Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-05-27
CLAIM UNIQUE FEATURES
FOR METHODIST SCHOOL
Speakers Assert It Is to Be Real
ization of the Vision of
Emerson.
CONCEIVED MANY YEARS AGO
Quarter of Century's Struggle For
gotten in Looking Forward
to What the Future
Holds.

The American University, pros
pected more than a quarter of a
century ago by Bishop Hurst, and
which its founders claim is unique
IN many respects. was opened
formally this afternoon by Presi-
dent Wilson. in the presence of
thousands OF persons. among
whom were some of the most
noted educators and churchmen
of the country.
Two members OF the cabinet,
Secretaries BRYAN and Daniels,
and FIVE bishops were speakers.
The Marine Band furnished a
concert at the outdoor fete, there
was a patriotic flag-raising serv-
ice and the new electric railway
line through that section of out
lying Washington was inaugu-
rated.
The new university is at
Nebraska avenue and Loughbor-
ough road. The new railway
runs out Macomb street and
Massachusetts, avenue from Wis
consin avenue to the District
line. 1t connects with cars from
Rockville.
Thousands Patronize Line.
There was five-minute schedule in
force from 5th and F streets northwest.
and thousands of Washingtonians and
many distinguished visitors to the city
made the trip to the university grounds
early to get good seats for the concert
by the Marine Band
Rev DR.. William \. Haggerty. presi-
dent of the Methodist Preachers Meet
ing of Washington and pastor of Pet
worth NJ. E. Church, was chief marshal
of the assembly This service was
deemed BY the trustees to be partlcu-
larly fitting, as DIR. Haggerty is a sradu-
ate of three universities-Harvard. Ohio
Wesleyan and Boston. He also served
as dean of West Virginia Wesleyan Col
lege.
Adds Browne president of the board of
trustees was too i'll to attend the eXer-
cfses though he had devoted his energy
for years to furtherinS the efforts Tor
establishment of the university thrown
open today. His zeal for the cause and
his valuable efforts were lauded by sew
eraI speakers. In his stead Bishop Earl
Cranston of the Methodist Episcopal
Church presided.
Program of Exercises. .-
The program this afternoon was as
follows: Music by the Marine Band,
singing led by Percy s. Foster; music.
selected Invocation. Rt. Rev. Alfred
Harding Bishop of Washington; hymn.
Faith of Our Fathers. Faber; address.
Bishop William Fraser Mcdowell. Chi
cago.; music. selected; address, Bishop
John William Hamilton. Boston,: Pro
Dec ct Patria." Secretary Daniels; rails
ing the flag The Star Spangled Ban
ner," the Marine Band, singing by all
the people standing: address. Secretary
Bryan; hymn. America" the Marine
Band. singing by all the people stand
Ing; opening of the university by Presi-
dent Wilson, doxology, benediction.
Bishop Alphaeus W. Wilson. senior
bishop of the Methodist Episcopal
Church South, music, selected.
Emerson's Vision at Harvard
A university unique in four respects
inaugurating a notable experiment in
higher education. exemplifying the
democracy and cosmopolitanism of ad-
vanced learning. that the vision
of the American University which
Bishop William Frazer Mcdowell of
Chicago pictured for the vast audience.
He said. in part:
TT is many years since Mr. Emerson,
at Harvard. on the banks of the Charles.
spoke of the American scholar Harvard
College and the republic itself were
both young on that 1ong-gone August
Both terms in the old subject have
changed. both have become larger and
richer in their content; but here on the
banks of the Potomac. as yonder on the
banks OF the Charles, we still have to
do with the American scholar; we are
still planning to write a new chapter
in his biography. We count ourselves
happy that we can thus relate ourselves
to all the high ideals and noble pur-
poses of all our past.
I'VE especially rejoice that the inausu-
ration of our new educational experiment
is honored by the presence of the Presi-
dent of the republic. who embodies and
illustrates in his own culture his char
acter and conservation to public service
the finest traditions, the fairest example
and the holiest uses of scholarship
I'VE are today formally inauguratiny
a notable experiment in higher educa.
ton. Nothing like this has been planned
or tried on our soil. We propose at least
four unique, distinct lines:
Four Features of Distinction.
Il. Tho opening of the rich and varied
materials Of education and research
afforded by the government TO the stu
dents Of the world, under competent di-
fection and guidance.
'2 BY a carefully devised system of
scholarships and fellowships, the opening
Of the graduate instruction of the world
to our select young men and women
IS. The creation of body of scholars
gathered from everywhere. sent every.
lCoatinued on Second Page.)