Evening star., 1936-09-18
PRESIDENT URGES
FREEDOM OF MIND
Harvard Tercentenary Gath
ering Told Importance
of Tolerance.
~ the Associated Press.

President Roosevelt declared today
that lin this day of modern WITCH
burning, when freedom of thought has
been exiled from many lands" 1t is
up to Harvard University and Amer
lea Ito stand for the freedom of the
human mind"
Speaking in the vast Harvard Ter
centenary Theater before assembled
sons of the Crimson and visiting
scholars, Mr.. Roosevelt said:
II am here today in joint and sew
eral capacity. First, as the President
of the United States. Second. as
chairman of the United States Harvard
Tercentenary Commission, which Is
composed of five members of the Sen
ate, five members Of the House Of Rep
resentatives, a representative of the
United States Army and one of the
Navy, and two representatives of the
universities of the United States, the
distinguished presidents of the uni
versities of California and North Car
olina. Finally, am here as son Of
Harvard who gladly returns to this
spot, where men have sought truth for
300 years.
The roots of Harvard are deep in the
past. 1t is pleasant to remember to-
day that this meeting is being held
In pursuance of an adjournment ex-
pressly taken 100 years ago on motion
Of Josiah Quincy.
Concern Over Government.
At that time many of the alumni
of Harvard were sorely troubled con-
cerning the state of the Nation. An
drew jackson was President. On the
250th anniversary of the founding of
Harvard College alumni again were
sorely troubled. Grover Cleveland
was President. Now, on the 3O0th
anniversary. I am President.
In the words of Euripides:
"There be many shapes of mystery,
And many things God makes to be,
Past hope or fear.
And the end men looked for cometh
not,
And path is there where no man
sought.
So hath it fallen here"
In spite of fears Harvard and the
Nation. Of which it is a part, have
marched steadily to new and successful
achievements. changing their forma-
tions and their strategy to meet new
conditions; but marching always under
the old banner of freedom
In the olden days of New England,
II was Increase Mather who told the
students of Harvard that they we're
pledged to the word of no particular
master" that they should above all
find friend in truth"
That became the creed of Harvard.
Behind the tumult and the shouting
1t is still the creed of Harvard.
In this day of modern WITCH
burning when freedom of thought has
been exiled from many lands which
were once its home, it Is the part Of
Harvard and America to stand for the
freedom OF the human mind and to
carry the torch of truth.
Triumph Of Truth.
The truth is great and will prevail
For centuries that grand old saying
pGrSe
cuted men.
But it depends on mems tolerance,
self-restraint and devotion to freedom,
not only for themselves but also for
others, whether the truth will prevail
through free research, free discussion
and the free intercourse of civilized
men. or will prevail only after sup
preston and suffering-when none
cares whether it prevails or not.
Love of liberty and freedom of
thought is most admirable attribute
OF Harvard. But it Is not an exclusive
possession of Harvard or OF any other
university in America. Love of liberty
and freedom of thought are as pro-
found in the homes, on the farms and
in the factories of this country as in
any university. Liberty is the air
Americans breathe. Our Government
Is based on the belief that a people
can be both strong and free, that civ
ilized men need no restraint but that
imposed by themselves against abuse
Of freedom. Nevertheless, 1t Is the
peculiar task of Harvard and every
other university and college in this
country to foster and maintain not
only freedom within its own walls but
also tolerance. self-restraint, fair
dealing and devotion to the truth
throughout America.
Many students who have come to
Harvard in the past have left 1t with
inquiring and open minds, ready to
render service to the Nation. They
have been given much and from them
much has been expected. They have
rendered great service.
1t is, am confident, of the inner
essence of Harvard that its sons have
fully participated in each great drama
Of our Nations history. They have
met the challenge of the event: they
have seen in the challenge opportunity
to fulfill the end the university exists
to serve. As the Chief Executive of
the Nation bring you the solicitation
Of our people. In the name of the
American Nation venture to ask
you to cherish its traditions and to
fulfill its highest opportunities.
The Nation needs from Harvard TO-
day men like Charles William Eliot.
William James and Justice Holmes,
who made their minds swords in the
service of American freedom.
They served America with courage,
wisdom and human understanding.
They were without hatred, malice or
selfishness. They were civilized gen.
tlemen.
The past of Harvard has been deep