Valedictory Address

“The Valedictory” University Monthly 19, 8 (28 May 1900): 193-199. (UA Case 68, Box 1)

Your Honor, Mr. President and Members of the Senate, Mr. Chancellor and Members of the Faculty, Ladies and Gentlemen.

At last the long expected hour has arrived and we who have seen three successive classes depart from their Alma Mater are now about to follow in their footsteps. There must always be a great deal of satisfaction to the members of any class to gain the prize for which they have worked so long; but the flight of time and the influence of custom have given to the year 1900 a certain charm which makes it a peculiarly favorable year to graduate from this college. One hundred years ago the 12th of February last "a college called the College of New Brunswick was founded and incorporated by a Provincial charter under the great Seal of the Province"—this was the beginning of the University of New Brunswick.

It is a custom of our race to commemorate at certain periods the important events either in a nation's history or of any institution connected with that nation. The Senate, Alumni, Faculty, and Students have therefore joined together to commemorate the founding of this noble seat of learning and we have no doubt that before this week is ended all will have come to the conclusion that their labours were not in vain. For these reasons we feel highly honored in being fortunate enough to have the great privilege of graduating this year.

Yet there must ever be a certain amount of sadness connected with occasions such as this. Here we met as strangers in the fall of 1896 and now after having been together in class-room and on campus for nearly four years we are about to part perhaps never to meet again. They have been pleasant years and the meeting together in our college societies and at the several functions that mark the different stages of our college course, the friendly "scraps" and midnight revels will always be remembered by us as among the most pleasant experiences of our lives. But these things must be left behind; soon we shall pass from the protecting care of our Alma Mater to cope with the stern realities of life.

As the representative of my class, custom bids me to recall briefly the most important events of our class history. We can hardly realize that nearly four years have passed away since twenty-one young men and one young woman entered these classic halls and enrolled themselves on the University annals as the class of 1900. The history of our class does not differ to any great extent, in the first three years from that of the other classes. A marked feature of each class has been the great decrease in numbers which it undergoes from the time of entrance to that of graduation, and ours is no exception. The twenty-two Freshmen dwindled down to fourteen at the beginning of the Sophomore year, but the addition of five senior matriculants increased our number to nineteen. This number diminished to thirteen in the Junior year, and now we graduate with twelve. Of this number only eight belong to the original twenty-two.

As Freshmen we were frequently called upon to defend ourselves from, as we then thought, the over zealous Sophomores and this we did right manfully—numbers giving us strength. As Sophomores we suddenly changed our minds in regard to the privileges of Freshmen, and often considered it our duty to uphold the prestige of our class. The Junior year passed away swiftly and uneventfully. We began to take a deeper and more lasting interest in Alma Mater.

The beginning of our Senior year was marked by a wide difference of opinion, concerning the carrying out of some of our customs. The breach grew wider and wider, and finally an event occurred which is familiar to everyone. For a number of years a form of initiation for Freshmen, and a code of unwritten laws had been in vogue. Of late years an agitation had arisen against these customs, and quite a strong body of the students, but yet in the minority, had been formed for the purpose of doing away with them. This year the opposition was so strong that the programme of initiation was not carried out; but about a week after the college year opened a number of Freshmen were seized while on their way to a reception, carried to the gymnasium and there the collar, tie, and the right boot of each one were removed. This was found out by the faculty, and five Seniors were virtually expelled, and nine Sophomores and one Junior rusticated for two months.

The most regrettable feature of the whole affair was the stand taken by some of the students opposed to these customs. The expelled students having apologized, and having promised for the future to refrain from taking part in any form of initiation, requested to be allowed to return; but the opponents of initiation instead of using their influence to get them back, did all in their power to keep them out, even going so far as to threaten to leave if the faculty under any condition would allow them to come back.

However opinions may differ concerning the stand taken by the faculty, it can be said in their favor that it was their duty to uphold the discipline of the college. Yet, nothing can be said in favor of one student trying to bring about the expulsion of another, especially a class mate; even if he is not in accordance with the actions of a fellow student, and so feels that he cannot help him when he has got into trouble, he should at least refrain from
interfering in any way, and allow the faculty to deal with the matter in the way they think best.

In spite of these disturbances, it affords us very much pleasure to state that the different societies under the control of the student body, have been quite up to the standard of other years. Each one, although perhaps differing in some personal matters, entered into
the work with a determination to make the societies a success and to do all in their power for the general good of the college.

