Evening star., 1926-05-02

conference in the Spring Of 1922 one
of the delegates disgressed from the
business of the gathering to make
notable gesture in international anity.
That gesture has just resulted in the
dedication at Athens, Greece, OF the
Gennadeion. which Is to house the
Gennadius Library. the greatest col
lection In the world Of Greek books.
pamphlets. manuscripts and other
historical documents and data.
The Gennadeion and the library
constitute u memorial to George Cen
nadius, the great Greek patriot, who
is revered by the people of Greece as
George Washington Ia revered by
Americans. The building was made
possible by a contribution of the Car
negie Corporation. The library Is the
gift Of DIR. Johannes Gennadius, son OF
George Gennadius, to the American
School Of Classical Studies at Athens.
and It's treasures are to be available
to the students and researchers OF all
nations.
A $500, 900 Building.
The President Of Greece, together
with members Of the cabinet and other
public officials; DIR. and Mrs. Genna-
dius. officials of the American school
and of the Carnegie Corporation, rep
resentatives Of many important educa-
tionaI institutions in the United states
and the rector and staff of the Uni
versity Of Athens participated IN the
dedicatory ceremonies.
The building, one of the finest mod
ern structures in Greece. was con-
structed entirely of marble from the
Island OF Naxos, cut and work by
hand. It cost approximately 100000,
but II is stated that to erect similar
building in any American city would
involve an outlay Of several times that
amount.
The Gennadeion stands on the slope
of Mount Lycabettus, overlooking the
Acropolis and commanding a view or
Phaleron Bay, where the shattered
remnants of the fleet of Xerxes sought
refuge after it's defeat at the battle
of Salamis. In the distance is seen
the Isthmus of Corinth. The site,
which was donated by the Greek gov
ernment, was formerly part OF the
monastery Ton Asomaton, and is at
the head of Howe street. named after
Dr. Samuel C;ridley Howe, an Amer
lean who served as surgeon general or
the Greek army in the war for 1nde-
pendenoe.
Collected In London.
Dr Johannes Gennadius has resided
in London for some 40 years as the
Greek minister to England. and dur
ing all that time he has been adding
to the library ana collection, the nu'
cIe,,s of which he inherited from his
distingt1ished father. He has housed
the library in his residence In Grosve-
nor Gardens, but 1t has always been
his hope that Athens would De the
ultimate destination and that circum-
stances might permit him to make OF
1t a gift to the Greek people.
Leading American universities es-
tabiished in Athens, almost half a cen.
t1rv ago. the American School OF
Ciassical Studies. an institution that
receiyes American students who de-
sire to pursue advanced studies In
Greece and that directs most OF the
archaeological research work that Is
dome In Greece. The school has been
very successful, and has acquired a
considerable endowment. as well as q
fine property on the southern slope OF
Mount Lycabettus.
when DIR. Gennadius was in wash
] ington as a delegate to the disarfna-
ment conference he conceived the idea
that the American school should pc
made the custodian OF his library, ana
made a formal tender. subject TO the
! condition that q suitable puiiolng oS
provided and that the students OF oil
nations should have equal privileges
| in its use.
Several Objects Secured.
"The gift was promptly accepted
says DIR. Edward CApps. chairman OF
| the managi1g committee Of the school.
| land thus the Greek statesman and
Diplomat, with wisdom and foresight
worthy Of an Odysseus. accomplished
| several objects at once. Greece Sc
cures the library, but America as
sumes the burden of its maintenance
America has the honor Of being the
trustee Of one of the worlds greatest
collections and becomes leader IN
the study of Hellenic civilization. and
in this relationship Greece and Amer
lea are brought still closer together In
friendship and cooperation.
1T is a splendid monument to
noble son Of Greece, George Genfla.
dius, himself descendant OF an Ole
Hellenic house, q scholar, teacher and
writer. He threw himself into the
struggle for Greek independence
against the Turk, and by his burning
oratory and heroic example helped tc
snatch victory from defeat when the
Greek cause seemed desperate. And
then. when Greece was free, he de-
voted his life to the regeneration OF
! his people. His was q life of high pa
! triotism. self-sacrifice and inspiring
! leadership, and 1t we'll deserves to be
coinmemorated by one Of the most
i beautiful buildings in Athens, devoted
to Hellenism and to scholarship"
my wife and make this presenta
ton in token OF our aduairataon and