New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-11-30

Mr.. Hyde first became interested in French
thought and literature when he was a mere
boy, visiting Paris with his father. On enter
ing Harvard, with the class of '9S, he shaped
his course with the special view OF studying
French. He became a member OF the French
society of the University. and in his senior
year he was made its president
On leaving Harvard. Mr.. Hyde who was then
twenty-three years old. found his interest in
French literature greatly broadened. and he
conceived the idea Of furthering it's study. not
only in every other college, but in every city Of
any size in the country. He accordingly gave
freely to a fund establish a lecture bureau
by which eminent French scholars might travel
from place to place and deliver before French
societies already formed essays and lectures on
subjects relative TO the study of the French
language. New societies were also organized
and thus, in 1898, local society. the Alliance
FRANCHISE of this city, was formed Mr.. Hyde
was made its secretary and later its president
The interest in the movement grew to such an
extent that the number of lectures was In
creased from year to year. until 1t was found
necessary this winter to procure the services OF
two men, NJ. German, of the University of
Paris, who has made a speciality of political
economy, and NJ. Mabilleau Director of the
Musee Social, and professor at the College de
France. For the purpose OF systema tizing the
work OF the lectures. federation Of the various
French societies interested in the project was
formed last March, ana Mr.. Hyde was made the
president of the whole organization. The other
officers Of the Fedora ion elected then DR..
William r. Harper president of the University
of Chicago; first vice president, Professor AIcee
Fortier, of Tulane University, and president of
LAthenfe Louisannais. of New Orleans the
oldest French society In the United States sec
ond vice president; the Rev. J. J. McCook, pro-
fessor at Trinity College Hartford Conn. treas
urer and NJ. l.. V. Gof1ot Of No 100 Broadway.
secretary.
The organization OF these forty or more
cietIes was only accomplished with the special
permission or the mother society of France.
The United States federation is thus only an
other arm Of a worldwide organization which
centres in Paris, and which has for its purpose
the spread Of the French language and literature
throughout the world. The movement began
about ten years after the establishment of the
present French republic, and was first seen In
the Levant and in other Mediterranean Coun-
tries. where French became Of the chief
studies in the religious schools. Considerable
Importance was attached by leading citizens of
France TO the work Of the association. and in
1886 II officially recognized by the Pres-
dent Of France institution Of public ser
wee. Its presidents down to the present time
have been NJ. Charles Ferdinand de Lesseps.
Victor Duruy Count Colonna CeCaldi General
Parmentier and NJ Pierre Foncin, Inspector
General of Public Instruction
MI. Hydes efforts in the promotion of the
study of the French language in this country
have not alone been confined to the work Of the
Federation Of American French Societies. He
has also founded two scholarships at Columbia.
which will enable graduates Of that school to
spend year in Paris in graduate work. In ex
change the French Government has authorized