Wayne County, Ohio - Chapter 22: History of the University of Wooster, 1910 (part 3 of 4)

Aho\ e all they would bear testimony to the unfaltering' strength of his religious convictions, and the power of his spiritual life as displayed in the class-room * * and in all social contact with his fellow men. The pervading presence of his gentle piety was like the sweet scent of a field the Lord hath blessed. He was loyal to duty in every thought, faithful in every service, exemplary in word and act, overflowing with loving kindness to every man and ever}^ creature. His Christian consistency was never questioned while the influence of his noble character impressed every soul that drew within the magic circle of his consecration." When this minute was read on the following Commencement Day "the whole audience reverently rose and remained standing in ex- ]iression of their concurrence in the sentiments of the resolution."

Dr. O. N. Stoddard, LL.D., was a member of the first faculty and already well known as a professor of natural science when Wooster's doors were opened. He became emeritus in 1883, though continuing lectures to the senior class, and died February 10, 1892. The board of trustees recorded that he "was a striking exemplification of the saying: 'To be is to teach.' He taught by what he was as well as by spoken or written word. * * * He was a

Christian man of science. To him the heavens and earth and all things therein declared the glory of God. * " * He had a high and chivalrous sense of

Hundreds of men and women in this and other lands hold him in grateful remembrance as a man and as a teacher and will perpetuate his influence in ever widening circles."

Another testimonial describes him thus : "A wise man and length of (lavs were in wisdom's hand for him. A student of nature's mysteries and rewarded by her sympathy. An artificer in all sulistances to express all forces. A careful student of mind finding its impress and majesty everywhere superior to matter. A master in morals, public and private, teaching the noldest type of citizenship and illustrating it in a life devoted to a large and intelligent patriotism." Doctor Stoddard possessed' mechanical genius an.d some apparatus made with his own hands is still in use in our laboratories.

Nearly a decade passed before Prof. S. J. Kirkwood, Ph. D., LL. D. (mathematics and astronomy), passed away. -He, too, had l)een a member of the original faculty and one of those who lirought an already established reputation to the service of the institution. With one excejition ( Notestein), his life as a professor projects the longest line of active service. Coming in 1870, he gave up his work only with his life on June 24, 1901. The oliservatory is the monument of his extra-professorial industry. He delivered most of the lectures and solicited much of the funds which made such an e(|uipment so early in the University's history possible. An admiring friend has provided ten thousand dollars as a partial endowment for a professorship of astronomy which shall perpetuate Doctor Kirkwood's name and memory in connection with that in which the Professor's preferences were pronounced and on wdiicli he had made great progress in preparing a text-liook. Doctor Kirkwood's interests in students was such as to commend their entire confidence and attract their affectionate regard. He loved to teach the importance of character, - that sum of the moral attributes in which Kant found the value of human personality outweighing all the stars. He counseled everything which would satisf}- the preferences of the student-hody and lie at the same time consistent with a conscientious regard to the sacred trust as to their welfare reposed in the University's governing liody. He refused other positions of honor and profit to abide with the interests he had done so much to build up. The memory of his personal Christian influence will long be cherished by Wooster's alumni and alumnae, along with their sense of indel)tedness for the mental vigor and positive knowledge his clear and .skillful instruction in the mazes of mathematics brought them.

Director Ifyron j. Oliver had taken charge of the department of music, in 1893. when his highly esteemed and most competent ])redeces,sor. 1). P. Conrad (one of Karl Merz's pu])ils), had gone abroad for a second term of foreign study. Hr. 01i\-er soon ])roved himself thoroughly furnished for every good work in jiiano, organ and theory, as well as in the cajiacity of con- ductor. In a continuous service of nearly twelve years (interrupted only by one year of organ-specializing in Berlin) he grew into a place of confidence and personal influence only second to that of the founder of the department, while probably excelling the latter in matters of teaching - technique. He died, after brief illness, January 29, 1905. Director Oliver began his life's work as a teacher under the admirable school-policy of Canada, his native land. Not until he had reached maturity did he give himself to music and therein he profited above many who made an earlier consecration. He was a thorough teacher, an inspiring conductor, and an excellent manager. Very early in his youth he had professed his faith in Christ and made it evident always that Christian principle sustained every purpose he formed. He knew the best in sacred as well as in secular music and conducted every church-service with profound reverence and true feeling. He carried forward the work of the de])artment in the spirit in which it was commenced. The memorial window in the chapel but faintly expresses the abiding esteem and affection of which he is still the object in our entire community.

The last of our co-laborers to fall beside his work was Prof. William H. AVlson (mathematics and astronomy). Wooster was his Alma Mater (class of '89) and never had she a more loyal son or one more thoroughly appreciative of her original ideals. He became at once a teacher in his chosen line of study and proved his competence from the beginning. Advanced to a professorship in that excellent institution, Geneva College, and supplementing his natural gifts by graduate study, and privileged to take part in observation of an eclipse, he demonstrated originality in research as well as efficiency in teaching. By nature he was accurate. It was part of his remarkably symmetrical and steadfast character. If ever a fine life was indicated by a faultless youth, it was true in Professor Wilson's case. The boy was father to the man. The young man was the index of the maturity which had just been reached, in its fullest sense, when he was called away from earth. It was a great gratification to him to he selected to succeed his former instructor ; and he brought all his ingenuity and exact methods, as well as all his strong personal power as a manly Christian, to the service of the institution he loved. His life throughout was transparently sincere, and probably no member of the entire faculty ever obtained at as early a period of professional experience so wide and deep an influence among the students. He became specially effective in sustaining high ideals in athletics. While insisting upon ball-playing of a high grade he mightily convinced the players that the obligation to be Christian gentlemen in fair-play and courtesy was to he held as first and funda- mental in every arena. He died in June, 1907, and the wound in our hearts is still unhealed despite the comfort we have in a successor (Professor Gable) of like competence and character.

Concerning the contemporary faculty, it must be recorded that they represent in more than thirty personalities many of the best educational centres of our own land and, by graduate study, of other lands. So many members have been connected with the university so long that unity of life and opinion and a continuity in development has been aided. Some of those longest here remain most effective in service. Others are bringing new contributions through experience of life in the later developed condition of the larger universities at home and abroad. In 1901 seven additions were made. The latest are Dr. Oscar F. Wisner (Wooster '81), formerly president of the Christian College in Canton, China, who has taken the chair of missions. Mr. Delbert G. Lean, who enters with great acceptance upon his work in the department of oratory; Robert Granville Caldwell (Wooster '04), who comes to the department of history after experience in India and in Huron College: and , Professor Meyer, who comes from P)ethany College, West Virginia, to be assistant in Greek, Latin and German.

Leave of absence had occasionally been granted for considerable periods of foreign study before 1906. But then the administration felt strong enough to provide the appropriation for a substitute, which permitted a professor to use his salary for a year in furthering his preparation for subsequent work. The custom is an expensive one, but marks a great step in advance by giving established men the coveted opportunity for wider observation and research. It began appropriately with the senior Professor - Notestein. The present writer followed in 1907-8. Dean Compton succeeded, then the privilege fell to Professor Bennett (chemistry) and just now Prof. John C. Black (mathematics and geology) is enjoying it.

During all these years many assistants in various departments have been employed and this has proven to he an exceedingly helpful method of providingmen trained for competence as professors in other institutions and for temporary assistance in the absence of members of our own faculty.

This office was formerly accompanied by responsibility for tbe work of the registrar. But increasing memliers and the necessity for ascertaining the propriety of receiving certificates from schools of all grades, together with the demand for accuracy in the record of each student's work (and this accented by the fire-loss of prex'ious records) have resulted in a registrar (Lester 11.

Wolfe) whose whole time is given to these varied uses. No office could have proved a greater convenience at many points in the university's life and no officer could have more speedily brought the entire force, educational and administrative, into obligation for his intelligent and ready aid. Professor Notestein bore the burden of most of these duties for many years and as usual "nec tetigif quid non ornarit." He devised the scheme used before the fire. Then came Professor Behoteguy's tenure of the office, but his careful work was reduced to ashes. Now thoroughly organized in a series of standing committees, with a system of careful observation of what transpires in our secondary schools and in our greater universities, and re-enforced by the observations of some member whose sabbatic year may be spent in educational centres of the old world, we may consider HToster's enlarged and enlarging faculty as worthy the confidence of its constituency.

Vii. The Trustees

It was the good fortune of the present writer in coming to ^^"ooster t 1883) to know some members of the original board of trustees. And in the study of the institution's life I have been additionally imjiressed with their supreme earnestness, their strong faith, their vision and their prevision. iMany of them continued to bear the heat and burden of the day for many years after the doors were successfully opened in 1870. The first loans were made by tbe trustees tbemselves, in order to meet exigencies. They held many meetings and canvassed many plans. Two of them T had known during my boyhood in Indiana - the Rev. L. J. Drake and Dr. \Y. \Y. Colmery. They were all self-sacrificing and ingenious in devising methods to meet the demands of each year. Of the whole number but one sur\five.s - Da\'id Robison, Jr., of Toledo. He represented the synod of Columbus from 1866 to 1877 and the synod of Toledo, from 1877 to 1883. Long a resident of Wooster, he is still interested in the city and its welfare. The board was largely composed of ministers, as befitted tbe e.xisting circumstances. It is now made up largely of laymen from the ranks of l)usiness and professional life. It is impossible, though it could not fail to be interesting, to print a full list with any such comments as the roster would deserve. high degree of faithfulness to their trust, often at great personal inconvenience, Avas characteristic of them all.

