Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-02-22
I
LIVES, A Y SPROUL
Society of Nations Plan Accords With Vie,cs of First
President, Governor Asserts in University
Day Grafton

In the University. and, happily for US
this ancient seat Of learning has pre-
served not only the tangible records. but
also the customs of earlier years, hal
lowed by the gathering generations and
mellowed by the passing Of the increas.
ing classes.
But here at Pennsylvania we not
only have the traditions-history soft.
ened and sweetened by much relating
but we ave the written record of the
University's place in the events which
led to the founding of the republic and
, the establishment of the best and most
benefcent government that the mind of
man has yet devised. When we consider
! that ten of this University's men signed
the Declaration of Independence and
then contemplate the long list of others
who figured In the Continental Con-
crosses and of those who helped to write
that wonderful document. the constitu-
tion of the United States. we must be
nlled with that pride which fosters de-
votion. A recital of the illustrious names
of Pennsylvania's men, trustees, teach
ers and alumni. who matched wits or
crossed swords with the oppressors and
brought the struggle for freedom TO a
successful conclusion. sounds like a cata-
logue Of Americas Hall of Fame-Ben-
jamin Franklin, Robert Morris. Anthony
Wayne. James Wilson, Thomas Mifiin,
John Cadwalader, David Rittenhouse,
John Dickinson. John Peter, Gabriel
Muhlenberg. Tench Tilghman. Bishop
White. Thomas Mexican and the first
Provost Smith-surely a remarkable
contribution to the valor, wisdom and
patriotism of an epochal time.
University Honored Him
The still greater figure in whose
honor we are gathered today had a rela-
ton to the University which should be
a matter of qualification TO us and to
descendants so long as orderly
shall endure. He received a
degree which was voted to him as an
appreciation of the winning of the war
n the conclusion of a satisfactory
peace he expressed always in word and
deed his interest in the work which the
University was doing. and seemed. while
living here as President. animated with
a great desire to he of service to the
things for which the institution stood.
His attendance, in the second year OF
his term. upon the lecture by Judge
James Wilson which marked the openI
ing of the school Of Law. seems 10 me
to have been the most intimate and in
teresting event connecting Washington
with the University of Pennsylvania.
What a heritage of sentiment for those
of today fortunate enough to have the
advantage of that school. Mr.. Lippin-
colt tells US that 125 years ago today
the faculty of the University called
upon President Washington in a body
and extended their congratulations upon
his birthday. Today that procession
would be much longer. but l wonder II
the percentage of patriotism and devo-
ton to the principles Washington held
wou be n higher. Learning in those
days was n pretty definite thing and
there were fewer social whirligigs in the
minds of the selected ones who were SO
fortunate as to have had the oppor-
tunity to acquire II.
with al, or these priceless memories
10 our and inspire us, one can
not hut, lament hat more note Is not
"a OF them and that We are content
that the world outside shall know SO
little Of the really remarkable associa-
tons Of this venerable educational edi-
nee. We ourselves nov what we have
I'VE are satisfied thai our foundations
are secure and that orr various schools
are sound we know that we are strong
and reasonably progressive and we are
SATISFIED with that assurance. Like the
great community in which we are seated
and the mighty state for which we are
named, we are often active in advertIg-
Ing u own shortcomings and are
usually most conspicuous when we have
something unpleasant to parade. This
ix not an entirely discreditable attitude
of mind. perhaps, but, upon the other
hand. 1t is not entirely just to our in
Etitutions or to ourselves. Without re-
laxing for a m our watchfulness
for error we might be a bit more gener-
ous with our praise Of good which is all
about us.
Still Foremost American
For ninety-three years-since that
year which marked the half centenary
of our national independence-that year
OF the wonderful coincidence of the
passing. or Independence Day itself, of
two OF the outstanding figures in our
carly development. John Adams, the
ysderalist. who did much to build up
5the national government and make II
an effective union. and Thomas Jeffer-
son. the Democrat. who helped TO check
the tendency toward an imperisllstic in
vasion of states rights--this University
. celebrated h birthday of WASH
ington as an especial occasion TO do
honor to the Father Of the Republic.
And well may we do this. for through
all the changing eras of our history
most American-indeed IL may be said
that the world generally accords him
washington stili stands out as the fore
h noblest place in recorded time.
There have been greater military
LEADERS, h Washington he was not an
orator of note nor a trained statesman
he was not learned in books nor skilled
In debate. although Patrick Henry said
that In solid opinion and sound judg.
ment' he was undoubtedly the greatest
man upon the floor of the Second Cont.
mental Congress. that body which in,
Guided Thomas Jefferson. Robert Morris
Benjamin. Franklin and James Madison
among its membership, and of which III,
elder Chairman said that for solidity OF
reason. force of sagacity and wisdom
81 conclusion. under such a complication
Of circumstances, no nation or body o.
men can stand In preference to the Gen
eral Congress at Philadelphia" A re
J cent analyst says: His power was no
that of scholarship, as in the case o
Franklin. for he was not a highly edu
Gated man nor was II due, as in Jeffer
son case. to a glowing Imagination,
lofty idealism and a gifted pen nor did
he triumph al Hamilton by unusual ad
ministratiye genius and a brilliant per
uonality nor had he the gift of elo
quent speech as had Patrick Henry aa,
he elder Adams. or the acute analytica
mind of James Madison and John Mar
y nha1i. But he had truthfulness, ant
justice and magnanimity and courag,
and patience n true manliness-in :,
word, a Christian character In "a
hroadesf sense. combined with rea
5v1nment of men and events. and a de
Hn116 patriotism. This combinatIo,
14e him easily first among the mel
his time n the determining facto
! b holding OF the new nation.
4 Deep consideration OF Washington'
News and purposes is now In order
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