Our Debating Society has completed another very successful year. The debates have been of a high order, and marked progress has been made in the debating ability of the student body. Yet it is to be regretted that not more than half of the students avail themselves of the privileges of the most important of the college societies. The other half are making a great mistake. They are losing the benefits of a training that cannot be obtained under other conditions, a training that is necessary for full success in any calling for which they are preparing themselves. We believe that a college course does not consist entirely of a constant grinding over books. Much can be gained by regular meeting together for the exchanging of ideas in debate, and by the fraternal spirit that is thus engendered. This meeting together wears off the rough corners of a man, and he goes out in the world better prepared to understand human nature, and so to make a success of his life work.

The University Monthly still continues to be the organ of the student body. We believe that it has in no way fallen below the standard set for it by previous classes. True it has not appeared regularly on the twentieth of each month but this is through no fault of the editors. Students should be always ready to contribute an article when asked by the editor, and thus lessen the by no means easy task of "getting out the Monthly." The staff of editors considering that this was the centennial year of the college, decided to get out a Centennial Number. It made its appearance in March and contains cuts of the several Chancellors who have presided over this University, as well as many interesting facts concerning its history. The new design for the cover obtained especially for this number presents a very neat appearance and it has been decided to use it for the future issues.

All matters pertaining to athletics are regulated by the University Athletic Association. The college never had better material from which to form a football team than last fall; but on account of the disturbances of that time it was impossible to organize. Yet the manly game was not entirely wanting. Teams were formed from the Freshmen and Sophomore classes, and some excellent practice games were played, also good match games between the Freshmen team and the teams from the Normal and High Schools.

Feeling the want of winter sport an open air rink was started on the athletic field. We were successful in obtaining a beautiful sheet of ice; but the elements were against us. As soon as we got it cleared off a storm would come—this was continued all through the months of January and February. If we didn't get the skating we demonstrated the fact that an open air rink can be run by the college providing the weather is favorable. It is to be hoped that the other classes will not be discouraged by the partial failure this year. We are sure that it can be run successfully unless for an exceptionally stormy winter. It has been the custom for a number of years to hold the sports on the Queen's Birthday. They have been postponed this year until the afternoon of Wednesday next—students' day of the celebration. A large number of the students are now in training and everything points to successful sports on that occasion.

Nor is the aesthetic side of college life neglected. The Glee Club still flourishes under the guidance of Prof. Stockley, and is very popular among the musical portion of the student body. Here a pleasant hour is spent singing those inspiring songs peculiar to college men.

Many changes have been made in the course of study. At first an optional course was open only to the members of the Senior Class. For the first time this year the Juniors were also allowed a number of options. Formerly those who took graduation honors in any subject were not required to make more than a pass in the ordinary work of the subject in which they were taking honors. This year the regulation, that every one must make first division in the ordinary work as well as in the honor work, took effect. Thus the class of 1900 is the first to graduate under this regulation.

Last Encaenia Prof. Downing retired from the chair of Physics and Electrical Engineering, which he had ably filled for a number of years. TheUniversity has been fortunate in obtaining a man by no means inferior to his predecessor. Dr. Scott has discharged the duties of his chair faithfully and with marked ability. He is an enthusiastic teacher and he will be of great service not only to the University, but also to the cause of education generally in our province.

At the beginning of this academical year a number of changes were made in the arrangement of the course of study. Under the former arrangement Dr. Bailey had Chemistry, Botany, Zoology and Geology. This made a large amount of work for him and for want of time he could not do ample justice to them all. By the new arrangement Chemistry and Botany are interchanged—Botany coming in the first year and Chemistry in the third. Prof. Dixon is now lecturer in Chemistry, and Dr. Scott has taken some of
the work previously done by the former.

A much needed change was also made in the method of obtaining water for the Chemical and Physical Laboratories. Formerly all the water used for experimental work had to be carried up-stairs and placed in buckets. Early this year through the efforts of Prof. Dixon, pipes were laid, and water is now carried to the different rooms in which it is needed in a much more modern way. The Chemical laboratory has also been rearranged. All the old material that has been collecting there for years was removed, and the room now presents quite a creditable appearance.

The advantages of the library have been greatly appreciated by the student body, as is shown by the large number of books that have been taken out this year. In our Junior year it was arranged that no lectures should be held in the Library. Any student that has a spare hour during time of lectures, can now if he wishes retire to the Library and spend a quiet hour in reading and meditation. But the students should remember that it is not a place for carrying on extended conversations with one another. Indeed the rules of the Library forbid talking altogether in the room, and those who do not wish to read should remember that there are others who do, and try to find some other place to amuse themselves. New books are being continually added to the Library and Dr. Davidson, as librarian, is always ready and willing to aid any student to find a book, or to inform him in what books he will find the information he is seeking. During last vacation the books were catalogued by the librarian, by the card system. The cards with the names of the books printed on them are arranged alphabetically in a neat case. This makes a convenient and ready mode of reference, besides having the advantage that as now books are received, cards can easily be added, thus keeping the list up to date.

