New-York tribune., 1901-11-23

Maccracken. Chairman Of the New-York Uni
Versity Senate Rmo, pp. XVI, 2s2 g. r. Put-
mans Sons.
When, a year and half ago, the announce
ment made of the Hall of Fame that had
been given to the University Of New-York, the
interest in the manner Of its fulfllment was deep
and widespread The methods adopted to secure
a choice Of the names of Immortal Americans
to occupy it were such to give 1t unusual sig
nificance, and the results were accepted de-
noting the opinion Of the highest intelligence and
knowledge Of the country. The Hall Of Fame is
finished. and the first twenty-nine names chosen
in accordance with the rules adopted in
.cribed upon their ia blets. Now the of
fetal book" published under the universty's
auspices. with a full and authoritative account
Of the foundation its objects and the manner
in which 1t has been carried out All this
involves much interesting discussion on the part
OF Chancellor MacCracken the treatment
of the Immortal" names by the electors, as to
the structure itself and as the prospects of
its future. More than half the book is given up
10 brief biographies of the twenty-nine great
Americans, accompanied by estimates from
rious competent hands of their work and place
in the world. In appendix there is amusing
and suggestive collection of extracts from edi-
torial and magazine articles that printed
while the project under discussion and the
electors were considering their choice Among
the most delightful features of the book are
the numerous illustrations reproduced from pho
tographs Of the structure itself, as a whole and
In detail, of the unversitys grounds and its
surroundings and Of the splendid panorama of
landscape which ii commands.
The selection Of the names had a popular
basis In SO far that lists of names received from
the public considered and the hundred that
had gained the widest popular support
submitted to the electors. The elaborate tables
of the votes cast yield some suggestive facts
under Chancellor MacCracken's analysis. For
instance. the total support given to the twenty
three authors was 663; to the twenty-sx theo-
logians. 344: TO the twenty soldiers. 461
Which suggests that the pen is mightier than
the sword when it writes essays. poetry and
fiction but is not famous when 1t is used
for writing sermons.
So. too. the fact that the sixteen inventors
got $50 votes and the sixteen scientists 2S7 I'll
lustrates the fact that more fame comes to
those who reduce science to practical than
to those who devote themselves to the discovery
of principles" The chronological point of view
is also interesting one: but nomination
was made of man born before 1700 AS to
the religious element. Chancellor MacCracken
remarks:
1t is noteworthy that no leader from any one
of the six greatest denominations OF America
namely the Methodist. Baptist, Roman Catholic
Presbyterian. Lutheran and Episcopal gained
a place. The three theologians and preachers in
scribed belonged to two denominations which
are comparatively small. The tables do not.
however, answer such queries asked by
the editor of q prominent Roman Catholic
monthly, who looks at the subject from a
churchly point OF view, and. finding few church
and churchwomen among the chosen.
demands: lis there any fatal power in repub-
lican aims or thoughts that necessarily reduces
most men and all women to uniform level?"
The same editor wonders why the judges
could discover greatness in a woman like
Charlotte Cushman and failed to perceive 1t. for
example in a woman like Elizabeth A. Seton"
1t is a moro remarkable fact that American
physician has impressed himself deeply the
tribunal; the five received together only ninety
six votes, while the seven musicians. painters
and sculptors received 152. In looking toward
the future, Chancellor MacCracken contents
himself with hoping that what the prophets Of
the press have prophesied in regard to the In
stitution he is describing may come to pass:
That 1t will promote the study Of American his
toryi give q new meaning and dignity TO the