Lucas Flattery resigned in 1882 and a minute of appreciation and regret was entered. Peter Foust was elected in 1883 and died in June, 1901. The board recognized his seventeen years of service. "Quiet and unobtrusive in disposition, he yet exhibited an unflagging interest in the university by a uni- formerly faithful attendance upon the meetings of the board and its executive committee. * * * \ye place on record our appreciation of the life and character of our departed brother."

In 1886 Dr. James Eels, the well known professor of theology at Lane (member of the board since 1882), passed to his reward. "His lofty character and wide influence in the cause of Christ." as also his "interest in this institution and his wise counsels and efforts in its behalf" are gratefully acknowledged.

Two years more and the one to whom all looked as Elisha to Elijah was translated. A great void was created for all friends of Wooster when John Robinson, D.D., LL.D., died June 15, 1888. It was touching a Iiattery of reserved faith and courage to meet him. He had so long brooded over the university in its prenatal state that he could not help hovering over it afterwards. He prepared the early reports to the synods and the earliest appeals to the churches. He was often on the executive committee (though not resident in Wooster) and on the examining committees. He may fairly l)e said to have done more for the university in the twenty-two years next after the granting of the charter and before it than any other man. The handsome bronze tablet, w'ith its appropriate inscription, which used to stand on the main stairway of the old building should be restored in the new. In the catalogue of 1888-9, d 'S printed on a separate page that "for more than a cpiarter of a century no pulilicatiou concerning the synodical university was issued which did not contain the name of this venerable man. He w'as its ardent advocate as a hope and as a plan. After its realization he was the first, and, until his death, the only president of its board of trustees. He gave it his energies, his prayers and his means. * * * It is the fervent desire of the board of trustees and of the faculty that his life-long views concerning the duty and the opportunity of the church in the higher education under denominational control, may be regarded as typical among the ministers and churches of Ohio, as it is their assured conviction that the memory of his high character and matured Christian graces and useful life will never perish from among us." It is added in the hoard's own minute that Doctor Robinson was never alisent from a meeting e.xcept on one occasion and then he was "visiting in Scotland." "In every time of trial his wise counsel and courageous stand and lo\'iug adherence to the right made him the centre about which others might rall\-.

* * * He was meek, pure and straightforward, as he was prudent, persistent and true. He ])resided with dignity and grace and cast o\er the meeting of the board the tender unction and hallowed expression of one w lio walked with God. His earnest and touching prayers lifted us to the \er\-

University appears in the fact that, out of the scanty earnings of a long life he has devoted one thousand dollars to establish a scholarship in memory of his beloved wife. And we rejoice that the children of our honored friend have signified their determination to found a similar scholarship to his memory."

No one of all the noble men who have stood by the University in its perplexities has been of more real service than the Honorable J. W. Robinson (of Marysville). Entering the board in 1871, he continued in deepest interest and activity until his death, in 1899. 'He was thus identified with the three decades of struggle and advance. The board records its "deep sense of the loss sustained in the death of one of the University's earliest and warmest friends. * * * He was in profoundest sympathy with the principles for the maintenance and propagation of which the University was founded. His counsels were characterized by eminent wisdom and in times of special difficulty were marked by sagacity, foresight and gentle moderation. He loved the University. In her prosperity he greatly rejoiced and when for any cause her welfare seemed in jeopardy his sorrow was sincere and deep, but not stronger than his patience and skill in helping to bring her out of trouble and into a 'large and wealthy place.' He was ever ready to lend a helping hand to the University in the way of financial aid and the supreme token of his fostering spirit in this respect was his legacy of ten thousand dollars which has so lightened our load and brightened our future today.

"With thankfulness to God for giving the University such a friend, in loving memory of his virtues and with solemn purpose to emulate his de- A'otion to the interest of our beloved institution, we inscribe this memorial upon our records.''

In June. 1900, we lost a friend, the Rev. Dr. John H. Pratt, whose membership in the board had been confined to the initial years from the charter in 1866, to the opening in 1870. During that period he took most effective part in aiding to construct the first curriculum and in fixing the conditions of entrance. His efficient friendship was not limited to that period, liowever. The board's minute says : "He was ever a devoted friend of the University and, during these years, contributed liberally to its support - his benefactions amounting to over twelve thousand dollars. He was a sincere, devout and earnest Christian, whose life was a consistent, lovely representation of the Christian character. In his various pastorates he proved a faithful minister of the Covenant and was universally honored and beloved bv the entire communitv where he resided."

Dr. Charles S. Pomeroy, long pastor of the Second Presbyterian church of Cleveland, became a member of the board of trustees in 1883. He succeeded Dr. John Robinson as president of the board in 1888. He represented the University, amid surroundings which were strongly drawn in other directions, always with discretion but always with firm preference for the institution of church control and ownership. He died suddenly in September, 1894. "Doctor Pomeroy," says the record, "was a marked man, distinguished for his natural abilities, his scholarly attainments, his mechanical genius, his genial Christian character, his delightfully interesting public address, his evangelistic and spiritually helpful preaching and his wise counsels as a member of this body, and in the ecclesiastical bodies of our church. He was a thorough Presbyterian, a firm defender of our faith and was decided in his views of Presbyterian government. But his sympathies were as broad as the Christian church and his voice was heard in the support of whatever promised to be useful to men or for the enlargement of the Redeemer's Kingdom.''

In 1892, the resignation of John McClellan, as treasurer, was reluctantly accepted by the board of trustees, and a testimonial (by Doctor Taylor) was ordered to be read from the commencement platform, declaring that "among the early advocates of the establishment of the University none other aided with greater activity, zeal and liberality.'' His labors in connection with the erection of the main building were recognized as "indefatigable and conspicuous.'' His service as trustee and treasurer endured for more than twenty-five years and "he was present at every meeting of the board," besides proving an "energetic and self-sacrificing member of the executive committee." As treasurer his administration was marked by "wisdom, justice and kindness" and thus he "won the favor of the public, the gratitude of the board, and the universal friendship of the faculty and students."

In 1900 (March 30), at nearly ninety years of age, Mr. McClellan died in faith. The board of trustees again expressed its sense of bis early and abiding and effective interest in the University. He had executed his difficult duties "with conspicuous fidelity, skill and unusual knowledge of human nature.'' By his "devotion of extra labor and thought" and by his "hopefulness in dark days he stimulated others to loyalty and consecration in the work." "The sinpdicity, trans])arenl honesty and sterling integrity of his character" are emi)hasized.

While the trusteeshij) of Jacol) Frick was com])arati\'ely l)rief, it was marked l)y dee]) interest and by generous and efficient aid in the financial dif- ficulties then encountered. The board laments his loss (he dieil X'ovember 17, 1901): "His simplictiy of manner, the honesty and integrity of his

Tn June. 1898, the board of trustees, in accepting from J. H. Kauke the gift of the property now known as the conservatory, passed resolutions of heartfelt recognition of his "unselfish service" of many years in "advancing* the work to which he has given so much of his time, his strength, his means and his prayers." hfe died suddenly on Sabbath morning, March 20, 1904. At its next meeting this minute was entered upon the record of the board, expressing its deep sense of the "loss which the institution has sustained." He was the oldest member of our board and the sole survivor (save one) of the original incorporators. "Pre-eminent among the men whose laliors and liberality secured the location of the synodical college in this city, he gave to it an untiring devotion and for thirty-eight years sacrificed time, money and strength to its upbuilding, maintenance and enlargement. He had passed the 'dead line' of fifty years rvhen the University was founded, but for more than a third of a century he gave his unfailing and exuberant vitality to the care and nursing of the institution he loved. Day after day, usually before attending to bis own business, be was on tbe bill, attending to the needs of professors and .students with indefatigable zeal and patience.

"And this was true not alone of one season but of all seasons. Summer and winter, day and night, he wrought and planned, meeting perplexities and bridging difficulties, unceasingly careful in tbe economical use of tbe University's funds and gabdng, especially in later years, a large part of his time gratuitously to the care of the building and grounds.

"His interests in both teachers and scholars was unfailing. He was - deeply interested in the struggles of the students while here and followed them in after years with sympathetic watchfulness, rejoicing in their success and grieving over their failures and defects. His own life-liattle, with his disadvantages and straitened circumstances in early life to the comfort and affluence of later years, fitted him to be a true friend and counsellor of those who in povert}* were seeking to gain an education. After eighty-six years of busy and fruitful labors he entered into rest."

It would be hard to find in any community a more remarkable bistory than the life-course of Captain Kauke. Some pains should be taken to present it to this community as a priceless inheritance, an asset of more than economic value, a perpetual stimulus to the nobler triumphs of character o\-er circumstance and a brilliant tribute to native intellect and to its power, under stimulus of high morality and a deep religious faith, to assimilate the most valuable results of culture without submission to its tedious processes.

