—1 8 8 1 8 4 8 9 .
S E M I C E N T EN N I AL
I A D LLEG E G R R CO .
BIO G RAPH ICALSKETCH O F STEPH E N G I RAR D , H ISW OTH ERPAPERS I LL , A N D RELAT I N G TO TH E CO LLEGE A N D I TS D EVELO P
ME N T A N D GOVE R N MEN T .
AC C O U NT O F TH E EXERC ISES O N TH E O C CASIO N O F TH E C ELEBRATIO N O F TH E O PENING O F TH ECO G E LLE ,
J A 8 U AR 1 8 . N Y 3 , 9
O F TH
I ‘ - I
P H ILAD ELP H IA G RAR LL G I D C O E E .
1 898 . AT the request o f the Committee in cha rge of the cele bration this book is edited by
E UPP GEORG P . R .
L n ibra ria .
G RD LLE E IRA CO G ,
a n u a r 1 8 8 . J y , 9
P RESS O F
B. LIP P INCOTT CO MP ANY J . , P H ILA ELP H IA D . CO NTENTS .
P AG E LIST OF I LLUSTRATIONS P REFATORY NOTE BY TH EED ITOR D FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE OPENING OF GIRAR COLLEGE BY MR . L FRANK M . HIGH EY .
E EXE E ORD R OF RCIS S .
P M A .
WINTI- IRO P LD AM P . . . RAYER BY D SHE ON , D L ES INTRO UCTORY REMARKS BY JOSEPH . CAVEN , Q . D D L A RESS BY HON . CHAR ES F . WARWICK D D S A RESS BY HON . MARRIOTT BROSIU D D L D L ’ I P . A RESS BY MR . THOMAS ONS A E , 7
8 P . M .
P RAYER BY MR . BENJAMIN B . COMEGYS INTROD UCTORY REMARKS BY GENERAL LOUIS WAGNER D L H D LL . L D D D P . HISTORICA A RESS BY A AM H . FETTERO F, . , . D D H O N . D A RESS BY . THOMAS B REE REMARKS BY THE CHAIRMAN D D LD L D E L L . A RESS BY THE BERT D . WARFIE , . D D D O L ’ . . B A RESS BY MR THEO RE DE OW, 5 7
A PPENDI X .
” S D AND L TEPHEN GIRAR MARINER MERCHANT . A BIOGRAPHICA S P KETCH BY MR . GEORGE . RUPP . WI LL OF STEPHEN GIRAR D
D LL : Z AND D . GIRAR CO EGE ITS ORGANI ATION A MINISTRATION , BY MR LL Z LL ’ 2 WI IAM H . E ER , 7
D LL : ITS E D AND . GIRAR CO EGE N OWMENT MAINTENANCE, BY MR
AN L D LL : ITS D . GIRAR CO EGE TRAINING THE RESU TS , BY JOHN S
B D . . OY , M D
LI ST O F I LL UST RAT I O N S .
FACING P AG E ' ’ P ORTRAIT OF STEPHEN GIRAR D Fr on fzspzece
LD No s I AND 2 BUI INGS . EAST P LAYGROUN D MAIN~ BUI LD ING STATUE AND SARCOPHAGUS LIBRARY DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL HISTORY
L AND LD No 1 0 CHAPE BUI ING .
D L E GROUN S OOKING AST .
LD No 8 BUI ING .
DINING - ROOM
LD No BUI ING . 9 MANUAL TRAINING SCHOOL BUI LD ING
WOO D - WORKING DEPARTMENT
E E D LL P L Z STATUE OF ST PH N GIRAR , CITY HA A A BATTALION OF CAD ETS ON WEST PLAYGROUN D
G EARD CO LLEG E
PH I LAD ELPH IA
U RY 1 8 8 A 3 , 9 - I A LLE E 8 SEMI C ENTENNIAL OF G R RD CO G .
Order of Exercises
MO DAY J R 3 18 8 N , ANUA Y , 9
M. P.
“ Selection Na rcissus
P e 2. ray r
T P L A. . R . M WI N H O D SH E DON ,
Vi ce- President of Gi ra rd College
n uct Rema b t e a i man 3 . I trod ory rks y h Ch r
L. A E J P V S . OS E H C EN , Q
Vice- President of th e B oa rd of Di rectors of City T rusts
a Vesper Hymn OrQ 4 . Cb S N b The H a ppy Miller
e 5 . addr ss A LE A K R . R HO N . CH S F W WI C M a y or of th e City of Phil a delphia
l a ldteu e 6 . (Ua tz Ab a ndo ned W f
ddr 7 . Ci egs ARR H O N. M IOTT B ROSI U S
: emb er of on ress La nca s er Pa . M C g , t ,
” n 8 . H ym Ha il Columbia
9. address A L S AL ’ TH O S P . ON 1 M D E , 7 President Gi ra rd College Al umn i
Io . l i n Se ect o Genevieve de Brabant Ofienba e.
Th e I n s t ru m e n t a l Mu s i c w i ll b e furn i s h e d b y th e I D LLE N E E R E D G O R . RE N LD Le a de r G AR CO G BA , G S Y O S , a n d t h e V o c a l Mu s i c b t h e er 0 x e ru ye
M DA J U RY 3 18 8 ON Y, AN A , 9
P. M.
Th e a a nd S Fo r Sousa 1 . Ma rch St rs tripes ever
P a e 2 . r y r
8 . . MR. B CO MEGYS M emb er of th e B oa rd of Directors of City T rusts
n u o Rema b t e a irman 3 . I t ro d ct ry rks y h Ch L IS R G EN . O U WAGNE P resident of th e B oa rd of Di rectors of City T rusts
' ‘ ic a d Toba m 4 . Ca pr e Hea rts n Flo wers
5 H isto rica l address
LL. D TT R L . A A . F F D M H E E O , President of Gi ra rd C oll ege
i 6. Sele ct on Po p ula r Mel odies
r 7 . ddd e gg A R T . HON . HOM S B EED
ea k er of ouse of Re resenta v es a s n on . . Sp H p ti , W hi gt D C
G e ms fro m the Bohemia n Girl
* 9 . address A L AT G HON . D N I E H . H S IN S G om ez o f th e C o mmon wea lth Of Pen nsy l v a n ia
“ ' dle O ertime— 1 0. Me y v Na tio na l Airs a d n . A dre ss T L ’ OR . E H EOD E D BOW , 57 O ne of th e F i rst H un d red B oy s a dmitted into th e Co ll ege
u 1 2. Ma rch El Ca pitan So sa
Th e Mus i c wi ll b e f urn i s h e d b y th e
T EG IMEN H E H END LE L a e I . e r F RS R T ORC STRA , S . K d
* In t h e a b s n c f o ern o r H a s n s E h e e r W rfiel D P re e n o f La fa e e e e o G b D . a d LL . s d l . v ti g , t t , , i t y tt o e e eli e re a n ddre s s ll a . C g , d v d - I A D L E E IO SEMI C ENTENNI AL OF G R R CO L G .
Boa rd of D ire ctors of City Tru sts
L I NE P re s e n OU S WAG R , id t
L VEN V ce —P re s e n EP H . JOS CA , i id t MIN ALEXAND ER BID D LE JO HN K . G U G LLI L EL N B LE I M . ED WARD S . UCK Y W A KI S H ENE H N M MP BELL H N H . MI JO . CA JO C R EN M ME D LL ND E B JA IN B . CO GYS A AS SA RS E ED IN H N H NVE . JO . CO RS W S STUART
M embers of th e B oa rd Ex O fficio
H LE F I Ma o r C AR S . WARW CK , y
’ M L MLE n E . P re s e l e c o u c l JA S I S , t S t C i
’ WENCEL H R M N P re s o mm o n o u n c l A T A , t C C i
LL F N H H LE e cre a r H O N. . E E c o r R M. I R R R o l A K G Y, S t y F CA RO B WST , S i it
Fa culty of G ira rd College
D M H FE L H E P . D LLD n . R . P re s e A A TT O F, id t
N L - E D N A. n H P D . H M V c e P re s e WI T RO S O , i id t G E G E E E E M . N H LD EN A R R RR . . O J B CK WA O , N H LE M P H . D . . ME N AL E A. M. WI Y T O AS , JA S . W K R , F E E P E A H M P . D . D M . H N H LE M. E. R . R ICK RI , JO K AR Y,
P IE E F N G I O U D P N E . D RR RA COIS R CA T FRA K A. WARD S L e n é e n é s Le r s . o f Fr n c c a ce I st a r A. a l . S. i i tt (U iv ) C v y , U L T E E IX G I C. . A H I LD CA O U T RAS , RC BA COBB
N LLI . E . D D M . MISS MA AN I . H E A E C A ISO WI S , R B RIT G
L b ra r a n G E R E P . P P i i , O G RU
P h l a e l h a a n ua r 1 1 8 8 i d p i , J y , 9
EM - EN ENN L LLE E 1 2 S I C T IA OF GIRARD CO G .
h w h dresses are ere , and these ill convey to the reader t e thoughts of the orators . If the Founder is conscious o f what has been and is now being done in the fulfilment of his wishes , we may feel assured that he is satisfied with the efforts that are being ‘ h made to care for and protect the orp an .
G . P . R .
FI FTI ETH AN N I VE RSA RY O F TH E O PEN I N G O F G I R A R D CO LLEG E
J a nua I 1 8 8 . J a nua 1 8 8 . ry , 4 ry 3 , 9
L F RA K . G BY N M H I H EY ,
ecre a oa r of rec ors of T us s . S t ry , B d Di t City r t
At a stated meeting of the Board of Directors of City t f NO . 1 2 0 Trusts , held at their o fice , South Third Stree , 1 8 Philadelphia, on Wednesday afternoon , June 9 , 97 , the
President called attention to the fact that on January I ,
1 8 8 - o f 9 , would occur the Semi Centennial Anniversary the Girard College for Orphans , it having been formally I 1 8 8 opened , with appropriate exercises , on January , 4 , and suggested that an event of so much importance should be celebrated in a manner commensurate with the world wide renown of the College and its noble Founder . ff Mr . Benjamin B . Comegys O ered the following reso lu tio n , which was unanimously adopted
Resolved a th e e u e o e e b e a n d is ere n s ru e to , Th t Ex c tiv C mmitt , it h by, i t ct d rep o rt a pla n fo r th e p ro p e r c e l ebra tio n o f th e Fiftie th A n n iv e rsa ry o f th e fo rm a l a n d o a o en n o f ra r o e e o n a n u a r I ffici l p i g Gi d C ll g J y ,
The Chairmen of the several standing Committees , with the President of the Board , constitute the Executive Com m itt ee P siden t : . re , as follows Messrs Louis Wagner, ; John
H . Michener, Alexander Biddle , Benjamin B . Comegys ,
Joseph L . Caven , John H . Converse , Edward S . Buckley , and William L . Elkins . EM - EN ENN L LLE E I 4 S I C T IA OF GIRARD CO G .
The Committee , after fully considering the matter re ferred to them , submitted a plan for the celebration , which was adopted by the Board . After a number of meetings ,
- the whole subject was referred to a special Sub Committee , f o . Co n consisting Messrs Wagner, Michener , Caven , and s ver e . The first day of January being a legal holiday and falling o n Saturday , it was agreed to celebrate the event on the f afternoon and evening O January 3 . — The exercises were divided into two parts , the one in the afternoon to be for the Officials and pupils of the Col
—o n e lege and the Alumni under twenty years of age , and the evening meeting fo r the Older Alumni and the invited guests . Over five thousand invitations were sent to Na tio n a l f , State and City o ficials , prominent educators , the f o . graduates the College , and other distinguished citizens
O f t On the day the celebration , the weather was mos propitious and beautiful . The guests o f the College were invited to thoroughly inspect the Institution and to observe the liberal pro visions made fo r the comfort and care O f the pupils and o f f o f the sta f the College . The grounds and buildings were brilliantly illuminated by electric lights , and from the central flag - staff the flag of the United States and the tri
color O i France Spread their folds to the breeze .
The monument on the College grounds , erected in mem o ry of the graduates wh o lo st their lives in the suppression o f the Rebellion , was draped in the national colors . (The
. o n bronze statue Of Mr Girard , the City Hall Plaza , had been adorned with a large laurel wreath and with streamers
Of the College colors , and in the evening it was illuminated
by electric lights . ) F E NN VE LLE E FI TI TH A I RSARY OF GIRARD CO G . I S
In the south vestibule of the Main Building the statue and sarcophagus of the F ounder were enclosed in a minia ture representation Of the beautiful Main Building , which was handsomely illuminated by electric lights and profusely decorated with smilax and other plants and flowers , pre senting a brilliant scene which was admired by everybody within the enclosure , as well as by the large crowds of people who gathered about the main entrance gates O f the
College , and were thus enabled to view it from a distance . The afternoon and evening exercises were held in the C hapel , which was decorated with evergreens , plants , and h u n in t g .
O f In front of the memorial window President Allen , at
O f O il the rear the platform , hung a full length painting of
Mr . Girard , which was kindly loaned by the Grand Lodge O f Free and Accepted Masons Of Pennsylvania ; under 1 8 8 neath gleamed in figures of light , the legend 4 The ceremonies o f the celebration began promptly at
P M - , with Joseph L . Caven , Esq . , Vice President of
O f O f the Board Directors City Trusts , as the presiding
f f M. o . . . O ficer , and consisted a prayer by W D Sheldon , A ,
Vice - President o f the College ; introductory remarks by the Chairman and addresses by Honorable Charles F . War
O f wick , Mayor the City , Honorable Marriott Brosius ,
o f Member the United States Congress , from Lancaster ,
Pennsylvania , Mr . Thomas P . Lonsdale , President of the
o f G Alumni irard College , and vocal and instrumental music by the pupils and the Band of the College . During the performance of the musical selection whic h marked the close Of the afternoon exercises , Honorable
Thomas B . Reed , Speaker of the House of Representa - NN L F LLE E 1 6 S EMI CENTE IA O GIRARD CO G .
tiy es , appeared upon the platform , escorted by General
Louis Wagner . The fifteen hundred pupils instantly rose and greeted the distinguished visitor with cheers of wel come , and the applause was renewed when Chairman Caven said
Boys , I present to you our honored guest .
