-> IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) A 1.0 I.I 1.25 i:^|2.8 |50 *^* 25 2.2 2.0 1.8 iA i 1.6 CIHM/ICMH Microfiche Series. CIHM/ICMH Collection de microfiches. Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions Institut Canadian de microreproductions historiques 1980 Technical Notes / Notes techniques The Institute has attempted to obtain the best original copy available for filming. Physical features of this copy which may alter any of the images in the reproduction are checked below. n Coloured covers/ Couvertures de couleur Coloured maps/ Cartes gdographiques en couleur L'Institut a microfiimd le meilleur exemplaire qu'il lui a M possible de se procurer. Certains dAfauts susceptibles de nuire d la quality de la reproduction sont notds ci-dessous. 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The following diagrams illustrate the method: Les cartes ou les planches trop grandes pour 6tre reproduites en un seul clichd sont filmdes d partir de Tangle sup6rieure gauche, de gauche & droite et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'images ndcessaire. Le diagramme suivant iliustre la mdthode : 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 ADDRESS DELIVERED IN COtiVOCJlTION HALL, QUEEf[S COLLEGE, KZi^sra-STOisr, BY SANDFORD FLEMING, c.e., c.m.g., ll.d., Chancellor of the University. APRIL 28TH, 1885. OTTAWA : Printed by Citizen Printing and Publishing Co., 31 Metcalfe St. 1885 C>- / ■ / z' ADDRESS DELIVERED IN COHVOCATIOI( HALL, QUEEI(S COLLEGE, KINGSTON. BY SANFORD FLEMING, C.E., C.M.G., LL.D., Chancdlor of the University. APRIL 28TH, 1885. OTTAWA: Printed iiy the Citizen Printing and Publishing Company, 31 Metcalfe Street. 188$ QUEEN'S COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY. * m ^ • ADDRESS AT CONVOCATION, APRIL 28TH, 1885. BY THE CHANCELLOR. Mb. Vice-Chancellor, Officers of the University, Graduates, Ladies and Gentlemen : — I believe that I only consulted the strong feelings of attachment entertained by every one connected with this University towards the Queen, when I acknowledged thankfully a recent gift from Her Majesty. Tlie work, " More leaves from the Journal of a Life in the Highlands," from 1862 to 1882, with the Royal Aivtograph, has been received for the purpose of being placed in the College lyibrary. In your name T have expressed our deep sense of the honour confeiTed on the University. The Queen has on many occasions shown the interest which she takes in the higher seats of learning, and this gift is equally another proof of the sympathy Her Majesty gives to her Canadian subjects. As years roll on, succeeding generations of students will read this record with increasing interest affording, as it does glimpses of the inner life of a sovereign whose domestic virtues and nobility of charac ve shed a lustre on half a century of history. It was with regret that I found myself unable to be p" "^nt at last Convocation. On that occasion a new feature in the closing ceremonier \ laugurated. For the first time in the annals of Queen's the degree of Doctor .cience was conferred ; and for the first time in the history of this Province, women were formally laureated with the degree of B.A. Hereafter our sisters and our daughters, when they merit academic distinctions, may be included in the list of graduates and appear on the roll of our AluranL My absence wan owing to a duty which I was called ui)on to perform for this University in another part of the world. Early last year the following communica- tion was received by the Senate : "The University of Edinburgti, founded in 1683, having now completed its throe hundredth « session, it has been resolved to celebrate its Tercentenary in Easter week next, upon ttie 16th, "17th and 18th April, 1884, and to invite delegates from the most celebrated Universities, Col- " leges And Learned Societies in the world to be present on the occasion. We, the undersigned, "therefore respectfully invito Queen's College anil University, Kingston, to send a representative, "to be the guest of the University of Edinburgh during the days betore mentioaed.