Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-06-30
TALKS To STUDENTS
German Ambassadors Ad-
dress Today.
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH
ENJOYS RELATIONSHIP WITH IN
STITUTES OF LEARNING.
Efficiency of the American Educa-
tional System - Some Words
of Advice to Graduates.

Special Dispatch to The Evening Star
SEWANEE,, Tenn. June 30.-At the COM
mencement exercises of the University OF
the South today the German AMBASSADOR
Baron Won Sternburg delivered the address
10 the students. He said, in part:
Baron Won Sternburgs Address.
"Auonp the numerous honorable and
,,Iaasant duties that devolve upon me as the
repre- sentative of the German emperor 10
the United States certainly none are more
delightful and enjoyable than those when
hiring me into relationship with the uni
versties of America. This hardly could De
otherwise. because there the German leeis
the atmosphere of his own alma mater Who'
as universally acknowledged, gave plrtn u
the modern American university
The first academic relationship between
the United States and Germany dates BACK
to the eighteenth century, the tlme "het
Franklin was in close touch with TWO Oh
Germany's leading centers or learning
Halle and Goettingen.
in the following century the ties be-
tween America and the universities OF ger
many were considerably strengthened py
some of the great minds of the new world,
men like George Bancroft, the historian
George Ticknor and the theologist Everett.
on these men German university lie maze
u profound and lasting impression.
Everett openly proclaimed that America
In the development of her universities
should closely follow the lines taken by the
German universities. l recail win huG ;ii
delight the many chats l had in the early
days of my career with George Bancroft
during our rides about Washington and in
his Newport rose garden
II should like to say word here about
those characteristics OF German university
life which have most forcibly influenced the
American universities and which stu are
the most important factors In their future
old n
United States, we all know. held as Its
exclusive ideal general education. The re-
suit was that its main efforts were con-
centrated toward handing down existing
knowledge and science from generation to
generation. This naturally gave the col
lege a most conservative character as re-
CARDS the Introduction of new science.
Question Of Expansion.
But gradually the aiding university men
of America, the majority of which were
iosely connected with the universities OF
Germany became firmly convinced that the
time had come to expand. 1t was clear to
them that If the American university con-
tinued to abide by Its old Ideals alone, the
American student could never become po-
tent factor among those who were engaged
in widening the worlds intellectual and
spiritual horizon. This could be accomplish
ed only by independence In scientific re-
search. Hence the general demand arose
to give the new German university ideal the
same advantages 1t was the German spirit
which stepped in at this period with its
vitalizing influence.
The efficiency OF the American educa-
tional system, which l have been able to
closely follow during the last twenty years,
must strike any student interested in the
problems of education and of national
economy most forcibly One of Germanys
leading scientists and university professors,
greatly interested in the scientific develop
ment of the United States, recently pointed
bn rod nf hnr i1r1iyr aycif
In some fields the Americans, he stated
were leading Germany for instance in
chemistry, physics and astronomy. for
which they possess excellent institutes and
teachers. Also in spiritual sciences they
are showing marked progress. In an
nouncing his intention TO visit America. the
professor stated that he did not come &c
teach the American people, but to learn
from them.
What has especially impressed me dur
ing my visits TO the American centers OF
learning Is the large amount of money de-
voted to educational purposes. Some OF
their buildings truly magnificent. All
are equipped with the most approved light
ing, ventilating and sanitary arrangements
The professors and teachers are inspired
with the keenest enthusiasm. and among
the students l noticed everywhere a deep
and sincere longing for knowledge. The
men whom your educational methods have
developed show two distinct sides. They
are men of profound learning and high aca-
demio attachments. But at the same time
they possess the extraordinary initiative
and organizing capacity of the qualified
business man. They are every ready to
step into the arena of public affairs and
give the people the advantage of their
learning and experience in a most unseltsh
way.
Built on a Motto.
Every American university, 1t seems to
me, is built up the motto: Mems sana
IT. corpOre sano.'
haSt
warns his young friend to beware of the
college, which retards and even cripples
his career. is 10 look up the rolls of our
leading universities and the account of the
lives of their graduates. Neither here nor
In my own country have l met a graduate
who regretted his university education or
the time spent in acquiring 1t. On the con-
trary, / only have heard expressions of
gret by men who are members of the still
amazingly large army of the unframed
'Of course, boys who dislike study or who
are indolent should never be selected for a
higher education, which, is apt to make
them pessimists or social rebels. Whether
boy should be prepared for a higher edu-
cation or not is personal question alto
gerher.
Keep in mind that the accumulation of
knowledge alone is of but secondary value
as regards the advantages of a university
education
It's primary value lie. In the acquisition
or the power of thought. without which the
iuli enjoyment or NE iS not possible. \
trained mind teaches you to better discern
and appreciate all that Is noble and beauti-
ful In life. 1t makes you more reasonable
above all 1t teaches you self control where
In Hes the success of the individual and the
true greatness of the nation
IL requires no prophetic eye TO see the
position the south will occupy after the
Panama canal has drawn the markets OF
the world closer to her factories and sea-
ports, and more intimately connected her
with your great trade emporium In the
Philippines lavishly endowed with ltmitless
raw materials. What you behold today
seems to my eyes a shadow of what the
future has In store for you. But YOU nv
younger friends, have a vast field of work
ana great responsibilities before YOU l am
glad TO be able on this occasion to wish YOU
well with all my heart and to say one part
Ing word to those among you who are pre-
pairing TO face the life OF strife
III you want to win the goal OF true
national greatness there is but one straight
line, follow that leadership which stands
for the highest integrity, the most eff
fective energy and the most earnest pat
rousm In your country"
Narrow Escape From Lightning.
During the storm this afternoon bolt
lNat nN