Mr . Reed came forward and addressed the boys as follows — Young gentlemen , for all of you aspire to that title ,
- I or I hope you will some day , am very much delighted to see you ; and I am going to make you much delighted to see me by informing you that I am forbidden to make a discourse . I content myself simply with wishing you ’ ” not only A Happy New Year , but many of them . The building was filled by a large and appreciative audi ence .
At the conclusion of the afternoon exercises , a reception
O and dinner were given in Building N . 7 by the Board of
~ Directors of City Trusts to their distinguished guest , Hon
r b l o a e . Thomas B Reed , to which many prominent resi
O i dents the City and State were invited . This portion of the celebration was under the direct charge and personal supervision of Mr . John H . Michener , Chairman Of the
o n Committee Household , and , as was to be expected from his broad experience , was complete in all its details , the
- dining room being a scene of rare beauty , with handsome and elaborate decorations of electric lights , bunting , palms , and plants ; o n the tables were placed large bunches o f
American Beauty roses and other flowers . During the c reception and dinner , the musi was furnished by a fine orchestra .
EM - EN ENN L OF LLE E 1 8 S I C T IA GIRARD CO G .
And thus ended a most fitting celebration Of the open ing of an Institution whose influence for good during the fifty years of its existence is Shown in the lives of the nearly Six thousand boys who have been admitted to its t o care ; and these , and other thousands yet follow as pupils in and graduates of Girard College , will tell during all time f of the boundless charity O its Founder . GU ESTS AT TH E DI NNER AND RECEP TION TEND ERED B EE N L . HO ORAB E THOMAS . R D
LL NEWLIN D . . . . A AMS , HON ROBERT , JR FE , HON D LD L C ARNO , HON . MICHAE FERGUSON , HON . JOSEPH . N L D LL . H LL D ASHMAN , HON . WI IAM FETTERO F, A AM . , . . D R REID L . AU D EN . . Y . , HON CHAR ES FORST, JOHN R LL L P L AUSTIN , WI IAM . GUITERAS , ROF . CA IXTO B B CO L. . . LL B EATH , ROBERT HANNA, HON WI IAM .
C . L P B . . K . E K, HON JAMES M HAR EY, ROF JOHN BR L L . C LL . D B . EIT ER , HON A AHAM M HARRISON , CHAR ES , . . WEN E B LL . C L E , JOHN C HARTMAN , L B D D L CO L. L D . I E , A EXAN ER HENSE , GEORGE F L B . . . INGHAM , HON HENRY H HIGH EY , FRANK M
BIRKINBINE LD P . , JOHN HO EN , ROF WARREN P ED B L L . . AKE Y, JOHN HOUSTON , ROF WIN J D R D D R S . LL B . . . OY , JOHN JANNEY, WI IAM S E D E B . . REWSTER , FRANCIS JUNKIN , JOSEPH F R D D L B P . K . ROOKS, OF E WAR AERCHER , SAMUE H D W . K B . , IC , G . ROSIUS HON MARRIOTT EN R K GEOR E , JR L L D D . K LL B . UCK EY, E WAR S I PATRICK , WI IAM H R D D B B . K E U K , A ISON IRKPATRICK , GEORGE . LL L LL CAMPBE , JOHN MARIE AMBERT, MAJOR WI IAM H . L D L P CAVEN , JAMES ONS A E, THOMAS . L L D P D EB . . . K . CAVEN , JOSEPH U WIG, ROF L L L P C OTHIER , C ARKSON MACA ISTER , ROF . JAMES LL TH ELLWEL MACVEAG H L . COGGESHA , R . , HON WAYNE L WIL B B . LLAM COMEGYS, ENJAMIN MCA EER , HON , L LL L CONVERSE, JOHN H . MC EAN , WI IAM . P P . R L L. . L B COO ER , HON ETE MCMICHAE , HON CHAR ES . R Z L . L G C O ER , SAMUE A MICHENER , CHAR ES . CU MING K . , JOHN MICHENER , JOHN H . ER I G , T MIC , . . CUNN N HAM NES HENER J HANSON , JR D EBo w D L L L , THEO ORE . MI ES , JAMES . D R P . L L R D EGA MO , ROF CHAR ES MOORE, A F E ED RD MO RWITZ WA S , CAPT . FRANK A . , JOSEPH L LL L D . P . E KINS , WI IAM MUMFOR , JOSEPH EL R NEILSO N LL G VE SON , JAMES , WI IAM .
OF TH E EM - EN ENN L LLE E 20 S I C T IA OF GIRARD CO G .
R D G S D R P L . . . ATTON , A F E TONE, JAMES F
D D . ED P . . S. AXSON , HON E WAR M STUART, HON WIN L R N W. P P . . . L ENNYPACKER , HON SAMUE THOMAS , OF WI EY P R R S ERRINS , THOMAS THOMPSON , MAJO HEBE RD U D P L D . ESO I , E WA A NRATH , FRE ERICK VAU CLAIN L A P . . . P . R TT, CA T R H , SAMUE M D R L P P . . RIME , ROF FRE ERICK WAGNER , MAJO EMI C
W . L QUICK , HARRY . WAGNER , GEN OUIS R L D L . . RE NER , EWIS H WAGNE , OUIS M L D R . . . B . ROBINSON , THOMAS A WA KER , J L P . P RUPP, GEORGE WA TON , CA T . JOHN M . D R LL LD L D LL D SAN E S , DA AS WARFIE , ETHE BERT . , . . L G R C L SCOTT, SAMUE . WA WI K , HON . CHAR ES F . D C WATERALL LL SEARCH , THEO ORE . , WI IAM P L LL D D P L SHAR ESS , ISAAC, . . WEE , ROF . GEORGE . W LD P . LL W SHE ON , ROF INTHROP D . WI IAMS , HON . HENRY .
L . LL H O N R N SHRIG EY, JOHN M WI SON , . ROBE T . L E . L H O N LL W SMITH , HON CHAR ES MORY WI TBANK , . WI IAM . L D ND RIM D CO L. WI SNOW EN , A . OU ON , JAMES H . S WIND RIM T PARHAWK , JOHN , JR . , JOHN . ZESIN ER G FRANK O .
EM - EN ENN L F E 24 S I C T IA O GIRARD COLLEG .
ff a airs , that they may guard its interests wisely and with Singleness o f heart ; upon the children and youth intrusted to its care , that they may receive such training as shall fit them to live soberly , righteously, and godly , in usefulness and service to their fellow - men ; and upon its Officers and instructors , that they may be endued with wisdom and grace from above , with the spirit of the Great Teacher ,
n o t b ut . who came to be ministered unto , to minister And to Thee shall be the praise now and evermore . Amen .
I N T RO D UCTO RY REMARKS
L A E J P . V S BY OSE H C EN , Q
- e en of th e oa r of rec ors of Trusts Vice Pr sid t B d Di t City .
— P U P I LS O F GI RARD CO LLEG Ez In celebrating this — O f Semi Centennial Anniversary your College , it is fitting you first should be gathered here ; that you should be im pressed as you never have been with th e m a g n it u de and m u n ificen ce of this greatest of all bounties to the orphan
boy . Conceived in the mind and heart of Stephen Girard — childless and alone as he was the seed he planted h a s be
come a great tree , the stream has become a great river , bearing hundreds into avenues of industry and prosperity that might otherwise have been wrecked in the passage of
life . m o u t Gi Fifty years ago , the great plan apped by Mr . ra rd was accomplished in the erection and completion of 1 00 suitable buildings ; boys were then admitted , the roll o f the College now numbers over 1 5 00 ; its annual expense was then about it is n o w a The be utiful Main Building , after the design of a Greek
- temple , with its marble portico and thirty four massive
Corinthian columns , and four smaller buildings , two east and two west of the Main Building , then stood alone ; now
fourteen other buildings , constructed in harmony , stand
on the grounds with those completed fifty years ago , all 2 5 26 EM - EN ENN L O F LLE E S I C T IA GIRARD CO G .
ff o u fully equipped , a ording y a home , a training , and an education hard to excel .
This College has kept pace with the outside world . What is now the city O f Philadelphia then h a d in habitants , now The State of Pennsylvania has grown from two and
- one half millions to six millions of people ; its mountains , valleys and plains are netted with railways ; beneath its surface great mines of iron and coal have added to the
O f material wealth the great Commonwealth . a s California w then admitted as a State of the Union . It was reached from the East by a long and dangerous h ocean voyage , or a tedious trip with mule , orse and wagon over the plains ; now we travel in a superbly a p h pointed railroad train , and reac that great State in five d ays .
- th e Canal boats have given way to railroad train , sailing vessels to the g reat steamships that cross the ocean in six days and a few hours . The news of the world is now — read at our breakfast table every morning . We sit in our office and comfortably and plainly converse with our h a s friends o n e thousand or more miles away . Electricity been tamed and controlled for our daily use as easily as the trainer controls the colt . o My boys , this is the brief rec rd of your College , and the great world outside , during the past fifty years . What are its lessons to you at the beginning of the next fifty y ears ? Will you in years to come be found among the ? worthy of this land , respected , honored , loved Will you ’ take a front rank in the world s industries and professions , adding to the already great store of new inventions and discoveries for the benefit of mankind ? Or will you be a EM E N P L. VEN I TRODUCTORY R ARKS BY JOS H CA . 27
’ laggard in the ranks of the world s progress , leaving no impression and passing out O f mind unregretted ? The great past has been hewed and carved out by such as you—can the future depend on you for greater develop ments ?
This celebration is now Opened , and if, when over , your “ heads , your hearts and your minds respond , For the ” years to come we will do our best , these exercises Shall not have been in vain . AD D RESS
L A . A HO . C H R S F W RWI C K BY N E ,
a or of th e of P a e M y City hil d lphia .
M N E A D EM ‘ R. N EN L EN Y CHAI RMA , LAD I S G T , BO S O F — GI RARD CO LLEG Ez Owing to the pressure of business en g a g em en t s it has been impossible for me to find time in h w whic to prepare a set address , and , hile hurrying to this anniversary meeting and thinking what I should Sa y to you , I came suddenly into these grounds , and before me stood a magnificent structure . I refer to your Main
Building , which is known the wide world over as Girard
College . It gave me a text . This is said to be the finest specimen of the Corinthian order O f architecture O f modern times ; and perhaps very few structures of the past , even i in the golden days of Greece , when the Dor c , the Ionic and th e Corinthian orders were conceived and assumed
Shape and form , ever surpassed in beauty of proportion , in delicacy of outline , or in perfection of symmetry , the building to which I refer . It is an adornment not only to
o f b e n efa c the city , but also stands for one the greatest tions of modern times ; and when w e bear in mind that this great Institution sprang from the benevolence , the
o f a humanity , the love a single heart we may begin to p
r i f 5 p e c a te the purpose O Mr . Girard life and the charity o f his soul .
Wh o can measure , even approximately , the influence of 2 8
N LE E H O . . 2 ADDR SS BY CHAR S F WARWICK . 9
this great Institution , an influence that is circumscribed by time alone ; for it will go on distributing its blessings
o u t through untold ages yet to come , sending into the m a world an army , we y say armies , of boys fully equipped for the battle of life , physically , morally and intellectually
trained , and with every opportunity , ! in this free country
of ours , to become useful citizens and to make for them selves reputation and to win fame .
Let it be borne in mind , too , that these advantages are for those who , in the vast majority of instances , without the care of this Institution would lack the favor an d the blessings of education . How deeply grateful you Sho uld be to the Founder O f ! this College You truly may call him father, for you are
o u t his children . Most bountifully he has provided for you
of his store , and you will be faithless and ungrateful if you
do not honor him , by making a suitable return in earnest
and honest lives . In this connection , let me further say that it is your duty to patriotically serve that city which has so safely guarded this trust and which provides for you
SO great an opportunity . I think it may be said without the fear of contradiction that no public trust has ever been m o re su cc essfu lly and more honorably administered with f an eye Single to the interests o all concerned .
You are all familiar with the life of Stephen Girard , and
I am not able to add a single incident not already known .
It is a simple story , quickly told , but in some particulars
it is heroic in character . He was not commonplace , as
some would have you believe , but was characterized by
o f industry , by earnestness purpose , by exceptional busi
ness foresight and ability , by humanity , and by a courage
r I m that arose at times to the dignity of h e o s .
O F TH E 0 EM - EN ENN L LLE E 3 S I C T IA OF GIRARD CO G .
He was born away back in the middle O f the last century in Bordeaux , France . We know comparatively b ut little o f his early years ; if some accounts be true , his home life was not the happiest . He did n o t enjoy any special a dva n tages in the matter o f his early education ; he had t o make his own career and attain his own success ; but he pos sessed those qualities or traits that tend to make a man n o t only successful but useful .
The town in which he was born was a busy , trading sea port , and he early turned his attention to maritime pur
‘ It o f suits . was an undertaking no little Importance in f those days to cross the ocean . The pathway o the At
- - fl in lantic was not then crowded , as it is to day , with fast y g
- steamers . A sailing vessel then took six weeks , and some
O ld times longer , to make a voyage from the world to the — n ew ; the average time n o w o f first class steamers is about six days . Travel is a great educator for attentive minds , and we can easily understand how a seafaring life broad
i ened the views Of Mr . G rard , for he was always a keen , close Observer , and ever took his lessons from the busy , ff f o f . practical Side o life . He was essentially a man a airs
The new world had special attractions for a man of Mr .
