The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1898-07-21
a.....e :. Jemerscn 70 an Lulure

..-. 4.-.lo =. Jenerscn TO all LuIure
r'!.e!t,iCns, he also deserves to be
.:cown through the wise counsels and
.as high minded action of that neeting
In Charlottesville as the father also of
tie University OF Virginia.
Every hour which this departed
spiri; OF the mighty dead" could spare
from his farn, or his family, from his
c.CncSs overwhelming cefrssneunsnee.
or from the boundless demands of that
historic and hospitable era, was freely
given to rearing this noble institution
of learning amid the mountains of Vir-
ginla. He had cherished this hope
amid the throes of the Revolution.
lie persevered in 1t during the first
years Of the country's independ-
ence. because as he said himself
the founder of the University, the two
presidents, Madison and Monroe, who
succeeded Jefferson also lent him all
necessary wisdom and assistance. And
on the first report Of the University
there was danger that through the
umbilical ducts which still connect US
with Europe there might be pumped
into the veins of the nation the poison
which would induce the stiffness of
national decay" He desired the great
educational institutions, the press, the
universities and the books the people
read, to be of American origin, and
permeated with the spirit which made
America independent, prosperous and
free. This was the part of wisdom be-
cause nation that received its juris-
prudence, its literature, language and
religion from another might, except
constant safeguards and national anti
tidotes were provided, easily take on
also the tinge Of its national thought.
Utterly unselfish in his great scheme to
found University, the sage of Monti-
cello had in his thoughts the national
security alone. He did not name the
University after himself. He never
thought of his own interests or his
fame; but with a singleness Of pur-
pose blended a rare harmony with
marvellous sagacious intention, he
merely desired to preface and fortify
portant functions to which they were
summoned by their newly-born inde-
pendence. Though Jefferson was thus
printed in 1918 the names of all three
are mentioned as having met at Month
cello the previous year to discuss the
details Of the University which now
celebrates its renovation and extern
sion.
| The trustees, true to Jefferson's di-
rections, have raised a monument in
the entrance hall, so that the first oh
ject which strikes the eye of the Wis
itor, is a life-like and finely chiseled
representation Of the Sage of Month
cello, attired in the toga of the Rsman
Senator, and with his pleasing and in
tellectual countenance so seemingly
lighted up as to extend living greet
ing to all who enter the portals of this
University. The statue almost i'm
presses the visitor that the living JEFF
ferson is duly receiving" him and no
visitor who has ever heard of the ro-
mantle circumstances of its foundation
or has turned homewards after that
reception" whose heart did not beat
faster and his Americanism receive
newer and loftier inspiration, as he
turned and beheld again that historic
University; or whose lips did not utter
a prayer of thankfulness to Heaven
that God in the bright morning of our
country's freedom had given life and
form to the soul and spirit of Thomas
Jefferson.