* We bog to " be favored with an early answer to the invitation, and we request that if a Delegate from "Queen's is to honour us with his presence, his name and title ma} as soon as possible be com- " municated." The invitaton was accepted. As Chancellor I was privileged to be named as Delegate ; being at the same time the bearer of a congratulatory address. Accordingly I proceeded to Edinburgh, where I had the distinguished honour of representing Queen's University during the week of the Tercentenary Ceremonial and Festivities. I am charged by the authorities of Edinburgh University with the pleasing duty of conveying to Queen's University an expression of thanks, which it is proper I should read : — '. Sib, UOIVBBBITT 0? EdINBUROH, May, 1884. We, the undersigned, in the name ot the University ot Edinburgh, respectfully request that you will convey an expression of our cordial thanks to Queen's Univeriity, Kingttun, Canada, for their courtesy and kindness in deputing you as their Delegate to attend the Tercentenary Fes- tival of the University of Edinburgh, and for the congratulatory address with which, by your hands, they honored the occasion. Owing to the friendly co-operation of Queen's University of Kingston, Canada, and other celebrated Societies, the Tercentenary Festival became the greatest Inter-Academical and Inter- national gathering; of distinguished men that, perhaps, the world has hitherto seen. A grateful memory of this illustrious assemblage, and of those who composed it, will ever bo cherished by the University of Edinburgh. We have the honor to be, Sir, . Your faithful servants, JOHN INQLIS, Vhaneellor. STAFFORD H. NORTHCOTE, Rector. A. GRANT, Princiml. To 8ANDF0RD FLEMING, c.e., c.m.q, ll.d., Chancellor of Queen's CoUiffe and UniversiOj, Kingslon, Canada. . ' Our own University has a near relationship to the Scottish Universities, more especially to Edinburgh, and as the representative sent by Queen's was the only dele- gate from the Province of Ontario, I conceive that a few words relating to the memorable occasion and the causes which led to it will not be out of place. It has often been said that in the city of Edinburgh, every step of the traveller is on historic ground. In the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Scotland we are con- fronted at every turn by memories of a remote and romantic past. In every street in the old town we are reminded of war and tumult, of " those days when the sword was never in its scabbard." On every side amid the splendour of modern advance- ment and the adornment of natiiral beauty of situation the shadows of the middle ages can still be clearly traced. On the (lay of their arrival in Edinburgh the delegates were officially received by the Lord Provost, Magistrates and Town Council and tendered the hospitalities of the City. Each delegate individually was most cordially welcomed. The following morning in academic robes they asaomblud in the old Parliament House. Nearly two centuries have passed since this hall was occupied by a Scottish Parliament ; it still however retains its ancient name. Up to 1 707 the Scottish estates held their deliberative as8em))lies within its walls. Here sat the Nobles and Barons with the Conmiissioners of Burghs, presided over by the King on the Throne. The hall has long been forsaken by its original occupants ; but looking upwards one sees the same curious open oaken roof springing from grotesquely sculptured corbels of marvelous design, which overshadowed the statesmen and patriots of former centuries. This noble roof with the once tapestried walls, the silent witnesses of many a stem event and the scene of many a stirring debate, looked on a spectacle on the 16th of April last year different to any recorded in its history. Within this ancient hall, conse- crated by historic memories, there assembled a brilliant gathering of representative men from all quarters of the globe. They were clothed in official costumes of various shades and textures ; court uniforms, academic robes, many wearing decorations not a few of them of anciont origin, the emblems of eminence, of position and official status. This assemblage, apparently incongrous and unsy metrical, formed into proces- sional order and headed by the Chancellor, Lord Rector, Vice-Chancellor and Senatus Acaderaicus of Edinb\n-gh, issued from Parliament House by the Signet Library and walked two and two to the Cathedral of St. Giles. Here the Tercentenary Festival was to commence with a solemn commemorative service. Passing the sculptured archway which forms the main entrance of St. Giles, a marvelous relic of the middle ages, a magnificent spectacle was presented. Every available space of the interior was already occupied, except the seats reserved for the delegates. I must confess ? tt during the procession from Parliament House, across the ancient graveyard where generations of illustrious men lie buried, and as we took our seats in the venerable edifice, my mind was profoundly impressed with the spectacle. The occa- sion represented a union of the present with the past. Memoi-ies of former times were awakened, of centuiies of history not unfrequently marked by tumult and con- flict, but which, even with their errors and shortcomings, bear the distinctive tmits of Scottish character. The date of this lioary pile carries us away back four or five centuries into Scottish history. Indeed the tower which supports a Gothic and Imperial crown, together with a