Seventy Years Of The Worcester Polytechnic Institute: Page 51

accomplished? He stoutly defended the cause of classical learning in the face of criticism then being heaped upon it. Science and technical education are not in conflict with liberal education, he said, but there is need for more scientific instruction. "There is no intention and no desire to establish here a rival, or a substitute for the college. This school will not attempt to turn out in this short period an Arkwright, a Stephenson, or a Fulton, but it may give facilities and helps which these great mechanics did not possess."

First among the speakers of the day to be introduced was Prof. Chester S. Lyman of the Sheffield Scientific School. His address was scholarly and inspirational. He extolled the development of scientific education, and praised this newest type of institution, to which he urged men of wealth to lend their support. He was followed by Prof. John S. Woodman, head of the Chandler Scientific School at Dartmouth, a man who stood among the leaders in education. His address was a masterpiece of oratory, overflowing with sound advice to those in charge of the new institution from one who had learned deep lessons from experience. One passage of this address might well serve as the guiding doctrine of all college administrators and teachers.

The three things indispensable to a good college, and wanting any one of which, it will certainly fail, and possessing all of which, every thing beside is but the dust upon the balance, are these: money, wisdom and good teachers. It is difficult to say which is the most important. Neither one is effectual without the others. Money you have, liberally bestowed. And when I contemplate the intelligent benevolence, that finds its expression in such a noble enterprise as this, I know that public notoriety is of little account.

The intelligence that can even save and manage wealth, unwasted by the thousand importunities of the never-ending wants, wishes and fancies of self and of friends, and pay it over intact for a public good, looks constantly and anxiously to see it wisely expended, and only feels satisfied and rewarded when it is honestly and judiciously administered.

There is in our country a spirit of large liberality, of intelligent benevolence, ready to supply all the real wants of the great and good enterprises of this kind, if there existed confidence in the wisdom that is to expend the money. But, with pain, I must admit that I think they see wisdom is far

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Last Modified: Fri Jul 30 11:15:25 EDT 1999