Two years later (June, 1906) the hoard traces carefully the life history of the Rev. John C. Holliday, D.D., always useful and widely known - a trustee from 1888 to 1906. He died suddenly while pastor at Norwood, Ohio, on the 14th of February of the latter year. Absent in seventeen years but from one meeting of the board and then far away in Palestine, he was a model of punctuality. He had been the Prohibition candidate for governor in 1897 and received the largest vote (7,558) ever given to a similar candidate. He was especially useful to the whole church (Presbyterian) in our state by the well-ordered scheme of home missions which he devised. "Fidelity, conscientiousness and efficiency characterized all his relations to the University." Dr. Holliday's solid acquirements, sustained convictions, and ready sympathies conspired to make him a man of mark in any line of duty for Christ and fellow men. The board expresses its "profound sense of the greatness of its bereavement."

At the same meeting (June, 1906) the death of Harry True (of Marion), which had occurred since the February meeting of that year, was recorded. He was a "trustee by lineage. His father. Dr. H. A. True, was one of the original incorporators.'' * * * Despite large business interests he was a faithful member of the Board. He was "too genuine a man to herald his worth, but when put to the test he revealed his equipment and splendid character.'' He had unusual literary taste, and was "a manly man, an upright citizen, a generous helper of a worthy cause, a friend worth ha\ ing, always a gentleman and a devout and consistent Christian."

Among the earlier trustees were two whose tenure of office was not long but their interest was deep and permanent. Of these, William D. Johnson (1873-5) endowed the chair of mathematics and astronomy in the sum of twentv-five thousand dollars. This gift was one of the most encouraging evidences of future success during the days of the early struggles. The hoard marks "the exemplary spirit and devoted piety" of the generous trustee and records its gratitude to God for the bequest in his will. It deserves to be entered here that Mrs. Johnson, when the railroad bonds in winch the endowment was transferred were repudiated by the county which authorized them, paid the interest ($1,500) for many years until finally by legal process the county was compelled to make good the jirincipal. It is hard to see how the institution could just then have gone forward without this singular act of generosity.

The trusteeship of the Rev. Dr. R. B. Moore was also brief (1871-74), but he held a life-interest in the university's work and welfare. After other donations, he gave, in 1904, ten thousand dollars as a foundation for a professorship of astronomy and as a memorial to his life-long friend, Professor Kirkwood, But a few months before his death in May, 1906, he "gave utterance to the hope that the university would always remain true to the traditions and ideals of its founders."

Brief mention, at least, should be made of many of these worthy men, who have served in the capacity of trustees during these forty years. The whole number is one hundred and forty-three. Of these, sixty-eight have died. The list includes men of mark in all the professions. Naturally the clergy were called upon first and seventy-six of the whole number have been in the ministry. Teachers, lawyers, business men and now and then a physician, make up the remainder. In the existing board, as by the catalogue of 1909-10, there appear twenty-five names (omitting the president, who is a member ex officio). Of these, only six are clergymen (with a seventh who is an honorary trustee), four are lawyers, one is an editor, one is an educator, and the remainder are business men. It would be but just to remember that the Rev. Dr. W. W. Colmery, one of the original board, is credited with having aided William D. Johnson to decide in favor of endowing his professorship. He also sent donations from his own slender resources when kept by increasing infirmity from attendance upon the meetings of the board. His tenure lasted from 1866 to 1895. As much might be said for Hugh Bell's long and faithful service from 1871 to 1898; for the short service of that estimable Christian lawyer of Cadiz, Josiah Estep (i885-'88). Dr. B. K. Ormond, once resident in our city, maintained an effective interest from 1893-1904. Dr. E. L. Raffensperger (of Marion) proposed the name which the institution now bears, at the close of a long committee discussion. He was instrumental in the' proposed location at West Liberty. His term identified him with the period of inception ( 1866-70). The widely known attorney at law. William Rush Taggart (now of New York, then of Salem, Ohio), was a member of the board and an efficient aid from 1877 to 1889. J. G. Peebles came a long way from Portsmouth and at an advanced age for the years between 1883 and 1897. He gave freely of his own means and appropriated to the use of the university a bequest of two thousand dollars, the disposal of which had been left to his judgment by his sister, Mrs. Hamilton. Dr. George C. Heckman (1855-88). the Rev. Dr. David A. Wallace (1880-83),

(1887-8) were all college presidents and gave the values of their varied experiences to the counsels of the governing body. Dr. Abram D. Hawn of Delaware (1874-79) still survives to maintain a loyal interest in Wooster; Dr. A. B. Marshall ( 1890 to '94), then of East Liverpool and now in transitu to the presidency of the theological seminary at Omaha, should be coupled with Dr. William McKibbin ( 1894-1902), now president of Lane Theological Seminary, in appreciative remembrances. The Hon. A. E. Jones, recently commissioner of education in Ohio and long superintendent at Massillon, ga\-e us good counsel from 1893 to 1901. Judge Mhlliam Me Surely, since liusied in important cases in Chicago, gave most efficient help during reconstruction after the fire (1901-4) having secured a most welcome donation of five thousand dollars from the authorities of the Pennsylvania Leased Lines. iXIyron Wick (of Youngstown), elected in 1901, generously aided in the rebuilding and then in completing the great effort to reach the five-hundred-thousand dollar point in 1908, on reaching which so much was conditioned. He resigned last year and this year has been called to higher service in the better land. Alva Agee, now of Pennsylvania State College, was with us heart and soul from 1905-8 during his residence in our city. Samuel J. McMahon (Cambridge banker ) was generously efficient from 1888-1903. Taken all in all, this list of one hundred and forty-three trustees' helps to prove that the synodical college has proved to be solidly imbedded in the best heart and mind of our church in this state. Wooster has been able to command those who were able to serve her interests intelligently as well as faithfully.

During the third administration (June, 1893) the proper steps were ordered for enlarging the number of the trustees by synod-election from nominations by the "alumni at the annual meeting of the Central Alumni Association.'' This action was carried out, involving the jiassing of a general law by the General Assembly of Ohio. It has proven a wise and satisfactory step. -A, number of those most interested and useful in the board have been added by this expedient ; and this result will be cumulative in the future.

There have been five presidents of the board. Dr. John Robinson ( 1866- 1888) ; Dr. Charles S. Pomeroy (1888-1894) : Dr. A. A. E. Taylor (1895- 1902) ; Dr. Samuel S. Palmer (1902-5) and Louis II. Severance, the present incumbent. Lucas Elattery was the first secretary, in office from 1866 to 1878. Dr. T. K. Davis succeeded in a service of thirty years from 1878 to 1908. Since then Jesse McClellan has held the office, as he has held that of treasurer from 1885, succeeding his father, John AlcClellan, whose tenure of that important office lasted from 1869 to 1885.

Among- the fiscal secretaries mention must be made of Dr. George P. Havs' pioneering and organizing in 1868 and 1869, without which the raising of the two hundred fifty thousand dollars endowment deemed indispensable for setting the university in motion could not have been realized, and of Dr. T. K. Davis' continuous and successful employment in this capacity from 1871 to 1875. The Rev. Robert M. Donaldson gave up choice pastorates for this difficult work from 1895 1898. Since 1904 the burden has rested upon those experienced workmen in this vineyard (in which there are grapes enough l)ut not easily accessible), the Rev. Charles R. Compton, Ph. D., and the Rev. Samuel W. Douglas. One who knows something of their task heartily wishes them the faith and patience which alone can perpetually (to use a borrowed ex]H-ession) "renew the solicitor's nerve.''

It is due the faithfulness and efficiency of Dr. T. K. Davis, connected with the university in one capacity or another from April i, 1867 - thus reaching forty-three years and constituting a longer nexus than now exists with any other person living - to give place to an extract from his letter to the board when resigning the secretaryship in 1908: "The institution was founded on the Rock of Ages, by men of profound convictions in this central and influential state, at a time when the older and wealthier colleges of the country seemed to be losing their grip on the Christian faith. Merely as an additional college to the many in Ohio it was not needed. But as a college conn.ected with and controlled by the Presbyterian church it was greatly needed. The Presbyterian church in Ohio was suffering and losing ground for want of a college of its own. I helie\-ed that it was needed by our country and the world as a college that would stand for Christ and the Bible as long as the Presbyterian church in Ohio would he faithful to her Lord and Master. My work as secretary has kept me in touch all these years with the internal life and work of the university and it has been a great joy to me that the trustees and faculty have never wavered from the position taken by the board of trustees at the first meeting in December, 1866." [See the resolutions quoted elsewhere in this sketch.]

'fhe most important section of the board of trustees is and always has been the executive committee. It is something of an equalizing consideration to remember that if our city receives some special advantages from the university it must always contribute the management through this committee - in close connection with the president as a member ex officio - of many most important concerns of the university-life. Questions of policy as well as of detail come before it for decision. Some are committed directD to it by the board, and others are urgent because the meetings of the board are infrequent. There must be management of the investments also by a suli-committee (on finance). There is constant demand for time and judgment and sympathetic study of various situations on the part of the executive committee. Right nobly have our best citizens responded to these demands during these more than forty years. I may not dare to specialize beyond mentioning the extraordinary devotion of John H. Kauke - for so many years the chairman - and the continuous and indispensable ser.vices of the Rev. Dr. O. A. Hills since 1885. E\'ery crisis through which the university has passed has called for renewed devotion and activity on the part of this committee.