’ Girard s energy and industry . It opened up to him a new field and afforded him opportunities that the Old world could never hav e given . It was a fortunate day for us when Providence directed his steps t o this city and he decided t o m ake Philadelphia e his perman nt home . His business success was marvel — lous , his every venture met with favor , his Ships sailed ro m P h ila del every ocean and touched at every port . F phia to London , from London to Calcutta , his vessels were
‘ differe n t n a tio n s ploughing the seas , uniting the in the E H O N LE ADDR SS BY . CHAR S F . WARWICK . 3 1
bonds of commerce and international trade . He was the o f leading merchant this country , and made this city the commercial centre of the new world ; and you must bear in mind that when he began his business career here , he was a stranger in a strange land , and had to overcome those “ obstacles that would n o t have been in the way o f o n e to ” t o the manor born . He had acquire a new tongue , make new friends , and live down prejudice and envy . He had a genius for business ; his judgment was good , or what might be called safe ; he intuitively knew the market , its conditions and its necessities . He lived plainly , economi
SO cally , but comfortably ; he devoted himself assiduously — to business that he had no time n o r desire fo r so called “ ” social functions . He was never given to ostentation .
He gave no sumptuous banquets , but he was laying up a store that was to feed and clothe the humble and the home less . “ o u fo r Did y ever bear this fact in mind , that it was you
fo r o u he labored , it was y he accumulated his fortune , it ? was fo r y o u he devoted th e energies of his life I speak
o u thus plainly , because I want to bring home to y these
o n n facts in simple form , that this an iversary day I may arouse in your hearts love fo r him who did so much fo r
o y u . I have already said that he at times rose to the dignity o f No t o f heroism . only was he a man charity but also Of courage . If there is anything in the world that show s the real quality of a man , it is when he faces an impending danger fo r the sake o f humanity from which others turn
o f o r and flee . In time great public calamity peril , when courage wavers and the bravest hearts quail , he who goes into the breach and meets the danger with fortitude is a 2 EM - EN ENN L LLE E 3 S I C T IA OF GIRARD CO G .
master among men . NO man is mean of heart who has
courage of soul .
’ t o We come now an incident in Mr . Girard s life which
o f reveals to us the real character the man , and we should
judge men by what they do , rather than by what others o f say them . 1 i In the year 7 93 this c ty was visited by a plague , a pest known as yellow fever ; it was unusually deadly in its touch
- and the population became panic stricken . Those who
were able to leave their homes , fled . Every house was
under the shadow o f death . The ambulances rumbled b through the city by night and y day , and the dead carts ff hurried their victims t o speedy burial . A ection waned and humanity lost its gentleness ; parents left their children t o die , and children abandoned their parents . The merci less pest carried fear and desolation in every direction , houses were closed , business was suspended , grass grew in the streets , and the churches were turned into hospitals . i At th s time Mr . Girard was in the very vigor and prime
o n — Of manhood , the very flood tide Of his business success , the richest man in the city . He could easily have fled , could have taken refuge elsewhere , and could have waited until the danger passed away , but he refused to turn his — ff . back upon his stricken , su ering fellow men He listened t o the call fo r help and opened his heart and his purse , and n o t only this , but volunteered to serve as a nurse , and for two months was in attendance upon the sick and the dying
- in a public pest house .
Take this incident in his life , and then bear in mind his ? benefaction , and can any one doubt his great humanity
fo r - Willing in public peril t o risk his life his fellow man , he subsequently gave the la bor of his years to the creation O f N LE H O . . ADDRESS BY CHAR S F WARWICK . 3 3
one of the sweetest charities of modern times . Courage and charity ! Where is there a life in which there have been shown greater qualities O f heart and soul than in that of this man , so little understood and appreciated in his day and generation ?
O f Oh , how little we know the real sentiments and quali ties of men while they live , and while envy and detraction “ ” unite with small talk and slander to blast , to blemish ! ’ and destroy Pity tis , we cannot in some way make
fo r ff amends , the indi erence that was shown him in his
- day by many of his fellow citizens , who followed him with scandal even to the grave . Childless and surrounded by strangers he passed away , but to a reward , we hope , greater than man can give . Though maligned in life and misunderstood , his humanity was not fathomed until his spirit sank to rest . When his will was opened , he was found to be the greatest philanthropist this country , up to that time , had ever known . His charity was so broad and so far reaching , that it linked him with the infinite , with
O f that just God who is the searcher all hearts , and who
is able to find the truth , no matter how deep it may be
o f . buried , or how far from the sight man it may be hidden
You may tell me that such a man had no creed , but you
cannot urge that he was without faith . He wore no broad
phylacteries , he indulged in no cant , he mouthed not his
prayers in public places , but his heroism and his charity
Show such magnanimity of soul , that his love for man but
f r reflects his love o God . He expressed his faith in noble
works . His charity will go out to future generations to
bless , to comfort , and to save , increasing in its usefulness
as the years multiply , and , as we look out into the future , little can we measure the extent and greatness of his EM - EN ENN L LLE E 3 4 S I C T IA OF GIRARD CO G .
bounty . He turned not back from his duty ; he faced death when others quailed , and he bequeathed his fortune to those whom he did not know , but whom he sincerely loved .
h is This Institution is a monument to charity , to his
i human ty , to his magnanimity , and it speaks more elo quently in his favor than could a thousand tongues in pompous eulogy . This Institution is the tender response of his heart to the appeal from the fatherless for help and comfort . Philadelphians are beginning to understand the real
f n qualities o Mr . Girard ; they are becomi g more familiar
o f with the man , and more keenly appreciative the extent o f his great bounty . They know the usefulness Of the Col
O f lege , but they have had a misconception the real motives o f the donor and the qualities that characterized him .
After his death , the long litigation over his will , the stories that w ere set in circulation by his enemies , the statement that he had no religious faith , all tended to blind to e n o w i the judgment and dark n the truth , but , we ghing his deeds , we are better able to judge him and to know him in his true light . His life is interwoven into the history Of our city ; his charity has come to bless us , and , as time runs on , his memory will be more and more honored and revered . Truly it can be said of him that
H e h a d a tea r fo r pity a n d a ha n d ” a r Op en a s da y fo r m eltin g ch ity .
This is but a sketch O f his life briefly told , but compare his career , if you will , with that of other great characters t in history . I read the o her day in a newspaper , that Bis
MAN A N D CI T I ZEN—AN AD D RESS ARR HO . IOTT ROSI U S BY N M B ,
Mem er of on ress La n b C ca s er Pen ns va n a . g , t , y l i
An d e s e a I es re a e e r ro e r ea n s a u re a a e n to , p ci lly, d i th t , by v y p p m , p tt chm t o u r re u a n n s u o n s a n d to th e sa re r s o f o n s en e a s u a ra n e e p blic i tit ti c d ight c ci c , g t d
o ur a o n s u o n s a b e fo r e a n d o s e re in th e n s o f th e by h ppy C tit ti , h ll m d f t d mi d
— e t en G i r W o Se / r a r d. sch o l a s. f p
I will not conceal the satisfaction it gives me to unite
o f with the faculty , alumni and students this Institution in commemorating the Semi - Centennial Anniversary o f its founding ; and I tender them my cordial felicitations on ” o this auspicious celebrati n of a golden wedding . Fifty years ago , at this place , Opulence and Opportunity were united in the bonds of a wedlock whose numerous progeny of blessings to the human family afford convincing proof that the children have obeyed the Divine injunction , have honored their father and their mother , and their days will be long in the land . That the splendid success of the In stitution has been largely due to the wisdom of its man a em e n t g goes without saying ; yet , the noble example of ” h u its illustrious Founder , the mariner and merchant , ” “ m a n it a ria n and philanthropist , noble man and public w spirited citizen , hich has been speaking all these years to the youth who have enj oyed the advantages of his m u n ific en t gift to noble uses , must have had a commensurate agency in achieving sug h magnificent results . 3 6
N M R E H O . ADDR SS BY AR IOTT BROSIUS . 3 7
In his last will and testament , Stephen Girard laid his command upon all who should touch these foundations o r lay their hands to the upbuilding of this temple dedi d o f ca t e . to the care , comfort , and culture orphaned boys
He expressed his desire that , by every proper means , a pure attachment to our republican institutions and to the
o u r sacred rights of conscience , as guaranteed by happy
Constitution , Should be formed and fostered in the minds o f the scholars Obedience to this testamentary injunction will secure
o o f tw results the first importance to human society . It will form good men and make good citizens . An object so worthy of our pursuit at all times as the betterment of man in his relatio n s to society and the state may well e n gage o ur special attention o n this commemorative occa
Sion . It was the thought O f Lowell that the first duty of the
O f United States is to become a nation men builders ; but ,
o f when we contemplate the mixed quality human nature , ’ how good and evil are blended , how the serpent s hiss and ’ the bird s song are mingled in its composition , we realize how arduous is the task . When Leonardo da Vinci was painting his famous “ ” fresco , The Last Supper , on the wall of a Dominican convent , the prior became impatient at the tardiness of the work and reproached the painter , who , answering , said ,
tw o o n e I still want faces , Of which , the Saviour , I cannot
o n hope to find earth , and I have not attained the power o f presenting it to myself in imagination with a ll the per fe ctio n of beauty and spiritual grace demanded in a rep re sen t a tio n of the Divine Incarnation ; the other is that of
Judas , and I hardly think it possible to render graphically 8 EM - EN ENN L OF E E 3 S I C T IA GIRARD COLL G .
o f the features a man who , after receiving so many bene ” fits from Him , deliberately betrayed his Lord and Master .
wh o Similarly , he undertakes to depict in words the extremes Of goodness and badness in human character , like Leonardo , will be unable to complete his pictures , for no mastery o f the art o f characterization will enable him adequately to portray the radiant image Of the divine in
o r t o in ca r man at his best , graphically render the dark i nation O evil in him at his worst . “ o f o f Compound beast and angel , devil and deity , said Coleridge . The glory and the scorn Of the uni f d ” “ o G o . verse , said Pascal A jewel , said Parker A “ rapacious vulture , said Cowley . Half dust and half
t o o r . deity ; alike unfit Sink soar , said Byron What an
u ! H o w inharmonio s being noble in reason , yet how
t o h o w h o w lo w prone error ; infinite in faculty , yet In de
in h o w sire ; form and moving express and admirable , yet h o w lo w he bends to vice and folly ; in action how like an
h o w angel , in acts like a devil ; in apprehension how like
o d ! a g , yet in appetite how like a brute This is man in
his totality ; but , as Emerson suggests , man has been dif
fe re n tia t e d into men , good men , middling men , and bad men ; so we can conceive them in their several characters
and distinguish one from the other . ’ It is man at his best , God s noblest work except woman ,
u o that I want my words this afternoon to help y o t build .
o f Michael Angelo , walking in the streets Florence , saw
a block of marble in some rubbish at his feet . He stooped
to pick up the stone . His friend asked him what he
wanted with the worthless rock . Angelo replied , with the
enthusiasm that only genius feels , There is an angel in
t . that stone , and I mus; get it out He took it , to his E H ON MA . I ADDR SS BY RRIOTT BROS US . 3 9
studio , and , by patient toil with mallet and chisel , he let
. SO b o wh o the angel out , in every orphan y enters this
C o f ollege , there is the rough marble a magnificent man
hood . Wise , indeed , is this management if, with the
O f hammer and chisel precept , example and instruction , it carves the marble o f the soul into the beauty o f Christian
manhood . i This is the work in wh ch Girard College is engaged . Its Founder meant that it Should stand fo r the highest
fo r fo r c o n conceivable things , manhood , for character ,
fo r fo r science , courage , those higher things which are
o f o f raising the walls the great temple character, a temple
whose altar is the eternal right , whose high priest is con science , whose ritual is duty , whose prayer is service , whose song is love .
l o r In the cu ture of character , soul tillage , the building
Of a man , the things of first importance are the principles f o right conduct which give character t o the man . Dwell with me briefly o n some Of these first principles . NO character can approach perfection without what “ Charles Lamb called incorrigible and immovable hon ~ ” O f esty . This is the backbone an erect and sovereign f No r . soul . is it a di ficult achievement It only requires the subjection O f our daily conduct to the direction o f the l f r a w o o u . spiritual life This trait fixed , you command ’ every man s respect . Your neighbor is your witness . He
o u feels safe in your company , for he knows y will be honest in the dark and virtuous without a witness . He
o f believes a portion divinity is incarnated in you , and
o u o o r whither y g , here hereafter , others will be pleased to have your company , for they know , without consulting
their catechism , that the soul Of an honest man will lend a EM - EN ENN AL A LLE E 40 S I C T I OF GIR RD CO G .
o f charm to the everlasting rest the saints . The late la m e n t e d Father Taylor , a devout Methodist , in an Observa tion quite worth remembering , has emphasized the value o f integrity O f soul as a passport to the blessings hoped fo r f . His brethren were criticising his friendship o r Emer so n , and insisting that the philosopher , being a Unitarian , must go to the place some people think it not polite to a mention . It does look so , s id Father Taylor ; but I
O f o n e : am sure thing if Emerson goes to that place , he will change the climate there and emigration will set that ” way .
o ur Honesty means a steadfast adherence to principles , which is a very arduous task for some people who , from
o f the unsteadiness Of their conduct , seem to be destitute both chart and compass . They illustrate the idea Lowell put in the mouth o f o n e of his characters
A m a rcifu l Pro vid en c e fa shi o n e d u s ho ll e r
o o r n s swa ller O n p u rp se th a t w e might u r p i cipl e .
No man can honor his principles if he is ashamed O f them ; he can only be true to them when he glories in them . I heard of a minister who preached a sermon against intemperance , and , finding that a liquor dealer was present , went to him and apologized for criticising his business . The minister learned a lesson in honesty from
o f . the reply the liquor dealer He said , Oh , never mind ; ’ - fire d that s all right . You would have to preach an all ’ ” poor sermon if you didn t hit me somewhere .
' i n l Th e Na t o a Assembly of France , a century ago , set at least o n e glittering star o n its forehead which has been shining with fadeless lustre down the years . When it was l discovered that Mirab eau h a d been gui ty of dishonesty ,
2 EM - EN ENN L LLE E 4 S I C T IA OF GIRARD CO G .
mon like that I heard this morning . Why , the preacher actually insisted upon applying religion to a man ’ s private ” life . H o w many fail fo r lack Of heroism to meet and con ! q uer adverse fate I have read that , in an art gallery in
a o o n e Antwerp some years g , could have seen a celebrated
painter copying from the great masters . He was born w without arms , but ith an ambition kindled with the love o f art . By patient toil , he trained his feet to perform the
functions of hands , until he could mix his colors , and deftly upon the canvas reproduce the best works o f the o ld r maste s. He was a hero .
