Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1911-11-02
AT MADISON.

1t was the writer's good fortune tC
attend at Madison, last Wednesday
evening, the opening session of the first
national social center conference, and
on Thursday, the Democratic luncheon
given in honor of Governor Woodrow
Wilson.
AT the conference the gathering of
people exceeded all expectations. The
great gymnasium was completely filled,
and more than :. thousand turned
away unable to gain admission
In the absence of Governor Nc
Govern, the address of welcome on
behalf Of the State Of Wisconsin was
delivered by DR.. Duncan McGregor.
1t was good speech. and in good
taste; and it was we'll delivered and
well received.
CHARLES r.. VAN HISE.
President Van Hse spoke on behalf
Of the University His central thought
was that an equitable distribution Of the
wealth Of the United States should not
be the fundamental test of the countrys
democracy, but that an equal dis
tribution of opportunities for intel
lectual and spiritual education would
be such test.
Ia nf frna
control Of politics, and social problems
of all sorts would be solved without
difficulty, says President Van Hise, if
such state Of affairs could be reached.
To bring II about, all the educational
forces Of tho state and nation must
cooperate with the result that every
child will be developed to the fullest
extent of its individual powers without
reference to it's condition of birth.
How the University OF Wisconsin Ia
seeking to bring about this condition in
Wisconsin, AS far as possible, was
described by President Van Hise who
scope Of university must be abandon
cd for the newer one which allowed u
university to include all lines of
educational work that it is fitted to
undertake.
The regents and faculty Of the uni
versity," said Dr. Van Hise, ARE com
mitted to this broader ideal of educa-
ton. 1t Is the plan to use our physical
plant with the greatest efficiency, not
only for the special purposes Of in
struction and investigation at Madison,
but for the larger work throughout the
state. The property of the university
belongs to the state and should be so
used as best to advance the highest
interests Of the commonwealth"
1t was pleasing to note the kindly,
spontaneous, and hearty reception given
to President Van Hise by the students
throughout the vast audience which he
addressed When they honor their
"Prexy' with their startling skyroctet
yell it is but a louder expression of the
good words which they bestow upon
him in private conversation. They re-
gard him rs great man, who is truly
democratic This confidence and
esteem for their president, which is
shared alike by faculty and students,
contributes much to the University's
great power for good,
OODROW WILSON.
DR.. Josiah Strong, president of the
social center association, responded
with Il good speech to the words Of
dent Van Hise. Then the toastmastcr,
Dean Louis Il. Reber. introduced Gov
who delivered the principal address of
the evening. 1t was great address.
Governor Wilson spoke of the needs
of citizenship organizations. He spoke
with apparent ease, but with clearness,
directness, and force, He had the
closest attention of his vast audience
from the beginning to the close, Like
great schoolmaster, having the con
fidencesand esteem of his pupils, he in
structed his hearers in the duties of
good citizenship as they We're never
instructed before. 1t was in no sense
partisan address; bat it was of course
altogether social and political; and il
was thoroughly democratic, 1t made a
profound impression, We heard many
expressions, - from professional men
artisans, and students, and all with
one accord pronounced it an address