Page:Convocation Addresses of the Universities of Bombay and Madras.djvu/36

 from riches, from lineage, or from social rank, from learning or from talent, without one or other of which it is rarely seen in other societies. He had observed, too, that it is the large proportion of gentlemen in English society, and among those who bear rule among the people, which renders possible that combination of individual liberty with subordination to law which is the most marked characteristic of English society. It is this which enables typical representatives of almost every influential class to mingle freely in that great assembly which is an epitome of the English nation. Without visible restraint on any one beyond what the common good demands, it allows tho proudest and most fastidious to consult for the common good, and on equal terms, with those who in other forms of society it would be almost impossible for them to meet on common ground. As one who has not had the benefit of a University education, I may go a step further and tell you that I believe we owe to our Universities, and to the professions, and great public schools which take their tone from the Universities, tho general maintenance of our standard of what is required of a gentleman, and I trust we may in time look to our Indian Universities for a similar service in establishing a common standard of manners and minor morals which shall be recognized not only by men of diverse professions, ranks and interests, but by those whom diversity of faith and race would otherwise keep asunder. I cannot give you a better proof of the high estimate I have ever had of the capabilities of those natives of India who are trained at this University, than by speaking to you as capable of bearing the stamp of "gentleman and scholar;" and I earnestly and confidently hope that, as a rule, it will be borne and deserved by all who claim degrees from the University of Bombay.

Mr. Vice-Chancellor and Gentlemen of the Senate,—Before offering any remark on the proceedings of the past year I would wish to say a few words on the constitution of our own governing body—the Senate. You are aware that up to the present time there has been no limit to the number of Fellows save the minimum limit of 26 fixed by the Act of Incorporation. This is far too small a body if the Fellows are expected to take an active part in the work