In society , conformity is the line of least resistance . The average man is a moral chameleon and takes the pre
vailing hue . He would like to set a better fashion , but he
lacks the courage . His moral standard is as high as that o f the presidential candidate who said he would like to
o n have the Lord his side , but he must have the State of
O f Kentucky . The man who possesses the heroism ster
o f ling manhood , the sublimity devotion to high ideals ,
—fie ld fo e finds his battle wherever he finds a to right , a
o r cause that needs assistance , a wrong that lacks resist
o f a dv er ance . He never stops to count the number his
sa ries t o when truth is assailed , and he never capitulates
circumstances , badges , fashions , or institutions ; but , in
O f the midst the crowd , he keeps his independence and
holds his rudder true .
n When Raphael was drawi g his figures too small , Michael Angelo sketched a colossal head before his eyes
O f and taught him his fault . It is the duty the moral hero to sketch the figures Of right conduct in t heir true propor
tion and lift high the leYel o f the fashion . E N M H O . ADDR SS BY . ARRIOTT BROSIUS 4 3
The world enjoys a perpetual dowry in the memory of her heroes , and the living catch heroic fire from the con t e m pla tio n o f the heroism that proclaimed its principles amid flames , that showed its faith under the axe , that went with Shadrach to the fiery furnace and with Daniel to the ’ lion s den . The other day I opened a volume of Mazzini ’ s Essays and read how , upon a day in the sixteenth century at
Rome , inquisitors were assembled to compel a prisoner
o t renounce the truth he had declared . The prisoner was
o f G alileo . His soul revolted against the violence those who sought ' to force him to deny what he knew was an ff eternal verity . His strength was exhausted by su ering ; d the monkish menace had crushe him . He raised his hand to declare a lie , but at the same time he raised his weary eyes to heaven and caught a ray from the eternal which kindled his conscience , and the great truth again ’ burst from the believer s soul in those memorable words : ” “ Epu r se muove ( It moves That sub lime cry of Galileo still floats above the ages , teaching the children O f men that heroism is the highest outlook Of the soul . ’ O Co n n ell ff Daniel , in the House Of Commons , o ered twenty—seven votes for every Irish measure if he would n o t - ally himself with the anti slavery party , spurning the “ t G o d splendid bribe and declaring , Gen lemen , knows I speak for the saddest people the sun sees , but may my right hand forget its cunning and my tongue cleave to the
o f m o n th t o roof my if, save Ireland , I forget the slave ! Of any land , was a hero of unrivalled splendor Garrison , ’ in the face of the world s contempt , declaring , I will be as harsh as truth , as u n compromising as justice ; I will EM - EN ENN L LLE E 44 S I C T IA OF GIRARD CO G .
n o t o u t not equivocate , I will excuse , I will speak , I will ” be heard , was a hero . Abraham Lincoln , in the midst of r collisions Of opinion and the distractions Of war , decla ing , ’ ” t o G ! Whatever seems be od s will will do , was a hero .
General Grant , with the vanquished army of the rebellion at his feet , saying , Lay down your arms ; go to your
o n o f homes your parole honor , and take your horses with o u y to cultivate your farms , but come and take dinner ” o u with us before y go , was a hero . Our souls should b o w in reverence before the temple which enshrines these f divinities o heroism . — — But o u r man the Girard College brand is n o t y et com let o f p e . He must be benevolent . The founder this Insti t u tio n m u n ificen c e , by his splendid , has given this noble
trait distinct pre - eminence ; and it is a happiness to know NO that his illustrious example has had many imitators . other country has so many millionaires as our own , and in no other have rich men used their wealth in such b en efi
b e cent ways . It is estimated that the money given for n ev o le n t uses by wealthy Americans through institutions whose benefits are Shared by the people , counting no gifts under averages a year . This shows that the trend O f development in man is toward a higher f o . plane life Philosophers say , if evolution throws any light upon existence , it shows that man is a spiritual
n o f bei g , and that the direction his long career is toward
x o n e more e alted living , and that day the human race will flower into perfect beings who will live by the Golden
In sIst s o f Rule . John Fiske that the development the higher spiritual qualities o f man is the goal toward which ’ nature s work has tended from the beginning . Victor
Hugo believed , with some complacency , that he was the N M E H . ADDR SS BY O ARRIOTT BROSIUS . 4 5
tadpole of an archangel . Huxley says if it is not so , if there is no hope of a large improvement in the human family , he would hail the advent Of some kindly comet to sweep it all away . But it is so , and the incontestable evi dence of it is found in the number of m u n ificen t gifts for the benefit of the human family which have conferred honorable distinction upon Americans of opulence , and o f which the splendid gift o f Stephen Girard will ever re a main conspicuous example . It illustrates how , in the ascent Of man , he passes from the plane of the struggle for
Of fo r life , to that the struggle the lives of others ; from
- what - Henry Drummond calls self regarding to other regarding conduct , which is , distinctly , a higher plane . It means that we are more and more recognizing our brother as in our keeping , and are learning to value the
fo r things of this world their service to mankind , and more and more to regard wealth as a trust , to be employed
b en efic en t fo r o f o u r in wise and uses , the benefit fellow
o f men . And thus the principle benevolence becomes a necessary element in every well - formed character ; and I would have y o u cherish it as one Of the ties which hold the human family in the bonds of unity and peace ; for we must never forget that w e are children O f the same h Fat er , travelling toward the same home , and hoping to Sit down at last at the same banquet , and , therefore , we
n should love and help o e another .
But our man has n o t yet reached his full stature . He must be sensible of the obligations of duty . Society is
f In dif organized o n the basis o f the performance o duty .
o r e o t ference , neglect h re , n only puts a blemish on char
o f . acter , but tends to the disintegration social order Let me drive this thought home with a passage from 6 EM - EN ENN L O F LLE E 4 S I C T IA GIRARD CO G .
ff Christmas Carol , whose pathos and power a ect me more than the profoundest utterances o f philosophy on the necessity of fidelity t o the duties our social relations impose . When Scrooge ventured the conciliatory sug
o f gestion that Marley was a good man business , the ghost
! co m replied , Business Mankind was my business ; the mon welfare was my business ; charity , mercy , forbear ance and benevolence were all my business . The dealings of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ” ocean of my business . The moral so sharply pointed by this persuasive message to the living , from a spirit in chains
o f t o its own forging while in life is , that no devotion mere
personal ends , can absolve us from the larger Obligations we owe society .
When Stephen Girard took his life in his hands , and
- t o entered the loathsome pest house at Bush Hill , nurse the sick and comfort the dying , he set a shining example o f devotion to duty and exemplified the thought of the poet ’ Tis m a n s p e rditio n to b e sa fe o die Wh en fo r m a n h e o u ght t .
Young people are beset with temptations to neglect o r their duty . It may be the siren voice of pleasure pride ,
r indifference o indolence , that lures them from their post
r o lulls them to sleep . Every time they yield to the solici t a tio n s o f the tempter they lose a portion o f their power
o f . resistance , and victory is harder at the next assault The young man who believes that he can win the crown
O f b ea rin t h e o f noble manhood , without g cross duty , or
achieve the glory Of victory , without the sweat and dust of
f . the race , suggests Saul with a di ference The latter went ’ out to find his fa th er Sa‘ sses and came back to find him E H N M I O . ADDR SS BY ARRIOTT BROS US . 4 7
self a king ; but the former goes out a king , in his own conceit , and comes back to find himself the other animal .
' In the museum o f the Stanford U n iv e rsity in California “ I saw an impressive painting illustrating duty . I was
h o w reminded apt men are in asserting their rights , and h o w inapt they are in assuming their duties . A central
figure represents Law ; another , Justice . On the left , a “ o n o f youth holds a scroll , which is written , Rights
‘
Man . An aged priest near by reminds the youth that man has a heritage O f duty as well as rights . In the fore
in ground , two children are reading a scroll bearing the ” f r 0 . o scription , N Rights without Duties It is a lesson the ages .
m n a . Young , let duty be a part of your religion You can follow the example of the Shipmaster in the story .
G o d He prayed to Neptune , O , Thou canst save me if
' Thou wilt , or destroy me ; but , however it be , I will keep ” my rudder true .
O f The question every soul , What Shall I do to gain ” eternal life ? is now here more clearly answered than in ’ Schiller s noble lines :
u e e r Thy d ty v , Discha rge a right th e Simpl e du ti e s with ” c e a da is r e ea Whi h ch y if y , with thy might .
o w N , my friends , we have considered the most essential parts Of the structure of a man ; let us n o w crow n him ’ — with the noble mind s distinguishing perfection , honor .
This is the graceful ornament Of man , the Corinthian capi
t a l m Of the stately column of Christian anhood . It is so
nearly allied to honesty , I need not dwell upon it . Yet
there is a distinction , subtle , perhaps , but appreciable .
It is the finest essence , the distilled spirit , the soul Of 8 EM - EN ENN L O F LE E 4 S I C T IA GIRARD COL G .
honesty . The true man feels the Obligations of honor superior to all others . In every rank and condition of life , in every vocation , it is a sure passport to veneration and
ff x a ection . A tradesman once asked Charles James Fo to pay him a debt from some money he was counting . Fox
: o f replied , I owe this money to another it is a debt ” f r to o . honor ; he has nothing Show it Then , said the h ” tradesman , I change my claim to a debt of onor , and
Fo x fo r he tore the note to pieces . thanked his creditor “ his confidence and paid him the money , saying , The ” other man must wait ; yours is the oldest debt . When Washington applied to Robert Morris for a large
n o f sum Of mo ey for the use the army , the latter went , in f des o n cle n t o . p , to the street search funds He met a wealthy Quaker, to Whom he made his wants known . . ?” Robert , what security canst thou give asked the
Friend . My note and my honor , Morris replied . ” ’ Thou shalt have it was the Quaker s prompt response .
These instances have the flavor Of the millennium , and are a foretaste of the happy condition o f society when e u
a em en t s g g are all kept , and , hence , always accepted ; when all men are like Stephen Girard , whose word was as good ’ as his bond , and honor is man s distinguishing perfection .
No w o u r n o t , we have man ; we have made him , in our
o w n o f image , but in the likeness an ideal that is attain
n o t able . We have made him a Calvinist , but we have made sure o f his orthodoxy in the five essential points of
the moral code O f noble manhood . It was Stephen ’ Girard s first concern that the purest principles o f mo r li o f a ty should be instilled in the mind youth , and it was
no part of our purpose to exceed these bounds .
z i But the man is to be a citi en , and that calls into requ
O EM - EN ENN L LLE E S S I C T IA OF GIRARD CO G .
t o restraint , Obedience and loyalty conscience and country ; he must be self - governing in the wide range Of activities which lie outside the sanction o f the statute and far away ’ from the policeman s beat ; he must have fineness and
in O f strength the warp intelligence , and firmness of tex ture in the woof o f virtue ; he must subject h is political
su b o rdi conduct to the restraints Of moral principle , and nate his private interests to his public duties ; he must not yield to the delusive plausibilities of untutored dema g o g u e s ; he must n o t be content with holding right opinions , but must strive to make them prevalent ; he must n o t be lulled to repose by the delusion that he does n o harm who takes no part in public affairs ; he must know that the apathy of the patriot is the opportunity o f the knave ; he must not bend the knee to boss or Baal , n o r refuse the guidance of superior wisdom and recog n iz ed statesmanship ; he must never find it his interest to be ignorant Of what it is his duty to know ; he must never treat the public purse with less consideration than his ’ neighbor s pocket ; he must never sleep on his post or desert to the enemy ; he must never cease to improve him self, but must never call in the enemies of his principles to correct his defects .
That is the man I have fashioned in your hearing , in the character of a citizen , and you can plainly see I gave him no endowment that he can spare from his equipment
éle Y o u fo r this exalted r . may say this is an ideal citizen ,
o f o r fit only for the republic Plato , the Utopia Of Sir Thomas More ; but patriotism can transmute the ideal m SO into the real citizen , and it ust do if our institutions ’ are to endure . That is the meaning of Stephen Girard s t o o u r injunction , that a pure a ttachment republican insti N M D E H O . I AD R SS BY ARRIOTT BROSIUS . S
t u tio n s should be formed and fostered in the minds O f the
. e scholars Our form Of government contemplat s . such ff citizens , and only such can be e ective in working out the purpose of all our political machinery , to give ascendancy to the forces fittest to govern and to bring the best reason and conscience to expression in the government of the state . These desirable results require the best men to take a part in the agencies which form and guide the collective h . o w n action The good citizen should do his t inking . He should climb to the best outlook and come to his own conclusions . He should strive to be a man of light and leading in his community . He must distinguish the counterfeit from the real sentiment of the people ; he must n o t be misled by the cry swelled by the least capable . The noisy few ofttimes arrest more attention than the quiet “ v fo o lo m et e rs multitude . He must a oid , which Sydney “ Smith defines as the acquaintance O f a few regular fools ” O f as a test public Opinion , and , which I regret to say , is t o o much in vogue in our public life . He must avoid the dangerous delusion sug gested by John Fiske , that civil government in the United States dropped from heaven , o r was specially created by miracle , and will continue to
— in run by divine agency , without the aid of the citizen , other words , that Providence takes care of children , idiots and the United States . It has been truly said that God has never endowed any statesman or philosopher with
O f o v ern m en t th a t wisdom enough to frame a system g l everybody could go o ff and leave . Some people in politics wh o are like the philosop her , when informed that his “ house was on fire , coolly replied , Go tell my wife ; I f never meddle with household a fairs . 2 EM - EN ENN L R LLE E 5 S I C T IA OF GI ARD CO G .
