The Washington times., 1909-02-22
George Washington Univer-
sity Holds Annual Con-
vocation Exercises.
NEW YORKER THE
PRINCIPAL SPEAKER
Progress and the Ideals Of Wash
ingtOn" Is Subject-Presi-
dents Letter Read.

Honorary Ii. D. degrees were
conferred upon President Theodore
Roosevelt, Gov. Charles E. Hughes,
of New York, and Bishop Alfred
Harding, by the George Washington
University at its convocation exer-
ciSeS held at The BelaSco Theater this
morning.
The formal presentation of the
degrees was made by DR.. Charles
w. Needham, president of the uni
VerSity, and came at the close of the
exercises, the chief feature of which
was the delivery of the annual win
Ter convOcation address before the
students of the university by Gov
ernor Hughes.
PRESIDENTS LETTER.
President Roosevelt was the Only
one of the three members hOnOred
by the university who was not pres
ent. A letter was read from him by
DR.. Needham, in which he expressed
his appreciation of the honor con-
fered by an institution having the
standing of George Washington
University.
Theater Filled.
When the exercises began this morn
1ng the theater was filled with members
OF the faculty and the entire student
body. in addition TO a large number OF
friends and patrons Of the university.
The stage was occupied by the board
OF trustees. headed by its chairman,
Commissioner II. B. T. Macfarland.
Members of educational institutions
OF Washington, representatives OF the
clergy, and Government officials. in
Guiding President Wilbur P. Thirlkield.
OF Howard University; DR. Joseph Hum
mel. Of Georgetown University; Dean
Crawford. Of the Theological University,
near Alexandria; Gen. \. w. Greely,
Chief Forester Clifford Pinchot Com
missioner West. DR.. Wallace Radcliffe,
John NJ. Harlan. Justice David J.
Brewer. Chief Justice Stanton Peelle OF
the Court OF Claims, and Chairman
Martin A Knapp, Of the Interstate Com
7nerce Commission DR. Needham pre-
sided.
Musical Program.
musical program, consisting Of
Suppe's overture, Jolly Fellows Her
bert's fantasie, The Red MIL" and
Teike's march, "Staunch and True"
was played by the Marine Band. Fol
lowing this, invocation was pronounced
by the Rev Richard Harlan
Ia the opening sentence Of his ad-
dress, Progress and the ideals Of Wash
jngton," Governor Hughes placed Lin
coins name by the side Of Washing
tons. AS long as the two men are
revered, he said, the cause Of liberty
will be safe.
After eulogizing the character and life
Of Washington. Governor Hughes touch
ed upon modern progress, urging, as
one or the greatest necessities. recast-
ing OF the laws relating 20 judicial prt-
litigation, and 70 take from the courts
CeduTe so as Il lesson the delays OF
some Of the legislative functions that
they have acquired from the develop
snent Of the system established under
the Constitution.
Governor Hughes Address.
He said.
Il am also profoundly convinced that
in the interest Of proper respect for the
courts IN the performance Of their ju-
dicial functions they should not be bur
dened by questions OF legislative or
merely administrative character. In
some jurisdictions the tendency Is TO re-
Ter 20 the courts for final disposition
questions that arc appropriately within
the province either OF the Legislature
or Of administrative officers 20 which
the legislature may commit the execu-
non II tie laws. Where judicial qucs-
froutin7cd on Eleventh PagcD