irst ball given
in the present Government House, nearly half a century in the past!

Truly this was the chivalric age in the history of the capital of New
Brunswick--the age when proud knighthood was the ruling passion in the
breasts of the sterner sex, when true heroic bravery was the quality
which won the maiden fair, when the breath of slander could not be
tolerated without calling forth a brave champion on behalf of the
wronged. This is the age that has passed away never to return. Progress
and Reform are the two great powers combined to crush out all traces of
those by-gone days. In united action they ruthlessly wipe out every
vestige or lingering relics of past greatness. Nothing must stand in
opposition to their will. Reform suggests, Progress acts--Reform
suggests the removal of all old landmarks--Progress assists in the
accomplishment. By such means, and through successive stages, did those
days pass away, now to be reviewed, as a beautiful dream of the past.

Leaving this point we will proceed with the facts of the story.

The day following marked an event of much greater importance than that
of the preceding evening--it was important to all--all classes were
afterwards to be benefited by the great boon thus conferred on the
people of New Brunswick. Every parish and county had reason afterwards
to rejoice in the great work of this auspicious moment.

On New year's day of this year was opened the College at Fredericton.
The Charter had been procured by Sir Howard after having withstood a
storm of violent opposition, under which an ordinary spirit would have
sunk in hopeless despondency; but the iron will and calm judgment of the
wise statesman and ruler had outlived the fury of the opposing element,
who now reaped the reward of his indefatigable labors by the
accomplishment of the great work.

The king showed his sanction by conferring upon this Institution the
name of "King's College, New Brunswick," while to Sir Howard he assigned
the honor of being its first chancellor, in acknowledgment of the great
service thus rendered to the cause.

In this office His Excellency was duly installed on the present
occasion. Divine service was performed as the first ceremony. The
professors and students were in their places. Members of the legislature
and the royal council occupied seats, while the public thronged the
building to the utmost capacity.

Great and heartfelt was the burst of applause that greeted Sir How