Closely connected with the general work of the trustees, there has existed since 1892 an advisory board of women. The number was to be ec|ual to that of the trustees and their names were to be reported to the synod for confirmation, ft was a roving commission under which this advisory board was organized ; but its main design was always as clear as it was im]iortant. It was meant to bring together representative women from each presbytery who with womanly tact and intuition would find ways to increase the efficiency of the institution in all matters pertaining to the young women who came into residence in the university. In 1896 "the board, recognizing the zeal with which the advisory board have given themselves to the work of fostering the university, would suggest to them that they have a sub-committee who shall regularly visit the institution and report from time to time to the faculty or board what, in their judgment, would promote the efficiency of the university especially in the matter of securing to our young lady students accommodations and surroundings that will approximate their life in the university to that of a Christian home." The thanks of the board for continued aid along the lines in which so much has been done to increase the attractiveness of the institution to the mothers and daughters of our constituency, have been frequently expressed. As early as June, 1880, Doctor Taylor had suggested a "AAman's Association to aid in promoting the higher education of young women in the university." The usefulness of the advisory board is constantly increasing and their suggestions receive most respectful attention from the trustees. It was in connection with this organization that the efficient work of Mrs. Dr. J. H. \\'. Stuckenberg was done in forming AToster leagues in several Ohio cities. These organizations (juickened interest in certain circles to the ])oint of valuable co-operation.

Closely connected with the foregoing items must be mentioned the honorroll of those who through the financial pilgrimage of the forty years ])ast have been signal helpers. There heads the list, of course, the fine face and figure of Ephraim Ouiuby, Jr., whose gift of the canqius undoubtedly secured the lo- cation of the university at Wooster, and who gave, also, later a professorship. The pastor Reed gave encouragement and prevailing prayer. Capt. John H. Kanke gave liberal donations at the beginning, a full professorship later, paid for the. transfer of the conservatory property, and always an inexhaustible store of personal concern and superintendence. The Johnson professorship was a gleam of hope for the larger endowments so much needed. David Robison, Jr., gave means and time as a member of the original board of trustees and is now its sole survivor, Mr. Purdy, of Mansfield, and John Black, of Zanesville, added some of the larger sums of the early days. Mr. and Mrs. Boyd Adercer endowed the Biblical chair. Adrs. Adary Adyers was one of the few who could add five thousand dollars to the original subscriptions for endowment. Early and middle and late, Dr. J. Id. Pratt came to the institution's help. C. S. Bragg, of Cincinnati, planted the first library as a centre of intellectual stimulus with a gift of five thousand dollars. In the middle period there came to us William Thaw's repeated gifts, including the two thousand five hundred dollars which made certain the Idoge professorship of morals and sociology. And Airs. William Thaw founded a memorial scholarship to that noble Christian gentleman (her father), Josiah Copley. Then came, from the same beneficent hand, the five thousand dollars and more, which realized that finel}^-conceived plan - the homes for the children of missionaries. Benjamin S. Brown, of Columbus, gladdened all hearts by a perpetual scholarship (one thousand dollars) and a professorship (twenty-five thousand dollars). Selah Chamberlain's ten-thousand-dollar bequest carried us over the construction exigencies of 1891-2, and literally gave us "wings." Henry Flagler, of New York, gave one thousand dollars. That veteran of Christian service, John Peebles, of Portsmouth, helped the work for himself and for his sister. Airs. Hamilton. Judge J. W. Robinson's bequest of ten thousand dollars, with Dr. Pratt's five thousand dollar gift, prepared the way for the large things which w'ere to come.

And what an honor-roll is that of the past eleven years! H. C. Frick's library building w'as not only a promise of spring, but the "one swallow" which, contrary to the proverb, seemed enough to "make a summer." Then came Airs. Davidson and the Alemorial Chapel with Airs. Livingstone Taylor's five thousand dollar organ in it, and the five times greater, later gift in the stress of the effort for the five hundred thousand dollars ending with Alarch 31. 1908. And how these larger givers have multiplied since the fiery ordeal ! Here begin the astonishing gifts of Andrew Carnegie: of the Rockefeller General Education Board; and of the ever-generous patron-saint (shall I say) of the institution, Louis H. Severance. Along ivith these how wonderfully sprang up from willing hearts and open hands the large gifts of John Converse (of Philadelphia), of Dr. R. B. Moore: of Mrs. Darwin James and other "elect ladies" of New York; of Mrs. Samuel Mather (of Cleveland), of Miss Denny and Miss Spring and Mrs. Curry, of Pittsburgh: of Solon Severance, who took such effective pity on the condition of a library magnificently housed but helpless to fill its own shelves. There have kept coming from very many sources the scholarships (of one thousand dollars each) for payment of tuition for the children of missionaries. There have also been entered some large contributions on the annuity plan, which will prove no doubt, to be the forerunners of yet more numerous arrangements of this character - a plan so satisfactory to the annuitant and so certain ultimately to enrich the treasury of the university.

All these things are recorded (and it is hut a partial enumeration) that faith and hope may be animated by experience. In the crisis of rebuilding how plainly it was proven in some of the larger gifts, already recounted, and in the prompt and generous response of the city of Wooster through James Mullin's gift of five thousand dollars, with Mr. and i\Irs. Jacob Frick's ('me thousand dollars and the similar sum from Walter Mullins and from i\Ir. and Mrs. John McSweeney, besides the self-denying smaller gifts from that the high purpose of Wooster's founders would never lack friends and helpers. So it has been and so it will alwa}'s he. True to lier noble mission, help and deliverance will arise in every exigency. Patient waiting and working are the only conditions of prosperity for an institution devoted to the aims for which Wooster was founded.

Viii. The Alumni

The number for the forty years coni])ares strikingly well with the out- ])ut of institutions which have ampler state foundations or are created by hitherto un])recedented ]U'ivate endowments. It is much heyoucl the record of any ecclesiastical college known to the writer. The grand total gi\ es us collegiate alumni u]) to May, 1910, 1402. ,\11 de])artments carry the figure to

1705. The report to synod ( October, 1909), is willing to test all college life by "the service it renders to the world through its alumni." ,\ table is ])riuted showing that of the 1393 graduates of the collegiate department. 37S (27.13 per cent) have gone into religious work: 376 (26.99 per cent) int(' collegiate and secondary teaching: 142 (10.19 cent) into law: 1 (6.53 per cent) into medicine and 236 (16.94 per cent) into business. Wooster has furnished II college jiresidents and 54 college professors, of whom 44 are men and 10 are women - a contribution of 67 members to the faculties of institutions of full colleg'iate or university standing. "The quality of the scholarship product of \A'ooster is indicated by three facts; first the large and growing demand for Wooster alumni as college professors and for important positions in normal schools, academies and high schools: second, the hooks of scholarly merit written by \AToster men ; third, the large number who pursue graduate courses in the large universities and the many fellowships and scholarships which they win in competitive theses or by their high grade of work during their first graduate year.'' Abundant details exist to make good these claims. Ten fellowships were won during 1903-4. Four of a then recent class took fellowships at Yale, Columbia, Chicago, and Wisconsin. A "Roll of Honor'' has l:een voted for those who do such things.

The distribution of the alumni shows the Wooster preparation for a lifework is not limited to any environment. Out in the West, there are 24 in California, 20 in Colorado, 10 in North Dakota, in Oregon, 13: in Kansas, 28: in Washington, 22. Coming Eastward, we find 62 in Illinois, 477 in Ohio, 125 in Pennsylvania. In Massachusetts there are 10; New York, 58. Going to the far East, there are 15 in India and 30 in China. Again we must regret the necessity of omitting most of the names of those referred to. Mere mention can he .made of such men as Professor Hyslop, in moral and mental science; Joseph Collins, in mathematics ; William Henderson, in chemistry; Professor Culler (Miami ), in physics; Dr. Edgar Work, in authorship; W. W. White, in the great Bible' school of New York, and J. C. White, at the head of the lavmen's missionary movement, and Professor Kingery (Wabash), with his editions of Latin texts, and many distinguished missionaries: and ex-Governor Morrison and Professor Chadock of Pennsylvania University, and Professor Wallace Notestein (history) and ex-President James Wallace, whose heroic devotion saved IMacalester College: and of such women as Mrs. Ella Alexander Boole, Mrs. Mary Mills, Mrs. Hanna Cox and the Misses Popper. These names, taken almost at random, give evidence of real vitality in AVoostcr's work.

Every year the bond strengthens as the numher increases. Organization is being perfected rapidly. The next decade will bring the fiftieth anniversary and observation convinces the writer that the semi-centennial is a point of new departure for the alumni of a great and growing institution. Wooster men and women har e better means now of knowing what the other AVoosterites are doing. The admirable Alumni Round Table in the Wooster Quarter- ly is now supplemented by a regular bulletin, packed with infonnaiion. Wooster's diploma means more each year. The children of the benign mother's first generation are coming to drink of the same fountain. The four missionheroes, Ritchie, Pinkerton, Devor and Noyes, lie buried in China, Brazil and Africa; but their souls "are marching on" in the recruits who annuall^- sav : "Here am I, send me." AVooster's alumni have given one professorship twenty-five thousand dollars and they know this is but a beginning .for an everenlarging body in ministering to the ever-growing demands of advanced Christian thinking and knowing and doing. Experience has proven that the high-grade students (taken by classes) do the high-grade work in life. A great mission is worth great pi'eparation.

