Page:A Catalogue of Graduates who have Proceeded to Degrees in the University of Dublin, vol. 1.djvu/46

xl INTRODUCTION. There is extant a paper,^ not dated, containing an account of the Commencements held for the purpose of receiving the Mar- quis, afterwards Duke of Ormonde, reappointed Lord Lieute- nant of Ireland, and of restoring him to his former office of Chancellor of the University. He was created Duke of Ormonde in the Peerage of Ireland, 30th March, 1661, and Lord Lieu- tenant, November 4, of the same year.^ He arrived in Dublin 27th July, 1662, and it was probably before the end of that year that the University received him in state, as described in the following document. It is remarkable as retaining the same ceremonial in conferring Degrees, which was enacted by Temple's and Senior Fellows." In other words, the choice of Candidates made by the Board is so very rarely reversed, that the power of reversing it might as well be abolished, and an absolute power left with the Provost and Se- nior Fellows. It seems to have been forgotten that the thing here objected to, a rare exercise of the extreme power granted to the Senate, is the best proof that the machinery of the University works well, and needs no such extreme measure as the Com- missioners recommend, for they add : "As the Senate itself would then have no real duties, it is our opinion that it might advantageously be abo- lished." But has the Senate no real duties, except the duty of negativing Degrees ? Is it not their duty to re- ward the promising and deserving student ? Is it not their duty to cen- sure the irregular and immoral by suspension or deprivation of his De- gree ? Is it not their duty to hear well written poems or essays read be- fore them ? Is it not their duty, if occasion arise, to address the Vice- roy, from respect to his person or his office, and thereby to give the weight of the University to the support of loyalty and public order P Is it not their duty, in case Her Majesty should visit this part of her Kingdom, to at- tend upon Her with every possible mark of respect? Is it not their duty, on any remarkable public event, to offer Prizes to the students for the best scholastic exercise on the sub- ject proposed ? It should be said, that when the College remonstrated against the abolition of the Senate and of all University rules or ancient customs, the Commissioners, with the courtesy which characterized their whole deal- ings with the College, made no oppo- sition, and permitted the original power of making rules for the Uni- versity to be confirmed by Royal Statute (20 & 21 Vict.). a It is preserved in the MS. room of the Library, F. i. 21. ^ See University Calendar, Zist of Chancellors, and notes.