page_0493

The honorary degree of LL.D. was at this time
conferred on Sir W. Young, Chief Justice of
Nova Scotia, M. Louis Frechette of Quebec and Mr.
Alphaus Todd of Ottawa.
An interesting feature of the
day's proceeding was the commencement of the Founders'
Avenue, extending from the Southern gate of the
Campus to the building. Trees were planted on each
side of the drive, each sapling being dedicated to the
memory of one of the original founders of the University,
and being planted by some friend or relation (See Queen's
Coll. Journal Vol. VIII p.159).
The Trustees received a letter
from Dr. Williamson, announcing his desire to
resign the Professorship of Natural Physics, he
having filled a position in Queen's for forty years and
desiring rest. The letter was heard with profound
sorrow by every member of the Board, and while it was
necessary to appoint a committee to suggest a successor
it was unanimously resolved that Dr. Williamson should
continue for a least another session so that sufficient time
might be given to the Commitee to look for a man in all
respects qualified for so important a chair. The feeling
was strong that it was by no means necessary that one so
valued and as Dr. Williamson should
sever his connection with the University and the

1880-81
[?]