Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1902-09-28
WOODROW WILSON,,
Pleasant Impression He Made on
Princeton Boys-Te1Is Good Stories.

Pheasant impression Hc NIUE on
Princeton Boys-TelIs Good Stories.
Pittsburg Leader.)
Ever since the unexpected accession Of
Professor Woodrow Wilson to the presi-
dents chair in Princeton University last
spring, the magazines and periodicals
have all been publishing carefully writ
ten sketches and biogra plies of the man.
Here is an impromptu sketch of him from
the point of view of a student in the col
lege 1t is part of letter written to
a friend in this city several months be-
fore Mr.. Wilson's elevation to the presi-
dency, and while there was no whisper
of the immediate resignation of Presi-
dent Patton.
The letter is dated March 10, 1902. The
part relating to Professor Wilson Is as
follows:
Woodrow Wilson preached yesterday
afternoon at chapel, and was fine.
have the greatest admiration for him,
and it pleases me greatly to have found
a man 1 really admire. He is what I
would call strong American, of the best
type mentally, morally. and In every
way He spoke to us at the FOrtnightly
Club. a couple of weeks ago. We met in
George Paull's room in Brown Hall.
about sixteen fellows and Woodrow Will
son. He gave us talk and chose
.Americanism' for his subject. 1t was the
finest thing OF the kind ever listened to-.
Afterwards we all sat around. smoked,
told stories, ETC., and Woodrow took the
leading part. He is a southerner by
birth and was raised in the South also.
Some negro stories and anecdotes he
related to US We're delightful. He is not
at all dry and heavy sort of man as
some might suppose. but very witty;
and his manners are charming.
HE is one of nose rare men you meet
at times with real personal magnetism.
AS a boy said to me after leaving cha
pei yesterday afternoon. He had them
all right there Extending his arm ana
closing his fingers over something tight
and hard) and never let so til he was
through 1t was true. There was no
stretching or lounging in seats while he
was talking.
But as for the Fortnightly-to meet
such a man in that informal way. to
have him sit around talking. laughing,
joking and thoroughly enjoying himself
lust as any one Of US, was one of the
finest experiences have ever had; ana
l count it a great privilege.
In explanation Of the statement tnar
Woodrow Wilson had been preaching"
it should be stated for the benefit Of
those who shake their heads over lay
man occupying the presidents chair, that
while the Sunday morning service in the
Princeton chapel is a regular church SER
vice with the exception that there Is no
collection). the Sunday afternoon ser
vice is shorter and much less formal.
Beginning at 5 o'clock it lasts but half
an hour; and instead of a sermon there is
a short address. While the pulpit is
usually occupied by a man licensed to
preach. it is not always the case; quite
,,-Y,n ~
the prefix ..Rev" takes charge of this
service: and Professor Wilson had done
so once or twice year for a long time.
His talks have been of a direct, COM
nonsense, manly sort that appeal to
young men, and chapel is usually well
attended on the afternoon when he occu-
pies the pulpit.