And so the outposts o f good government are aban
u do ed, the patriot army furloughed , government falls into
ff fo r disrepute , the State su ers , the city languishes a breath o f f pure political air, the public service is ine ficient because
ro fli a t e o f plundered by p g politics , the honor the govern d ment is tarnished , its power enfeeble , its administration corrupted , its glory dimmed , because a portion of the people who have no motive to make other than the best possible government abstain from participation in political duties . This is not patriotism or good citizenship . It is
n o t . culpable neglect , if base cowardice I commend to you nobler examples of citizenship and grander ideas of duty . General Sherman said , Teach y r t o o u children honor the flag , to respect the laws , and
o u r o u r to love and understand institutions , and glorious ” ‘ country will be safe . General Meade , taking his farewell
o f o f the Army the Potomac , said , Let us earnestly pray fo r strength and light to discharge our duties as citi z ens .
o o u N w , my young friends , I have shown y a man and a
t o citizen . I have brought your view the principles whose fo r cultivation the Founder Of this College enjoined , he knew they were indispensable to good men and good
citizens . I have coupled them with examples for your
study . If you value the principles , you will emulate the examples and make your lives worthy the inheritance of
o u blessings y enjoy , and Show the world the bright and perfect flower of Christian manhood and American citi z en ship .
AD D RESS
A P L AL ’ T . 1 BY HOM S ONSD E , 7 ,
n A Preside t of th e Gi ra rd C ollege lumni .
In the reflected light of the noble sentiments so elo ~ quently expressed by the distinguished speakers who have
preceded me , some ray , I trust , may illuminate my humble.
tribute to this memorable occasion . 1 8 1 O f Leaving the College in 7 , the midway point almost — the period we celebrate to day , the men and interests that filled those fateful years of the‘ first half are a vanishing
memory , peopled with shadowy forms , while the throb
bing activities of the second half are still present , as our hands reach forth in guidance of the hesitating steps now crossing the threshold Of new endeavor
“ Th e o re w e e o re r e a ea r m liv , m b i f pp ’ O u r life s su cc e e din g st a ges da to o o se e s a ea r A y childh d m y , ” An d e a rs e a ss n a es y lik p i g g .
' lookin forwa rd o f To the youth g , in the rosy glow the
morning and from the vantage - ground possessed by my i interesting aud ence , the busy world holds much that f ' attracts , while its di ficulties are masked under a misty
film that half conceals , half reveals , but which the earnest vitality of the novice attacks with confidence to brush aside and press on to great achievement . f With adequate equipment , di ficulties are overcome , but 4 5 3
O F TH E EM - EN ENN L OLLE E 54 S I C T IA OF GIRARD C G . in the preparation for the encounter many essentials may
’ o r be overlooked , their value miscalculated , and the strug
t o o gling combatant finds , late , his competitors , better C prepared , meeting onditions and answering problems in a way that chagrins and disappoints . And are there still ?” new worlds to conquer asks our young Alexander .
discover W o f In the field of y , hat the frozen North , the pathways blazed by Melville , Greely , Peary , Nansen , and ’ ? the Yukon s icy steeps of golden promise And O f inven
i n o f t o . Have the ends the earth been united in vain over ? land and beneath seas by Morse , Edison , Tesla And in m e h i c a n cs . Is the list complete with Ericsson , Westing — house , and Maxim ; in ship building and locomotives with ? Cramps and Baldwins And will sta tesrn a nsh ip halt and hesitate after Seward and Blaine and Reed ? Is litera ture
a lost art , embalmed in Hawthorne , Whittier , Longfellow , ’ and Lowell ? Hear Longfellow s voice :
Wh e re a re th e sta te ly a rgo si es o f so n g?
P e r a s ere e s so e re a b o u n a u h p th liv m d my y, t ght
In s o o s so e ra u a e o f th e e o r s re e ch l , m g d t fi ld t t
Wh o s a e o e a a s e r o f th e a rt h ll b c m m t ,
An a ra sa n th e se a s o f o u dmi l ili g high th ght , Fe a rl e ss a n d fi rst a n d st e erin g with h is fl e e t ” in a n a r Fo r la n ds n o t y et l a id do wn y ch t .
III e the wise bounty of St phen Girard , none of the great
fo r essentials life work have been omitted , and the genera tions o f lads who have enjoyed the fostering care O f his
College , so nobly founded , have received their training and tuition from a corps O f instructors whose conscientious efforts not only instilled those “ pure principles of mo ” - ra lity and justice that h e esteemed so highly , but whose example o f right living taught those broader views of u p
right manhood that w ere to give the after blessing .
P RAYE R
BY J A B G ES BEN MI N . COME YS , Q ,
th e oa r o re o o T Of B d f Di ct rs f City rusts .
e e c e d ro th e Ma n u a o f th e Ch a e o f ira rd Co e e (S l t f m l p l G ll g . )
Our Father , who art in heaven , Hallowed be thy name .
Thy kingdom come . Thy will be done on earth , as it is in heaven . Give us this day our daily bread . And for
u s o u r give trespasses , as we forgive those who trespass against us . And lead us not into temptation ; but deliver : us from evil For thine is the kingdom , and the power , and
f r o . the glory , ever . Amen
o u r O Lord God , we thank Thee for our lives , and all the gifts of grace and nature ; for instruction in divine truth ; for the voice of Thy calling , repeated so often for
- ff Thy patience , Thy long su ering towards us , who have so Often and so grievously sinned against Thee ; for all the benefits we have received ; fo r any good we may have done ; for the enjoyment Of present good ; for Thy promise and our hope of good to come ; for wise teachers ; for benefactors never to be forgotten ; for brethren o f o n e b mind with us ; for kind friends ; for all who , y their x o r . writings e amp les , have helped us on our way For all re these mercies , and for all others known or unknown ,
e membered or forgotten , we would bl ss and praise Thee
now and forever .
Most merciful Father , we render thanks to Thee for 5 9 6 EM - EN ENN L O F LLE E 0 . _ S I C T IA GIRARD CO G
providing the means for our maintenance and instruction . We thank Thee that Thou didst move the Founder of this
Institution to bequeath his wealth for its endowment .
b en eficen ce May we cherish the memory of his , and the
o w e gratitude we to him , who was an instrument in Thy
o f hands for our good . On this anniversary the Opening
O f his College may we form new and stronger resolutions , to live in a manner worthy of our privileges ; to improve o u r time and opportunities , and be prepared for useful and happy lives . May we imitate the ex a m ple ' o f our benefactor in his industry , his honesty , his temperance , his public spirit , and in all parts of his conduct and character which were in accordance with Thy holy will .
O God , who seest that we have no power of ourselves ,
n o t that we are wise enough for our own direction , nor
fo r o u r a ck n o wl strong enough own defence , help us to
in o u r edge Thee all ways , so that we may not lean on our Th own understanding . Let Thy light guide us , y provi dence protect us , Thy grace help us faithfully to discharge all our duties ; that , being armed with Thy defence , we may be preserved from all dangers .
wh o Blessed Lord , hast given us a new commandment that we should love one another , and hast taught us that where envy and strife are there is confusion , and every evil
e w e ff work ; give us grac , that may be kindly a ectioned
o n e . to another Help us to put away all bitterness , and wrath , and anger , and evil speaking, with all malice ; and in w e m a grant that , honor preferring one another , y walk in love , even as Thou , Lord , didst love us .
O Lord God , the Life of mortals , the Light of the faith
* o f t h o se wh o ful , the Strength labor, and the Repose of
I N TR O D UCTO RY R EMA R KS
G RAL LO U IS WAG R BY EN E N E ,
Pres en of th e oa r of rec ors of T id t B d Di t City rusts .
— LAD I ES AND G ENTLEMENz The records Show that o n I 1 8 8 January , 4 (fifty years ago to a day on Saturday last) , there were assembled in the room in the southwest corner o f O f the Main Building , then the chapel Girard College , ’
. ff but now containing Mr Girard s personal e ects , and known as the Memorial Room , the Councils of the City , f and other City , County and State O ficers , and numerous ” citizens , and the College was opened with a few simple ” exercises , suited to the character Of the Institution .
n f . . o e o Mr Joseph R Chandler, the leading citizens of
o f Philadelphia in his day and generation , as President the
O f Board Directors , addressed those assembled in words well fitting the time and place . He congratulated them upon the final accomplishment Of “ the Object for which the community had SO long waited and fo r which some ” present had so constantly labored , explained the details adopted for putting into practical operation the long
O f delayed plans the testator , and expressed the hope that the results of the institution would justify their expecta tions .
i th e . Concluding his address , he ntroduced Hon Joel
~ - Jones , the President Of the College , who , in well chosen 62
N EM ENE L L NE 6 I TRODUCTORY R ARKS BY G RA OUIS WAG R . 3
words , emphasized the suggestions of Mr . Chandler and
o f briefly outlined the general scope the College . In the
course of his remarks he said ,
ello w - a x F citizens , we are bout to enter upon the e ecu ' tion Of a scheme o i education in some respects new and f di ficult , but in every respect important . The foundation
—m u n ifice n t of it is a charity, in its provisions , compre h en siv e - and noble in its Objects , and far reaching in its ff results . Should it merely fail , we su er the loss of a great good ; should it ever be perverted , we may incur great
b en e o evils . But should it be made to accomplish the v
O i lent designs the Founder of the College , we shall secure to many orphans a better inheritance than riches .
And , finally , he said ,
n o w And the question comes , Shall this noble design , for which the late Mr . Girard has made so large provision , ? be realized Shall these beautiful and enduring walls b e
O f come the mausoleum of his hopes , or the emblem a yet more enduring and more beautiful moral and intellectual structure ?”
n o w And , half a century after , you , as the Councils and
f o f o u other O ficers City and State , and y , as the representa
tive citizens of Philadelphia and vicinity , and we , as the
o f o f successors the then Board Directors of the College , assemble in this larger hall to inquire of the past and to
plan fo r the future . ’ Has Mr . Girard s noble design been realized , or has it ? “ failed of its purposes Have these beautiful and en
during walls become the mausoleum of his hopes , or the emblem of a yet more enduring and more beautiful moral and intellectual structure ” ? n ot As Chairman of this meeting, it is clearly in my 6 EM—EN ENN L OF LLE E 4 S I C T IA GIRARD CO G .
a province , nor would it be in good taste , for me to tresp ss upon th e time of the regular speakers of th e evening to attempt a reply to these questions ; but an active connec tion with the affairs of Girard College since the first Mon
o i 1 86 - - day January , 7 , thirty one years ago to day, when I was appointed a member of the Committee of City Coun f cils having charge of the a fairs of the Girard Estate , both tempts me and enables me to say that the results of the r past fifty yea s Show ability in instruction , intelligence in management , integrity in administration , and always ’ fidelity to Mr . Girard s plans as laid down in his will . From 1 00 pupils in 1 848 we have increased to over — 1 00 fiv e . 5 , times as many as named by Mr Girard as the
number for which the College was originally planned . Nearly 6000 have been admitted into the College ; 45 00 w have become part of the busy outside orld , making their impress upon City , Commonwealth and Nation . The endowment fund has increased from an estimated value O f to an estimated value of and have been ex pended in the maintenance
and enlargement of the College . fin a n Surely these figures show that , numerically and l ’ th e cia l . y , Mr Girard s plans have not failed , and thou wh o sandsof young men , graduates of his College , rise up and call him blessed evidence by ability and character that ” they have secured a better inheritance than riches . ! With such a retrospect , what a glorious prospect
With a trust magnificently endowed , with a charity O f the grandest in the world , with the record fifty years h — unparalleled by any public trust anyw ere , let us all you ,
as citiz ens and Officers O f State and Nation , and we , as the ’ ‘ immediate a dm in istra to rSof Mr . Girard s will , but , above N EM ENER L L NE 6 I TRODUCTORY R ARKS BY G A OUIS WAG R . 5
all , you , as the present and former recipients of his bounty — See to it that that which has come down to us in such ff grand proportions shall su er no harm in our day, so that its blessings may continue to increase and to multiply to the end of time . H I STO R I CAL A D D RESS A A . F TT R LF H O P H . D . LL BY D M E E , , . D . ,
Pres en of G ra r Co e e id t i d ll g .
In the Short time that I shall occupy your attention this e n o t vening , I shall attempt to give anything like a con n e cted o f history Girard College . The story o f fifty years cannot be told in a brief address . I shall endeavor to notice only a few Of the most important features and events ; fo r particulars and statistics I must refer y o u to the printed page .
o n 1 8 1 When , the day following Christmas in 3 , Phila ’ delphia s most distinguished man and citizen , Stephen
o f co m Girard , passed away , there arose in the minds the
: h l S ? munity two questions first , what is estate and ,
o f ? second , what disposition has he made it His great wealth had brought him great fame . Being the first millionaire that America had produced , he was naturally an Object Of great interest and curiosity . Presidents and ex - Presidents o f the United States were more familiar fig ’ ures in public than were millionaires in Mr . Girard s day .
n o h is o w n The great banker had t only a vast fortune Of ,
n but he had also a mind o f his o w . In nothing was this more manifest than in his last will and testament . The same keen foresight and Singleness Of purpose which he displayed in the accumulation o f his wealth are shown in
o f the disposition it . He saw where it would do the most 66
M E E L E . P H D LL D 6 ADDR SS BY ADA H F TT RO F, . . , . . 7
good , and there he placed it . It was the thought and pur pose o f his later years to assist those beginning life with
O f the tide fortune at the ebb , that they might have a better home and a better training than they would receive
o f from the application the public funds . It was the same spirit which showed itself brave and humane in time of
- o f plague , public spirited and patriotic In time financial
e distr ss . The famous will was written by William J .
Duane , of the Philadelphia Bar . When the document was finally executed , the lawyer said to the testator, It ” ” will not stand . Yes , it will , replied the testator , and time has proved which was right . The work o f erecting the first five buildings was begun 1 8 — a in 3 3 , the corner stone being laid with ppropriate cere s monie on July 4 of that year . A most impressive address was delivered on the occasion by Mr . Nicholas Biddle , a distinguished member O f a distinguished family . The
r o iginal establishment , consisting of the Main Building and the two buildings on either side , was completed and 1 8 formally presented to the Directors in November, 47 , and the College opened on January 1 o f the ensuing year . It may not be generally known that an effort was made 1 8 8 to organize for the purpose Of instruction in 3 , ten years before the College was actually opened .
