
 which is reasonable, and seems to be necessary to the cul- 
 tivation of a free, natural, and forcible elocution. Formal 
 essays, or even powerful speeches on subjects forgotten a 
 century ago, cannot interest the speaker or the audience. 
 But this liberty, if used, will be restrained to recitation on 
 the stage; no original productions of this kind will be al- 
 lowed. Because these would be considered as indicating 
 personal opinion. Besides, this liberty is not necessary in 
 such compositions; as their originality will give them fresh- 
 ness and vigor. 
 
 I desire to add particularly the result of my own obser- 
 vation and experience, on another point: it is this: The 
 presence of ladies and gentlemen, will contribute much to 
 the interest and success of the exercises in public speaking. 
 It excites a healthy emulation and action ; wakes up the 
 feelings and calls forth the powers of nature, and affords the 
 student an opportunity of a acquiring reputation. 
 
 I have thus presented briefly the general question of ed- 
 
19 
 
 ucation, and the plans and prospects of Dickinson College. 
 I indulge the hope that is common to man; that they may 
 be favorably received, and carefully cherished by the pub- 
 lic, until this ancient seat of learning may not only attain 
 a reputation equal to itself in any former period, but sur- 
 pass it in proportion as society and the country have advan - 
 ced: that it may be an ornament to the State; the delight of 
 this borough, the glory of its friends, and a fountain of 
 sound and useful learning, of extensive science, and of vir- 
 tue, morality and religion. 
 
I 
 
tl^,!^.^^^ 0^ CONGRESS 
 
 029 910 103 4