EXPLANATORY. RESIDENT LEIGH HUNT resigned the Presidency of the berlain, M. A., of Columbus, Ohio, was unanimously elected by the Board of Trustees to fill the vacancy. his duties in July, the beginning of the second term, or half, of the College year. At his request the inauguration ceremonies were postponed until the close of the College year, the evening before the commencement exercises of the College, November 9, 1886. On the following pages will be found, in substance, the addresses delivered at the inauguration. A formal reception and banquet were tendered President Chamberlain early in August by the Faculty, on which occasion were given the usual addresses of welcome on behalf of the Faculty, Alumni, and Students of the College. This fact accounts for the omission of such addresses (except the brief one of Dr. Welch) from the inauguration ceremonies. The exercises at the inauguration, therefore, were simply as follows: ORDER OF EXERCISES. Invocation... Music Piano Solo . .PROF. W. H. WYNN .MISS ANNA T. GAFF Address on behalf of the Trustees, By DR. S. P. YEOMANNS, Member of the Board Address Presenting the Seal of the College, By HON. WILLIAM LARRABEE, Governor of Iowa Address Presenting the Keys of the College, By HON. D. W. MOTT, Chairman Board of Trustees The Inaugural Address... By A. S. WELCH, LL. D., first President of the College Benediction.. 103-40 ADDRESS ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES. BY S. P. YEOMANS, M. D., MEMBER OF THE BOARD. Ladies and Gentlemen: It seems to me a very near approach to the absurd to press me to the front, with all this brilliant array before me for an audience, and the accumulated wisdom of the distinguished gentlemen around me upon this platform. I can account for the arrangement only from the fact that this institution is to a certain extent a military school, and that great battles are usually begun by the discharge of small arms upon the skirmish lines, the columbiads and heavy artillery being reserved for more effective work later on. I have not the remotest idea what I am expected to say or whom I am specially to address. The President of our Board of Trustees has been deputed to present to the President-elect the keys of this College edifice, and the Governor of our State has kindly consented to make the formal transfer of the great seal of this corporation. If I had those keys, they might suggest some idea that could be unlocked for your edification, or upon the great seal might perchance be inscribed "In God We Trust," "E Pluribus Unum," "Sic Semper Tyrannis," or other mottoes which I could secure as a text; but not having either, I am strongly inclined to utilize one of the distinguished gentlemen who honor us with their presence to-day by making him serve as a text. I have long since learned not to despise the day of small things; history teaches us that a word spoken, a resolution made, or an act performed, though apparently of little moment, oftentimes generates impulses that roll on with the passing years and ages, ever accumulating strength and power until they overturn dynasties and determine for weal or woe the fate of individuals, states, nations, and even continents. If we go up the mountain side and observe the little rivulet ever singing its merry song in its journey towards the valley far below, it seems a small thing. A tiny child may turn it from its course; but follow it, and you will find that it joins |