considerable portion of the building, according to some authorities, dates seven centuries back. The interior consists of a choir and nave, with side aisles. The lofty stone vaulted i"oof is supported by massive Norman pillars. There are Royal shields and heraldic devices tt-lling a tale of the early Kings of Scotland who had worshipped within these walls. The building itself has passed through uiany vicissitudes. Recently it has been restored to much of its original beauty, ai^d now furnishes a striking monument of tl)© architectural characteristics of the 6 Hth century. It is idontifietl with many hiRtorioal events. Tho great Norman pillars, octagonal in form, havo during 500, possibly 700, years boon dumb spoctatora of no few national ounvulsions, and they seem able to withsttind the hand of timo for centuries to come. For years the voice of John Knox rung through tl»e lofty nave and vaulted aisles. Hero he preached his last sermon a dozen yeara Wore the foundation of the University, whoso Tercentenary wo were then commemorating. At a later date (1596) the building was the scene of a tumultous dispute between James VI. and the leadei-s of the cimrch party. Seven years afterwards the same king at the close of a religious service delivered a farewell oration to tho ])eo})le on hjs departure to take possession of the tlirone of England. On this occasion there was emotion displayed on both sides, " the good-natured kin;:; wept plentifully him- self at taking leave of his native aubjocts." At another period, a third of a century later, St. Giles was the scene of intense excitement, and a popular outbreak from distaste to the Anglican service. Who has not heard of tho doings of "Jenny Qeddes " and tho extraordinary tumult in this building which followed 1 Towards the middle of tho sevonttwnth century tho Solemn League and Covenant, memorable as the first approach towards an intimate union between tho kingdoms, was signed within these walls ; and the last stirring episode was witnessed before the close of that century when the ascendency of prelacy in Scotland came to an end. St. Giles for two centuries has had a more peaceful experience. At this date it had become the Westminster Abbey of Scotland. It guards the remains of the illustrious dead. Mural tombs and monuments adorn the walls. From the groined roof hang the tattered remains of battle stained flags of regiments whose heroic deeds live in undying record. This historic building of antiquity, with its transepts and aisles and lofty arches, artistically restored to their former grandeur, never presented a more imposing eflfect than on the morning of this 16th April. None could look upon it without deep interest, few could take part in the solemn occasion unmoved. The service was Presbyterian. A printed form of prayers specially prepared for the occasion was placed in the hands of every worshipper. It began with the old hundred psalm, of which the melody is known throughout the world. The effect was singularly impressive, and as significant as impressive. Here in this mediajval cathedral, crowded throughout its aisles, sobered in dim religious light, were gathered men of many races and with much variety of creed, Anglican prelates, Roman Catholics, Ministers of the Greek Church, the Presbyterians of Scotland, of America, of Australia, Methodists of the various branches, in a word representatives of every phase of Christians, all joined audibly and heartily in the simple form of worship prescribed. An exceedingly appropriate sermon was delivered by the Professor of Pivinity in Edinburgh University. This solemn service was the commencement of the week of Festival. It was followed by a series of ceremonials and entertainments which occupied every hour of each day. It was a holiday week Ja Edinburgh and the citizens dispensed most ^ 1 gracefnlly the warmest openhandod ho8»^"ality. Tho University Fttcnlties had rocoptions and convorHiwionoa. Tho Follows recoivod at hroakfust and lunaheons. Thoi-o wore alHO iiiuHicul rocitalH mid concerts, and tho stiidonts gave dramatic ropro- sentutions, a Ijall, a torchlight |)rocos8ion and a gi-and symposium. Thoro woro illuminations and firoworks. Thoro were public dinnoi-s and private "At homos," in the best of taste and with tho warmest welcome. Tho grim old Castlo, Holy- rood Palace, and tho princi|)al streets and the public buildings were in holiday attire. Every effort was put forth to constitnte one of tho most wonderfully situated cities in tho world attractive and delightful to tho fullest extent. ; Tho philosophic mind may possibly sympathizo little with feasting and rejoicing. In this case, however, these features wore but the outward and visible signs of the advancement of education in its higher path. The Festival was of no ordinary