The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-10-23
National Integrity Should
Be Taught in Colleges.
The Presidents Speech at
Princeton Yesterday.
Alarm Should Be Sounded Against
Secti0nalism Hatred.

VIII be part OF the history OF the United
States. Primarily. tha event was the
celebration OF the university sesqui-cen-
tennial Historically. IL was a congress
or ,nations-formed by the best brains OF
those nations Learned servants from
the shores OF France; renowned schol-
ars from metaphysical old Germany:
living personiiications Of the centuries OF
lore embraced within the walls OF an
cient oxford. touched elbow TO elbow.
and drank great toasts together. Pre-
eminent among all stood the chief ex-
ecutive Of this nation, President Cleve-
land. Necessarily. the president was the
main speaker of the day. He spoke In
Alexander Hall TO a multitude compris-
ing representatives OF nearly every great
institution OF learning in the world. ana
men Of mark In other w,vss Of life. His
theme was the duties ant Responsibilities
that college men, and educated men gen.
orally, owe to the cause Of good govern
ment. His address. in part, follows:
Mr.. Cleveland. after a pleasing intro
duction complimentary To the sons OF
Princeton continued: "As yield to the
Influences of this occasion, cannot re-
sist the train Of thought which especially
reminds me OF the promise of national
safety and the guaranty OF the perma-
nency OF our free institutions which may
and ought TO radiate from the colleges
scattered throughout our land
obviously government resting upon
the will and universal suffrage OF the
people has no anchorage except in the
peoples intelligence.
I'm a nation like ours, charged with the
care of numerous and widely varied in
terests, a spirit OF conservatism and tole-
ration is absolutely essential A collie
giate training. the study OF principles
unvexed by distracting and misleading
influences, and correct apprehension
of the theories upon which our republic
IS established. ought to constitute the
college graduate a constant monitor.
warning against popular rashness and
excess.
THE character OF our institutions and
our national self interest require that
feeling of sincere brotherhood and dis
position TO unite in mutual endeavor
should pervade our people. Our scheme
of government In It's beginning was based
upon this sentiment, and its interruption
has never failed and can never fail to
grievously menace our national health.
"A constant stream Of thoughtful. edu-
Gated men should come from our univer
stiles and cole ges, preaching national
honor and integrity, and teaching that
belief in the necessity OF national obe-
lience TO the laws of God IL not born OF
superstition.
II do not forget the practical necessity
OF political parties nor do deny their de-
STABILITY. 1 recognize wholesome differ
ences of opinion touching legitimate
governmental policies, and would by no
means control or limit the utmost free
dom I'm their discussion.
when ha axcitapaapf NJ MARTY uar-
fare presses dangerously near our ma
tional safeguards, would have the intel
hgsnt conservatism of our universities
and colleges warn the contestants in i'm
pressive tones against the perils of a
breach impossible to repair
When popular discomfort and passion
are stimulated by the arts of designing
partisans to a pitch perilously near to
class hatred or sectional anger. would
have our universities and colleges sound
the alarm in the name OF American
brotherhood and fraternal independence.
When the attempt is made to delude
the people into the belief that their suf-
fcages can change the operation Of
natural laws, would have our univer-
sites and colleges proclaim that those
laws are inexorable and far removed
from political control.
vate benefit through governmental aid.
and public places are claimed as re-
wards Of party service, would have our
universities and colleges persuade the
people to @ relinquishment Of the de-
mand for party spoils and exhort them
to disinterested and patriotic love of
their government for Its own sake, and
because In Its true adjustment and Nn- 4
perverted operation IL secures to every
citizen histjust share of the safety and
prosperity II holds In store for ALL
when a design is apparent to lure the
people from their honest thoughts and
TO blind their eyes to the sad plight OF
national dishonor and bad faith. would
have Princeton university. panoplicd
in her patriotic traditions and glorious
memories. ana Joined by all the other
universities and colleges OF our land.
cry out against the infiction of this
treacherous and fatal wound.
II would have the influence OF these in
stitutions on the side of religion and
morality l would have those they send
out among the people not ashamed 10
acknowledge God. and TO proclaim his
interposition In the affairs of men, en-
Joining such obedience TO his laws as
makes manifest the path Of national
perpetuity and prosperity.
Il hasten to concede the good already
accomplished by our educated men In
purifying and steadying political sentl-
ment; but I hope may be allowed TO
intimate my belief that their work in
these directions would be easier and
more useful IL IL were less spasmodic
and occasional.
IL am certain, therefore. that n more
constant and active participation in
political affairs on the part OF our men
OF education would be OF the greatest
possible value to our country.
Il would have those sent out by our
universities and colleges not only the
councillors OF their fellow countrymen,
but the tribunes OF the people--fully ap-
preciating every condition that presses
upon thir daily llfe sympathetic In ev-