The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-06-16
THE ALUMNI ADDRESS,
Rev. Randolph McKim Speaks BIO
0ucntIy of jefferson.

qucnuy orJcncrson.
The address 20 the Alumni was made
bv Rev. Randolph McKim, of Washing,
ton. who said
While this is a day of rejoicing in our
history. 90 is also a day of responsibility.
AS we scan the field we see only'too plain
ly that the battle which Jefferson ana
Cabell fought so bravely ana with such
splendid pertuacity has 10 be continued
in our generation. Now, as then, the
University has 10 contend against mis-
apprehenslou. against lukewarmness,
against positive opposition in the popular
mind. Now ass then. She needs triends
and advocates. who i'm the spirit OF her
great founder. will stem this opposition,
will combat this ignorance, will remove
this misapprehcnsion.
over and over again with unwearied
patience and pertinacity her friends must
explain TO the people the principles Tor
which she stands, the aims she pursues'
and the great benefits she coniers upon
the State
II was the declared object Of her i'm
mortal founder TO establish an institution
which should Doe worthy OF the FIRST
state I'm the Union That object did not
fau OF accomplishment More and more
as time has advanced have The peculiar
merits of this University and its unique
service Co the cause OF higher education
been recognized and Acknowledged by eN-
pert opinion iu The Republic of Letters.
Tt is now at length confessed by the
best educators that the University OF
VIRGINIA was the first true Univ ersity on
American SOIL Many of its distinguish
inc features found no precedent or paral-
lel in any institution OF learning in the
land. but from this spot Trey have radi-
atcd out 90 am parts of our country even
the most iIusirious seats OF education.
accepting and adopting them ir whole
or In part
true history Of the progress Of tho
higher cducation-of the advance OF the
hest ideals in University life and train-
ing during The last half century would
show that our Alma Mater has been a
fountain of light % many other institute
tions OF learning iustifying us in applying
90 her Millions famous lines.
'fIither rs 90 their fountain. other stars
Repairing iu their golden urns draw
light
BEACONFIRE or SCIENCE
Mr. President. o. 10 nothing 10 The peo-
pie of Virginia and TO their representa-
lives in her legislature. thai upon this
enot under the shadow 6f Monticello.
and under the eve and the care OF the
sage Of Monticello in his venerable old
age there was hndlod a beaconiire of
science and truth and liberty which has
ghono out over the whole land. and to-
wards which the sages and scholars OF
this generation are doing obelsance. like
tbe Persian ireworshipers Of oid2 Shall
not tho heart OF every true Nrginian
beat higher in his bosom when he sees
the honor and the homage done to-day
by the most enlightened students OF the
higher education all over The land 10 this
institution. not because of the number
Of its students. not because OF the
wealth OF IT'S endowments. not because
of tho splendor OF its buildings, or the
completeness OF its equipment. OF the
richness Of It's scientific treasures or the
value and extent Of rs library. mo, ia
al these respects li Is far outstrippcd by
many OF the institutions % learning In
the land; Il is small and plain and poor