Page:Convocation Addresses of the Universities of Bombay and Madras.djvu/61

 that lie is exerting all the influence lie possesses to encourage the Government at home to lend that fostering aid to the educational cause in this country which, during his residence here, he never failed to impress upon every one around him. I do not know, Mr. Vice-Chancellor, that there is much more in the report for me to notice; but 1 would desire to say that I, for my part, am equally desirous to give encouragement to the youth of this University, and I propose, Sir, with your permission, in future years to give a gold medal, for which an examination shall be held under such rules and regulations as you and the Senate may deem fit, only hoping that, as at the Universities at home the Chancellor's Medal is considered about the highest honour the graduates of the University can obtain, so in this University like-wise, not only during my time, but during the time of those who succeed me, the obtaining of the Chancellor's Medal may be an object of ambition to every junior member of this University.

And now let me say one word to the younger members of this University. I have tried to impress upon you the importance of One particular branch of study in this University; but i beg even those who are not intending to pursue this particular study—I beg you to consider what are the duties that being members of the University imposes upon you. I would have you to regard the University not merely as an institution where you can obtain knowledge and distinction. Believe me. University life has a higher influence and higher ends. Knowledge is not only power, but knowledge produces refinement of mind and feeling. It is impossible to become acquainted with all that is great and noble amongst the great men whose works you will study, who being dead yet speak—it is impossible for you to become acquainted with what is great and refining in literature, without also being raised in tone of character, and coming to feel what is great, what is noble in heart. And I would have you to cherish the honour and the reputation of your University. Those who are around me who are acquainted with what the effects of academic life are at home, those who have had the advantage of acadmic education, know that wherever they may meet, in whatever clime they may be brought together, the members of a University at once sympathize with each other. They have a pride in the distinction earned by those with whom they have been at the University, and long after they have left the University there remains a noble rivalry in the after-pursuits of life, which is the very best and highest stimulus to exertion. And I would have