Ix. History By Departments

I. First, attention may be given to those which have disappeared. And among these the first place is due to the medical department. Undoubtedlv our institution OAved its title of "university" to the expectation that a medical department would begin its functions at once and be followed by a department of law. The main building bore distinct traces of ada]fiation to the need of a medical department. But it was found expedient to accept an already established medical school, a "going concern" in Cleveland. It opened simultaneously with the collegiate department. There Avere long struggles to maintain it by the self-denying and capable professors. Hospital facilities Avere lacking' at times. For a Avhile it became only a summer school. Reorganization Avas had and enlargement of facilities folloAved. Standard instruction Avas giA en. Four years Avere required for completing the course. Some of Cleveland's best surgeons Avere members of its faculty. A building for instruction became imperatively necessary. That Avas beyond the ])OAver of the university at the time. A change Avas acceded to and the medical de])artment passed under the charter of the Ohio AA^esleyan University. Just now in the interests of each institution and of medical education in general, a union lias licen formed Avith the medical department of AA^estern Reser\-e UniA'ersity, long knoAvn for unusually good facilities and high standards of admission. In bidding this department fareAvell in 1895, the folloAving was ]niblished : "It has been impossible for the university, burdened Avith the beginnings of things, to occiqiy any other than an almost passiA'e position (oAvard the medical department at Cleveland. AAdiat could be done without assuming an_A' pecuniary resiionsibility Avas done in the hope that the enterjirise might find such friends in its immediate surroundings, as Avould meet its needs. * The rec-

Orel of the past twenty-six years has been an honorable one for the university and for the medical faculty, which has managed to sustain the entire expenses of the department and to maintain a high standard of efficiency'."

A second department has been discontinued - the military. It opened under Lieutenant (now Captain) A. C. Sharpe in 1883. His commission to teach was renewed and he remained until 1888. Lieutenant Wilkinson succeeded him for two years and the instruction ceased in 1890. On the whole, the experiment succeeded. The drill was an effective, mainly out-door, supplement to the gymnasium instruction. The carriage of men who underwent the exercises was strikingly improved. The result was good as to health, as to neatness, and as to the habit of immediate and simultaneous movement under orders. The university endeavored to administer the trust implied in the appointment of an officer conscientiously, and favorable reports, we understand, were made to the government by the officers of inspection.

The post-graduate department opened in the collegiate year of 1881-2. Doctor Taylor, its originator, was later its dean. Half a dozen courses of advanced work were laid down to be pursued in absentia, but with a view to constant and detailed examination of the studies and laboratory work. These courses were strengthened from time to time until they seemed to be full equivalents for the work demanded for similar degrees in the larger institutions. There were disadvantages, no doubt, connected with such a plan, hut tliey were reduced to a minimum by great care in the selection of candidates for these advanced degrees, such previous preparation being insisted upon as made it reasonably certain that they could profitably ])ursue their studies with no further direction by the professor in charge than could he given by correspondence. The members enrolled grew' beyond expectation and it was demonstrated that a large class exists w'hich desires direction in advanced studies, Init for W'hich university-residence is impossible. Ministers, teachers, professors, with a few' lawy'ers and physicians, entered the lists. But finally the burden grew' too heavy for the smaller faculty of that day, and a sentiment hostile to all in absentia study developed in the college circles. During 1898-9 measures w'ere taken to bring the w'ork to a close. No new candidates w'ere received and the last degrees w'ere conferred in 1903.

2. The library of a college is increasingly esteemed as one of its most important departments. That that should not have even the endow'iuent of a single professorship which underbuilds all the professorships is a scandal - to sav nothing of the demand upon the general fund for appropriations to meet current expenses. It has not been for w'ant of the right estimate of the lilirarv-function that Wooster is still minus a library endowment. Even when small, the library was diligently used. Housed in its plain shelves more "takings" were recorded than were found to exist in an institution with a sixty-thousand-dollar library building. The four stages of development include the primal donation of C. S. Bragg (American Book Company, Cincinnati). That five thousand dollars attracted other library fragments. Better facilities came under the second administration with a librarian and the establishment of a reading room. The third stage comes with the "wings" in the third administration. About 1892 there was a separate stack-room and a larger reading room furnished with suitable desks and the beginning of better cataloguing. Judge Welker's important gift of a complete set of Congressional Records was hailed with joy, as were the contributions from Dr. James Hoge's library. The contributions of the second president, Doctor Taylor, at various times, exceed in number and value the gifts of any other contributor, Mr. Bragg's excepted. It was most fitting that the uplifting gift of H. C. Frick should be the first bird of promise in the fourth administration. That building, planned by Nimmons (Wooster '87), is the classic ornament of the whole campus. It contains all conceivable library conveniences in its completed form (1906). As an initial surprise it amazed us - but as a complete book-palace it comforts and reassures us. We cannot long have such a cage without the birds it is built for. The appeal is now made in connection wdth the present strenuous effort for increased endowment by the president, to whose Midas-touch the building was the first response. It is a pleasure to echo that appeal here. Let the benevolent remember scripfa manent. Books are the waymarks of civilization. I wish it were possible to tarry here for even brief characterization of the admirable and thoughtful addresses pronounced at the dedication, including the eloc|uent tribute of President Holden to the generous donor. Nor can I stay to trace the growth of the really valuable library already within this handsome enclosure. Professor Notestein saved the old library by insisting upon its removal to the scarcely complete new building but a month or two before the destruction by fire of the old building. And he has been acknowledged generalissimo of the progress since. He founded the mission-alcove with the jiroceeds (three hundred dollars) of a |)rize won by his brain and pen. He has pushed forward the Dewey system of cataloguing. He has jiresided over a number of purchases which ha\'e given us many a series of Poole-indexed ])ublications rapidly becoming inaccessible. S])ecial obligations are due to Messrs. L. H. and Solon Se\-erance, of C'le\'eland, whose tastes and travels have led them to be the largest (almost the only) gi\'crs of large sums to the library-shelves. The whole faculty and the whole student-body join in thanking them. 'Phe accession-lists show o\er thirty-four thousand books as the total enrollment of these seried ranks of learning-'s infantry. Excluding duplicates and losses (as well as pamphlets), we have now about thirty thousand volumes. From October i, 1908. to September 30, 1909, net gain was one thousand three hundred forty-one volumes, besides six hundred eighty-seven pamphlets. Whoever says "'library'' in Wooster says Dr. T. K. Davis, the honored librarian emeritus. Much as kliss Bechtel deserves praise for accuracy and system and patience and abilitv to make the library useful to its maximum, and much as we must gladh' acknowledge the valuable service of her assistants, the meed of esteem and admiration must not be withheld from him, whose efficient care ("respect property" e. g. ) and perfect knowledge of the library's resources all along its growth have furnished just the aid required in the studies and general culture of the student-body. How earnestly he has endeavored to make the room a "temple of silence" that it might be a temple of thought also. What a brave fight he has made for the elusive intellectual as against the intrusive emotional ! Many generations of students rise up to call him blessed.

3. A third specific work is that of the preparatory department. At the close of the first collegiate year order was taken by the board, through the executive committee and the faculty, for the organization of a suh-freshman class. This resulted in the whole department which entered upon its work with the opening of 1872-3 and was cordially approved at the close of that year by the hoard. The dangers of such an experiment were fully appreciated and wisely guarded against from the beginning and hig'h standards were insisted upon which have brought their reward ever since. The Rev. J. A. I. Lowes, an experienced superintendent of schools, was the first principal. Details of subsequent history may be omitted, save to mention that some of our best professors did their first work in this department and thereby earned their promotion. Miss E. Pendleton, A. M., deserves the greatest esteem for having contributed to and conserved the best spirit of the department since i88q. Adjunct professor of English since 1901. An epoch arrived with the principalship of J. H. Dickason. In 1895 he became instructor and temporary principal. In 1896 he was made principal and adjunct professor of Latin and given a seat in the faculty. Progress in all directions has been constantly made. Demand arose as early as 1896-7 for a school of review and improved methods for the teachers of secondary schools. This has resulted in the present permanent arrangement for pedagogical instruction in this department. An earlier demand ( 1897) was perceived for a commercial department. After various experiments this, too, has found a safe and permanent lodgment in the academy with excellent appointments and a varied curriculum. As early as ten years ago a full four years' course was provided with such variations in the curriculum as make the department eminentlv servicealde, e\ en for those who do not expect to pursue the higdier education. The very hrst class under the new arrangement graduated twwnty-five. It is believed that the courses now offered "present as valuable and compact groups of four years of study as can he selected." Experienced instructors only are employed. Credit is accepted from high schools. Reports are made three times a year to parents. "Helping hours" are provided for those who "show marked need of supervision," and thus better habits of study are attained. The latest catalogue shows two hundred and eight, not counting those in the commercial course. The department's ideal is the hrst-class New England Academy. That ideal is elementary thoroughness and accuracy, as determining the student's future success. The equipment of the academy in Taylor Hall is believed to lie superior to any similar department in connection with any college. German is the only language from the first lesson in that tongue. The acadeni)- graduates easily find employment as teachers. In the college-life the sophomore prizes, in the proportion of nineteen out of twenty-six students, ha\'e gone to those prepared in the academy. Senior honor-men and oratorical and debating honors show the same results.

