Page:Visit of the Hon. Carl Schurz to Boston, March 1881.pdf/48

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PRESIDENT ELIOT'S ADDRESS.
35

And thus I heartily thank you for this demonstration which, while conferring such extraordinary honor upon me, illustrates once more the living, active sympathy existing between those who advocate the cause of just and good government in any place, in any part of the country, and this grand old Commonwealth,—a leader in progressive ideas, whose monuments are upon so many battlefields of thought and of patriotic action.




The Chairman. Gentlemen, we are honored to-night by the presence of several gentlemen distinguished among the literary men of Massachusetts. I ask you to listen for a few moments to one who officially and personally represents them with a great ability and character. I introduce to you the President of Harvard College.


ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT CHARLES W. ELIOT.

Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen,—My occupation leads me to study the applications or exhibitions of disciplined mental and moral power in the various pursuits of men. One who had no clear conception what the powers are which an advocate, a physician, or a minister should have at command would be but a blind guide in directing the training of young men for those callings. So I have had occasion to consider what the needful qualities and powers of statesmen are; and in answer to your