New-York tribune., 1907-12-18
WHITTIER 4NNITERS4RH.
Ne,c England ReUives Memory of
the Poet of Freedom

Boston Dec 1.-THE one hundredth anniversary
Of the birth OF John Greenleaf Whittier. the poet
laureate OF freedom. OF the most beloved anu
representative OF the New England poets was eeis-
brated to-day in New England by hundreds of peo-
Pile notable gatherings being held at those places
the poet had called his hOme-
His birthplace. the city Of HaverhilL made an
especial observance Of the day Hundreds Nlsi'su
the homestead. where luncheon. cooked IN the oia
fireplace was served In the public library were on
exhibition many manuscripts and first editions Oh '
poets writings. with pictures and heirlooms Inc
schools which held exercises in the mornhis'
closed during the afternoon. and the pupils to"hS
people and visitors gathered in the FIRST ChlHsI-
saIist Church for the centenary exercises Ihue'
the direction OF the city government and the "hi''
tier Association. The principal address was 0e
livered by Professor Bliss Perry. OF Harvard InF
versisy: a poem written for the occasion oy Nr~
Julia Ward Howe. read. and "reminiscences
were given by Frank r. Sanborn. or CONCORD
In Anesbury where the poet spent hftysh
wears Of his life. the old home was thrown epen
10 the public. AT luncheon was spread lO1
the guests at the quarters Of the Whittier AsSo-
ciation across the street from the Whittier houSs-
The exercises of the day were held in the Town
hall. under the direction Of Judge George W.
Cate. who made his home with the poet durihs
the last fifteen years OF his life The prinelpa'
addresses were delivered by former Governor John
d. Long. Booker T. Washington. OF Iuskesee.
and Edwin d Mead. OF Boston Secretary %
State William NJ. Olin brought the greetings -
the commonwealth and "reminiscences we've gwen
by Judge David Cross. OF Manchester. y n a
letter President Roosevelt was read oy AueN
p. White. of Salem. follows.
1t is with very real regret that md myself -.
able TO accept your invitation 10 De preselns
Amesbury on the occasion OF the one hSnuae a.
ways a peculiar affection and reverence tol s
Good Quaker Poet / do not for one rnolls-.
subscribe to the belief that divorce tne az
OF the artist and especially the art or tne L .hs-
letters from character and from the tsdcHiIS'
mould character It seems TO me that a.
Americans should feel peculiar pride IN nrss.
sion and the great Sift OF poet with naLihS 1n
for righteousness which made him tne IeaMIe..
OF the spirit no less than or the inIei'e0
Memories of the poets life at Oak Knoll pa1-
vers were revived in spirited meetings at EsseA
Institute and the Crombie Street Church. IN ose
To the former Mrs Abbie J. Woodman, OF DanVeiS
a niece of the poet sent by letter. "reminiscences
of life at Oak Knoll. and at the latter FranA -
Sanborn. OF Concord. gave personal reconection
The flags of all public buildings In the Guy -
Boston were ordered up by the MAYOR anu ~.
largely attended meetings were held ourihs
day under the auspices of the negro citizens
the afternoon a meeting held In Fa1A
Memorial Hail. where a letter from Colorei fnoiD-
w Higgnson. the commander Of the nrst nee
regiment raised in the War of the Reoeiion.
read Addresses made by the Rev IL -
Johnson. Miss Alice Stone Blackwell. the Rev ~
j. Calls Mrs. Agnes Adams. Mrs. Arann@ go
row and others In the evening another nie
was held in Faneuil Hall. where Henry B. 6'A 6..,
well spoke. In the morning the schools heio -
exercises and closed during the ai'e'"'