The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-02-23


its facilities shall be equal to the wants OF
the community and OF the progressive age
~ which we I'VE Il IS therefore, to me very
gratifying that the peculiar circumstances in which |
placed enable to become OF rs benciactors
Consequently SIR, now hand to you that which has
been gwen to me- that you may apply II 10 the endow-
ment OF the chair OF History and English Literature
IN The University OF Pennsylvania, which IS hence
forward 10 be memorial OF the gratitude to the OF
these TOO too partial trends by whom am here SUR
rounded Would that were more worthy oil It
GOVERNOR HARrRASFT.
Governor Hartranit oDcio President OF the Board
OF Trustees, in accepting the endowment made refer
ence to the great task successfully accomplished by
the managers OF the exhibition, and then, addressing
Mr. Welsh, sand -
SE-lhe Board OF Trustees Of the university have
assigned to me the agreeable duty OF receiving from
your hands this testimonial 10 private worth which your
generosity has turned public benc faction. The
just estimation OF the lety ability with which you
administered your trust has been The pleasing source
IRON Which this testimonial has taken its RISE and
your generosity aud puplic spirit happily gwen IL
n form m which the memory OF the Centennial may
be most useiuiiy perpetuated. The State aud
nation are very largely indebted 10 you
Tor Increased reputation abroad and ulster
appreciation at home In the contribution
OF your fellow citizens which has just been placed
your hands, you have substantial though partial
proof OF their estimation OF your services Aud in the
gilt which accept on behalf OF the university we have
additional proof OF your unsc sh PATRIOTISM wnile
we do not forget the cordial manner In which the
original donors have appreciated your labors and
seconded your WISHES
As this testimonial is an outgrowth OF the Centen-
Nal ExhiDtl0n, cannot Out thlnk That the iOrm
opportuneiy chosen, mas been shaped by your expc
ricnce III that school, To the admirable judgment
shown IN the conduct OF that enterprise you
have added the good taste oil a most NJ
ting and appropriate selection. The Exhibition
brought the productions Of the country IN
all departme Of human activity sharply IN contrast
with those OF other nations. ln material civilization
observation taught that Anne could teach
than she might learn Iu theology metaphysics In
philosophy and politics, in Jurisprudence and medicine,
u number oil American writers have raised an authori-
tative voice. But while we can entertain just pride
fnr al nrthn In N Wa
must admit that in the held OF historical criticism and
classical literature America has added little original
distnciively national We have undoubtedly cultivated
the 10 the exclusion OF polite tera
We been mofe socitous Of comfort than OF
luxury, OF practical atainments than ofreuncment The
extraordinary territorial and industrial growth OF The
country and the intense activity OF our individual lie
have let little OF that elegant leisure which can be de-
voted 10 the service OF tho MUSES. and Graces Phos
ophy aud science appeal TO select and jealous lew,
but polite literature, since the advent OF the printing
prcss depends upon the favor OF the many, and Hour
ishes only among a cultivated and aesthetic people.
Approaching these facts. you have given 10 this memo
rial most hitting form at opportune period. 1t
WILL under the OF this institution enter
the forces by which time will mould tho various es-
ments attracted or thrown TO our shores into homo.
gencous people, and the years round 10 completeness
national character.
ON behalf OF the trustees tho University Of Penn
sylvana need scarcely assure you OF the scrupuous
fidelity with which your trust VIII be held and carried
out in It's iull letter and spirit In the name Of the
institution and people OF the State extend you most
hearty thanks Tor your generous gilt In accordance
with the wishes OF the committee, who represent the
donors the iuud, the prOiessOrshp
as desired by you Will be added, Is hereafter to DC
known by name that will be perpetual memorial OF
tho occasion winch gave 1t birth, and Of the citizen
whose distinguished called forth this signal
sign vi approva and by whom II has been dedicated
public USE In the name OF the trustees | formally
accept your eff, and the "Jchn Welsh Centennial
Procssorship Of History and Literature IS this day
founded and endowed In the University OF Pennsyi-
vania Springng out OF noble lifc planted within
the walls Of TINS venerable institution, and nurtured
by devoted TO science and literature, II cannot
fa produce fair fruit and aid toward that culture
ia m nj anAV
out which material civilization falls 10 decay and
leaves its ruins overlooking the chccress habtaons
oil a degraded people.
CLOSING ADDRESS
In short address concluding the ceremonies Pro-
lessor Still6 said -
faction that you and Mr. Welsh have selected tho
object oil your bounty the char OF history and English
literature. We tcach many things here, seeking by
training the minds Of our pupils aud imparng know
edge to them 10 quality them Tor thor special pursuit
liie But we aim higher; are not satisfied that they
should go orh from mere scholars we strive to
form them as men, with characters complete and
rounded and with some sense OF the duties and re-.
spursbiiitics which VIII devove upon them MS c,ti.
AS means 10 this end teach them history
and English literature because tho study OF such u
subject shows what man has been, and.
In mis- study we as not forget the
force OF example We think our work Is greatly aided,
where come INTO the awful presence OF our own
dead heroes, those great men aud noble bcncfactOrs
look down upon US here from painted window and
picture And doubt not, my friends, that those
who come alter us, they gaze upon
youder stored window whcreon IS portrayed tho
career OF one great citizen, our own founder
the iustrlous Franklin they that tablet
which commentaries the "zeaIous and unsciish
labors Tor the pubic good OF that other great citizen
whom we honor to-day will be inspired with lofty
bition to follow In their footsteps, and will learn
from their example that priceless TRUTH that devotion
to duty Is the only enduring basis OF true glory.
The bencdicton was then pronounced by Row DR..
Beadlc. and the exercises were over