The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1911-10-04

in that position to render constructive
service to the entire system of public
education In progressive Common
wealth. rapidly growing In j., puiation
and in power. 1T Is not u mere ques-
lion of transferring from one institu-
ton to another Institution OF learning
IL that we're the sole question l shouIu
remain at my present post of duty. To
carry on the work consecrated by the
benefactlon of George Washington and
by the service and memory or Robert
r., Lee is a task amply adequate to sat.
isfy the ambition of any man. Nor liz
1t question of salary. The trust .es
of Washington and Lee have habituully
sought to deal with me in d spirit OF
the utmost generosity
1t is solely question of service. The
founders planned to make the Univer-
slty OF .Nlabama the supreme intellect
ual achievement OF your Common
wealth. 1t is the duty, as II will be
the pleasure. OF the people OF alabama
TO understand the Institution and to
deal with it, not 40 II they were doing
out charity. but as II they wire In
creasins their noblest investment. No
American Commonwealth will, in the
long run. grow greater than it's moral
and Intellectual stature. If Alabama Is
TO reap the richest reward OF her re-
narkable Industrial prosperity. there
Is supreme need OF truly great centre
OF spiritual and intellectual power
whose influence will reach out until 1t
is felt among all classes and conditions
or men. 1t is because / have faith in
/ the integrity OF the stock that is fash
| ionins you: civilization that offer my
lest services in the great task of train.
ing your youth In the august serenity
: oil Ideas and ideals. 1t is because ]
nave faith in the future OF the Univer-
! sity OF Alabama that 1 am willing to
leave my Virginia home and all the
sacred associations OF a lifetime 10
snare In this work know something
of the trials and the vicissi,udes that
nave periodically entered into the his
. tory of that ancient seat of learning
Yet also know that II has weathered
each historic danger that has hitherto
marked Its progress forward and /
have the utmost confidence that, please
COO II will continue to mount and
ride the waves.
Aim OF University.
The University of Alabama only asks
fair opportunity TO minister to the
higher life OF the people of the Com.
monwealth. 1t serves DO selfish pur.
pose 1t recognizes that 1t is not an
end In itself. 1t recognizes that IL en-
, lists. not merely for those who admin.
4 lister and govern 1t. not merely for
those who teach in IT. and not merely
to crafty the pride Of those who have
graduated from 1t. 1t recognizes thai
It exists solely to serve humanity in
high and helpful ways 1t would seek
TO oacome perpetual fountain to all
who thirst for the lofty faith, the UNI
auenchable hope and the supera bound
ing energy of the disciplined life. II
would seek to train the rising genera
uon In the mastery OF all the great
forces that sway the modern world. 1t
would seek to re-establlsh the desire
and the capacity for creative activity.
10 enable men more fully to realize
themselves. and to guarantee to the
commonwealth that has nurtured IL a
leading position in the. national life.
1t would strive to enrich every neld OF
human endeaVor and to fit young men
ana young women to perform u def
mite. SPECIFIC task. But 1t would also
strive to furnish to every young man
and young woman whose life 1t touches
such enlargement OF spirit and such
capacity for :wde and catholic view
that the mere performance of task
VIII neither belittle nor crush them,
1t would aspire to send out into the
world of action young men and young
women VII" have learned to enlarge
and to dignity whatever task they NAV
be called upon to perform, and who
VIII De bigger than any task to which
they shall ever put their hands-ip
short. young men and young women
OF sober discipline. OF moral efficiency
and Of catholic vision.
To the contamination of this task !
would devoutly consecrate my life
with an enerSiZinS faith in the essen
tial rectitude of the cause and In itn
ultimate triumph. Approaching fully
what is Involved In such task and
conscious of my own limitations.
pledge my best efforts TO the upbuIId.
ing of the University of Alabama and
to the advancement OF every sound
effort to promote the material. intel
lectual, social. moral and spiritual well
rare OF the Commonwealth that created
II. Yours very sincerely.
(Sisned) GEORGE III. DENNY