1 8 6 o f In 3 , the Trustees , with the authority the City
o f Councils , appointed a president the College in the per
o f son Alexander Dallas Bache , Professor of Natural
o f im Philosophy in the University Pennsylvania , who mediately sailed for Europe to examine Similar in stitu tions abroad , and to purchase books and apparatus . On the return of Professor Bache , two years later , the Trustees were suddenly and unexpectedly informed by the Com 68 EM - EN ENN L O F R LLE E S I C T IA GIRA D CO G .
th e h missioners of Girard Estate t at their counsel , Joh n
Sergeant , had decided that the duties of the College could
not begin until the whole was completed . This was a
r great surprise and no little emba rassment to the Trustees , a n d a sad disappointment to the people of the city . The
- President elect , after publishing a voluminous report of
his visit to Europe , returned to his professorship in the 1 8 University , and in 43 became Superintendent of the
Coast Survey . A word o f praise is due the architect of the first College
buildings , Mr . Thomas U . Walter . His task was not an o n e easy . He had in this country no precedent . He built the first Grecian temple in the United States , and the finest
da specimen in existence at the present y . He was obliged to serve a building committee the membership of which
‘ was constantly changing under the system of making a p
o in tm e n ts in et n p then vogue . And y we find in every a nual report o f the committee none but words O f praise for
the architect . They uniformly commend the skill , good taste and faithfulness with which he managed this colossal
work . He had the community to please also . People
were impatient to see the great College completed , and during the progress of the work there were many and con
stant complaints and expressions of impatience . Even “ Charles Dickens , in his American Notes , takes occasion to criticise the American people for not hurrying to com “ le tio n p the gigantic structure . He says , Near the city is a most splendid unfinished marble structure for the
Girard College , founded by a deceased gentleman of that
O f a c name , and enormous wealth , which , if completed
'
cording to the original design , will be perhaps the richest
“ edifice of modern times : But the bequest is involved in M E E L P H D LL D E . . . . . 6 ADDR SS BY ADA H F TT RO F , , 9
legal disputes , and pending them the work has stopped ;
so that , like many other great undertakings in America ,
o n e o f even this is rather going to be done these days , than ” n o doing w . One of the chief causes of delay was the scarcity o f
skilled workmen . At one time the building committee
fo r - advertised stone cutters in Boston , New York and
Baltimore , and the result was the accession of only three
men . But notwithstanding the many and unavoidable delays
and interruptions in the work , probably never before was there a building of such size and finish constructed as
r c rapidly as o u Main Building . The Chur h of the Made
leine , in Paris , Of Similar architecture , and perhaps equal
- to it in magnitude , was twenty seven years in building ,
n o t o n including the time when , account of national troubles , all such operations were suspended in the French capital .
O f It is a matter some interest that , while Mr . Girard was most explicit in the details Of the several structures ,
O f he does not mention the portico the Main Building . AS this addition involved an outlay O f several hundred thousand dollars , there was much criticism , and the build
ing committee were charged with extravagance . The
committee in their final report say , There is nothing that could have been omitted , except the surrounding portico ; and that is fully justified , if not required , by the injunction ‘ of Mr . Girard , that utility and good taste should be left ’ n t to determine in the particulars o specified in the will . This portico was adopted by Councils after great delibera tion , and with singular unanimity ; and it only remains for those who Object , to look at the building and say whether 0 EM - EN ENN L LLE E 7 S I C T IA OF GIRARD CO G .
it would have been a tasteful object had the proportions
. t o given by Mr Girard been adhered , and the surrounding ” portico omitted . The order of architecture has often been commented upon and criticised on the ground that expense might have been avoided if an order less ornate had been chosen . Both the architect and building committee declare that the Corinthian style was chosen fo r the sake o f economy alone . The plan and general style having once been de
“ t o o f cided upon , it was necessary choose one the three — Grecian orders , the Doric , Ionic or Corinthian . Of these , the last named was the least expensive . A Doric column capable o f reaching SO high would have required
o f a thickness nine and a half feet , which would have made it cost twice as much a s o n e of the Corinthian columns .
The Ionic order , in like manner , would have demanded a
o f thicker Shaft , and capitals carved from a single block e marbl . The most important event between the time o f laying the corner—stone and the opening of the College was the — - a t famous Girard Will Contest . The heirs law instituted
1 6 a suit in 83 . The case did not come up for hearing until
o f . six years later, when it was decided in favor the will
? It was argued in the Supreme Court in 1 843 ; a rehearing ordered , and again argued the following year , Daniel Webster having in the mean time been retained by the
heirs . Mr . Webster realized that he had a weak case in point of law , but he readily detected a method by which he could go boldly outside the law , and substitute for argu ” m e nt an impassioned appeal to emotion and prejudice . ’ SO Webster s plea was fo r the Christian Religion , and powerful was the speech in its eulogy and defence , that the E E A E A M . L P H D L. D . . L 1 DDR SS BY DA H F TT RO F , , . 7
o f O f people Washington , irrespective denomination , held
o n a meeting , and appointed a committee to wait Mr .
t o Webster and ask permission have his address printed . d He gave his assent , and it was afterwar s published and widely disseminated .
The plea was eloquent , sentimental and even pathetic .
elo u e n ée n o t But q , sentiment and pathos are argument . Webster failed to prove that G irard College must of n e
c e ssit - y be an anti Christian institution , and the Supreme Court decided unanimously in favor o f the will and the
College . Chief Justice Story ruled that an institution may be Christian without being sectarian , and that there could i be religious instruction even though the min ster, mis sio n a ry and ecclesiastic be excluded . The lawyers fo r the will were John Sergeant and Horace
o f Binney , the Philadelphia Bar , and with such Signal ability and learning did they conduct their case , that President Tyler was moved t o confer a seat o n the Su
t o . preme Bench first t o Mr . Sergeant and then Mr Bin ney , an honor which they both declined . 1 8 As early as 3 3 , the idea suggested itself to the minds ’ o f prominent citizens O f Philadelphia that Girard s remains ’ should repose in Girard s college . In the same year the building committee were authorized by Councils to Co n th e struct a vault in the Main Building , in most suitable and durable manner , and were further directed to transfer
h o w the remains thither as soon as might be . It was not , 1 8 1 ever , until 5 , eighteen years later , that the body of the
Founder was brought to the Institution . The occasion was a great civic pageant , and was conducted entirely o n e by the Masonic Order . The procession was Of the
o f o f largest its kind ever seen in the city , the number 2 EM - EN ENN L LLE E 7 S I C T IA OF GIRARD CO G .
’
Masons in line being over fifteen hundred . The remains were deposited in the south vestibule of the Main Build in g , in the marble sarcophagus where they still repose . O n January there assembled in the old chapel , n o w which is the Memorial Room , the directors , teachers , f r i o fice s and pupils of the Girard College . There were s x f e teen directors , seventeen o ficers and teach rs , and one hundred pupils . These constituted the College at its first
' f i . O opening the S xteen directors , only one survives , Mr . Frederick Fraley . Of the teachers, Miss Mary Lynch , 2 2 1 8 a who died June , 97 , was the last to p ss away . All
o fficers4 — d the other president , matron , stewar and teachers — have gone to their reward . a As no boy could be admitted over ten ye rs of age , the
— a n College was at first a school for children , elementary
. Wa s school There no need of a college department , since
f r there were no boys ready o college instruction . As the
fo r boys grew in years , the demand higher instruction
r . g ew , and the upper forms became a necessity The first 1 8 complete curriculum was adopted in 5 3 , and the first classwas graduated in 1 854 .
“ The number o f boys has grown from one hundred in
a 1 8 8 i - Six Janu ry , 4 , to fifteen hundred and th rty in Jan 1 8 8 uary , 9 . The buildings have increased from five to f O f f fourteen , and the sta f teachers and O ficers from seven teen to one hundred and fifteen . The number of teachers and officers connected with the
i College S nce its opening is 3 49 ; pupils ,
There have been but four Presidents of the College .
'
O en in in 1 8 8 . At the p g 4 , the Hon Joel Jones , formerly a judgeOf the Court O f Common Pleas in Philadelphia , was
bu t elected to the position , remained in charge less than
E M . E E L P H D L D L. ADDR SS BY ADA H F TT RO F , . . , . 7 3
1 8 0 two years . He was succeeded in 5 by Dr . William H .
Allen , then a professor in Dickinson College . With the
o f - 1 86 1 86 exception of an interval four years , from 3 to 7 ,
O f when Major Richard Somers Smith , a graduate West
—h e Point , was the executive , remained in the presidency
1 882 NO until his death in . one could have been better fitted fo r this office by natural temperament and training than Dr . Allen . With fine presence , superior talents ,
e genial disposition , and rare executive ability , he was p cu lia rly adapted fo r the labors and responsibilities o f a position the duties o f which are so many and so varied . The chancel window of this chapel bea' rs testimony to the regard and esteem in which he was held by the Alumni o f the College .
There have been also four Vice - Presidents of the Co l
first c rea te d in 1 8 . lege since the position was , 7 7 Henry
AM . W . Arey , . . , Adam H . Fetterolf, LL . D . , Henry D
M. A. Gregory , LL . D . , and Winthrop D . Sheldon , , the present incumbent .
o f In fulfilling the plans its Founder , the College has three purposes in view . First , to provide for the orphan wards o f the city Of Philadelphia a comfortable and happy
s home , in which their health and physical welfare hall be duly cared for , so that they may grow up to a sound and I Of vigorous manhood ; Second , to furnish such education head and hand as shall prepare them fo r intelligent and industrious citizenship ; and third , to give them such training in all the essentials Of character as shall fit them t o - o f be upright , law abiding and useful members the com munity in which they may hereafter dwell . To accomplish these objects , the College was organized and is carried on .
In directing what branches should be taught , the EM - EN ENN L L E 74 S I C T IA OF GIRARD CO L G E.
Founder designates but does not restrict . The will on this point is liberal and comprehensive , and , like the Co n stit u
tion Of the United States , has its elastic clause , namely , I would have them taught facts and things rather than ” words and signs . Under this provision , the course of study has been Often extended and revised to meet the de o f mands experience , and to keep abreast with the times and current progress in education . The last fifty years
o f cover a period great educational awakening . There have been so many changes , that we have come to speak
O f Of the education the present day as the new education .
n o t im Yet these changes have , in every instance , meant
r m n t s o v e e . III p Many experiments have proved failures .
o u r speaking Of this subject , learned Commissioner of “ Education , Dr . William T . Harris , says , Experiments are s o costly that o n e must be cautious in undertaking — ” . n them Ninety nine fail and o e succeeds . Our policy
t o has been to keep well abreast Of the times , and take up
n o t with a new idea , because it is new , but because it is
t o o ld O ld n o t good ; and give up methods and systems , because they are Old , but because they are no longer the best . The boys Of the Girard College need a practical train
in t elli . ing They, need , in addition to knowledge and m f . gence , skill and e ficiency They ust have that which will enable them to earn their livelihood as soon as they
Fo r leave school . this reason , we have always endeavored to teach all o u r pupils to do everything with thoroughness and accuracy . In all grades , special emphasis is placed upon those studies which will directly prepare the pupil fo r efficient service in that class Of pursuits into which he
' sa nIe t inI e will enter . At the , it is steadily kept in view
6 EM - EN ENN L LLE E 7 S I C T IA OF GIRARD CO G .
arts and manufactures . While the O ld apprentice system ’
! which Obtained in Mr . Girard s time was a help and a con v en ien ce in the early history of the College , it gradually became a serious hinderance . Employers refused to enter
o f into the Obligation master, and the average boy dis liked the idea O f being an indentured apprentice bound to an employer for a definite number Of years ; SO that binding out grew more and more into disfavor , until it finally became a question of whether we should give up
o r o u r the apprenticing , close to boys many avenues of business offering the best opportunities for bright and en
r i e g et c lads . The Board of Directors wisely chose the
. o u r W former alternative Under present system , hen a
o r d boy has found suitable employment , has reache the age when the authorities think he should no longer remain in the Institution , his college indenture is cancelled , and he is returned to his mother or next friend . While we consider ourselves thus legally relieved from all responsi . ’ b ilit o v e r th e b e y , we still keep an oversight boy until he
- comes twenty One years of age . Our Superintendent of
Admission and Indentures visits , as far as he is able , all
- boys under twenty one years of age at least once a year .
The gentlemen who , from time to time , have had the responsibility of directing the affairs of the College and of
the Girard Estate have ever been the best Of the city ,
men distinguished for their intelligence , integrity and
- good business judgment . For the first twenty two years , the Trust was administered by a board of Sixteen dire c — tors chosen by the City Councils , four being appointed o f each year . A serious Objection to this system appoint f ment was the short and uncertain tenure of O fice , and a lack O f permanency and stability in a body having to make A E M E E . L P H . D LL D DDR SS BY ADA H F TT RO F , . , . . 7 7
many and important business contracts . During the e — tw nty two years that this system obtained , there were on
- fiv e ff the board of management ninety di erent directors ,
o f each having served an average four years . An act creating the present Board o f Directors o f City Trusts was approved by the G overnor on the thirtieth
o f 1 86 tw o day June , 9 , and the first board was appointed months later . The City Councils refused to acknowledge d the right of the new boar , and an appeal was made to the courts t o test the validity of the act of the Legislature creating it . Justice Sherwood delivered the unanimous f f l opinion o f the court a firming the validity o the a w . The
n ew city then withdrew its opposition , and the board took
2 1 8 0 . charge February 5 , 7 Under the existing system there have been in twenty - eight years twenty - seven mem
o f . bers , and the average term service twelve years
in Under their management , the Residuary Fund has
o n e . creased hundred per cent , and the net income two
l c o n hundred per cent . There has been a genera improved dition of the grounds and buildings , steam heating and electric lighting throughout , and a filtering plant by which our entire water supply is purified . In the educational o u r work , the improvements Of recent years include manual training school , thoroughly equipped in all its de
a rtm e n ts p , and ranking among the earliest and best in the country ; the department of natural history , with its well selected museum ; the addition of a laboratory to the course Of chemistry and physics ; our school o f typewriting
i o f and shorthand , and the ncrease our library , recently catalogued . We have also introduced , most successfully , systematic voice culture , with instruction in sight reading and part singing , calisthenics , military science and tactics , EM - EN ENN L O F LLE E 7 8 S I C T IA GIRARD CO G .
b y and thrift teaching , which the boys are encouraged to put in a saving - fund the little sums Of money given them from time to time . In this way we hope to foster the habit
so Of saving , important in the man and the citizen , in a country where waste and extravagance are so general . What becomes Of o u r boys ? This is of all questions
n . , m u ifi the most important What is the , College with its
cent endowments , its stately buildings , and its grand
fo r equipment , doing the lads entrusted to its care and ? training We must estimate it , as we do a family , a com
munity or a State , by the citizens it produces .
