After the lunch we
were formed in line again, and were escorted by the Marshal of the
day, who that year happened to be Bishop William Lawrence, through the
grounds, where, at different points, those who had been honoured were
called by name and received the Harvard yell. This march ended at
Memorial Hall, where the alumni dinner was served. To see over a
thousand strong men, representing all that is best in State, Church,
business, and education, with the glow and enthusiasm of college
loyalty and college pride, -- which has, I think, a peculiar Harvard
flavour, -- is a sight that does not easily fade from memory.
Among the speakers after dinner were President Eliot, Governor
Roger Wolcott, General Miles, Dr. Minot J. Savage, the Hon. Henry
Cabot Lodge, and myself. When I was called upon, I said, among other
things: --
It would in some measure relieve my embarrassment if I could,
even in a slight degree, feel myself worthy of the great honour
which you do me to-day. Why you have called me from the Black
Belt of the South, from among my humble people, to share in the
honours of this occasion, is not for me to explain; and yet it may
not be inappropriate for me to suggest that it seems to me that
one of the most vital questions that touch our American life is
how to bring the strong, wealthy, and learned into helpful touch
with the poorest, most ignorant, and humblest, and at the same
time make one appreciate the vitalizing, strengthening influence
of the other.
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