New-York tribune., 1890-01-12
FOUNDERS DAY At CORNELL.
AN ADDRESS BY DIR. ANDREW D. WHITE.
HIS REcoLLECTIoNs OF EZRA CoRNELL-THE
STRUGGLE ATTENDING THE BEGIN
MING OF THE UNIVERSITY.

STRUGGLE ATTENDING THE BEGIN
MING OF THE UNIVERSITY.
Ithaca, n. Y, Jan. 1.-THE founders day celebra-
ton at Cornell University day sadly interfered
with by the weather but large delegation from the
faculty and each Of the four classes in the university
following an old-time custom, marched In procession
past the tomb of Ezra Cornell and deposited wreahs
at the of the stone couch whereon lies the marble
figure Of Cornelrs founder. The procession then
marched to Gymnasium Hall, where DR.. Andrew ID.
White ex-presldent Of the university gave an
address, Personal RecollectlOns Of Ezra Cornell y
Dr. White said to-day that his first acquaintance
with Mr. Cornell when they took their seats for
the first time in the State Senate. at Albany In the
year 1864. At first there was little acquaintance
between Mr.. Cornell the Oldest and Mr.. WHITE the
youngest, member Of the Senate. Their acquaintance
began when Mr.. White, as chairman OF the committee
on Education was called to pass upon the charter
Of a public library which Mr. Cornell founded in
Ithaca. The great lberality, breadth and foresight
shown in the provisions of this charter convinced him
that Mr.. Cornell no ordinary man, and SO Degah
their acquaintance.
Next came the struggle between them regarding
the Congressional land grant for scientific and tech
nca education Here for year they were at cross
purposes, Mr.. Cornell wishing the fund divided be
tween two three colleges, Mr.. White wishing IL
kept together. Mr. Cornell at last accepted Mr..
Whites view, and finally 900, which was after
ward increased to nearly Million was appropriated
as an addition to the fund, and so began Cornell
University.
Mr.. COrncls agency in the organization period
OF the university and his constant llberauty under
the most dlsc0uragng circumstances were dwclt upon
Throughout all this account statements were hladc
showing the earnest purpose and quaint humOf WHICH
we're 50 curOusly blended in Mr. Cornell, aud typical
examples were gwen If earlier events IN Mr. COrnes
life which he from time to time gave To the speaker
Mr. COrneils Intellectual, moral ana relEOus cpdr-
actcStcs also discussed. His forltude love OF
faith and integrity shown by striking examples
The most remarkable intellectual trait OF Mr.. Cornell
the speaker declared to be his foresight, which ne ad
never seen cqualled in any with whom he had TO
do II was this foresight which led
Mr Cornell to throw the land scrip received
from the state upon the market, and thus reaze Only
petty endowment, but to locate lands with " fOr the
benefit Of the university, thing when never seem ,
to have occurred to any other person Ill Inc Ohled
As to his moral characteristics, the speaker asserted
that the most striking Mr.. Corneus desire 10
beucGt hi. fellow men. This Is what lea nm u
give his life risk his entire fortune In bulldng
I'm the university endowment by land locations
Mr. White ended with the following words: His
religion seemed 20 take shape In a deeply reverent
feeling toward his Creator and In constant desire
10 improve the condition Of his fellow creatures. lie
was never surprised troubled by anything which
anv other human being believed did not believe: Of
Intolerance De was utterly incapable lie sought no
reputation as philanlhWpist, he cared little for ap
proyal and nothing for applause: but can say Ot MN
without reserve that during all the years l knew
him 'hc went about doing good
II nav save you much trouble IN finding something
you greatly want 10 look The Trbune's eighth and