The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-06-14
JOS. W. BAILEY SPEAKS.
He Makes an Address TO the Literary
Societies OF the University,

He Makes an Address TO the Literary
Societies of the University,
Monday. June 18th. was set aside for
the celebration OF the literary societies.
AT noon the large hail at the south end
OF the lawn was pretty well hlled WIN
persons eager to hear Mr.. Joseph Weldon
Bailey. Of Texas. address the societies.
on the stage were the rector and Yisl-
tors of the University, the chairman ana
several members of the faculty. the
presidents Of the two literary societies
and the speaker Of the day, MT. Balley'
Mr. G. ". Miller. OF Kentucky, presi-
dent of the Jefferson Society, introduced
the speaker in a very few words. Mr..
Bailey rose amid great and prolonged
applause. and said, in substance, the
following:
That he had never before apologized
10 an audience for lack OF preparation;
for he had always regarded that as I'M
necessary or foolish. That II one ac-
cents an invitation 10 address an audi
ence he is expected 20 prepare and ought
10 be intelligent enough and fair enough
to make allowance for the circumstances.
But circumstances are such at present
that he feels justified in violating his
custom. He owed II TO the societies TO say
that when he accepted their invitation
ne intended 20 prepare: that he thought
at the time that Congress would ADJOURN
before It would become necessary lot
him TO prepare but circumstances arose
unnecessary 10 mention, which made IL
impossible for Congress TO adjourn even
TO this day; that when he saw TINS ne
set aside the last week in which TO pre-
pare and that even this had to be spent
i'm troublesome examination ana prepare
tion of the revenue measure; so that ne
-.na
generosity Of his hearers TO fill the holes.
TRIBUTE TO JEFFERSON.
would remind YOU. he said. OF THIS
countrv's debt TO jefferson, who counted
4, ono ~ the achievements Of his life 10
found The University Of Virginia: that
Jefferson founded the University or VIZ
ginia. not only for learning for learning
sake: that he had a higher purpose-ne
wanted 10 establish an institution az
which the youth OF MS country nisn'
icarn not only to appreciate free instltu-
lions. but also 10 detend ana peiPe'"0''
them at all times.
or JeGerson's sincerity there can DO
longer be any doubt. Some deny MS
doctrines and principles but Few question
his patriotism. his love OF country. lhose
mar do question IL belong 10 that rare
class that practices what Hamlet calls
"the trick OF singulariiy.' those VINO
want 10 be considered uncommonly wise
bv contradicting universally accepted
opinions -, 49,.
But Jefferson did more than found the
University OF Virginia. lie was the
author ~ the statute OF religious liberty
O., VIRGINIA II was unfortunate that
TeNerson's connection with this religious
iegislatlon precipltated a theological con-
troversv which lead 10 the impugning on
Tererson's motives by some men OF nigh
rank and station. IL Is claimed oy some
that Jefferson tried by means OF MS
statute Of religious liberty to destroy the
''' - JEFFERsON sLANDERED.
This is a statement as raise as u y
ungenerous. as false as ever lhhuel %,
a+beist uttered. II repel the statement,
IA tbe sneaker. that enlightenment Is
ontagonistic 10 religion; that the posses
SON Of freedom OF conscience can destroy
the cburch" I believe as fully I'm the
Christian religion, I'm its sublime TRUTH
os orv man who lives but / do not
believe I'm religion that seeks darkness
and avoids the light. The Bible does not
teach persecution. IT,. ...,,,o.
the memory Of Jefferson be applied ire
world over, the pulpit VIII De robDed OF
some oe its finest preachers, the church
OF some OF us uhese .,D',, =.
sor's words and deeds left the world bet
Tor Gov them. and no man OF whom this
can be said deserves the execraIion OF
But above the founding OF the Uni
versity Of Virginia ana tne d ,s,.,. y,
Of the statute for religious hberty Is
Jefrerson's authorship OF the Declaration
Of Independence 1t shall live even II
those who follow us shall sacrifice the
independence it proclaims II stated ,ne
case not only OF America against Great
prItain, but OF all the oppressed against
tyranny and oppression throughout the
world That he had heard men say
that when Jereson wrote the declaration
ac.er Others say that he wrote II un-
der great inspiration Neither view
e true. II is the product OF the great
est mind that ever applied ITSELF TO the
study OF government principles.
IlrrIr.oED FOR THE FUTURE.
1a9arsan knew that what he was do-