Evening star., 1940-06-11
Denunciation Of Italy
By Roosevelt Brings
Enthusiastic Cheers
Graduation Audience
Crowded Into u. Of Va.
Gymnasium by Roin
BY J. A. FOX,
Star Stad Correspondent.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va, June
IA platform in the University
of Virginia gymnasium, which Gus
tomarily is used for boxing matches
and dance bands, was the stage for
President Roosevelts denunciation
of Italy.
A sudden rainstorm sweeping up
the Shenandoah Valley necessi-
tated lastminute change in the
program, and instead of an out
door setting in the ampitheater,
which has accommoda tions for ap-
.proximately $4,000 spectators, the
1l6th commencement was held in
the crowded gymnasium, where the
capacity Is about third of that
figure.
Telegraph wires and radio equip
ment were hurriedly set up in the
rear of the stage and lounging
chairs were placed at the side for
Mrs. Roosevelt and Mrs. Franklin
d. Roosevelt, jr.
Wears Harvard Robe.
The President wore the robe of a
doctor of laws-the degree con-
ferred by Harvard University-don-
ming cap and gown. which he had
brought from Washington, just after
enterting the gymnasium from his
automobile Then, accompanied by
President John Lloyd Newcomb. the
Chief Executive took his place on
the stage
The congestion allowed for little
movement in the hall. and the 397
graduates, who included about 80
young women, did not advance in the
traditional manner to receive di-
plomas, but stood IN their place as
the names were called The diplomas
later were distributed from the
registrars Office.
A program note requested the
audience not to applaud individual
recipients of degrees. but OCCASION
y ally some members lapsed into for
getfulness, and when Franklin D.
Roosevelt, jr., was presented for his
law degree, applause mingled with
shouts broke out.
Broadcast Interrupts Ceremony.
While the degrees were being be-
slowed, 6:15 arrived. and the cere-
mony was halted to permit the
President to 60 on the air.
The audience applauded when he
was introduced by President New
comb, then sat in silence as he
started to deliver the address that
had been competed on the train en-
route from Washington
Not infrequently. the President re-
peated word or phrase to lend
emphasis, but the first cheers for
the speech greeted his attack on
isolationists, and when, a second
later he denounced 'the gods of force
and hate and declared Americas
sympathies lay with those opposing
them, there was another outburst.
More slowly then, the President
spoke, recounting Premier Musso-
linis reflections of his peace over
lures, departing from the text Of
the prepared address to emphasize
land he had made no counterpro-
posals."
Slips in Bombshell.
And now the President was COM
pleting his speech:
"On this 10th day of June, 1940"-
he was following the printed page,
when suddenly he lashed out-"the
hand that held the dagger has
struck it into the back of its neigh
bor' The cheers and handclapping
almost drowned out the speakers
voice as he resumed-"On this 10th
day of June, 1910, in this university
founded by the first great American
teacher of democracy, we send forth
our prayers and our hopes to those
beyond the seas who are maintain
ing with magnificent valor their bat
tie for freedom"
Then the rest of the class of 1910
received their degrees, and the
President turned back to Wash
ington.