4. The summer school comes naturally next. Its lieginnings are ( relatively) ancient. The modest arrangement of 1876 was designed to give "students the opportunity to bring up studies in which they were deficient." Twenty students were enrolled. Fourteen of these are classified elsewhere in the catalogue and the summer school contingent, pure and simple, was just six. The purposes declared in catalogue of 1879 rvere more complex, (i) For teachers; (2) for those below entrance standard: (3) for those less proficient in their classes ; (4) for the winter-school teachers ; (5) for conditioned collegians. The president, assisted by "a select corps of teachers," was ]>ut in charge. In 1883-4, Professor John Boyd took care of the school. Professor James Wallace followed in 1884-5 with em|)hasis on making up college deficiencies. Thus it went on with varying success and small numbers - Prof. John G. Black being mostly responsible for the management. In 1893-4 catalogue, fifty-three enrollments are reported. In 1896 J. H. Dickason joined Professor Black and special work for teachers in ])reparation for examinations or positions was undertaken. That was the need to he met. It has prox ed a veritable foundation of sweet water.s - a sort of artesian well. Lectures were ])rovided in 1897 aims more fully advertised. One hundred forty were in attendance. In 1898, two hundred were re])orted. d'he next year ( Dickason and Sam'ain, principals) the number rose to two hundred eightythree.

In 1900 the special imprimatur of the board of trustees was put upon the growing enterprise "as an invaluable adjunct to the educational forces of the institution." Use of buildings was formally granted and an annual rc- ]30rt to the board's winter-meeting suggested. By the betterment of each year's temporary faculty and vigorous use of all methods of making known the attractions of the place, the patronage was steadily increased until it reached and just passed the mark of a thousand enrollments for this year (1910). The university buildings are overtaxed and the city authorities allot a neighboring school house. The busiest of educational centres during the eight weeks is here. Reviews for examination, studies in methods, sciences (mental, social and natural), mathematics, history, languages, all are pursued wdth prompt vigor. Besides all the regular work there are chapel hours with ringing addresses, and "round-table" confe^unces, with the accompaniment of clicking tjpe-writers and hammer-blows in the manual training and the ripple of musical fingers and the songs of choral singing and the competitive struggle of orators ; to say nothing of the wit and wisdom of the high-class lecturers or the wild yells of the ball ground or the fearfully early excursions of the nature students, or the savory odors of the domestic-science department.

Much of the work is elementary, but some of it counts, according to strict regulations, on college credits and even for the Master's degree. The admirable location, the well-adapted buildings, the co-operation of the university faculty, the enthusiasm of members, the impulse of practical values, the comparison of experiences, the ample library and the very brevity of the flying weeks; all tend to make the summer school a scene of intense life and fruitful endeavor. Yet variety and recreation are so wisely intermingled with stimulus and exertion that the whole effect is refreshing rather than exhausting and cannot but tell powerfully on the general level of the teaching force of the state. It cannot be doubted that the marked success of Wooster's summer school has incited so man}' like enterprises that the good custom has now become well-nigh universal. A markedly successful feature is found in the helpful teachers' agency by tbe arrangements of which positions are secured, the salaries of which aggregate something beyond half a million ! The genial Superintendent Dickason is known throughout the state and not only finds his Avay to institutes and other meetings of teachers, but sends them, through all avenues, a literature of penetrating freshness and homely wit and of convictions that are convincing.

5. The University of Wooster was early convinced of the dignity and A'alue of music and art as instruments of culture and character. The way was found open for something of art work almost from the very 1;eginning of the second administration (1873). Drawing for the preparatory department and some mechanical draughting for the collegiate were introduced. Specialized work seems to have begun in the year 1875 under the intelligent care of Miss Louise Stoddard. Miss Josephine Ormond (now Mrs. Calder) took charge in 1884 1885, notably extending the course. Miss Emma Sonnedecker (now Mrs. Spencer) presided from i892-'96, following Miss Nellie Coover. i887-'9I. Since the installation of Miss Claribel Durstine ( 1896) the scope of the instruction has been enlarged, additional facilities have been pro- A'ided in the new buildings, and the department has been recognized in college credits, and as furnishing electives when the literature of the subjects is combined with the practice of the various arts. It is increasingly useful and attractive.

The musical department was opened in 1882. Doctor Taylor saw his opportunity to engage in it Dr. Karl Merz, already a teacher, writer and editor of great reputation in Ohio and elsewhere in the United States. Karl Merz (the simple dignity of history most befits him) was born in Germany and at first dedicated to the priesthood. At the age of about eighteen he broke away from that purpose and came to Philadelphia where he began at once his career as organist and teacher. At first violently Romanist in conviction ( so much so as to tear out of a volume presented to him by his pupils the portrait and history of Luther), he finally became an equally earnest Protestant Christian. "When I had experienced,'' he said, "the lightning of the Gospel I understood the thunder of Luther.'' He would have devoted himself at once to the ministry but for the advice of his trusted friend. Dr. O. N. Stoddard. Both were then in Oxford, Ohio. It is significant of his integrity that when in 1871 the present writer, representing the Pennsylvania College for Women, sought to disengage him for a much more lucrative position, he refused because of a pledge given to the proprietor of the female college in which he had charge of the department of music. At the golden moment when release had come. Wooster was fortunate enough and Doctor Taylor venturesome and wise enough to secure his services. The board would only approve the plan provided that "music should not be made a part of the regular course and that the instruction be self-sustaining.'' But, with Karl Merz at the oar success was certain. Pie was not only well and favorably known but a tireless worker and a man of many resources and much ingenuity in their employment. I'rom the beginning the elevated views of this remarkal)le man were accepted and cherished witli enthusiasm by bis ])u])ils, by the university circle and 1)_\- tlie whole community. Frequent ])ublic expression was given to these \iews. Perhaps as satisfactory a (|Uotation as any may be made from words ot the present writer, published in 1895, and showing the permanency of the first impressions : "Music will not be taught merely as an ornamental accomplishment, but as part of a complete education. It has been placed upon an equality with other selective studies. The literary atmosphere of the university ought to stimulate the development of musical culture and should receive a certain warmth from its presence. The school of music is organized with a four-fold purpose: ( i ) To combine musical and literary studies as a broad basis for regular collegiate work. (2) to use the art of music as a means of intellectual, aesthetic and moral culture: (3) to furnish instruction in all branches of music to sjiecial and general students: (4) to educate teachers of music."

Karl Merz interested the public first by lectures on the Saturday afternoons, accompanied with performance liy pupils. Then, as numbers grew, he yielded to persuasion and entered upon the series of oratorio concerts which has been continued to this day and which has resulted in distinct education and elevation of musical taste and feeling in our entire community. As early as 1888 there were two hundred and sixty names enrolled. One of the most interesting efforts was called "a musical trip around the world" in which, in successive afternoons, primitive music and national anthems and customs were illustrated and explained. One said of a certain Palestrina concert, given in a series upon epochs of musical development : "Only in Wooster could such a programme be heard." The degree of Doctor of Alusic was conferred, I think, in 1885. His salary was increased. He was made a member of the faculty and the hope was expressed "that he may not be disturbed in his position by any^ flattering offers but may' continue at the head of our musical department which owes its advanced position and remarkable success so largely to his masterly management and rare devotion."

Wdien he called my;- attention to a specially complimentary notice Iw the editor of a Philadelphia musical journal {The Etude,) he added sadly: "But this all comes too late. It is the swan's song." Strangely^ enough, it was but a few months thereafter that he was snatched away" from us. Let me quote here the language of the minute I submitted to the board, in June, 189O' - after his death on January 30th of that y'ear. ^ regard it alike our duty and privilege to put thus upon record for those who come after us, our vivid appreciation of the divine favor in having given Professor Merz to the university to leave the stamp of his elevating and refining and religious influence upon the important work to which he gave himself. He was a thorough artist, deeply" learned in the literature of his art, a tireless worker, a brilliant editor, gentle and winning in his address, the truest of friends, the fondest of fathers, and a thoroughly" devout and consistent Christian. It is our fervent prayer that the department may preserve forever the impression of his cultivated taste, his unwearied industry and his devout piety."

Dr. Henry Hubert Haas remained but one year and proved a contrast to his predecessor in several important respects. But he was an excellent teacher of the piano.

The University called home from his studies in Germany one of its own graduates, a favorite pupil of Karl Merz - D. F. Conrad (class of '86). His work from 1891-3 was most eminently satisfactory. He was skillful, prompt and faithful. Further study lured him away again to Germany and he was succeeded by Mr. J. Byron Oliver, who continued in ofiice until removed by death in January, 1905. Time enough has passed to disclose the many aspects of character and talent for which Director Oliver deserves to be held, as he is held, in affectionate remembrance among us. He grew in the practice of his profession and in general culture. Fie proved to be an excellent conductor of the oratorio chorus and brought out the old and the new successfully. He was permitted to install the small first organ and, after the fire, to direct the construction of the great instrument with which Mrs. Livingstone Taylor indowed the department and the chapel. The "Singers' Club" gained wide reputation under his care and the "White Robed Choir" was introduced. As it was with Karl Merz, so was it with B\ ron Oliver - nothing" could be suffered to disturb the deep reverence each felt for everything which had to do with the "service of song in the house of the Lord." An elaborate minute was inscribed by the lioard of trustees upon its record and a memorial window bears testimony to the continued regard cherished for him. I quote a few words from the minute referred to : "He was equally beloved as a teacher and as a man. He possessed a charming personality with unaffected simplicity of manner, ahvays gentlemanly in speech and conduct. * * * Not a hard master * ''' * by promising to some measure of creditable achievement. * * * His influence in the musical education of the city was widespread. It has been well said ; 'His passion for the best things in his art has been communicated to the Lhiiversity life, and has made us familiar with the best products of consecrated genius.' " There were touching evidences of the fact that he ''had won the warmest place in the hearts of. all cultivated people of the city."

