Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-25
HIGH tribute PAID
TO DEPEW AS GNU.
ACCEPTS MEMORIAL
Professor Who WIN Hold Pub.
lie Speaking Chair Cites
Many Speeches.
WIDOW OF ORATOR
HEARS HIM EXT0LLED
Judge Charles Henry Butler, Long
a Friend of Late Senator,
Presents Gift.

M. Depew as one of Americas foremost
orators was perpetuated in the National
Capital yesterday afternoon when q
chair of public speaking, endowed by
his widow, was dedicated to his honor at
George Washington University.
Mrs. Depew, his widow, in academic
cap and gown, sat on the platform in
Corcoran Hall with officials of the uni
versity and heard her distinguished hus-
band extolled as one unique in the
helds OF craftsmanship, oratory and
business. DR., Cloyd Heck Marvin. presi-
cent OF the university, presided, and
John b. Larner, chairman of the board
OF trustees. formally accepted the eff
OF the Chauncey Mitchell Depew Chair
OF Public Speaking on behalf of the
institution.
The belief that the late Senator
than any other man throughout an his
Tory" was expressed at the dedication
exercises by Prof. willard II. Yeaeer
VINO Will hold the chair and who spoke
In reference to the place Depew oc-
cupled as an orator. Although no
accurate record was kept, Prof Yeaeer
salo,' however, 1t is known that Mr..
Depew attended, in the course of his
long life, more than 5000 banquets.
"At Least $4,000 Speeches"
i believe that am making q con-
sentative estimate when I say that he
made at least $4,000 speeches during
ms long and distinguished career"
Prof. Yeager declared.
"Chauncey NJ Depew occupied the
foremost stage in the annals Of Amer
lean oratory," he added. HE had few
equals as a political campaigner. He
was rarely excelled rs an orator for
special occasions. He is recognized AZ
the leader of all after-dinner speakers"
ProI. Yeager attributed the statenan's
success as an orator to the pleasure
ne derived from It, He said that public
Yeager explained. HE loved TO talk
IN public. That is one of the rnanv
lessons that the striking career of
Cnauncey M. Depew has for our stu
dents OF public speaking today"
In endowing the chair of public
speaking to perpetuate the memory of
ner husband. he said that mo place
In the Nation is more suited for this
memorial than the capital of the United
states, and added that he was proud
10 DC the first Depew professor of pub
lie SPEAKING in the George Washington
University"
APAClSCH khUHIGCIHtlUMa
In his Introductory remarks, Presi-
cent Marvin expressed his apprecia-
zion OF the endowment by Mrs. Depew.
which made 1t. possible for tho uni
yersity to honor one who was loved
very dearly"
The presentation aef the chair Was
made in bshah of Mrs. Depew 'by 4
friend and advisor Judge Charles
nenry Butler. Judge Butler. who for
tnree.score years was friend and
nelgnoor OF the great orator, referred
10 Mr.. Depew as one who had Spread
sunshine and happiness for 90 wears .
The chair Of public speaking, he said.
was presented so as to enable students
20 follow his ideals in the field In which
Depew was so eminently successful
Mr.. Larnsr, in accepting the chair
on pehaf OF the university. declared
that its establishment marks another
epoch In the history Of the university,
In these days Of public speaking.
when the broadcast argument by means
OF tns radio holds such sway over the
vast audience which 1t reaches" Mr..
Larner said, 1T becomes more and more
important that the knowledge to De
disseminated should be so arranged.
claSSlned and stated as to bring about
the desired effect. This is one of the
many important results derived from
the teaching in scientific and popular
way the art of public speaking.
again, In the realm of law there Is a
growing idea that there is more need of
tne oarrlSter or advocate in the legal
OF Public Speaking is now established
and the students of the department of
law, as well as in those of other denart-
mentS OF the university, will have a rare
opportunity for development and train.
ing IN the art of speaking.
Depew Is Paid Tribute.
Mr.. Depew, himself, was an ont
standing example of the highest type of
orator. He never rose to speak on any
occasion. great or small, that he did not
az once captivate his audience. His life
and his example will stimulate the stu
dents to higher and more important
Work, ana thus create an atmosphere
which will aid in the further develop
ment OF the university in kindred lines
we tender to Mrs. Depew our CRATE
ful thanks for the establishment and
endowment OF this important addition
70 the curriculum of the university"
Representative Hamilton Fish. ir.. of
New York, who spoke on the value of
training in Public Speaking" declared
tnat MRS. Depew had rendered a great
public service In establishing the chat.
Depew and Choate, with Cbe exceb-
ton OF Bryan, were pre-eminent an1ofls
the orators OF the last so years" he
said.
Oratory has almost become a lost
art In these times, Mr.. Fish said. at
Is sad commentary that, In splte of
the growth Of the United States and
the splendid educational opportunities
AFFORDED. there are not a half dozen
men throughout America who enjoy
national reputation for eloquence' and
not one OF them ranks among the fore
most american orators Of the past"
At the conclusion Of the exercises
DIR. Marvin turned to the widow 81 Mr.
Depew and thanked her personally for
the endowment. -
Among the special guests was Edward
L. RoSSiter. an old friend Of Ars