New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-06-09
WEBB,S ACADEMY EXERC LSES
ANDREW II. GREEN EULOGIZES THE
FAMOUS FOUNDER

There large attendance at the commence
ment exercises of Webb's Academy and Home
for Shpbuilders, One hundred
and Sedgwick-ave., yesterday afternoon The
ercises were opened with prayer by the Rev. DR..
Joseph NJ Hodson- The president of the academy,
Stephenson Taylor, made the opening remarks.
He was followed by the venerable Andrew H.
Green, who made a memorial address upon the
philanthropic career of the founder of the insti-
tuition. William H. Webb. The Rev. Dr. w. S.
Grove made few remarks and then gave the
graduates their diplomas. The graduating class
numbered twelve, and nine have already secured
positions in shipbuding yards or under the Gov
eminent Following the presentation of diplomas,
Thomas Fitch Rowland made the presentation of
prizes for the best work done by the students. The
prize winners John F. Friebele and Clarence
L. Morrison, class of 90; George Crouch, class of
OF, and Alfred w. Mnuse. class of '02. This was
the first commencement since the death of the
famous founder. Mr.. Green in speaking of him
said in part:
Born in the year in which Robert Fulton died;
Mr. Webb,s career vas immeasuraby more fruitful
success in applying the borrowed idea of steam
BToRRgh to 10 his work highly
mind capable Of inyenting new and radical ideas
nn is freely GoReeded that hat IN his @
Of Wooden eshpbufdng to the flower of perfection
In the construction of steamships, as of sailing
see him buildng the first steamship to run be,
steamer for the New-oreans trade, the first steam
that entered the Golden Gate of the Pacific, the
mails from NeWY to china and the first IRON
clads ever built in this country, of which
the first ironciad to cross the ocean In some
respects he was ahead of the enlightened senti-
ment of his own country. When, fifty years ago,
model steam vessel of war for the United States
Navy our Government repealed him with such i'm
possible conditions that he was forced to to
deserved. There, in RuSSia-Semi barbarouS Russia,
apt to think of her-he obtained the
frigate the General Admiral, which was the fast
est vessel of war built up to that time. When.
success of the General Admiral and possibly by the
martial events of Civil War; he ready for
Government of Italy that he received his orders
for the first ironclad ever built in America. His
most formidable war vessel aioat built originally
for our own Government, was permitted to be sold
TO france because the Civil War being ended it
was supposed that the United States would have
no future use for her.
Toward his fellow craftsmen who in their hum
and perfect naval architecture. many of whom
see before me, Mr.. Webb always entertained most
kindly and fraternal relations. He delighted to
call them his guests. and surely than this, the
structure that his bounty provided for them,
more magnificent and hoSpitabe mansion
opened its doors Of welcome Mr.. Webb's private
character was also estimabie. His intellectual at
tanments were the fruits Of the hardest and most
sef-denying application. His rewards not gath
natural ability and honest work were ample; they
We're carried without vanity or ostentation His
tastes elevated, and he gratiied them by sur
rounding himself with the choicest works of art
He little ambitious sit in high places, and
put away the proffered honor of the mayoraty of
this great city. His disposition kindly and his
noble institution erected during his own lifetime.
He a conspicuous exemplar of civic virtue,
perors conferred upon him their jewelled tokens.
but that which adorned him most was the ornament
spected by his contemporaries and which will be
held in grateful memory