Director |. L. Erb came at once in 1905 from a recognized ])osition in New York and has proved in every way worthy of his eminent predecessors. In speaking and writing ( he has written a life of the celebrated German mus-ician - Brahms), in the art of composition and in that of conducting he has proven equal to all the demands of the position. The department grows in character as in numbers. The Conservatory is well adapted to its uses and the outlook is promising.

Along with these talented directors the department has enjoyed the services of many instructors of rare gifts. In piano-teaching mention must especially be made of Miss Mary T. Glenn (1898-1904), of Mr. Carey E. McAfee (1895-98) and of Miss Edna B. Riggs - since 1901 - made adjunct professor in 1907. In vocal instruction we were privileged in the rare voice and fine method of Mrs. Minnie L. (Carrothers) McDonald (1891-1901), in the admirable work of Mrs. Erancis E. (Glenn) Brewer (1901-4), as in that of Miss Miller and Mrs. Wilson (of Columbus) for shorter periods. Under Mr. Harrold Hutchins the vocal outlook is now lietter than for some years. The violin - a department of instrumental music we would gladly have enlarged - has known the brilliant touch of Miss Anna IM. Hunt (1893-5) talent of the virtuoso Mrs. Caroline (Harter) AVilliams, and the sound instruction of Mr. George E. Schwartz, now presiding successfully over a large department of music in the West. Carl Duerringer, the present teacher, is both proficient as a performer and diligent as a teacher. It is hoped that a small orchestra can now be formed.

The epochs in the growth of the department have been the inauguration of the larger chorus work and the enlargement of "Old Music Hall" under the first director, for which the credit is due to Dr. O. A. Hills. Then came the first organ (1894-5). Then a degree, Bachelor of Music, was granted the graduates (but that was abandoned in 1899). Various extensions and modifications of the course were made and hymnology introduced as a subject of study. The Conservatory was fitted np and occupied, and then, after the fire, came the great organ in Memorial Chapel. Artists' recitals have been given, which have brought before the student-body and the community some of the most distinguished soloists and lecturers of the country. Glee clubs for men and for women receive constant attention. There is also a University band, which has been maintained with greater interest since the gift of a superb set of instruments by Mr. H. C. Erick. The department is now fairly abreast, in its personnel and equipment, of its original ideal. It remains for the Ehiiversity's constituency to give it sufficient patronage and it will soon equal any similar department in an educational institution. Nothing more would be needed to establish that conclusion than to know what underlies the following (partial) list of special talent found in the graduate list: Miss Elorida (Parsons) Stevens (now teacher and piano-virtuoso

Miss Y\lice M. Firestone ('piano, '87, organ, '05) ; iMiss Bessie Merz (now teaching in New York) 1887; Emmanuel C. Zartman (now presiding over the department of music at Tiffin, Ohio) ; Miss Anna E. Hunt (piano and violin, '88); Benjamin Welty (1890 - head of a department in the WTst ) : Carey E. McAfee and Reno Meyer (classmates 1891); kliss Elizabeth R. Speer (1892) ; Miss Mary Elizabeth Beer (now one of the world's best contraltos) 1898; Miss Josephine Cook (1899): Miss Regina Barnes (1904): Miss Ora M. Redett, 1906; Miss Dessa Brown ( 1908), with Messrs Hart and Keim, recent tenors. Perhaps the most talented of all has been iust lost to the world, in which he promised to be among the most eminent pianists, by sudden death - Ralph E. Plumer (organ, 1905, piano, 1906, collegiate. 1906). In the near future it is to be hoped that this department, which can be made more useful in many ways, may share in the large endowments which seem to be coming to the University.

6. The homes for missionaries and their children desen'e an honored place in this record. The crying need for such homes as would offer shelter and care and education to the children of missionaries, both of whose parents remained at work in the foreign field, was first emphasized by the Rew Dr. Wherry, who was marooned at Chicago by the care of his family for some of the years which he well knew might be most fruitful for the great work he had been compelled to leave in India. Application being made to Mrs. Whlliam Thaw, of Pittsburg, for aid in establishing such homes elsewhere, she saw at once the propriety, the satisfaction to those on the firing line, and the true economy of the proposal for the church in the home land. Preferences already established for this University, because of its declared Christian ideals, its distinctly denominational character, its central position and the lower cost of living which prevailed here, determined her to make a ])ro]iosition conditioned ujjon the location at Wooster. The hoard of trustees ])assed the following minutes in June. 1892: "The hoard recognizes with great satisfaction the action of the executive committee in consenting to the condition on which the proposal of Mrs. Whlliam d'haw (that generous friend of the University and of missions ) has been made, \ iz., to give five thousand dollars to pro\'ide two homes for the children of foreign missionaries at Y'ooster, fifteen thousand dollars to be raised in addition, and to give five hundred dollars annually for fi\-e years to support the work, one thousand five hundred dollars being also to be provided yearly for this purpose. To the pledge of free tuition to tlie children in these homes the board freely consents." The properties cost, with the necessary additions and modifications, over thirtv thousand dollars. Some contributions innst still be made in the way of maintenance. "Each child cost the Homes, for maintenance alone." says the report of last year, "four dollars and forty-four cents per week, while the amount received per week for each child's board and home ])ri\-ileg'es is three dollars, twenty-seven and one-half cents. This weekly deficit was met by interest on endowment funds [the endowment is small] and by contributions from friends. The fiscal year closed without a debt."

The inmates of these homes are in all stages of education from primary grades to university seniors. The Westminster family (for girls and very young boys) represented last year "thirteen different homes and nine different countries." In the Livingstone home were "nine college men, eight preparatoiy boys and three little boys in grammar grades." It is evident at a glance, without and within, that these homes mean comfort and kindly care, tempered with only such control as is necessar}^ for the safeguarding of mutual interest and happiness. The health record is most gratifying. Not a single death at either of the homes has occurred among the one hundred and fifty who have been sheltered in them since 1893. The whole history of these seventeen years has been one of blessing, and many grateful as well as anxious hearts are turned toward these homes from the ends of the earth. They are not local institutions. They are the property of our whole denomination through its Board of Foreign Missions and they are its only ]n'0])erty serving this noble purpose. The University redeems its pledge of free tuition and the church in general is providing slowly sufficient permanent scholarships to enable the institution to meet this expenditure. Maintenance of the homes is an entirely separate matter. "No money given to the University goes to the maintenance of the homes, or vice versa." The l)est evidence of the divine pleasure in this enterprise is found in the number of these sons and daughters of missionaries who have returned or are pre- ])aring to return to foreign fields, and generally to that one in which they were born. These homes mean much to those for whom inevitable separation from their children must always prove one of the sharpest trials associated with their obedience to the "great commission."

Congenial to the work just considered, and as a kind of sequent, there has arisen a desire to provide for missionaries on furlough so that their years of reinvigoration might be spent with their families aliout them in the locality in which their children were being educated. The first of these comfortable houses given to meet this need was presented by Mrs. Samuel Mather, of Cleveland, and hears the name of the "Julia Gleason Home," in memory of the donor's venerated mother. Mrs. Mather's unexpected death last year was recorded with sincerest grief by the board of trustees in a minute emphasizing "its profound appreciation of her beautiful character, her many and generous sacrifices for this institution and her sincere loyalty to everything it represents. * * * She was like her blessed Master. * * * We cherish her memory as sacred." L. H. Severance, in his recent journey through the Orient, had occasion to notice yet more carefully than before the "anxiety of the missionaries about to leave for America on furlough" and was moved to provide two additional dwelling's for the special purpose of allaying that anxiety. One of them is called the "Juliana Long Home," after his grandmother, the wife of Cleveland's earliest physician. The other is named for Mrs. Sarah C. Adams, "the first lady missionary sent out Iw the Presbyterian church in Cleveland.'' Other dwellings will the more certainly he provided because a noble woman has purchased the requisite site for two or more and has conveyed it to the University to await the building thereon Iw some one who shared the purchaser's enthusiasm.

It is scarcely necessary to add that most of the pressure toward the provisions just noted exists in full force for home missionaries and their children. The University asks res])ectfully the same for each and more for both.