The department of Civil Engineering has received a great impetus of late years. There are now sixteen students taking that course. At the beginning of our Junior year, chiefly through the efforts of our class, an agitation was started to obtain funds for erecting an
Engineering Building. Committees were selected to go around and solicit subscriptions and the result has been very satisfactory indeed—over six thousand dollars having been already raised by subscription. Through the efforts of His Honor Mr. Justice Barker a bill was passed through the Legislature granting to the University about eleven thousand dollars of the Madras Fund. This was given to the Building Fund. As a result the corner stone of the new building is to be laid during the coming celebration.

Some time ago we met to consider what we could do for our Alma Mater. We decided to contribute five hundred dollars towards the Building Fund to be paid within five years after graduation. It was left to each one to decide how he should pay his share; whether as a lump sum at the end of the five years or by yearly payments during that time.

In our Sophomore year a threat of withdrawing the Provincial grant imperilled the very existence of our University. This had the effect of directing towards us a certain amount of criticism. This criticism seems to have been of great benefit, for every year since that time the numbers entered on the college records have continually increased. The beginning of this year saw the largest number of Matriculants in the history of the college. Thirty-three were enrolled as members of the class of 1903, and twelve Senior Matriculants were added to the class of 1902. The prospects are bright for a still larger number next year, and we have no doubt that our Alma Mater will enter into the first year of the twentieth century with renewed strength and vigor, to continue for another hundred years the work she has been doing in the past.

Since the University of New Brunswick is the cap-stone of the educational system of the Province, we believe that it should be in closer touch with the Common and High Schools. True greater advantages are offered in this University for those who are teachers, or expect to be teachers, than in any other of the colleges of the Maritime Provinces, which is shown by the fart that among the present enrolled students there are about twenty licensed teachers. Yet something should be done to obtain a higher and more uniform standard for matriculation. A young man makes the mistake of his life by entering college without being fully prepared expecting to make up for what he lacks after he has entered. He will find that "the making up process" will stick to him all through his course, and the chances are that after he has finished his first or at most second year, even if he has managed to avoid the fatal number of "plucks," he will become discouraged and not return to finish his course.

We believe that if the members of the faculty would frequently visit the schools at the centres of population, and take a more active interest in matters pertaining to education generally in the province, it would be of great advantage to the "University. This is an age of competition, and it is only by the combined efforts of all those connected with the college in any way that we may hope to get our share of the young men and women who are intending to take a college course.

Before closing it seems fitting to refer to the war which is at present engaging the attention of the Great Empire of which we form a part. We have all been thrilled by the wave of loyalty to the Motherland that has of late passed over this country—a loyalty
that has led nearly three thousand of our brave sons to leave our shores and go to a country thousands of miles away to do battle for the rights and privileges that are dear to the heart of every British citizen. As soldiers, some of them having already dyed the South African veldt with their life-blood, they have upheld the traditions of their race, and brought fame and honor to their native land. We are proud of such men and we consider ourselves highly honored to count among them some that have attended this University.

To you Mr. Chancellor and Gentlemen of the Faculty, we wish to return thanks for the interest you have always taken in our welfare. You have always been ready and willing to aid us by your experience and advice; and it is only now, when we are about to part, that we fully realize how much we owe to you who have been our instructors and guides throughout the past four years of our lives. We appreciate the efforts you have put forward on our behalf, and we earnestly hope that each and every one of you shall long be spared to continue in the good work of your chosen profession.

To the people of Fredericton we wish to express our gratitude for the many kindnesses shown us during our stay among you. We have always found you willing to assist us to bring to a successful issue the different undertakings peculiar to student life. In after years wherever our lot is cast or in whatever sphere of action we shall be destined to labour, we shall always carry with us pleasant memories of our somewhat prolonged stay in your beautiful city.

Fellow Students, the time has come when we must say farewell to you. The space of time spent together in these halls has been one of pleasure, and, we trust, of profit to all of us. Let the best interest of the college be the uppermost thoughts of your mind; remembering always that the making of high marks should not be the only ambition of a college course. We are aware that we have left the different interests of the college in good hands, and we can assure you that, although widely separated, we shall follow the careers of each one of you, both as undergraduates and graduates with unabating interest.

Time and again during our undergraduate course we have looked forward to this occasion as being one of the happiest of our lives, but now, when the time has come to take our departure a feeling of sadness comes over us, but we must bow to the inevitable. The class of 1900 bids farewell to these historic halls and steps-out into the "wide, wide world."