COMMENCEMENT, 1885.

The announcement that Vice-President Hendricks and Ex-Minister Lowell were to be present at the exercises on Commencement Day sufficed to draw an immense crowd to Cambridge on the 24th day of June last. First came the meeting of the overseers at 9.15 a.m. The usual number of honorary degrees were conferred, but apart from that nothing of importance was transacted.

EXERCISES IN SANDERS.At ten o'clock the procession headed by the chief marshal of the senior class, Mr. John E. Thayer, entered the theatre. Here it was that the commencement exercises proper were held; here it was that the chosen few delivered orations in English, in Latin, in Greek, the last two intelligible to no one, possibly not even to the orators themselves. These honors fell upon Messrs. Hildreth, Root, Parker, Noble, Dunham and Halbert of the academical department; Mr. Hardon of the Law School; Mr. Day of the Divinity School. After the bestowal of degrees by President Eliot, the exercises closed. Then came the jovial rallies around the punch bowls by the younger of the alumni, and while these festivities were going on, the more sedate of the alumni held their annual business meeting in Harvard Hall.

BUSINESS MEETING.In the absence of the President of the Alumni Association, Rev. Phillip's Brooks, Mr. Joseph H. Choate, vice-president, called the meeting to order. The chief business was the election of officers. James Russell Lowell was chosen President, with a long list of vice-presidents. The Treasurer's report showed a balance of $20,000, which was turned over to the college.

ALUMNI DINNER.At two o'clock came what is usually regarded as the plesantest feature of commencement, the alumni dinner in Memorial Hall, and this year the welcome to be accorded Mr. Lowell added much to the pleasure of the occasion. The procession formed in front of old Massachusetts and, headed by the chief marshal, Henry S. Russell, marched to the hall. Mr. Choate was the President of the dinner and sat in the middle of the raised platform. At his right sat President Eliot and James Russell Lowell, and at his left, Gov. Robinson and Vice-President Hendrick. The Phi Beta Kappa orator of the morrow, Hon. William H. Rawle, occupied a prominent seat, and notables were as numerous as is usual on such occasions. Well it was that the intellectual repast was of such a high order, for the viands, tho' choice, could be little enjoyed on account of the crowded condition of the hall. It was estimated that fully 1500 alumni were present. After struggling through this part of the feast, the lighter and more enjoyable portion came. Mr. Choate made the introductory speech in his usual facetious style, and then called upon President Eliot to tell the assembled throng what he knew about John Harvard. President Eliot was received enthusiastically and told his auditors many interesting facts in regard to the founder of their alma mater. Gov. Robinson and Vice-President Hendricks received a warm welcome and spoke briefly. When our ex-Minister was introduced the enthusiasm was almost boundless, cheer followed cheer, and it was several minutes before he could proceed. He was listened to with the greatest attention. Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes, Judge E. Reckword Hoar, Rev. James Freeman Clark, Prof. Alexander Agassiz, and others made remarks, and with the old alumni song, "Auld Lang Syne," the memorable dinner was concluded.