Newark post., 1912-06-19

Mrs. Ezra Cornell. and Mrs. Sage.
Wood. sister Of Henry ". Sage,
took a friendly walk which was des-
tined TO become memorable.
As is we'll known. Mr.. Cornell s
earlier fortune was amassed IN
western real estate. before the
Morse telegraphy discoveries had
attracted his attention. and increas-
cd his wealth.
The little party Ct friends was
congenial. simply social, and above
all. enthusiastic admirers Of the far
famed Ithaca scenery.
All at that time residents of the
valley town. it was natural that on
this delightful day they should
climb the hill-a negligible feat to
every Ithacan--in order to view
the outspread panorama of Lake
Cayuga. with it contributing gorges
of streams below. Another interest
ing guest of my parents had stood
on the same spot but few months
previous. DR.. Burchard. Of New
York. later the notorious denouncer
of "Rum. RomaniSm and Rebel
lion' in American politics.
Standing thus on what is now the
campus of Cornell University. DR..
Burchard had declared to my father
that the more rugged beauty Of
Lake Cayuga and it's environment
was far superior to that OF Lake
Como. so eNtolled by tourists.
Speaking Of this remark to Mr.. Cor
neil. as the little party paused on
the brow of the hill overlooking the
blue waters so beloved and admired
by all. Mr.. Cornell. with his usual
gravity. and profound earnestness,
replied
Yes. | have often thought,
myself. that for natural charm, and
varied grandeur. there are few
spots in the world that can surpass
this upon which we are now stand
ing
Mrs. Sage-Wood breathed a gen
tie acquieScence. Surely, nothing
anywhere more beautiful -
Cn the same ficlds-then rawly
open and unc'ltivated. DR.. Burch-
ard may have unused sadly over the
Sullying prospects for American
progress and development, threat
ened as It was III his esteem by the
trinity Of horrors. Rum. Roman
ism and Rebellion > Still more as
founded and incredulous would he
have been. had the future revealed
upon that very soil where his foot
so TRANQUILITY rested, a Catholic
club for the preservation OF the
faith among Catholic students of all
nationalities. and the dream hall
about to be realized where history
science and literature may be
taught from the Catholic, i. e., the
universal as distinguished from the
acknowledgements of secular
and profane records and traditions
My mother. Of New York City
birth and habits. was characteristic
cally engaged with Mrs. Cornell
and Mrs. Sage Wood. in gathering
the flowers of the field. with which
that June day was ''lush. as Keats
would tell us. The daisy, the clover
and the wild-rose. symbOlical OF the
simplicity which was to give way t(
acres of granite buildings and stone
walls. enclosing the scholarship anC
erudition Of many nations.
Mr.. Cornell and my father con
tinued their conversation.
1T has long been my hope, | ma.
say. NY intention" said Mr.. Cor
nell. ito found a great institution
of learning. where young person
of either sex. without regard to sta
ton. or religious opinions, NAV oh
tain practical and useful educa
tion in any branch of activity tha
they may select. | find my min'
continually dwelling on the subject
and my resources are now such tina
l see no reason why | may not begi,
to practically develop my plans.
| suppose | am not the only pei
son who has sometimes found in Nj
Cornell's personality resemblance
to Abraham Lincoln. Although d
the time of this conversation, | wa
as yet unborn. later acquaintanc
with him easily shaped the assocl'
ton Grave to sternness, with
certain world-doubt which is Dor
of the ir-religious mind. his count
nance was neither happy nor +
poseful. My father, on the col
trarv. was profoundly and pract
callv religious, and fearing to tou(
Mr.. Cornell on this dynamic poin
vet believing it fundamentally il
perative IN any scheme FOR educa