Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-04-30
Presentation at Pan-Ameri-
can Union Marks Last Fub-
lie Appearance Here.
SEVEN UNIVERSITIES
JOIN IN GREETINGS
White House Banquet Climax Of
Busy Day Yesterday-Ail-
ment Diagnosed.

BALTIMORE, April 80 tP.-Dr.
William Holland Wilmer, noted
specialist. today told the King Of
Siam that an operation on the cata-
ract Of his left eye was absolutely
necessary" to save the sight of that
optic.
King Prajadhipok of Siam today was
honored for his labors in the interest
Of the education of his subjects and
in return voiced his appreciation for
Americas contribution toward the adj
vancement of the people of Siam.
The occasion was a ceremony this
morning at the Pan-American Union.
where he received the honorary degree
OF doctor OF laws from George WASH
ngton University. other educational
agencies joining In the tribute.
1t was the last public appearance In
the Capital of the Eastern monarch.
Accompanied by the Queen, Rambai
Barni, and surrounded by other mem
oers OF the royal party, the King heard
greetings from seven leading American
educational institutions, from the Amer
lean Council of Education and the
United States Office of education. and
then the citation for the degree. which
was read by DR.. Cloyd Heck Marvin.
president OF the university, and which
was followed by the formal presenta-
tlon OF the diploma and the investi-
ture with the academic hood.
W0rdS praise Noua..h
The citation read: Beloved ruler of
an independent people, defender of a
faith, gifted in rare taste and using
singular endowments in the education
OF people, as ancient Thai loyalties
direct; magistrate whoae poise of jude-
ment has been tried and vindicated BY
national exigencieS; statesman able to
hold united the diverse forces of the
Orient and of the Occident in a land
Wnere the ages meet, and mold them
toward progressive and salutary action:
exemplar to people, happy and at
tractive in temperament. of the virtues
that build and conserve state and So
ciety-His Majesty, King Praiadhipok
of Siam"
Keen Appreciation Felt.
The King responded as follows:
In accepting with profound appre-
citation this degree from a university
which bears the name of one of his
tory's noblest characters, I make Rrate-
full acknowledgment not only for this
recognition Of the services I have en-.
deavored to render to my people, but
also OF the earnest efforts and signal
achievements Of my predecessors who
first began the modernization Of the
Kingdom through the process of edu-
cation
American methods and institutions
and resources have played a consider
able and significant part in the develop
ment and advancement of modern Siam
and I am the more thankful, on that
account, for this evidence of commenda-
lion from an American university stu
ated here in the Capital City of the
United States.
Il appreciate also the presence here
of the representatives of SO many ia
nous institutions of learning and their
kind greetings. I wish to express my
gratitude and that of my people for the
friendly reception which has been ac-
corded to Siamese students by the uni
versities and colleges Of America"
Greeting at 10 AM.
The King and his party arrived at
the Pan-American Union at about 10
o'clock to be welcomed by President
Marvin and other officials of the uni
versity, and then at the head of the
colorful academic procession proceeded
to the Hall of the Americas where the
ceremony was held.
Dr. Marvin walked with the King,
while the Queen was accompanied by
Secretary of State Stinlson. Then in
order followed:
Dr. John Bell Larner, chairman Of
the board of trustees of the university.
with Prince Svasti; Right Rev. James
E. Freeman, Bishop of Washington,
with Princess Svasti; DR.. William Allen
Wilbur, provost of the university, with
Prince Amoradat, the Siamese Minister;
Dr. Charles Riborg Mann, director of
the American Council on Education;
Benjamin William Frazier, representing
the United States Commissioner of Edu-
cation, and finally representatives of
participating educational institutions,
in the order of their founding: Har-
ward University, represented by Court
ney Croker. formerly foreign adviser
at the court of Siam: Yale University.
Henry Barrett Learned, president OF
the Board of Education of the District
of Columbia; Princeton University, Will
liam Kelly Prentice, professor of Greek
in Princeton; Columbia University.
Marcus Benjamin of the Smithsonian
Institution; the University of Virginia,
Hugh Obear; Johns Hopkins University.
William Walter Cort, and the Univer-