ard as
he took his place: greater still, when he announced the intention of the
king in conferring his name upon the College. The expressive features,
high, broad intellectual forehead, earnest eye, benign countenance and
honest smile perhaps were never more significant of the earnestness that
pervaded every thought and action of the gentleman, scholar, and
soldier, as when he uttered sentiments which shall be cherished through
after ages, so long as King's College shall remain a monument to the
memory of the best and greatest man that ever trod the soil of New
Brunswick.
Let us make use of his own words: "I shall leave with the College," he
said, "I trust, for ever a token of my regard and best wishes. It shall
be prepared in a form and devoted to an object which I hope may prove a
useful incitement to virtue and learning; and at periodical
commemorations of the commencement it may serve to remind you of the
share which I have had in the institutions and proceedings of a day
which I shall never forget."
Nor did this friend of education ever forget his promise. The Douglas
Gold Medal is still competed for though many years have rolled between
the time when the first and last were presented. The distinguished donor
has passed away, but his pledge remains. Memory fondly clings around the
deeds of Sir Howard and throws over them a halo of light that will shine
with increasing splendor as time lengthens the distance between.
The boundary question still assumed a troubled and unsettled state. Many
complaints were laid before his Excellency, but he calmly resolved to
grant no concessions. He treated every messenger with polite firmness.
Congratulations poured in from the Governor General from Canada and the
British Minister at Washington, regarding the cleverness and ability
displayed on the occasion. At last it became evident that no direct
conciliation could be effected between the disputants. Another course
must be adopted. An arrangement was agreed upon between the English and
Americans that the matter be left to arbitration, to the decision of the
king of the Netherlands. In such knowledge the people felt and saw a
common dread, a common anxiety, a gloomy foreboding. Such knowledge
brought the painful idea of separation. Sir Howard was appointed to
prepare the case for presentation. His presence was imperative in
England. A heavy blow fell like a death knell on the future hopes of the
colonists. Their true friend,
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