— o f Count Bismarck says , One third the students of the German universities destroy themselves by dissipation ;
o n e - o u t third wear themselves by overwork , and the rest
o f govern Europe . President David Starr J ordan , the
r Leland Stanford , J . , University , in alluding to this state
ment Of the distinguished German statesman , observes that while the numerical quality o f these three classes can
n o t b e O f insisted upon , we still recognize that something
O f this sort is true Of the college students America , adding ’ that , O ne part go to the dogs , one part go to the grave , ” and the rest are the strength of the Republic . This is a — rather startling statement , and if true , a sad one , that
only o n e - third o f the young men who attend the univer
sities and colleges are saved to live a life of usefulness .
The Girard boy is neither born great , nor does he have
greatness thrust upon him . His greatness is his own
achievement . When he leaves his Alma Mater , he must
n . at once earn his o w living This may be a hardship , but
n o t a misfortune .
During the last two months we have been trying , with m in the assistance o f a Com ittee of the Alumni , to collect
80 EM - EN ENN AL O F LLE E S I C T I GIRARD CO G .
faithful and devoted in their religious work , and ever loyal
in their attachment to our republican institutions . Of the older Alumni who have reached the years Of b e ’ manhood , we may justly proud . They are Girard s greatest , because his living , monument . They are to be
o f met with in all the walks life , and invariably among o ur best citizens .
n o t In conclusion , it is to be forgotten that Stephen
G —h e irard did more than establish Girard College , estab li h d s e . o u r a precedent As the first Of large givers , he taught men that wealth , like life itself, is opportunity .
His example has had many distinguished followers , who have learned from him the noble lesson that the greatest
o f o f - privilege living is that doing good to our fellow men . Girard College as compared with the famous schools o f
in the Old world is yet in its infancy . What its work and
fl u e n c e in the future may be can only be imagined . Dur ing the centuries and ages to follow , boys will continue
t o to come to these halls be trained for duty and for living , — t n o w to be men and o be citizens . Those who are di re ctin g and teaching will gradually drop out and others will step in and take their places .
— - May each half century be a half century Of progress , each accomplish better and nobler things than that which has gone before . And may others
Fin i sh wh a t w e be gin in An d a ll a w e a o f w . th t f il ,
8 2 EM - EN ENN L O F LLE E S I C T IA GIRARD CO G .
ve rsities and their great history may struggle in vain for
o f the palm the greatest usefulness to the race of man . One single fact will make it evident that this possibility is not the creation Of imagination or the product o f that boastfulness which America will some day feel herself t o o
1a great to cherish , but simple and plain possibility which has the sanction of mathematics as well as hope . c Although more than six centuries Of regal , prin ely , and pious donations have been poured into the purses o f these
m u n ifice n ce o n e venerable aids to learning , the of Ameri
' can citizen t o - day affords an endowment income equal to
o f co m that each university , and when the full century has plete d his work will afford an income superior to the
b . income Of oth When Time has done his perfect work ,
Stephen Girard , mariner and merchant , may be found to have come nearer immortality tha n the long procession
Of kings and cardinals , nobles and statesmen , whose power
‘ o w n o n was mighty in their days , but who are only their way to Oblivion . I am well aware that this College Of
w o f Orphans , wherein the isdom the Founder requires
t o facts and things be taught rather than words and signs , can as yet make no claim to that higher learning so essen tial to the ultimate progress o f the world ; but it has its o w n mission as great and as high , and one which connects itself more nearly with the practical elevation of mankind .
O f Whether the overruling Providence , which we talk
' m u ch a n d So so know little , has each of us in His kindly
o u r care and keeping , we shall better know when minds have the broader scope which immortality will make pos sible . But , however men may dispute over individual care , His care over the race as a whole fills all the pages ni of human history . U ty and progress are the watch E H O N. M EED ADDR SS BY THO AS B . R . 8 3
words of the Divine guidance , and no matter how harsh
o f m en has been the treatment by one man thousands of ,
o r o f every great event , series events , has been for the
O f . good the race Were this the proper time , I could show that wars— and wars ought to be banished forever from — the face O f the earth ; that pestilences and the time is coming when they will be no more ; that persecutions and inquisitions—and liberty of thought is the richest pearl of — - e rse c u life , that all these things wars , pestilences and p — tions were but helps to the unity of mankind . All things ,
o u r including own natures , bind us together for deep and unrelenting purpose .
a nd Think what we should be , who are unlearned brutish , if the wise , the learned , and the good could sepa rate themselves from us ; were free from o u r superstitions
a and vague and foolish fe rs , and stood loftily by them
in selves , wrapped their own superior wisdom . Therefore hath it been wisely ordained that no set of creatures o f our race shall be beyond the reach o f their helping hand ; so
o u r lofty that they will not fear reproaches , or so mighty as t o be beyond our reach . If the lofty and the learned do not lift us up , we drag them down . But unity is not the only watchword ; there must be progress also . Since , by a law we cannot evade , we are to keep together , and since we a re to progress , we must do it together , and nobody must
n o t o f be left behind . This is a matter philosophy ; it is f o . NO a matter fact progress which did not lift all , ever lifted any . If we let the poison of filth diseases percolate through the hovels of the poor , death knocks at the palace
o f o gates . If we leave to the greater horror ign rance any
o f O f portion our race , the consequences ignorance strike us all , and there is no escape . We must all move , but we 8 EM - EN ENN L LLE 4 S I C T IA OF GIRARD CO GE.
- must all keep together . It is only when the rear guard
n comes up that the vanguard can go o .
Stephen Girard must have understood this . He took under his charge the progress o f those who needed his
i k n in a d, o w t o O f , g that if they were added the list good
o f citizens , to the catalogue moral , enterprising , and useful
so n o t men , there was much added , to their happiness only ,
o f but to the welfare the race to which he belonged . For
n o t his orphans the vanguard need wait . Your Founder also understood what education was . Most men brought
o n o n up as he was shipboard and shore , with few books
fo r and fewer studies , if they cared learning at all , would
v fo r ha e had learning an uncouth reverence , such as the
fo r e m a n ifi savage has his idol , a reverenc for the fancied g es cence o f the unknown . This would have led him to
— - — t a b lish a university devoted to o u t O i the way learning
o r t o beyond his ken , link his name to glories to which he could n o t aspire . But the man who named his vessels e after the great French authors of his age , and who r ad their works himself, knew from them , and from his own
O f laborious and successful life , that learning was not all education , and so gave his orphans an entrance into a practical world with such learning as left the whole field
Of learning before them , if they wanted it , with power to make fortunes besides . It is strange t o watch the growth into fame and respect and reverence o f Stephen G irard as his plan of conferring a benefaction upon the city and the people whom he has loved has slowly unfolded itself before their gaze . The generation in which he lives can seldom understand the
fo r t o - really great man . We live day , and he lives for a
— o n day after t o day . He ta kes the century in which he
86 EM - EN ENN L O F A LLE E S I C T IA GIR RD CO G .
prise his own powerful brain , and , like the ships he sent
to sea, long after his death the adventure came home
o f o f laden , not with the results his capital alone , but his forethought and his genius . He builded fo r so many years r that the stars will be cold before his wo k is finished . We envious people , who cannot be wealthy any more than we
o u r can add a cubit to stature , avenge ourselves by think ing and proclaiming that pursuit o f wealth is sordid and
o f stifles the nobler sentiments the soul . Whether this be so or not , if whoever makes to grow two blades of grass
o n e where but grew before is a benefactor Of his race , he also is a benefactor w h o makes two ships sail the sea
Where but o n e encountered its storms before . However sordid the owner may be , this is a benefit of which he cannot deprive the world . That men who have achieved great riches are not always
o u t shut by their riches from the nobler emotions , Stephen
Girard was himself a most illustrious example . A hun dred years ago this city ‘ was under the black horror of a
O plague . S terrible was the fear that fell upon the city , — that . the tenderest Of domestic ties the love of husband — and wife and of parents for children seemed obliterated . Even gold lost its power in the multitudinous presence o f
n o impending death . There was refuge even in the hos pital , which , reeking with disease , was a hell out of which ff there was no redemption . Neither money nor a ection ”
. could buy service . Fear was on every soul o f — Mr . Girard was then in the prime life , forty two years
Old , in health and strength , already rich , and with a future as secure as ever falls to human lo t . Of his own accord , as a volunteer , he took charge of the interior of the deadly E H N M O . EE 8 ADDR SS BY THO AS B . R D . 7
fo r tw o hospital , and long and weary months stood face
to face with death . A poet himself has sung in vain o f what makes the little
fo r songs linger in our hearts ages , while epics perish and
tragedies pass out Of Sight . Why this is so we shall never
know by reason alone . Way down in the human heart
there is a tenderness fo r self - sa crifice which makes it seem
o f loftier than the love glory , and reveals the possibility
o f the eternal soul . Wars and Sieges pass away and great intellectual efforts
o u r cease to stir hearts , but the man who sacrifices himself
fo r his fellow lives forever . Z We forget the war in which was the siege Of utphen ,
and almost the city itself, but we shall never forget the
o f death Sir Philip Sidney . Scholars alone read the work o f s o f his life , but all mankind honor him in the story his
f r n . o o u o w death The great war the Crimea , in day , with
o f its generals and marshals , and its bands storming
o u r soldiery , has almost passed from memories , but the time will never come when the charge o f Balaklava will
r cease to stir the heart o r pass from story o from song . G It happened to Stephen irard , mariner and merchant , seeking wealth and finding it , whose ships covered every ’ sea , whose intellect penetrated , as your treasurer s books will Show, a hundred years into the future , to light up his life by a deed more noble than the dying courtesy o f Sid
o f Six fo r ney and braver than the charge the hundred , he walked under his o w n orders day by day and week by
WIth . week , shoulder to shoulder death , and was not afraid
How fit , indeed , it is that amidst these temples which are the tribute 'to his intellect Should stand the tablet which is the tribute to his heart ! EM - EN ENN L O F LLE E 88 S I C T IA GIRARD CO G .
o Surely , if the immortal dead , serene with the wisd m of eternity , are not above all joy and pride , he must feel a thrill to know that no mariner o r merchant ever sent forth a venture upon unknown seas which came back with richer cargoes or in statelier ships .
0 EM - EN ENN L A LLE E 9 S I C T IA OF GIR RD CO G .
that physical inability prevents , concluding his letter as follows :
Amo n g th e m o st p re ci o u s o f my m em o ri es a re th e ye a rs o f my o ffici a l co n
e i h e r r A n ct o n t a o e e . n d n o w a s th e o n su r o r o f th e B o a r with Gi d C ll g , ly viv d o f re o rs o f 1 8 a n d 1 8 8 I a m a n u a I a e e en e r e o e Di ct 47 4 , th kf l th t h v b p mitt d t liv
u n its e a n n e rsa r til fifti th iv y .
a u o u rs F ithf lly y , ” R D C L F E ERI K FRA EY . General Wagner then introduced the next speaker in the following remarks : B Now , I want to tell you a very rief story . When the committee having charge o f these exercises cast about for ” speakers , they said , We want Reed . And we have him . They then looked for the proper man to make us the
second address . We said we wanted a college president ;
and we wanted the president from the college at Easton . “ ’ ’ But somebody said , He s a preacher , and he can t get ” in . That seemed to settle the case , of course ; and we
looked about , and finally concluded that the man in that ’ capacity couldn t be had . We felt compelled to make
other arrangements , and thought President Fetterolf had committed a frightful blunder when he sent a general in
i i n v ta t o t o the president of the college at Easton , who
promptly accepted it .
Then we carefully examined the records , as we should
n o t have done at first , and found that the gentleman did
rea ch — h e ra ctised f p at all , p (which is the more di ficult) ;
that his brother preached , but he did not ; and of course
we said to him , We shall be glad to see you . And he
is here . Then , when the telegram came that Governor h Hastings could not be ere , we laid violent hands upon k “ a ‘ rea ch er this man who is not p , and said , Now , the EM TH E M N R ARKS BY CHAIR A . 9 I
speech that you would have had a month to prepare , we
will give you , in addition to your dinner , fifteen minutes
to get ready . Being a Presbyterian ruling elder, and
not a preaching elder , he of course bowed to fate , took it for granted that it was foreordained , and said , I submit .
t o — More appropriate still . We are night celebrating the
fiftieth anniversary of Girard College , an institution estab lish e d O f by a native France , but , as Speaker Reed has said , an American citizen from the crown of his head to
! the soles of his feet . And the gentleman who will now talk to us is the president of a college named after another
— o n e native of France , who helped to establish the inde
e n de n ce p of the Colonies , and made possible these United
States o f America .
When I said that Governor Hastings would not be here , but that we had another speaker in reserve , somebody ’ ” “ ’ said , Well that s Brosius ; somebody else said , That s “ ” Ma cVea h g ; others , Loudon Snowden ; and I said quietly to myself, You are all wrong ; any one of these , or o f a dozen others on the platform , could make a good o f speech at any time , yet none these is the man we have ” captured .
I take great pleasure in presenting to you E . D . War
. field . . , LL D , the President of Lafayette College A D D RESS
L A TH RT . W RF I L LLD BY E E BE D E D , .
Pres en of La a e e o e e id t f y tt C ll g .
