New-York tribune., 1921-06-21
Coolidge Sees
Evils Cured bv
Righteousness
Burdens Will Endure Unless
Truth and Justice Guide
Work of ALI, His Creed
at Arnherst's Centennial
Material Gain Not Enough
College Is Given Beecher's
Plymouth Chair and His
Pledge Against Drinking

AMHERST, Mass, June 20.-Spirit-
ual values are the only reliance of
the world in trying to meet present
problems, Vice-President Calvin Coo
lidge said in an address at the open
ing exercises Of the Centennial cele-
bration of Amherst College to-day.
The Vice-President is en- alumnus of
Amherst. Robert Lansing, former Sec
retary of State, and Arthur P. Rugg,
Chief Justice of the Massachusetts,
Supreme Court, also we're back in their
cid college town to-day to participate
in the Amherst festivities.
The work Of the world will not be
dcne," said Mr.. Coolidge, unless it is
done from a motive Of righteousness.
"The fundamental purpose of this
college is to teach men spiritual values.
The progress of this effort measures
the progress of civilization. There is
no other principle that men of the
present day all over the world need
to keep so constantly in mind. The
earth has no other reliance.
Tax Burden Presses Upon All
'TndividuaIs and nations are at the
present time afflicted with great bur
dens. AS result OF the readjustm ent
which has taken place during the last
year men find their resources very
much impaired, with no correspond
ing reduction Of their expenses, Often
times both capital and credit have been
entirely exhausted. The nations OF
the earth are struggling under a great
load Of debt incurred and resulting
from the war. The raising oY sufficient
revenues to meet the costs Of govern
ment is not only a grievous burden.
but in some cases has not yet been
found possible.
"The question that confronts US on
every hand, whether in the considera-
ton Of private or public interests, Is
how these burdens can be borne. Il
can scarcely be said that they should
be borne solely in order to secure g
resulting prosperity.
The world must look for something
more than prosperity in the present
situation. The individual must look
for something more than wages and
profits for his compensation. Unless
ttis satisfaction can be found by pro-
ceeding in the way Of right and truth
JuSblCG
The material things OF life cannot
stand alone. Unless they are sustained
by the spiritual things of life they are
not sustained at all. The work of the
world will not be done unless it is
done from motive of righteousness.
This brings US back squarely TO the
foundation of Western civilization
which asks not whether it will pay
but whether 1t is right. There is no
other foundation for the maintenance
and support of q peaceful relationship
between individuals or among nations
'"There are a few Fundamental
things which governments have beer
established TO secure. They have never
been better defined than in the Declara'
tion of Independence, which alike pro
The main defect of those from whose
teachings our institutions are in dan
ger lies in the fact that they hold tc
the belief that rights can be preserved
when obligations are dlsregarded. Ii
was to combat this half-thought-
theory OF human relationship that mer
established Amherst College and de
termined upon g method of securing
their purpose. They we're seeking fol
q remedy that would relieve the disor'
der Of the times. They sought 1t by
prOYlQlng an INSTITUTION WH4CA WAS u
send forth men bearing testimony te
the truth.
No Hope in Material Gain
"It is in this teaching Of Amherst
College that now lies the main hope OF
the world. Individual obligations are
heavy, but they can be met; nationa
obligations are heavy, but they, too
can be met, The power exists for the
re-establishment Of the world, but II
will not be called into action by mers
appeal to the desire for gain"
Mr.. Lansing, who spoke briefly as
presiding officer at conference or
Amherst in the law and education, was
given an ovation when he arose.
Talcott Williams, of New York, pre-
sented the college with the pulpit chair
and table used by Henry Ward Beechel
in Plymouth Church, Brooklyn, from
1853 to 1868. W. U. Hulland, on be.
half of the descendants of President
Humphrey of Amherst, presented col
lection of documents which included 6
pledge signed by Henry Ward Beechel
to abstain from liquor and the degree
awarded by Amherst to William Cutler
Bryant.