character, not merely one of exultation and gladness. It possessed a significance beyond ordinary power to measure. In its outward aspect, when all was so mag- nificent, so far above preconceived ideas, it is difficult to convey a just conception of the scenes witnessed or tho impresaio.ij formed without tho risk of apjKJaring to exag- gerate. Tho whole week was fittingly described by an illustrious speaker at one of the gatherings as a festival of human knowledge ; nevertheless of the many striking sconces and assemblages, viewed in every aspect, which have left the most enduring impression on my mind, I name : — The religious Commemorative Service at the commencement. The Graduation and Presentation Ceremonial with its academic glories. The Tercentenary Banfpiet with the words spoken by men who, by their achieve- ments, have won the grateful respect of the learned world. These stand out in the memory as three distinct culminating points of brilliant significance which have left impressions which I do not think can ever pass away. On each of these occasions wore mingled representiitives of many races and of divers creeds from many lands. There were many men who have given their minds, their lives, V ^xi all, to scitiice and literature, ranged side by side. The solemn service in St. Giles' was in keeping with the deep religious feeling which the Scottish people endeavor at all times to impress upon their institutions. Here delegates, from the youngest to the oldest seats of learning ; from Universities established but yesterday in Asia, Australia and America, to Bologna, dating, as a great school, away back in the fifth century, all met in concrete form and united harmoniously in worship. No sight could be more imposing than that of the delegates thus assembled. The vener- able cathedral itself with its historic associations of the past ; its architectural splendour ; the varied character of the vast assemblage ; the solemnity of the occa- sion J all exercised an influence un the mind of the least impressionable not soon to be forgotten. It was impossible to look upon the long rows of worshippers without realizing the importance of tho occasion which had brought them together from the four quarters of the globe. It was impossible, without emotion, to hear the multi- tude of voices, mingling with the deep swell of the great organ, as it gave the melody, V 8 first of the grand "old hundred," and, at a later atage of the service, the Te Deum, As I have stated, the service was specially arranged. Printed copies were placed in every pew. The .sermon was one of breadth and power, in my humble judgment, equal to the occusion. . ,, ^ Scarcely second in interest to the service in St. Giles, was the Tercentenary Ceremonial in the United Presbyterian Hall. This was the great business day of the week. It began with an appropriate prayer, and the official reception of the delegates followed. They wore marshalled in order, and passing up one by one to the i-aisod platform, they were individually presented to the Chancellor, who cordially received thorn. Those who were charged with addresses from sister Universities had an opportunity of presenting them. The delegates retired by passing across the platform, and descending, were conducted to their seats. Thi-: reception was of unusual interest, each delegate's name was made known to all by its order in the printed list, and the audience had thus an opportunity of iden- tifying many of eminence, whose names were familiar to them. After the reception, honorary degrees were conferred on a large number of illus- trious scholars and distinguished men of science, who have rendered good service to mankind. Among those so honoured I had the gratification to observe the Principal of a sister Quebec University, Sir William Dawson. Even in its outward aspect this Ceremonial was memorable ; many of the foreign notables wore brilliant academic or official costumes, contrasting with the moro sombre university gowns ; but the interest in it was immensely increased by the fact that of those who passed in review, many were renowned for literary achievements and intellectual activity which had exacted the liomage of the world. The Banqaet which followed was magnificent tinder every aspect; 1,300 guests were present, and it was indeed a banquet in the highest sense of the word. The richest viands were in profusion with wines of rare vintage, but the true richness and significance of the feast was in the circumstance that there were present the noblest intellects, the first mental powers, the best learning of the age. The hospitality of Edinburgh was intensified by placing around the tables a greater number of men of eminence, distinguished in the several walks of life they follow, than one may hope in a lifetime