Evening star., 1923-02-13
President Lauds ReuiuaI of
Lincoln Spirit at Dinner
Memorial University Needs Urged by
Chancellor Hill; Senator Watson Speaks;
Secretary Hughes Sends Letter.

vital power and supreme inspirations
to the race. Out of Lincoln came the
proof that lofty achievement is not
in ideals alone, but in that spiritual
and material justice which is the
wholesome blending Of infinite pur-
pose and mans capacity for fulfill
ment.
Increasing Understanding.
we are coming year by year 10 a
more truthful and understanding ap-
praisal of him. But all the researches
of scholars and efforts of students
have brought US little store of real
understanding, have taught us well
nigh nothing concerning the supreme
providential purposes which permits
such light to shine now and then
upon a generation of men. We know
such simple wisdom, such capacity
for sacrifice and service. But we do
know that as men contemplate this
strange career and study its won
ders and its lessons. they are at least
planting in their minds and hearts a
certain vague realization Of what
Lincoln was and meant: consciousness
of his personal significance to them
and with all this, a keen asporation for
some little participation in such a
bestowal of selfishness. sacrifice and
service as was the life Of Lin
coin. That aspiration, l firmly be-
Ieve, is fixed in a greater number
Of human hearts today. than it ever
was before. 1t may be somewhat
vague and Uniformed. yet we readily
recognize that it represents some
thing like the aspirations OF a race
for new incarnation Of the spirit
and the leadership of Lincoln.
doubtless it is vain to hope that
another such as he will be given to US
and to our time. But to the extent that
We shall prove ourselves worthy Of such
leader. to that extent we shall be the
better able to save ourselves without
him. The task which men face through
out the world now Is one with which
they must cope as God intended Their
hope, their salvation, their destiny.
must at least be In their own hands
They will save themselves il they will
forget themselves Probably the task
would be less difficult if humanity would
get little nearer to God. In times
like these, the fullest, truest service
that any nation or any society can
render to itself, will be the service
rendered without thought of immediate
gain. or even Of ultimate personal ad-
vantage.
Example an Inspiration.
I'VE drink from memory, we find in
spiration in example, we are exalted by
the eternal truths which Lincoln saw
pIOCIdlItlcl, Uul lH6 highest USE
fulness in these things Is their prac-
tical preservation, SO as to reveal to
all the people a true understanding of
Lincoln's transcending eminence. His
supreme gift was not in construction,
his was the master preservation. And
the call OF the world today is for pres
ervation for the preserved civilization
which is tho best judgment Of human
intelligence since the world began. .
The Lincoln Memorial University
has truly been called living me-
mortal to the emanctpator. 1t was
founded In pursuance Of his expressed
desire that the light of learning
might be carried to the people of that
strangely sequestered mountain COM
munity OF which his own forbears
were members. 1t stands to
the everlasting credit of these men
and women of the mountains, that in
every time of national need they have
been instant in response and mag
nif1cent in loyalty. Tho nation
owes to them a vast balance Of OBJ
legation, and the Lincoln Memorial
University represents one instalment