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RECEPTION

BY

HON. WILLIAM KEMP.

MAYOR OF TROY.

The guests began to arrive soon after ten o'clock, and notwithstanding a heavy shower which prevailed at the time, soon formed a large assemblage. Still the Mayor's hospitality had anticipated and would gladly have provided for even a larger number.

Doring's band occupied the Library on the second floor, and discoursed some of their sweetest music, quite in keeping with the happy and fraternal feelings evident among all present.

The table was literally loaded with tempting delicacies and sweetmeats. There were numerous exquisite floral designs. A Swiss cottage made of straw was placed at each end of the table, profusely ornamented with choice fragrant flowers. In the centre of the table a miniature fountain sent forth a column of perfume, filling the room with its delightful odor. The following students assisted the sons of the Mayor as ushers: Messrs. W. P. Mason, J. L. Breese, E. A. Burdett, and C. E. Griffith.

It was already midnight before the company dispersed, with many thanks for the entertainment and pleasure of the evening, which will long be remembered in connection with the semi-centennial of 1874.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17.

The Alumni re-assembled in Institute Hall at ten o'clock, Vice-President Boller in the Chair. Mr. Wallace, from the committee to nominate officers for the ensuing three years, reported the following:

President.-William Gurley.

Vice-Presidents.-W. W. Walker, Frederic Grinnell, John D. Van Buren.

Secretary.-H. B. Nason.

Treasurer.-David M. Greene.

Directors.-E. Thompson Gale, Francis Collingwood, Joseph E. Platt, W. H. Doughty, R. B. C. Bement.

The nominations being approved, the above list of officers was unanimously elected.

A dispatch from Prof. James Hall was read, stating that owing to illness, he would not be able to be present and address the meeting as expected.

Hon. William Gurley, President elect, then took the Chair, thanking the association for the honor conferred upon him. Prof. Nason alluded briefly to his re-election, and wished to be allowed to resign, inasmuch as according to the constitution he could not hold the office. On motion of Hon. John H. White, the constitution was suspended, and the election thereby ratified. A. P. Boller, Esq., offered the following resolution which was unanimously adopted:

66 That the thanks of the Alumni Association be tendered to Prof. H. B. Nason, Secretary, for his unwearied endeavors in organizing and carrying forward the programme of this, the semi-centennial anniversary of the Institute's life, and for watching so carefully over the comforts and pleasures of the members of this association and other visitors."

Dr. Ambler proposed a vote of thanks to Hon. A. R. Fox, for his efforts in securing the erection of the Eaton

monument.

Mr. Wallace moved to include in the vote of thanks the other members of the committee, and Prof. Nason, at whose suggestion the Eaton memorial window was placed, and by whom it was also designed. Both motions were unanimously carried.

Dr. J. G. Ambler, class of 1833, presented the following resolutions, which were unanimously adopted:

Whereas, An all wise Providence has seen fit since our last meeting, to remove from this earth two of the graduates of this Institution; and, whereas it is meet and proper that a record of such fact be made on our minutes; therefore

Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to draft, place on record, and send to the family of deceased, suitable resolutions expressive of our feelings on the death of Amos Westcott, M. D., of Syracuse, N. Y., a graduate of class of 1835.

Be it also Resolved, that a committee of three be appointed by the Chair to draft, place on record, and send to the family of deceased resolutions expressive of our feelings on the death of Prof. Anthony, of Albany, a graduate of 1840. The following committees were appointed:

On the death of Prof. Anthony-Prof. H. B. Nason, John H. White, and A. M. Lesley.

On the death of Dr. Westcott-Dr. J. G. Ambler, Dr. S. E. Arms, and Hon. A. R. Fox.

A. M. Lesley, of New York, then spoke briefly of the time he was a pupil of Prof. Anthony, and paid a very handsome tribute to his distinguished qualifications as a teacher.

Prof. Nason read an autobiographical sketch of Prof. Anthony's life, which was prepared for the Institute records two years since.

Hon. Norman Stratton, of the Brooklyn navy yard was introduced, and addressed the alumni in regard to the history and influence of the Institute.

ADDRESS BY HON. NORMAN STRATTON,

CLASS OF 1838.

The lateness of the hour admonishes me that I must very much abridge the remarks I had intended to submit to you on this very interesting occasion, and therefore, without prelude or preface, I will at once enter upon the task assigned me.

Mr. President and Gentlemen :

The usefulness and value of an institution of learning, after having passed through a half century of existence, must be judged by a severer test than mere advertised professions. Its tenure for the future will, in a great measure, depend upon what it has already accomplished. If it has left the mark of its influence upon every decade through which it has passed; if mankind have progressed towards a higher life by means of its teachings-if that which before was occult and useless has been brought to light, vitalized and utilized for the good of the race through its instrumentality, then it has truly demonstrated its right not only to a new lease of life, but to the earnest support of every friend of development and progress. That this institution meets and successfully answers to all such tests, severe as they are, is abundantly proven by the history of its graduates and the direct impress of their acquirements on the achievements of the past and the present.

In all the departments of the world's progress calculated by their practical. utility to develop material prosperity by opening up new avenues to enterprise, and in determining new combinations of agencies to produce results before unknown, this institution has a record of which it may be justly proud. Its graduates are everywhere and always

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