Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1902-06-19
Mr.. CLEVELAND ON EDUCATION.

Following is the address delivered Tues
day at villa Nova College by S-l'resident
Grover Cleveland, when the degree of Doctor
of Jurisprudence was conferred upon him:
Mr.. President: l desire to express in
few words my appreciation of the honor
lust conferred on me by the College of st.
Thomas of Villa Nova II is certainly q
great qualification to he deemed worthy OF
such notice by the governing body of an
institution of learning within whose walls
are found in marked degree opportunities
for thorough, substantial and useful educn-
ton.
This incident prominently suggests to my
mind the imperious edict of education,
which forbids the hindrance or disturbance
of its high mission by religious discrimina-
ton, social intolerance, or any of the bar
riers that to II greater or less extent separate
civilized humanity. The republic of educa-
ton is based upon Identical aim, equal
rights i'll its opportunity. ana lhpartiallty
in the distribution OF its rewards and
honors. This il :. ems 10 lne is impressively
illustrated when the severely Catholic Col
lege of ST. Thomas of villa Nova bcstows its
highest honorary degree upon one connected
with the management and holding an hon
orary degree in the severely Protestant
Princeton University.
The processes of education rs they exist in
this country of ours have, or always should
have, in addition to other characteristics,
an especial harmony of purpose and design,
rs they are related to our government; and
this should constitute between our institu-
tions of learning bond OF close fraternity.
Whatever other objects and purposes may be
involved in educational efforts among US,
one of its constant and prominent aims
should be the cultivation and maintenance
of high standard of American citizenship.
When we recall the fact that the benelicence
of our scheme of government depends upon
the virtue and education of the units of our
al lie ut
important and common duty rests upon
every agency that undertakes the instruction
of tile youth of our land It will be sad
dny for our nation when the forces of educa-
tion and the teachers of moral living shall
cense to strive in unity to leaven the entire
mass of our citizenship, or when their in
fluence in that direction shall be divided
and circulnscribed by religious and sectarian
differences.
hope | may be allowed to say in con-
clusion word to You who today complete
your college course and receive from those
who have taught and guided you a certitl-
cate of good scholarship. This is indeed an
honorable decoration and endorsement and
one of which you may well be proud. But
it means more than this. II involves Il
solemn and exacting trust, and it imparts a
pledge on your part that the education You
have here received shall neither be hid in a
napkin nor held tightly to Your breast MS a
means of Standardization and self-enjoy-
nent. Your graduation is merely the en-
trance upon your life,s work, and your di-
ploma may ba regarded as only a munimsnt
of title by which you are invested by your
alma mater with the ownership and pos
/ session of an outfit placed in your htnus 10
| the end that you may tittingly discharge the
service TO which You are bound. Snltishnass
| i'll the use of education, and its surdid pos.
session MS an instrument OF self-indulgCnce,
| is as sinful and should be as strongly re-
/ sisted as any other form of selfishness. Some
| of you will find careers in the duties and
manifestations of your church, and | suppose
others will enter the busy and bustling arena
| Of worldly activity. But whether in the
church or in the world, none OF you will
| avoid the contact with your fellnw-lnen
| which brings with it grave responsibility
! to American citizenship responsibility
| infinitely more grave and serious as youl
! influence over others is increased by YOU
! education Or holy calling, and more ever
present and exacting as you appreciate the
obligations OF the trust you have assumed
Yon may he sure that yoa will fail TO meet
these obligations if you are not constantly
/ ana snlanniy Impressed with the conviction
that your educational advantages are only
valuable us they better fit You to do yoill
duty to your God, 10 your country. and tc
your fellow-men.
! Mr.. and Mrs. Cleveland and the other dis
tingiished guests took luncheon III the col
lege after the ceremonies.