ever again to see gathered together. The various toasts were proposed by the heads of the University and the distin- guished men connected with it, including Lord Inglis, Sir StaflTord Northcote, Lord Napier and Ettrick, the Earls of Rosebery and Wemyss. They were responded to in fitting terms by Baron de Penedo, delegate from the Imperial University of Brazil ; by M. Pasteur, whose fame every one knows ; by Dr. Lightfoot, Bishop of Durham, whose speech was one of the ablest delivered ; by Corate Saffi, delegate from the oldest University of F.urope, Bologna ; by Professor Jowell, the learned Vice- Chancellor of Oxford ; by Dr. Karle Elze, delegate from the University of Halle ; by Canon Wesoott, Professor Virchow, Mr. J. Russell Lowell, Professor Helmholtz, by I .i*^'.'^' •iK M. Ferdinand de Lesseps, Sir Frederick Tjcigbton, Sir R. B. D. Morier, of Madrid ; Sir James Stephens and Sir Henry Maine. Nothing could be more marked than the taste and ability which chamcterized the sereral speeohes, or the enthusiastic reception which they obtained. It was indeed a privilege to be one of the number who listened to them and to feel oneself a part, even a humble part, of such an assemblage. The Banquet lasted six hours, the speeches occupied at least two-thirds of the period, but no symptom of imp'^ tience was anywhere exhibited. The presence of so many illustrious men, the w. of wisdom which fell from the distinguished speakers, inspired on all sides reverence and attention. I have only touched upon the brightest and most memorable features of the Academic Festivities, and I may ask the question, what led to the gathering in the Scottish Capital of so many of the wise and learned of the earth t What attracted so many stars in the spheres of thought and research to pay homage to Edinburgh University. "What new gravitating force brought representatives from Europe, from Asia, from Africa, from Australia, from America ; delegates from Universities and Colleges and Academics of science from Rome to Copenhagan, and from Paris to Moscow ; from Bombay, Calcutta, Lahore, Tokio ; from New Zealand and Melbourne ; from the Cape of Good Hope; from Chili, Brazil, the United States and Canada 1 Was it not the common bond of science and learning which attracted those men of all races and creeds and nationalties, and united them at the Tercentenary Festival 1 Was not this meeting a sign of the times in which we live 1 Does it not indi- cate that although unhappily there are still vast numbers of the human race in a savage state or but little elevated above the lowest instincts of our nature, whose normal condition is one of indulgence and recklessness and wretchedness ; there is nerertheless throughout the world an earnest seeking after truth, a thirst for enlight- enment, a striving for knowledge and a yearning for moral improvement ? Does it not also show that the old " Lanthorns," as Bacon designated Universities, are burn- ing as brightly as ever, that new " Lanthorns " have been lighted up on all the con- tinents to illumine new peoples and newly consolidated nations ? Thus whil» the leading minds of Scotland, with delegates from all quarters of the globe, outwardly meet in friendly greeting in festivity, it is in fact an homage to learning which they pay. It is a common recognition of the purposes for which the University was founded in Edinburgh three centuries back. The gathering during the week of the Festival was thoroughly international, but no international a.ssemblage was ever bo richly adorned by names so illustrious and so world wide in their reputation. The Scottish metropolis counted among its guests men representing the best learning, the highest thoughts, the greatest works and the loftiest aspirations of modern times. Was not this an outward and visible sign of the admitted fame of Edinburgh University, and a recognition by kindred institutions of tjtie wide sphere of its usefulness and influence for good. 10 Edinburgh Univeraity has undoubtedly attained great eminence. In 1883-4 it had a total number of 3,341 students, of whom — 1,023 were in ArtH, . -' ■ :' 1,732 " " Medicine, - 489 " " Law, •• . 