New-York tribune., 1909-06-17
HONOR FOR MRS. HOWE
DEGREE FROM BROUN.
GoUernor Hughes Present as 4uthOr
Is Impressivety Greeted.

Providence June 16-An impressive moment in
the history of Brown University occurred to-day
and undergraduates and a large commencement
audience, President Faunce conferred upon Mrs.
Julia Ward Howe. of Boston, the honorary degree
of Doctor of Letters.
Mrs. Howe somewhat enfeebled by her ninety
years, was present and received the scroll and the
insignia of the degree with her own hand, while
band played The Battle Hymn of the Republic
the words OF which written by Mrs. Howe
The university has rarely conferred degrees upon
women and 1t has been only within recent years
that il has been done all
When the president announced the name-Mrs
Julia Ward Howe-eveTy arose. Chance lor
Arnold 3. Chase and Professor Wilfred Munroe as
sisted Mrs Howe slowly from the front pew to the
foot OF the red covered pulpit steps.
Doctor of Letters Julia Ward Howe, Boston
Massachusetts" said President Faunce. author
philanthropist. mother. friend of the slave, the
prisoner and all who suffer, singer Of The Battle
Hymn of the Republic, allied with Brown Univer-
sity through her distinguished husband, allied with
all educators through her faith
AS she received the diploma and the white token
of the degree she trembed a little and then hair
raised the diploma in salute, bowling slightly. Al
that moment the band began The Battle Hymn OF
the Republic and with a smile lighting up her
face Mrs Howe escorted hack TO her seat
At the conclusion Of the exercises Mrs. Howe
said: 4 feel much honored by this degree. II Is
douby precious 10 me because my grandfather mere
received his degree Of A. b l cannot tell when,
but it long before I born Then too, my
husband. Dr.. Howe, graduate. II was n
beautiful occasion. and 1 indeed much
pleased when the band played The Battle Hymn
The university TO day graduated a class OF l25.
Eight persons besides Mrs. Howe received honorary
degrees Governor Charles f. Hughes Of New York.
whose son was member of the graduating class,
among the guests and presided at the COM
mencement dinner.
President Faunce conferred the degrees, which
were:
Master Of Arts-Ciarence Saunders Brigham. go.
assistant librarian at Brown University, seCre AIRY
or American Antiquarian Society.
Doctor Of Dvinity-Arthur Rogers. 'S6. West
Chester. Penn, preacher and author Of studies in
Biblical and English literature: Clarence Augustus
Barbour. SIS. Rochester. for fifteen years min ster
and public teacher in Rochester. and Gerald Birny
Smith, '9l professor Of theology in the University
Doctor or Science-Charles Value Chaplin. rs.
professor in Harvard University and superintendent
Of health in Providence; William Crawford Gorgas.
member Isthmian Cana! commission ana chlet
Francis HerreshoT 70 New York City. recipient
Of the Rumford medal. leader in the applica tion
Doctor Of Law-Fred arick Byron Hall. 81, aSso-
Cate Justice Of the Supreme Court Of Connecticut
1t was the 141st annual COMMENCEMENT at the
university and there than 2 thousand
In the line which followed the graduates down the
hill
President Faunce. a. the afternoon meeting IN
Sayles Hall. announced gifts 70 the university
amounting 70 S2scO0 and including $15oo0 from John
n Rockefeller jr.. for endowment OF Brown Union.
Governor Pothier Of Rhode Island spoke br ehy.
and Governor Hughes who presided, in few OK
temporaneous remarks paid tribute most
successful ten years of the university under the
guidance Of President Faunce.