Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1913-01-16

Princeton had no tradition that &C.
counted for their charm. They in
stantly became popular; the attendance
mounted until 1t surpassed that ever
before or since given any course Of
study at Princeton. Before long very
nearly 400 students, almost the total
number Of juniors and seniors CON-
bined, were taking Wilson's courses.
and they were no "cinches" either.
Widely informed, marked by a mastery
of fact even to slight detail, inspiring
in their range and sweep and spiced
with a pervading sense of humor. Pro-
lessor Wilson's lectures were further
marked BY the great freedom with
which he delivered himself of his
views on current events. 1t was his
custom to put students on their honor
not to report him: there were always
likely to be in attendance students
who had connections with city news
papers who might frequently have
made good stories out Of the pro
fessOr's lively comments on the poll
uSS VI VIC Ouys Out hOhC CNSt SOOh Nv
vantage of the opportunity.
The classes were now SO large that
the work Of professor consisted al
most entirely Of lecturing. As we
shall see later. It was not then the
Princeton idea to give the students
any particular oversight or inspiration
elsewhere than In the classroom. Yet
the Wilson home became and always
remained resort hugely popular with
the young men who were SO lucky as
to be admitted to It. and Its doors
were Hospitality hung. Professor vii
son. In short. stepped into the position
Of first favorite alike with his col
leagues of the faculty and with the
undergrads. They have at Princeton
way Of voting Mt the end Of each
year for all possible sorts Of popular
pvrsonages." For a number Of years
Professor Wilson was voted the most
popular professor. He was able. he
was genial. he was active. q member
Of the faculty committee on outdoor
sports and Of the faculty committee
on discipline. In faculty meetings Mr..
Wilson soon became one Of those most
attentively listened to.
During the twelve years. 1890 to
1902. Mr.. Wilson continued to fulfill at
Princeton the duties Of professor Of
Jurisprudence and politics. They were
twelve years Of steudy yet pleasant
lahor-years Of growth aud o! grow
ing influence both IN the university
and In the country. Four new books
were added to the list signed by this
man who wrote history and politics
with SO much literary charm-"Divi
sion and Reunion" IAN Old Master"
Mere Literature" and George Wash
ington." He was heard now In occa
sional addresses in many parts Of the
misunderstanding public questions he
fore commercial. industrial and pro
fessional bodies. The vigor Of his
views on questions of the day. as well
as his readiness. grace and power on
the platform. gave him place among
the recognized leaders of national
thought. He had for time continued
going down to Johns Hopkins. and
now he gave occasional lectures at the
New York Law school.
At the end Of a decade In bis chair
Mr.. Wilson had attained. naturally
and with the good will Of all, a POSI-
ton Of unchalienged supremacy in the
university town and of marked dis.
tinction In the country.
With such brief summary. this biog.
ruphy must dismiss a period the ex.
ternal facts Of which were Of little
dramatic value. incOmmensurate alto.
gether with their Importance in the
development and strengthening Of con-
victiOn and character which were to
have play in the time which we now
approach.
AS one looks into those twelve years
what chiefly impresses him In the man
Is the growth In vividness of his social
sense. his love Of humanity express.
ing itself most commonly In terms Of
patriotism. 1t is clear. too. that he Is
winning some wise insight into the
mystery Of the unfolding Of the minds
Of young men. acquiring much skill III
the craft of the teacher and reaching
withal some conclusions respecting
principles and methods Of education.
But. beyond and above all other convic.
lions that ripened during these twelve