The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1911-06-30

ISAFSYLY1TWd Thomas JEFFERSON, EN-.
I'M cr~ during forever as his
memorial win stand the
declaration OF Independence. but his
services 10 his country were so many
and 40 magnificent that a grateful PEG
pie has enshrined him In It's memory
second only. perhaps. to his immortal
fellowpatriot and statesman, George
Washington.
That Jefferson Is richly deserving OF
more numerous memorials must be
conceded II one but recalls. for a mo,
mant the variety OF his services 10 the
nation, Ills services as president OF
the United States and founder of one
OF our great political parties com.
mend him 70 our gratitude as do his
diplomatic triumphs and his activity
as one OF the prime movers in the
whole revolutionary movement. but,
after all. perhaps his strongest claim
upon the admiration OF the American
people In all generations, past and to
come, u as the author OF that key
stone OF our national existence, the
Declaration OF Independence,
~ - HtVRNbiN AhAh AAtN hbAN utNAht
win witnosB the provision OF an
acknowledgment in marble and bronze
OF tha republics debt to Jefferson that
will In some degree make up by its
spiendor for the hardness OF its crea'
ton. However, Jefrerson's fame has
not waited upon such reminder, AS
has been said. there are several stat
ues of him In public places; there Is
an imposing though simple monument
over his grave In the hills OF Virginia,
and finally there Is a memorial which
IL m mobile a heritage as any man
could leave 20 the nation to whose
service no devoted his life,
University Jeffsrson's Memorial,
This aforementioned memorial IL
the University of Virginia which JEFF.
fcrBon virtually founded and the up.
building OF which was the project
above all others nearest his heart In.
deed, Il was his desire and avowed In
tention TO make this ideal seat OF
learning his monument before pos,
terity. and he watched II develop on a
elite he chose almost under the shadow
Of his beloved home at Little Noun.
tain with all the solicitude which
father might extend 10 a fayorite
child And yet the University of Vir.
ginia, despite It's noble traditions and
tie mRKnitiCenee OF It's architectural
setting. Ii not one OF the best known
colleges Of tho country and Il is safe
% say that very few persons have
ever been brought to realize It's slgni.
tioanee as the chosen monument OF
the author of the foundation stone OF
our liberty
Tho fOreruuuer OF the University OF
Virginia. which was, by tho way. the
ttrBt real university established in tho
New World, was authorized by the
state legislature of Virglnia In the
year 1868 bur no Roadway was made
with the project until March. 1914,
when Thomas Jefferson. the real head
and founder OF the institution. WINS
elected to the board Of trustees and
threw himself heart and SOIL into
this labor OF love which appealed to
him Hs few enterprises had done In
bis whole evcutful career. Through
the wish OF Jefferson. Charlottesville.
his home town" In the foothills OF the
Blue Ridge mountains. was chosen as
the site for the new university and In
1917 the cornerstone Of the FIRST build.
Ing. Central college, was laid. there
being present on this occasion not
only Thomas Jefferson, but also James
Madison and James Munroe. who
stand In hlstoFY with Iaffarsop os
presidents OF the United States.
Original Building still Standing.
The original site of the university
sas farm OF some two hundred
scres. pieturesquely located In the