The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1927-07-15

one OF the oldest ana most pic.
turesque colleges in the country
rounded out its two hundred and
thirtieth year of service when st.
Johns College, of Annapolis, Md,
conferred degrees upon 20 at that
institutions annual exercises last
month.
This, the third oldest educational
institution in America, boasts the
finest collection of colonial struc-
lures in the country. This collec-
ton was augmented several weeks
ago by the purchase of Rrice
House. one of the most splendid
examples of colonial architecture in
the historic old town.
The real pride of the college,
however. has been in It's educa.
ton of scholars and gentlemen,
many of them of national promi.
nence, over a period Of many years.
Many State and Government off.
Gals, foreign ministers and states
men have received their training
within it's ancient walls.
The first chapter in the history
OF st. Johns College was recorded
in the Laws of Maryland" July s,
1896. William III. then King of
England, was petitioned
May it be enacted, by the
Kings most excellent majesty, by
and with the advice, prayer and
consent of this present General
Assembly. and the authority Of
/ the same. That for the propaga-
ton of the Gospel, and the educa-
ton of the youth of this province
in good letters and manners, that
a certain place or places, for a
free-school or place of study Of
Latin, Greek. writing and the like,
consisting of one master, one usher
and 100 scholars, more or less, ac-
cording to the ability of the said
free-sehool, may be made. erected.
founded, propagated and estab-
lished under your royal patronage.
And that the most reverend father
In God Thomas, by Divine Provi-
dence Lord-archbishop of Canter-
bury, primate and metropolitan OF
all England, may be chancellor of
the said school; and that. to per-
petuate the memory of your
majesty, 1t may be called King
Williams School and managed by
certain trustees. nominated and APP
pointed by your sacred majesty"
Name Is Changed
1t was as a continuation of King
Williams School that st. Johns
College received charter from the
General Assembly of Maryland in
the year 1894. The college, there
fore, has had continuous existence
since the earliest colonial times.
The name was taken from st.
Johns College of Oxford, whence
came many of the sponsors of the
institution. The name had then
and has now no religious signifi-
canoe. the claim being made that
the college was the first in America
Ito have no particular religious af-
filiation. Toward this end the first
board of VISITORS had upon its
roster representatives from the
clergy of both the Roman Catholic
and the Protestant faith.
From the first, the college an.
pears to have had high prestige.
President Washington paid it a
visit in 1871, two years after the
opening, and was shown about the
campus in company with the Gov
ernor of Maryland and number of
prominent citizens.
He thought highly enough of the
college to send four of his nephews
to 1t to receive their education. They
were George, Fairfax and Lawrence
Washington, and Parke Gusts.
Another student OF the same
period, who was graduated In 1896.
was Francis Scott Key, author of
the Star.Spangled Banner. Key is
said to have gained inspiration for
many poetic efforts during his after
noon walks under the great trees
about the campus. In 1924 General
Lafayette paid the college a visit
and was charmed by the scholarly
atmosphere.
The institution was closed for
brief period during the Civil War,
the buildings being used as a Union
Army hospital.
Until four years ago the college
maintained a military unit which
had widespread reputation and was
ranked second only to West Point.
A number of its alumni are now Of
ficers In the regular Army. 1t is
said that st. Johns gave a larger
percentage of it's men to the cause
in the last war than any other col.
lege in the country. A monument
to their memory adorns the front
campus and is faced by a captured
howitzer, presented to the college by
the Republic Of France in apprecia-
ton of the sacrifice made. Ambas.
sador Jusserand made the presenta-
ton.
monument, said to he the first
ever erected to an unknown soldier.
stands on the rear campus,
memoriai to the French soldiers
and sailors who died during the
Revolution. This monument was
dedicated by President Taft during
his ADMINISTRATION.
Old Liberty Tree"