New-York tribune., 1902-07-01
REGENTS OPEN SESSIONS.
IMPORTANT SPEECHES MARK
FIRST DAYS MEETING.
MANY WELL, KNOWN MEN PRESENT
ADDRESSES OF GOVERNOR AND
COLUMBIAS PRESIDENT.
fRy TELEGRAPH TO THE rR1BUNE.I

fBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNEl
Albany June 30.-The first session of the
tortieth University Convocation held to-
night in the Senate Chamber at the Capital.
All day educators desiring to be present at the
convocation arriving in Albany and greet
ing each other at the headquarters in the Ten
Eyck Hotel. There many members pres
ent of the New-York State Teachers Associa-
tion. When evening came the Senate Chamber
was crowded with spectators. There never has
been such large attendance at the opening
session of the convocation. Among the specta
tors was Mrs OdeIl, the wife of Governor Odell.
There We're present of the Board of Regents of
the University Governor Odell Charles E.
Fitch. st. Clair McKelway. Daniel Beach, Pliny
T Sexton. DR.. Albert Vanderveer. William Not
tingham, Charles r. Skinner the Superintend-
ent of Public instruction, and John T. Nc
Donough, Secretary of State.
Among others present were Nicholas Murray
Butler. president of Columbia University; Pro-
fessor Root, of Hamilton College; Professor John
O'Hara. of St. Johns College. Fordham; Charles
J. Mallory. principal of the Newton On j. High
School; President A. V. V. Raymond of Union
A. c. Anderson, principal of the high school at
Forestville; Brother Arnold of Manhattan Col
lege; the Rev. George H. Ball, president of
Keuka College; ]. Edward Banter principal of
the Binghamton High School; w. H Benedict.
of Elmira; John w. Chanler principal Of the
Elenville High School: Professor Frank L. Hoff-
man. Of Union College; w. w. Hour. superin-
tendent of the high schools of Whitehall and
Professor James H. Staller. of Union College
The convocation was called TO order by Mr..
McKelway, and prayer followed by the Rev.
Walton W. BattershaI, of Albany. Mr.. Nickel
way then expressed the sorrow felt in conse-
quence of the death of the late Chancellor Up
son. He declared that Mr.. Upson co-Operated
with those who set their faces 10 the morrow,
and, though he preferred the old standards. he
hosptabe TO the new light after 1t had
proved its own right and power TO shine" More
over, Mr.. Upscn was las uncensorious IN the
field of faith as he liberal in that of learn
ing. The representatives of all religions found
him fair and sweet tempered. All trusted him."
Mr.. McKelway concluded his speech by saying:
And now 1 would say word to you about
the outlook on education. were my function not
only that of a presiding officer. and were not
Others to speak now on special phases or themes
of education here. From them l will detain you
no longer than as briefly as bluntly to say this:
The people are thinking that education should
inculcate morality well as impart knowledge.
They are convinced that the learned professions
should require no preparation so long that their
intending members must stand in the vestibule
Of middle life before they can become bread
winners. They are rating the calling OF the
teacher 10 be high a there is in the
world, one which should be the States peculiar
care, alike for the honor OF learning. for the
securities of citizenship and for the demands and
expectations which nation and commonwealth
have need and a right to indulge, concerning
ingenious youth. The welcome of the State TO
the convocation will be extended by the Gov
ernor Of New York, TO whom in advance 1 am
sure the convocation itself will give a hearty
greeting
GOVERNOR WARMLY GREETED.
Governor Odell greeted with great ap-
plause. He appeared TO be in admirable health
after his California journey Speaking without
notez he quickly gained the attention Of his
hearers. and held it the conclusion of his
noteworthy address. The audience appeared to
listen with especial interest to the Governors
suggestion that additional State aid be extended
TO high schools and academies, in order TO en-
able them to admit without demanding tuition
fee nonresident pupils coming from negih-
borhoods without high schools or academies
The Governor said.
Education may be defined as the evolution of
ideas and the adoption of the best thought Of those
90 hand in hand Opportunities come TO every one
cernment is better fitted to cope with and conquer
the problems of life. nation is but aggrega-
perity and the respect which is shown it by other
armament as upon the intelligence of its Citizens
Therefore every section of the State is interested
owes to every other locality the duty not alone Of
business men but Of giving them the knowiedge
%;nteh VIII e3anie them 10 understand and appre-
biiities & as citizens From our earliest history. dat
times Alexander
tOn Of government, an inherent right of the citi-
zen. and has maintained the principle of taxation
for and supervision educational institutions
FROM this beginning has grown the University Of
the State of New-YOrk and its development from a
eTg rens T pody 10 the directing and con-
secondary and higher education.
The common school system OF The State. which
was originally intended to be Incorporated with
a9f a become part Of the regency, has been wisely
pfih & them to govern their own school affairs
the executive have seldom interfered. and has
manifest disinclnation TO give TO a locality the
DEMENT'S Of a concrete and well defined plan of
RIDDEN and a system substituted having for its
object greater benefit than that which was offered
under antiquated and useless statutes.
So pronounced has been our advancement along
educational lines that State has become An ero
ministration of their school systems AS / have
said. an educated man Is better fitted to erapple
with the problems OF life than one who has failed
70 receive the advantages which freely ac-
corded. Science, surgery. medicine and the huidine
up OF great mechanical engineering departments
IN our schools and colleges, while Of great impor-
tance TO the State and contributing its material
prosperity and welfare are no more essential than
that the farmer or the mechanic should guide his
plough or WELD his hammer with intelligence and
a knowledge of the result desired o be produced
The Regents OF the University have more irnor-
tant place TO fill in the educational work OF our
great State than those who are charged only with
the administration of a separate school or tintver
sity. 1t is their function not alone to suparrgse
and 70 inaugurate such changes may be deemed
nenencial. but II is also their province stand as
lhe sponsor for such expenditures of the public
money as may be required carry into effect the
many wise regulations that from time to time have
Deen instituted.
EXTENT OF THE REGENTS WORK
~ IS Doubtful if people, interested as they
me primary education of our children is of course
'ne Hrs' ana paramount duty of the State 1t is no