The Washington herald., 1909-05-27

President Taft, speaking az lNe COiil-
mencement exercises Of Howard Uni
versity yesterday afternoon. urged the
importance Of education OF the negro.
with certain reservations. saying he be
neved the future 70 be in the hands Of
the race.
Sanitation and hygiene were urged as
necessary in the South for the develop
ment Of the great mass q negroes The
President declared that the providing Of
institutions where negroes could be taught
and educated would be a partial payment
OF the debt which the government and
people Of the United states owe TO the
black men.
Tho words Of the President were cheered
By the hundreds Of persons who filed
Rankin Chapel and when he consented
10 present each graduate with a diploma,
the enthusiasm was increased
Marched Through the Mud.
After the diplomas rad been presented
the President marched througH the mud
across the campus TO the site OF the new
library building. where, with a drizzling
rain falling on MS unprotected head, he
made a second address he also used the
trowel. and there was nothing dainty
about the vt- be handled the mortar,
either. When Mr. Taft threw one uowel-
ful after another on the masonry, the
crowd cheered. drowning the music OF
the band stationed a few feet away
Secretary Bau!nger. or the Interior De-
partmenL under the personal supervision
Of the President. assisted IN laying che
corner stone. As he took the t-owel and
reaeaed for the mortar bucket President
Taft said.
Don't put too much on You dou't
want 20 spoil the job
The Secretary. took heed of the words.
and carefully deposited a modest portion
o. the mortar 81 the base q the stone.
and stepped back. Mr. Taft nodded his
approval
Yesterday was a busy day AZ Howard
+ University n tEe morning me annual
+ meeting Of tie alumni association was
held. Representative J. Van Eechten
Olc0tt OF New York. and Dr.. J. 2.
Wilder. Of Washington. made addresses.
giving words Of hope and encouragement
for the future of the negro race ~
I noon a luncheon was given The alumni
and at $50 o-clock commencement exer-
! cises were held in Rankin Chapel where
/ diplomas were presented
/ Last night the regular annual dinner
o. the alumni association vas held
! Nor speeches OF commentator and
/ cheer were made by prominent educators
I from several States. Justice PeeIle. Of
the Court Of Claims, was the principa.
! speaker.
! Long before the tine SET for the ar
rival Of President Taft hundreds Of stu
dents. their friends. and relatives. anc
many attracted from curiosity TO see the
! Chief Executive stood patiently on the
walks water-s0aked grass. and muddy
( drives. unmindfuI Of the drizzle. listen
ing 70 the music OF the band and anx-
ioUsly watching the entrance gate
Entered the Chapel.
Shortly after 3 O'Clock the chapel doors
were thrown open. and the friends and
relatives Of the graduates. students O,
the university. and invited guests files
I in. taking seats on each side Of the edi
fee. The graduates were seated in the
center tier. Invited guests. some OF then
celebrated educators. occupied seats OF
| the Platform.
At a few minutes after 80 O'Clock
President Taft arrived He was preceded
TO the platform by Capt. Butt. militarl
aid al the White House. The PresiGen-
walked beside President ThiTkielG. OF
the university. and Rev Charles Wood
pastor OF the Church Of the Covenant
Commissioner AIacfarland. Rev. Joseph J
/ Himmel. president Of Georgetown Uni
vers!ty; II. PauIeus Sanaon, Minister
from Haiti, and several other weii-knowg
public men. Secretary BaIinger came IL
q little late
The United States Engineer Band play
ed Hail 10 the Chief as the Presiden
walked 10 the platform. and when th'
last strains Of the music had died OF
+ Rev. DIT Wood delivered the Invocation
President Thirkield then introduced TIT
= President. at the same time thankin.
him for his presence and expressing hi
satisfaction at the interest taken IN tn
+ negro race by the Chief Executive
As President Taft stepped 20 the from
Of the platform. the students and guest
I began 10 cheer. Fo- fully three minute
M Taft stood near the little table hold
ing the diplomas. the smile ne wore grad
uaily broadening as the noise continued
As there were no signs OF a cessation o
the ovation. Mr. Taft raised his righ
hand and began 70 speak. Instantly Their
was silence