New York Free Academy: Commencement

     Includes a list of candidates receiving their degrees.  “The thirteenth annual Commencement of the Free Academy took place last evening at the Academy of Music.  That building was as well filled as in the days of Piccolomini and Patti.  A fine orchestra band supplied music to the large and intellectual audience.  The students fluttered about with their badges, the committees from among them performing their duties with the official appearance.  The stage was occupied by the Board of Education, the professors of the Free Academy, and a number of gentlemen of literary tastes and friends of the great cause of education.  Among these were Jas. W. Gerard, Andrew H. Mills, Hosea B. Perkins, Thos. Reese and other gentlemen well known for their interest in the great question of instructing the people.

    The following was the programme of the exercises: -

    Music.

    Overture – Jubel………………………………………………………………..Von Weber
    Academy March…………………………………………………………………..Geirneck

    Prayer.

Music - Finale from La Juive……………………………………………………….Halevy
Salutatory Address and Second Honorary Oration – Popular Impulses……...John S. Hunt
Music – Selection, Il Barbiere di Sivilglia………………………………………….Rossini
Third Honorary (Philosophical) Oration – Sympathy……………………...Peter L. Easton
Fifth Honorary Oration – The Elizabethan Age………………………Francis A. Sampson
Music - Romanza, Die Rose (Cornet)……………………………………………..L. Spohr
Fourth Dissertation – Popular Education……………………………….John P. Crosby, Jr.
Seventh Honorary Oration – The Don Quixotes
of the Nineteenth Century…………………………………………… Leonard Friedlander
Music - Humoristen Polka…………………………………………………………….Bilse
Eighth Honorary Oration – Reform……………………………………William H. Heisser
Fourth Honorary (Ethical) Oration – American Patriotism……………...Benjamin Griffen
Music - Fest March and Chorus from Der Tannhauser…………………………….Wagner
First Dissertation – Modern Alchemy…………………………………….William H. Lane
Second Dissertation – Mysteries……………………………………..Charles H. Smith, Jr.
Music - Rataplan, from Forza del Destino……………………………………………Verdi
Sixth Honorary Oration – Acta Diurna…………………………..Wm. Henry Van Arsdale
Students and Revolutions………………………………………………..Wm. H.J. Sieberg
Music – Amazonian March………………………………………………………Michaelis
Master’s Oration – Soldier and Suffrage………..Lieutenant O.E. Michaelis, A.B., U.S.A.
Music – Union Medley…………………………………………...North, South, East, West
First Honorary Oration and Valedictory Address – Ghosts of Memory……John A. Knapp
Music – Last Greeting (College Songs)…………………………………………...Schubert

     After the above programme was gone through with, medals, testimonials and prizes were distributed among a number of the expectant students.  Music from the band followed, and then the degree of Bachelor of Arts was conferred upon the following candidates…”

     Includes a list of award winners and the list of candidates receiving their degrees.  “The Thirteenth Annual Commencement of the Free Academy took place last evening at the Academy of Music, in the presence of a large and fashionable assemblage; Dr. Webster, President of the Academy, presiding.  The exercises were opened with prayer by the Rev. Mr. Adams.  Among the gentlemen present on the platform were Gen. Anderson, Dr. Delafield, and the members of the Board of Education.

     The Salutatory Address and second honorary oration, entitled ‘Popular Impulses,’ was delivered by John S. Hunt.  It was a sketch of the history of the progress of the human race, touching slightly on the first principles of all government, and alluding to the triumph of democratic ideas in the suppression of the late Rebellion.  During the delivery of the address the speaker was frequently applauded.  Then followed a fine selection from Rossini’s ‘Il Barbiere di Siviglia,’ executed by Dodworth’s band, which was engaged for the evening.

     During the evening orations and dissertations on the following subjects were delivered:

    ‘On Sympathy,’ Peter L. Easton; ‘The Elizabethan Age,’ F.A. Sampson; ‘Popular Education,’ J.P. Crosby, jr.; ‘The Don Quixotes of the Nineteenth Century,’ L. Friedlander; ‘Reform,’ W.H. Heisser; ‘American Patriotism,’ B. Griffen; ‘Modern Alchemy,’ W.H. Lane; ‘Mysteries,’ C.H. Smith, jr.; ‘Acta Diurna,’ W.H. Van Arsdale; ‘Students and Revolutions,’ W.J. Sieberg; ‘Soldier and Suffrage,’ Lieut. O.E. Michaelis; Valedictory, J.A. Knapp.  Nearly all of the above addresses were well delivered, the audience showing their appreciation of the efforts of the young orators by sending each one from the stage laden with bouquets.  In the interludes the band gave selections from some of the most celebrated composers.”