Page:A History of the University of Chicago by Thomas Wakefield Goodspeed.djvu/338

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298 A HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO the east front of the Museum. To the right of the entrance were three inscriptions cut into the cornerstone, in Greek, Latin, and Hebrew: in Greek, "He was the true light, that, coming into the world, enlighteneth every man"; in Latin, "Light out of the East"; in Hebrew, "The entrance of thy words giveth light." On the laying of the cornerstone, President Harper spoke briefly in appreciation of Mrs. Haskell and her generous interest in the University. Rev. Dr. John Henry Barrows, Mrs. Haskell's pastor, made the address, saying, among other things: I deem this a golden day in the history, not only of the University of Chicago, but also of the university life of America. This, I believe, is one of the first buildings dedicated exclusively to oriental studies, those studies from which so much spiritual and intellectual light has come to mankind, and from which so much illumination is still further expected The Haskell Oriental Museum is a memorial building, bearing the name of one of the worthiest citizens of Chicago, erected by the devoted wife, whose contributions to this University have been so noteworthy, and whose sympathy with the higher and broader Christian movements and studies of our times is so active and intense I am glad that men and women of all denomi- nations are cherishing the University and adding to its beneficent work. We praise the great-minded men of other ages who built the chief architectural monuments of Europe. Within the hallowed glooms of the Chartres Cathedral Lowell sang: I looked round on the windows, pride of France, Each the bright gift of some mechanic guild, Who loved their city and thought gold well spent To make her beautiful with piety. But religion and learning and civic pride and the natural desire for a splendid earthly immortality are all appealing to the large-hearted and open- handed to continue this work of University building that shall make our city beautiful and illustrious to the ends of the earth and the limits of time The beautiful structures which we see about us, bearing the names of Ryerson, Foster, Kelly, Beecher, Walker, Cobb, Kent, Snell, and Haskell indicate the memorial character which the University's architecture has assumed I earnestly believe that our beloved University represents all that is highest in our city's life, and that it will do more than anything else to free us from reproach, and to give our name, already honored as representing material masteries, a purer and more lasting luster. A century hence the Haskell Oriental Museum, now rising, will be sur- rounded by groups of academic buildings that shall repeat many of the glories so dear to Oxford. Two hundred years hence this University may be the crown of the world's metropolis We are pioneers of an immeasurable future,