7. The Florence H. Severance Bible and Missionary Training School was opened September 16, 1903. It was appropriate that such a .school should find its proper attachment to the Wooster stem, for in June, 1871, at the close, that is, of the University's first year, the Ijoard of trustees solemnly recognized the endowment of a chair of Biblical instruction according to a wish expressed and through means furnished in the will of Boyd J. Mercer, of Mansfield, Ohio. And so, early as 1873, it was resolved that a missionary professor should be elected "provided means could be raised to meet the ex])ense, -before the next meeting of the board." When Mr. Louis M. Severance introduced the proposal it was immediately resolved that "such a school was needed and that preparations for opening this fall'' should be made - if the expense could he met. That was settled by the offer of the same generous friend to provide for the salaries of two professors for five years. In June, K)o8, in a letter to the board of deep thoughtfulness and earnestness Mr. Severance requested that one hundred thousand dollars of the one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars he had just contril)uted to the Uni\-ersity should he set apart for this school and that any surplus above expenses should become a ]>art of the ])rinci])al until the total sum of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars should he reached. Mr. Severance expressed the comiction that the best way to bring about world-wide c\ angeliz.ation was "to strengthen Christian education to mould the ruling minds for successive generaticnis." "d'liis work," he continues, is fundamental to the life and work of the church. Ill this spirit this college was founded. It is a rare pri\ ilege to build 011 such a foundation and to aid in carrying out the purposes of the first board of trustees." Announcing his conviction that the only hope of those who sit in darkness "is to hear the gospel from the lips of those that know the Word and are striving faithfully to live it," he could not but see that "young men and women of our Christian colleges are needed as preachers, teachers, evangelists, layworkers and kindergarten leaders more than ever before." "That such young men and -women may be properly trained for this work in surroundings and atmosphere meet for such service, and that the work may go on for all time and be left to no uncertainty, I donate to you the sum of one hundred thousand dollars for the purpose of establishing, in loving memory of my wife, Mrs. Florence H. Severance, a permanent endowment fund for the Florence H. Severance Bible and Missionary Training School - a department in the University of Wooster." The trust is being carefully administered by able men. Its effect is not confined to those who are exclusively connected with this department. Its varied and attractive courses are elected b}^ numbers of regular collegiate students, and thus the influence of Bible study and mission experience, joined with study of fundamental truth and ingenious methods, gains larger power constantly. "The infiltration of distinctly religious material into liberal education at Wooster is in consecjuence much greater than seen in other Christian colleges. This influence is further extended by the co-operation of other departments." (Nolan R. Best, Interior, May 19, To). The work of the department appeals to at least seven different classes, "(i) Those who expect to become foreign missionaries; (2) those who design to be pastors' helpers in the larger cities; (3) those who intend any kind of city mission work; (4) those who look forward to being lay missionaries in the home field; (5) those who desire increased usefulness in any chosen sphere of activity; (6) those contemplating -work in Y. M. C. A. or Y. W. C. A. associations; and (7) students from foreign-speaking communities." All the resources of the university, so far as they can aid this rvork, may be freely drawn upon, and its benefits are diffusive throughout the whole university community. Those wTo have the w'ork in charge are specially fitted for every phase of it by home and foreign study and experience. The department would take us deeper into the religious consciousness and progress of our race and kindle sympathy with all religions, while accenting the infinite superiority of the Christian system and of God's holy word.

X. Miscellany

Under this general term there must be grouped, with brief notices of each, many matters intimately connected wdth the internal life of the uni-

1. The conferment of honorary degrees has been in the past ( es])ecially in America) a mnch-abused college function. Judging by observation and knowing something of the number of candidates who are pressed upon boards of trustees, and of the motives of various kinds which facilitate the distril)ution of these titular ornaments, one is disposed to reckon the position of our university as rather conservative. Including 1909. there have been one hundred fifty-five degrees of Doctor of Divinity; forty-five have lieen accorded the Doctor of Laws: twenty-three have received the Doctor of Philosophy ; twenty the Master of Arts and five others have been recognized each b}' a little used degree. The total is two hundred fortv-eight. The clergy have profited (if it has been a profit ) by more than half. I have heard of no declinatures save one. Looking over the printed list one cannot but note the many really eminent men who, like good wdne, needed "no bush," and the number of excellent and useful men whom no title could make eminent but who will incontestably have w'on at the great assize the plaudit, "Well done." In 189S a committee of the board expressed its opinion concerning the faculty commendation (a prerequisite according to the law of the university) that "we are in danger of quite too freely distributing honorary degrees." Later a rule has been made requiring statements by the faculty as well as nominations and tliat notification of the nominations must he made at the February meeting of tlie hoard ]ireceding the' June meeting at which degrees are usually conferred. Tins encourages the hope of the writer, and of the negligeable numl'er of those who hold similar opinions, that the flagrant evil of honorary degrees, though it be now the age-long practice of the educational world, will be gradually restricted to those who have no need of it and so disappear.

2. Interesting as other evidences of intellectual acti\'ity and moral character in a student body may be, wise observers will attach great significance to the college ]nihlications, especially those managed mainly or wholly b)- students. In this respect our university must be acknowledged to ha\'e shown enterprise in the series reaching through The Collegian ( published by tlie literar\- societies) : the great blanket-sheet commencement editions (so full of fine characteristic material for detailed history) ; The Voice, early among college weeklies: The Christian College and The U'oosfer Quarterly, together with tlie annual Index. Two of these publications were .sustained liy faculty and alumni, as the Quarterly still is. Kindly co-operation of faculty and student organizations created a weekly journal {The Voice) invaluable to those who wish to keep in touch with the college life, d'he Quarterly is indispensable as an in- tlex of the higher literary work of our graduates and by its ever-fresh "Round- Table," at which increasing numbers are coming to be guests. Much is yet before us in the development of the real, but largely latent, power of students, faculty and alumni in creditable literary work.

3. On the question of commencement exercises the institution has stood stanchly by the just conception that the graduating class should form the centre of interest. That day is their day and not to be given away to any adventitious aid from witbout. The men and women who have been receiving the training of the whole plexus of college forces are the specimens of handiwork worth exhibiting. As tbe classes grew larger - and as early as 1877 - the faculty was requested by the board to restrict the speaking to not over twelve persons and to select these according to scholarship. Variety has been introduced but all the class graduating must prepare orations and the questions of how many shall speak and how they are to be selected are variously disposed of as they occur. The blanket-sheets referred to, preserve so much of the real life of the university as expressed at the great occasion of the year, that it seems a pity they could not have been preserved and bound in order. In reviewing carefully maii}^ of them I have found much to admire in the subjects chosen, the treatment given them, the constant evidence of wide-awakedness on the substantial issues of the time and even in the innocent prodding of the prophets and the affectionate ( ? ) advice of the retiring ( ? ) seniors to the juniors whom they affected to believe were patterns of all they ought not to be. As for stingless and good-natured college pascpiinades, I would say again that T have seen many a youth ripen under them as a good apple under the sun - not even omitting the blushes.

4. Training in the fine art of expression has arrived at Wooster, displacing the imperfect and largely artificial thing known as elocution. There has been constant progress in this direction. J. C. Sharpe (Wooster, '83) was efficient. Byron King and Claude Davis and Miss De Voe and Chambers and Strong and Dresser did good work. But the present incumbent, Delbert E. Dean, has a university professorship to fill instead of a precarious living to make by private pupils, as was so often previously tbe case. Tbe better position gives the work a broader basis. Training for forensic work of all kinds is carried forward and results are seen in the local and general contests, and especially in the vigor and power of the debating teams. Tbrougbout tbe forty years Wooster has held an honorable position in oratory and just now seems with the successful debates and tbe winning work of our remarkably intelligent and able Cbinaman P. W. Kuo, to be on the top of the wave.

and power of the literary societies. Testimonies of highest character liy most distinguished men ( James Blaine, for example) give them highest rank in practical preparation for life's work. They stimulate and develop the independent activities of students : they bring out talent and exhibit character ; thev teach poise and self-control ; they sharpen the forensic faculties and help to discern fallacies and to find the joints in an opponent's harness: they prepare for influence in all deliberative assemblies by knowledge of parliamentary law : they are great schools for mutual esteem and fine demonstrators of the democracv of talent. It is a wonder and a disappointment when any hindrance to supreme interest in their work arises. Yet Wooster has seen a very special earlv development in this direction yield to periods of comparati\e indifference and partial neglect. I regret that space cannot he afforded for a careful re\ iew of the early planting and successful operation of the odd and hardly understood "Alpha," with the permanent Athenaean and Irving and AVillard. the Lowell and Lincoln, and the later Castalian and Orio. In all of them good work has been done : but it remains true that still better work, and that by larger numbers, may yet be done. At present writing there seems to be a distinct revival of interest, and at the same time a considerable energy expended in clubs with a literary purpose, together with "Congressional," of a political cast, and the "Peace Association," with its wide affiliations and humane impulses. Details cannot be given, but the outlook is encouraging along the whole line. The president's report to the synod of 1909 indicates the faculty's deep interest in the work of these societies: "In order to foster their work,

Friday evening has been exclusively reserved for them. The memhershi]-) of these organizations consists of one hundred ten men and one hundred eight women."

6. The system of prizes and honors is closel}' related to the literary life of the university. This is not the place for a mature study of the problem which such a .system presents in either its intellectual or ethical relationshi]v But it mav well lie questioned whether all forms of competition are not injurious and all forms of co-operation helpful toward the true social ideals, d'hat the higher motives should rule in education in view of their character-rei ealing and character-making porver, it seems a truism to observe. lu a Christian college it would seem that all true ideals should rule and that is tantamount to saying that delight in learning for itself ; experience and jHiwer gained in study and in communicating the re.sulting acipiiremeuts ; the honor from witliout which comes from having done well ; the honor from within with which conscience crowns those who have done their best: the \ alue of everv exact fact as a thought of God and a boon to onr race ; and the supreme satisfaction of having done all worth doing under the Master's eye. ought to be found sufhcieiit to arouse the mind, to hx the attention, to stir the emotions and to determine the will to serious and continued endeavor. The last of these great motives or intellectual exertion might well be held first and foremost in all institutions which bear the Christian name. The time must come, if Christ's king'dom is to come, when iSInst we not ha\-e a care lest by including the lower motives we dim the power of the higher, and open the way for the construction of inferior character.