Page:Convocation Addresses of the Universities of Bombay and Madras.djvu/59

 as numerous and as important as that which graced the ceremony the other day, in which, from its novelty, so many were likely to take part, and in which, from the presence of the nobleman who is about to undertake the government of this great country, there was no doubt considerable interest and curiosity. But the presence, Sir, of so many upon this, as I have said, more ordinary occasion, shows that not only those who are connected with Government and with the administration of affairs in this country—not only those who retain a cherished recollection of academic life, here, far away from the seats where they passed that life—not only those who take an interest in University affairs, because friends of their own, near relatives perhaps, have been connected with the University, and have won in youth the prizes which, after long years of active life and toil, believe me, are most highly cherished to-day—that not only all those take an interest in the proceedings of this University; but I also see around me many of our native fellow-countrymen who themselves probably,—nay, certainly—had not the advantages of an University education, and their presence shows that the interest in the proceedings and prosperity of this University has taken deep root. And I trust that that interest will day by day increase. There are several points, Mr, Vice-Chancellor, in the report that has just been read, which, I think, are highly gratifying and deserving of notice. In the first place I must congratulate the University upon that which is a proof of its steady growth and prosperity. This year we have upwards of 600 candidates for Matriculation; last year we had only a few—above 400—that is to say, that there is this great increase in the desire of the Native youth of all castes and creeds to attain University distinction, that in twelve short months the number of candidates for her honours has increased by 50 per cent. There is another point, Sir, which I think is also of interest. When I addressed this Senate last year I congratulated them that there were candidates for Matriculation appearing before them for examination, coming from every part of the presidency—that from north and south, from east and west, the youth knocked for admission at the doors of the University. But this year we have seen a still greater proof of the growing influence of the University, because I observe amongst those who have applied for Matriculation in this University two from Indore, from the territory of His Highness the Holkar, and also that there are two who became members of this University from Central India. This shows that the influence of this University will not be confined to this presidency, but will spread far and wide, and shed its light over the provinces that are contiguous to our own