68 BANQUET TO THE 



Through all the early efforts to attract the atten- 

 tion of the Legislature and the people to the impor- 

 tance of industrial and art education, and through 

 the severe struggles which so painfully tried the cour- 

 age and the faith even of those who most strongly and 

 ardently believed in the mission of the Institute, as 

 well as through the happier years of fruition, while 

 the efforts put forth in the days of darkness and de- 

 spondency were bearing their harvest of success and 

 fame. Colonel Wilder was through all one of the 

 most constant of the members of the government in 

 his attendance ; one of the most hopeful in his views 

 of the future of the school ; ever a wise counsellor and 

 a steadfast ally. 



I could wish, how heartily I do wish it I can- 

 not say, that the first President of the Institute of 

 Technology, the illustrious Rogers, stood here in this 

 place, on this occasion, to tell how much he and his 

 colleagues were indebted to our venerable friend for 

 his services in the inception and development of the 

 Institute of Technology. But since that stately and 

 gracious presence has passed away, it becomes the 

 duty of his successor in office, though not in merit 

 or in fame, to respond to this sentiment, and in be- 

 half of the Corporation and the Faculty, to tender 

 thanks and good wishes to the Hon. Marshall P. 

 Wilder. 