97 " " Divinity. The Professoriate roll numbers 38, seventeen of whom are Professors in Arts, twelve are attached to the Faculty of Medicine, five to the Faculty of Law and four to the Faculty of Divinity. Ranking as Edinburgh does among the most celebrated seats of learning in the world, a few brief words in reference to this typical insti- tution and the other Scottish Universities cannot but be acceptable to those I now address. • When Edinburgh University was founded Aberdeen had been in pxis'uwnce 89 years, Glasgow 133 years and St. Andrews 170 years. At the instance of James IV., who had been induced to intervene by Bishop Elphinston, Aberdeen University was founded in 1494 under a papal Bull issued by Pope Alexander VI. Glasgow University was founded by Bishop TumbuU in 1450, a Bull for the purpose having been obtained from Pope Nicholas V., in the time of James II. St. Andrews was founded by Bishop Wardlaw in 1411 and i-atified by Poi>e Benedict VIII. in 1413. A noticeable feature of the Bull constituting this Univer- sity is the strict system prescribed for examination for degrees. Three separate colleges rose up at St. Andrews on a foundation 170 years earlier than Edinburgh. This University effected much towards the education of the country, a very largo proportion of the eminent men of Scotland in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries having been its Alumni. Thus St. Andrews was doing good service eighty years before America was discovered. These three seats of learning are relics of the grand old policy followed by wise churchmen of the period, to cast the light of knowledge abroad on all Christi ndom. An ideal university was a part of a vast systeui. Each part was designed to be the same in rank and, if possible, in wealth and power, whether planted in a rich and populous capital or established among a poor and barlarous people. It was the aim of the system to spread over the world organizations for attracting intellects to " drink their fill of knowledge " and to promote learning wherever the germs of it were to be found. While this grand conception and the three older Scottish Universities, belonged to the Church which preceded the Reformation ; the founders of Edinburgh ^University were equally animated by the same noble enthusiasm for learning. It must be acknowleged, however, that although the College of Edinburgh is the child of the Reformation, its first benefactor was the last Catholic Bishop of Orkney, Bishop Reid, a man far in advance of his time. In 1557 he bequeathed 8,000 11 merks " for founding a college in the burgh of Edinburgh, for exercises of learning tlierein." This bequest equals about $3,500 present value, a large sum in those days. . It has been pointed out that Edinburgh Univei-sity and our own Queen's are conceived on much the same model. There is, I think, a further resemblance which can readily be traced. Edinburgh University has arisen from a very humble begin- ning. It received no endowment from the Sovereign Power like the three older Scottish Universities. It owes little in its early days to State or Boyal Patronage. It owes much to the citizens themselves and to the friends who have sympathised with its eflbrts and struggles. The annals of both show that eaeh took its origin in the most humble circumstances, and that each has been supported from the first by the enthusiasm and sympathy of true-hearted broad-minded patriotic men. The municipality of Edinburgh has been a constant friend to the Scottish Uni- versily. The College from time to time has received a limited grant from Parlia- ment, but nothing can be more certain than if its only rcscource had been the public treasury, it would have indifferently flourished. Throughout the whole of its three centuries of existence, it has mainly depended on the affection and beneficence of private individuals. Its first and last endowment has been derived from private sources. I have said that the circumstances of its commencement were not auspicious. The citizens were poor and the resources of the municii)ality were at a low ebb. There existed, however, a determination to establish a colloge for the education of youth. The first session began in the autumn of 1583. One master was appointed whose emoluments fr' all sources equalled £23 7s. 6d. present value, about $115 per annum Canadian cui . ,.cy. In three years his income was raised to 400 " merks Scots," a sum equalling $175 present value. During the first session there was but one class of students numbering 50 or 60, under the one master, Robert RoUock. There was also a preparatory class of about 30, under a tutor, Duncan Nairn. For a long period the several Universities in Scotland were hampered in theii growth by the turbulence of the times and the poverty of the nation. It was a period of great religious as well as political trouble. Catholicism and Protestantism, Episcopacy and Presbyt'-rianism were struggling for the supremacy. The kingdom was invaded and distracted by civil feuds. Disorder and misrule pievailed for a long periou. It was not until 1621 that Edinburgh numbered as many students as Queen's has on this year's roll, and at that date it had but five classes, conducted by a Principal and four Professors. It had been in existence 150 years before the students reached 5'^0. The institution received but a slender income for a long series of years, owing to the causes referred to. The union