New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-05-29
H0NORS LOUIS AGASSIZ.
Brooklyn Institute Celebrates Cen
tennial of HIS Birth.

Exercises in commemoration of the Tooth ami
versary of the birth of Louis Jean Rudolphe Agas-
siz, the naturalist. were held under the auspices
of the Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences in
Association Hall. Brooklyn. last night Professor
Franklin W. Hooper. director of the institute who
studied under Agassiz referred to him in the CEN
tennal address the greatest of our American
natLralists and teachers of nature and one OF the
strongest characters and greatest servants of HUI
manity In all time
The exercises were opened by the singing of three
German songs. after which the Rev. DIR. L. Mason
Clarke. president of the institute council made
brief opening address.
Professor Hooper reviewed the life of Agassz
from the day of his birth in humble home in
Switzerland. through his childhood, much of which
was spent outdoors. and through his student life
at Zurich. Heidelberg and Munich. Professor
Hooper told of his work in the museums and of
his visit to Paris. where he intimate with
Culver. the naturalist. and Humboldt. the geogra-
pher. The greatest compliment Agassiz
ceived, the speaker said. when Cuvier said to
him: THE quality of your work is such that turn
over TO you the results of all my studies on the
fossil fishes and my notes and my drawings and
trust that you will live publish a comprehensive
work on the fossil fishes of the world
Professor Hooper told how Agassiz at the age OF
thIrty-nine came to America under commission
from the King of Prussia to make study of ami
NAL and vegetable life here Regarding the cir
cumstances that caused him to stay here Professor
Hooper said
love for the country grew. He rejoced in the gen
eral diffusion of knowledge among the people
through the common schools and the colleges, he
reJoiced in the benevolenee OF her wealthy men
who founded schools and colleges and endowed
chairs of learning. He came to feel that America
must be the centre OF his future work Scieu
tihc and teacher He was called to pro-
fessorship at Harvard University at salary of
1890 year at the time of the establishment OF
the Lawrence Scientific School. and he accepted the
position.
But Agassiz's capacity for great friendships was
not less than his capacity for great citizenship In
those dark days OF CIVIL War. 1851 TO 1855,
he became n citizen OF the United States, and he
Lincoln and those associated with him in the pres
ervation OF American institutions. He wrote TO
Europe. France and Germany at a time when the
of the Republic understood 10
should have been tho other side of the Atlantic,
and through his letters aided in changing the att
tude of Great Britain and OF all Europe from that
of indifference to that Of sympathy with those
who were struggling the country of Wash
tutions upon which II had been fOurded. He en-
cOuraged the presidents and faculties OF many OF
colleges and universities which during those
years depleted of professors and students,
try, to do all In their power with reduced numbers
and reduced financial resources to maintain their
institutions at the highest possible standard.
After referring TO the death OF Agassiz Professor
Hooper ended:
His associates the earlier and later students. had
learned the lesson we'll. for he great teacher.
They have formed faculties in science; they have
taught the rising generation to have thirst for
knowledge. a reverence for nature. a love for man
and to look through nature up to natures god
The meeting closed with the singing OF Amer
ica," a favorite hymn OF Agassiz, by the Arion
Society and the audience.