The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1874-02-24

Old age is not allowed in all cases to pass
unhonored among this t~houghtless and bus
Ting people. With wider culture comes
better breeding. and with good breeding the
that generous minds feel for non
orable old age. The poet Bryant, in the
of journalism, with almost four score
years upon his head, is an atteststion
of the reverence that is felt for
the sublime honor of years. A re-
cent public demonstration to one as old
as Bryant and a co-laborer in the vine
yard of humanity, brings subject, to the
front for a word or two of comment. Peter
Cooper whose eighty third birthday was re-
Gently celebrated by an imposing social
event, is a marked man among the thous-
ands of marked men of this age. All New
Yerkturned QUITO do the old man honor
though age is not the only claim he has upon
the city and the state. His modest benefc-
enoe has made plain the pathway for gener
atoms fo1boys thirsting for. education and too
poor to obtain it. He touched the rock Of
ignorance, by this magnificent institute and
forth from it, has welled a stream of learn
ing and usefulness, which has colored
the tide Of education in the city of
New York and throughout the state.
But his work by no means stop
there. Taught by his example other rich
humane men have based benefeent be-
quests upon the Cooper institute mode
and it may be said that Peter Cooper has
literally upheld the course of higher educa-
ton in this country. At his reception, the
other day, by the Arcadian Club of New
York, the representative worth Of the u
thy Tn mind and virtues assembled to pay a
genuine tribute of respect and honor. The
reason which the venerable philanthropist
assigned for accepting thisp public demon
stration gives an index to his life work. to use
his own words, because of the assurance that
the recognition which you desired to make
of my life long wish to do my duty to the
city Of my birth and to my fellow-men
might be useful in helping others, and es-
pecially the young, to do their dutyiR a com
munity in which 50 much depends upon the
voluntary actions of its individual mem.
bers." Several points in that brief passage
commend themselves to thoughtful men Of
good intentions. He hoped his example
may help others-not to adopt a pleasant
caprice, not to indulge a charming fancy
but TO lido their duty" But why duty?
The answer is full of e great implied truth.
$50 much depends upon the voluntary ac-
lions of individual members" The Cooper
Institute gives free instruction in those prac-
teal arts which make the hand of the poor
capable of achieving its W indie
pendenee. Besides the studies of an
English education, the arts of photography,
stenography, telegraphy, engraving and de-
signing are taught to both young men and
women. TIL Cooper Union contains an i'm
mense resding-room of periodicals, and a
library where ar average of $500 people
resort every day TO spend their time in a
useful as well as pleasant way. Free lee
lures in the large hall are given to vast
audiences on subjects of popular interest,
and of an Instructive character. This great
public benefsetiOn ia but a part of the sys-
tematic benevolence of its founder. How
can men of fortune contemplate this noble
.iife so full of serenity ard peace at the end
svithout being inspired by it? Here is an
open solution Of the b highest COED, a demon
STATION OF life shade fruitful for its subject.
There are many ia this day whose fortunes
are counted by millions, who nay study
Peter Cooper with advantage to themselves.
Doubtless many will, and the example
of his model LIE vial be Of more value to the
American people at last, than will Ghis mag.
nifiesnt requests Of fortune.