of Scotland with England, however, opened up avenues for the energies of the Scottish peo])le, which they turned to good account. As they increased in wealth Bequests and Benefactions were made to the Universities, and since tiiat date these Institutions have mad-s marked progress. It is this great and increasing stream of beneficence which has so raxich advanced Edinburgh 12 University. In 1833 its income had reached about $40,000 per annum, since then, that is to say, in the last fifty yeara its revenue has quadrupled, and now amounts to $170,000 per annum. But the most remarkable progress has been within the last thirty years, and it may not be without profit at this juncturv of afiairs in tho histoi-y of Canadian Universities that I should briefly refer to it. In 1858 the idea of one National Univei'sity for Scotland was suggested. An act was passed by the Imperial Parliament relating to education generally. By the weight of his authority the present premier, ]\Ir. Gladstone, succeeded in introduc- ing into this act a clause by which the four Universities of Scotland were empowered severally to abrogate their indi\^idual existence as Universities, and turn themselves into Colleges under a central University, which would be the examining body for Scotland. The alleged object of this proposal was to •' stimulate teaching and study." The act appointed Commissioners, who were directed to enquire and report how far it might be practicable and expedient that such a new University should be founded, to be a " National University for Scotland." The feeling against the proposal was so marked that the Commissioners, men ot wisdom and sagacity " came to the conclusion that they could not recommend that the ancient Univeniitiea of Scotland should be swept away." The Permissive Act remained a dead letter, but the attempt to interfere with the four Universities had the immediate eflect of attracting to them greater interest and sympathy. The attemjit to destroy the Academic quadrilateral, of Scotland, as the Bishop of Durham designated the four ancient fortresses of learning, resulted iu strenghtening each of them and rendering them invulnerable. Old friends came to the rescue ; new friends from unexpected quarters rallied around them. The honour and independence of the four Universities was saved. They sprung into new life and development, and a series of benefactions commenced to flow which has con- tinued uninterruptedly to the present time. During the last twenty years Edinburgh University alone has received from private sources two and a quarter million dollai-s ($2,250,000), and of this sum $650,000 has been expended on new buildings, to which the government has added a subsidy of $400,000. 'J'he new buildings have already cost over a million dollars, and they are yet to be extended by the erection of an Academic Hall, which will cost a further sum of $350,000. The history of this now famous University at once presents an example and holds out the brightest hopes for Queen's. The great school in the Scottish capital had, as I have shown, the humblest commencement ; its career for long years was one continued struggle ; it was beset with difficulty and poverty ; but resting on the affections of its friends and relying mainly on their liberality, iis course has been continously one of progress and usefullness until it has attained its present proud position. May it not be salutary to recall such points in the history of the Scottish seats of learning as I have briefly related ? May we not look at them with profit 1 Has 13 not the circumstances I have mentioned an important bearing on issues in which the people of this Province are deeply concerned to-day 1 May not the attempt to sweep away the old Scottish Universities be repeating itself in Canada 1 We all know that for some time back it hag been proposed to unite the several Universities of Ontario ; that a scheme has recently been matured for the absorption by one of all the Ouhers and the establie^hment of a single Provincial University, and that this scheme involves the destruction of Queen's as a University at Kingston. Shall this attempt result as in Scotland 1 Shall Queen's abrogate its powers and be swallowed up, or shall it like its prototype, Edinburgh, find stronger sympathy and renewed vitality. I am greatly mistaken if the same spirit does not pervade Canada as was experienced in Scotland. In Canada we have determined that oiir people shall have all the intellectual advantages which can be obtained in older countries, and these advantages would undoubtedly be wanting if our seats of higher learning were reduced to a single University. If Scotland during centuries of civil and religious strife, and depressed by poverty ; if at a time when her population was scarcely more