Commencements

The fiftieth graduating class of Michgan University will receive their di)lomas on Thursday next. The first class to gradúate numbered twelve ; the iftieth numbers about 700. All bnt hree of the first class have died since heir graduaiotn, fifty years ago. Coinmenceinent week began with the )accalaureate address by President Angell Sunday evening in University hall, to a crowded audience, on the Problem of Equipoise in Life. The address wis an able presentatiou of his subject, and a brief suminary of it may destroy much of its beauty of thought. Dr. Angell in effect said: Every man may be considered in two aspects, as an individual and as a meinier of society. Asan individual he is responsible to God for his conduct, as a member of society he has duties to others. Tlwre are few graver problems m life than keeping the proper equipoise jetween fidelity to one's better self aurl the fraternal, social, helpful relation to others. In the'simpler states of society there is danger of excessive individuality. As society grows older its organization becomes more complete and what we cali fashion largely dominates not only the social acts but the very ;houghts of men. The spirit of formity prevails rather than the spirit of personal independence. The teniptation tö become a demagogue and cater to the passions or prejudices of the multitudes proves stronger to mauy than the inducement to stand faithful to oue's convictions and abide with the ininority. There are many influences at woi'k today to break down sturdy self reliance and manly independence of thought aad action ; for exaruple, the rapid multiplication of societies, rnust have their uses, but it is rare that one does not have his course of action rnodified by the views of his associates. Often the members of the society or political organization scourge with the lash of abuse those of their menibers who do not agree with the majority. Trades unions and brotherhoods often constrain men to act against their own judgment. Again there is jnst now a trend in otir Dheories of the functions of government, tendiug to diminish the self reliance, energy and independence of men. How many men in our time seem to think that for every evil, real or imaginary, by which any of us are affected, some legislativo panacea may be found. Competition, that spur individual enterprise we are urgen tly recommended toextinguish by law. Socialism schemes teem in the brains of men all around us. Turning to practical advice Dr. Angell told the graduates that they must work in socjetv. They cannot wiselv become rucluses. They should test the opinions oí others as to whether they are such their own conscience approve. On matters of mere expediency and method one may yiold much, but on matters of principie one must be faithftil to one's inner light. We should be tolerant of the opinions of others. Be not carried away by the fashions and fads of the hour. Be not imprisoned within the walls of whatever tion you may belong to. Do not sit idly down and flatter yourselves that yon and your generation are to be easily floated into enduring prosperity by any of your ingenious devises of legislation or social reconstrnction. Search for the truth as for bidden treasure. Redeem the time with faithful toil day by day. With unselíish zeal for the good of mankind share the truth you find with others. So according to the measure of your ability to apprehend the truth and to use it, yon will have followed in the steps of Hini who was the way and the life, beoause He was the truth. Yesterday was law class day and the exeroises in University hall proved interesting. Edward M. Walsh, the class president, delivered an excellent business like address. John W. Ferrier read the class history and detailed their uumerous and important acheivements, interspersing it with witty personal hits. George W. Dayton's prophecy was hunierous and greatly enjoyed. L. G. Long was applauded for his oration on the Scholar iu Politics and Sanford G. Baker paid a poetical tribute to Reasou, Law and Justice. The exercises closed with the valedictory by Pililo G. Burnham. Last evening was given tip to the senior promenade. The campus, society houses and inany private grounds on State street were brilliantly illuminated with thousands of Chinese lanterns, while two or three thousand people were out, participating in what is proving one of the most popular features of commencement week. The Chequamegons furnished the music. Today the literary gradutes have ap propriated as their own, vfhile tomorrow the alumni have f uil sway aud on Thursday commeneeinent proper will be celebrated.