than half a million, her people felt the need of four Universities, surely this Province, infinitely richer in material wealth than Scotland then was, and with quadruple the population, requires and is able to sustain more than one seat of learning. A single State- endowed University would, it is to be feared, dry up the springs of private liberality with all the blessings which flow from it. While, as we have in the Scotish Universities an illustration of the strength and power and advantages of individual beneficence, we are warranted, I think, in believing that the same self help, the same determination and the same enthusiasm, directed by the same intelligence, can* not fail ultimately to triumph in Canada as it has triumphed beyond the Atlantic. We cannot doubt that as the years roll on, Canada with her magnificient resources developed will become far wealthier than Scotland, and that Queen's having established stronger T.nd stronger claims upon the gratitude and affection of the Canadian people will gain their heartiest assistance and their material support. That as the people increase in wealth, a flood of benefactions will pour in to perpetuate and build up on a broad and solid foundation at Kingston, a seat of learning which in all branches of literary culture will be a blessing to coming generations of Canadians. In connection with the celebration of the Tercentenary oi Edinburgh University, we may ask the question, what has that school of learning done to earn a title to the esteem of the learned world throughout Christendom 1 How has she kindled the affection of kindred institutions to such an extent that their sympathy overleaps national, theological and geopraphical boundaries, to pay homage at Edinburgh to this typical Scottish University 1 The answer is found in the long roll of illustiious dead who have grappled with the laws and principles of science, who have, in en- riching the intellectual world shed lustre during the past three centuries on their Alma Mater. From the Gregories and Playfairs and Leslies in mathematics to Sir David Brewster, the brilliant expositor in physical science ; from Hutton, the founder of Scottish geology, to our own Sir William Logan ; passing over such distinguished u names aa Sir Thos. Dick, Lauder and Sir Roderick Murchibion, From Ei-asmtts to Charles Darwin, the ideal naturalist ; from Robertson to Alison, in history ; from Dugald Stewart to Thomas Carlyle ; from Rennie to Robert Stephenson, among the greatest of British Engineers ; from Abercrombie to Sym, in medicine ; from Thompson to Sir Walter Scott ; from George Combe to Christopher North ; from Thomas Chalmers to Norman McLeod ; from Brougham to Palnierston ; and to an exhaustless array of names eminent in literature and science and public life, I may add that of Lansdowne, the ancester of our present Governor-General. if the University of Edinburgh has done so much to awaken that noble love of learning in Scotland which has left an impress on the national character ; if she has given to the world a multitude of names of the highest renown ; may wn not hope that Queen's must effect the most beneficial iufluence in Canada, and that as the centuries roll on she will prove herself n powerful instrument in giving mental life and strength and activity to the youth of this fair Dominion 1 Will not she too in the years to come have on her roll of graduates a biilliant array of illustrious names, who will have contributed to the world's progress t Probably some young men whom I now address will in due time rank unsurpassed in some branch of learning, and who in science, in literaturej or in philosophy, will increase the purify- ing light of knowledge to elevate their fellow men. ' You who will shortly enter on your work in life ; whatever sphere of usefulness you may seek to occupy, place before you high aims and be awakened to activity by the most brilliant examples; look back on those noble natures of the earth, some of whose names I have mentioned, and bear honour to their memory. Strive to reproduce in this new land, such reputations as they have inseparably associated with the old Universities of Scotland. Be inspired with literary and scientific ambition while you cherish the loftiest moral and intellectual ideal. It is upon you that the issues of to-morrow must depend. A great and sacred trust will be committed to your care, and it will be for you with undiminished brilliancy, to pass onward the torch of knowledge ever burning with a clear and steady At" me. " As in the race of old — O, ye ! who stand ; "To-day on better vantage ground than they, " Take, in all reverence, from each spirit-hand ' " The towh they lit before they passed away ; " And bear it onward, till in every land " The scattered lights become a Milky Way ! "