MR M N E — . CHAI R A LAD I S AND G ENTLEMENz It is very evident that we have another Presbyterian ruling elder
o n here , and that he has been practising this audience . I thought he would have a good deal of nerve”who would dare to stand up before so large an assemblage of citizens of Pennsylvania and undertake to say which one o f all that
t o o wh o noble army of martyrs , numerous to be named , are reluctantly expecting to be called upon to take the H place of Governor astings , is indeed the man . I am only surprised that you have so readily acquiesced in his nomination . As a Presbyterian , I not only believe “ t o o e . in foreordination , but also in lection Hence I , ,
’ must acquiesce in General Wagner s selection .
o u . I can assure y , however , that I am not a preacher I recall with approval the reply O f an Old darky down in
no t Kentucky , who , when asked if he were a preacher , ’ replied , Oh , no , young massa , I ain t no preacher ; I is ’ z o r r a t e . You know a preacher is bound to stick to his ’
z o rt e r . text , but a , he can branch It is a very great ” n privilege o such an occasion to be able to branch , espe ’ o n cia lly when y o u haven t a text . I looked the pro ’ o r gramme , and I couldn t see what Governor Hastings ,
w a sn e x e ct e d . I , or anybody else , p to talk about So I 9 2
E E L E E . E . L L L. D ADDR SS BY TH B RT D WARFI D , . 9 3
thought that , in commemorating the great work o f this
College , its high moral attitude , or something of that sort , was surely in keeping with the occasion . Then I thought
a o Of the distinguished Frenchman who died a few days g , and concerning whom we have been hearing so much in —Mr — the newspapers , . Alphonse Daudet , and I remem bered a little incident connected with him when he came
O f Y o u in contact with our American ideas morality . will recollect , perhaps , that when he was writing his novel , “ ” Sapho , in which he undertook to teach his sons , and the French nation generally , sound morals , Messrs . Funk
Wa n a lls O f Th e Voice g , the eminent publishers (a paper well known in connection with its interest in the morals
n o w of another college , which will not be mentioned) ,
n Ov el heard that Mr . Daudet was about to publish a to
fo r teach morality , and contracted with him the American “ “ rights of Sapho . Sapho when finished was sent to ll . 81 a n a s them Then Messrs . Funk W g drank in draughts
Of morality , such as they are so constantly receiving from
e fo r . their special ag nts , and once they must have reeled
We can scarcely suppose that they were intoxicated , but it was something a little stronger than they had been a c customed to imbibe as pure morality . So they cabled to ’ ” Mr . Daudet , Sapho will not do . Mr . Daudet was com plet ely overcome at the idea that anything he wrote could
e be rejected . Therefore h hastened to an English friend , and asked him what o n earth this meant . The friend “ ’ looked at the cablegram , and said , Why , it s perfectly ’ ‘ p ’ plain . You French spell Sapho with one , while the ‘ ’
E w . nglish spell it Sappho , ith two The result was
81 Wa n a lls that Mr . Daudet cabled back to Messrs . Funk g , ’ ”
Th e Voice two s . care of , New York , Spell it with p EM - EN ENN L LLE E 94 S I C T IA OF GIRARD CO G .
ff o n ll The e ect Messrs . Funk Wa g n a s has h appily not been recorded . Such apparently is the danger O f refle c tions upon moral questions which involve more than one nationality . In venturing to speak at such a time to such an audience
o f o ld as this , I am reminded the saying , Who shall speak after the king ?” We have all been transported by the eloquent words we have listened to , and I am sure we have all been made to feel that he is indeed daft who dares not ” only to speak after the king , but after the czar . He is n o t o n e o f , it is true , Of the boys this College , but what we have heard from him further proves what we have long “ ’ ” Rs rea d known . He knows his three he is always y , l h reso ute ri t. , and g And I , as a Presbyterian elder , am prepared t o give him my benediction o n what he has said this evening . What a splendid inspiration it is fo r us to speak one with another Of this College , and what it has done and what it represents ! It awakens in us a sharper realization o f the fact , that from far beyond the seas men reared under ff such different intellectual conditions , under such di erent ff moral aspirations , and under such di erent religious teach
. ings , have come to this country and lighted here lamps for H o w the illumination o f this new world . Often have I
rejoiced , in the days that I have been permitted to pre side over o u r lovely college , amid the hills that overlook
t o o f wh o , the upper Delaware , think the young man fired — with the love of liberty , left home , family , country , every — thing that was dear to him , and came to this people who were as yet not a nation , and who had but a little land upon the border of an unexplored forest and set upon the margin o f a mighty séa ! With prophetic instinct he
6 EM - EN ENN L LLE E 9 S I C T IA OF GIRARD CO G .
. dom in America I love to recount that story , taking within the compass o f my thoughts not only the Cavalier
of Virginia and the Puritan of Massachusetts , but also the Huguenot O f Long Island and the Hollander o f Man
O f hattan , the Friend Pennsylvania and the German Of G ermantown (not even forgetting Bucks County) , the
Scotch - Irish o f the Cumberland Valley and the Scotch of
. o n e o f North Carolina Every these nationalities , what ever they may have been , are all parts of the great Ameri can people . God bless them a ll! Each has contributed o f men mark , whether they were of that class that came
O f already blessed with something good and gracious , or
u t that to which Abraham Lincoln belonged , who came o o f o f o f the Silent squalor the mountains Kentucky , and wandered through the swamp - lands o f the Indiana and
o n Illinois of early days , and thence down the Mississippi
- its flat boats , learning with painful industry the way Of o f O . kn wledge , that he might tread the path righteousness When w e think o f what such men have accomplished fo r
o f themselves ; when we think the pain , the agony , the self- denial o f the struggle which they had to undergo ; when we think o f how Lincoln and his fellows rose and stood face to face with intrenched falsehood , and mastered it in its intrenchments , is it any wonder that we rejoice that colleges like this have been founded by the m u n ifi cence Of men like Stephen Girard , that they may point not only hundreds but thousands , every year , along the way that is most certain and sure to useful citizenship in this ? great Commonwealth Of Pennsylvania Oh , that such an ! institution might be imitated in the other States Oh , that Pennsylvania might make more of Girard College ! E E EL E D EL LL D ADDR SS BY TH B RT . WARFI D , . . 9 7
The work that is being done here is too little known and recognized .
I remember very well that , when a little boy , I found in a scrap - book a picture of Stephen G irard and of this beau tiful first building . The building so impressed itself on my mind that I have never forgotten it . It has always stood o u t before me as the very ideal o f a college ; and in my happy college days , when I was a student in one of
o n the universities the other side of the ocean , to which reference has been made this evening , not even Oxford , with its lovely monuments of Gothic architecture , ever
H o w seemed more beautiful than this first building here . little we appreciate the importance Of such a building as a centre o f association in the mind o f youth and as a formative ideal ! When at home I look out from our fair
flo w hill upon the mountains around about , upon the river ing seaward , upon the clouds sailing through the blue heavens , which bend above the purple hills , and I think that surely such associations must uplift our boys , even as the scenes in the hill country o f Jud aea uplifted the heart of David , to a serene walk with God . How wonderful such associations are ! What an undying influence the mere communion with yonder building must create ! ’ i in st ru c Aga n , how wise was Mr . Girard s provision for tion in the principles o f a pure patriotism ! I can remem ber , as I can remember nothing else from those days , when it was a question whether Kentucky was a State Of the
Union or not , when John Morgan and his rough riders again and again rode through the streets of our little city , h o w my mother , with most strenuous intensity Of feeling , R our . e taught me to love flag There were few , in the
construction days that followed , who really clung with 8 EM - EN ENN L O F LLE E 9 S I C T IA GIRARD CO G .
ff unfaltering a ection to that dear Old flag . I was only a ff child at the time , but under such teaching my a ection for the Stars and Stripes grew deep and strong . With what a thrill of joy , in later years , have I seen unexpectedly in the ports Of Europe that emblem Of liberty ! Surely our hearts should feel a thrill o f gladness fo r what America is ; for what men like Stephen Girard have done their part to make it ; for that yet nobler , higher , dearer thing which it is the privilege and the possibility O f this generation to f make it in the interest o peace and prosperity , of the wel fare o f men and the service o f God .
n Up yonder o that hill at home , where there was once ' o f a monument to o n e Of the benefactors Pennsylvania ,
‘ there is n o w a blackened ruin . How my heart sinks every
o f time I go by it , and I think again that day , just two
a o ! weeks g , when that beautiful building went up in flames t o But I never pass it by that I do not say myself , Look ”
. forward and n o t back , look up and not down And surely that is the motto fo r America . We can make of
n , th ese / in stit u tio s, as has been made of this College a fo r wonderful power fo r good . It is a thing us all to be proud o f that the management o f this Institution has fallen into such good hands , and that the direction of the youth within its walls is in such excellent keeping . I am sure we all rejoice with President Fetterolf and the representa ti y es o f the City Trusts o f Philadelphia in the work that
we see , and that we know is going farther forward unto perfection .
AD D RESS
T L ’ R . E H O O OW . BY E D E D B , 5 7
MR E EN E AND ENTLEMEN — . S , S G z l PR I D T _ LAD I am deeply sensible of the honor conferred upon me in re pre senting on this interesting occasi on the first o n e hundred
h o boys w entered this Institution fifty years a g o . Time
o u r has made sad inroads in members , there being but a
o f f fraction the original hundred left , and Of the O ficers and teachers not one remains who gathered with us at th e in f 1 o n o 8 8 . augural services the first day January , 4 Time
n o t has also made great changes in the Institution itself ; ,
t o however, bringing it decrepitude and decay with its
fifty years Of existence , but , like the sturdy oak of the
fo rest , it has gathered increasing strength from year to
n year, striking its roots deeper into its ative soil , spreading
o u t m its branches far into the at osphere about it , and d raising its head high into the vaulte blue above , until it seem s t o have completely filled the whole territory in which it was originally planted , the extent of which , per
haps , Mr . Girard , in his utmost expectations , had sup
posed it would take many years to grow . The first hun
a nd Sk O f dred had a great inheritance Of air y , fields and woods that seemed almost boundless .
No en - u U i a o n s ra n e o u r o e rs p t p t c c t i d p w ,
Fo r th e who l e bo u n dl e ss u n ive rse w a s o u rs. IOO EM - EN ENN L LLE E S I C T IA OF GIRARD CO G .
O f Now we see a multiplicity stately buildings , bea utiful ' in their architecture , teeming with activity and usefulness , spreading over the whole landscape . The fields and the woods , that to our childish hearts were so dear , have given place to the hon e st and lusty growth o f development dur
- o u r ing the first half century Of history , so that we cry out “ ” a ? in our mazement , Whereunto will this thing grow . ' When the first hundred took possession O f this vast es tate , we knew that others after a while would come to share it with us , and so we welcomed the second hundred
o u r and made room for them , sharing bounties with them , even though we thought we had a little less O f the air and the fields and the woods than we had before , but when the third hundred were introduced , we felt positively crowded
n and the College seemed o longer what it was . One thing , however , we were willing that they all should share
la st en era tio n o f - even down to the g the new comers , viz
ro d. the lessons , the discipline and the NOn e can know without its experience the loneliness O f a boy bereft of his father ; none but the Infinite eye wit n esse d o n the tears Shed many a narrow bed as the boy , separated from all he loved , entered upon his life in Girard
College . But Stephen Girard knew what it was to be lonely , to be friendless , and it may be in the quiet hours of the night shed honest tears in the memory of his boyhood , and being childless , he yearned to gather to his empty heart and fireside the fatherless boys o f his adopted city .
And so he kept trading , and saving , and planning with n this growing , burni g hope in his heart , until it became — o f all absorbing , producing the magnificent results which we have only seen the first fruits . A boy ’ s life in Girard College is about the same now as
1 2 EM - EN ENN L LLE E 0 S I C T IA OF GIRARD CO G .
that remain . Concerning the moral training , it used to be
o r said that Girard College was atheistic , that Mr . Gira rd was an infidel , so that many a poor mother has been afraid
Sh e to bring her sons here , because was told that the fear o f God was not taught . I think these lies have been buried
so long that they can never be resurrected . Can we ever forget the many instructive lessons from the desk o n Sun days , and the sweet hymns taught by Kingsley , Bird ,
Fisher and others ; Of the morning and evening prayers , and the Scriptures with the unpronounceable names , and
o f the stories of the battles Israel with the Moabites , the ? Jebusites , Hittites , etc . , etc . Who will ever forget the many delightful and profitable Sunday afternoons with
o r é . Judge Kelley in his prime , Ren Guillou , Joseph R ? Chandler , William Welsh , President Allen , and others
Ladies and gentlemen , I am ready to acknowledge that
o f - under the instructions the Sabbath day , many a time I felt that I was mean and wicked , and many a time I promised G o d o n my knees that I would be a better boy . The love O f country was instilled in our young minds by American history and the example of our noble bene Wa r factor . No wonder , then , that , when the Civil broke
O f out , hundreds our boys sprang to arms at the call of the
- government ; many laid down their lives , and sleep to night with the honored dead . Yonder monument erected to their memory is a living testimonial of the patriotic in
r tio n s st u c received here as boys , bearing fruit in our lives ’ as men . Some Of the first hundred s names are inscribed on the tablets there .
Oh , these crowding memories of our boyhood days , how delightful they are ! Standing upon the threshold of a
’ - iii new half century , and this presence , I fancy I see a face ’ E BY E E L A . . 1 0 DDR SS TH ODOR DEBOW , 5 7 3
and form of one who has long since gone to rest . In form he was massive , with broad intellectual brow and kindly blue eyes . He was kind yet firm , deeply learned yet sim ple . He gave the best years of his life to the development
' f o u r h e n o w o f o t . youth , and sleeps the sleep the Jus
Such was President Allen . We esteem him a great man ,
fo r and no wonder , he came originally from the State f O . where great men are raised , the State Maine
o n e Another form appears to my view , who stood with us here fifty years ago . In the vigor of a strong intellect and a mature womanhood she began the duties of a teacher . So well were these duties discharged that she was asked to assume more important ones . Stern in a p
ea ra n ce p and word , but conscientious in matters of duty ,
c o m compelling obedience from all , superintending our forts by day , and watching by the beds of the Sick at night , childless yet the mother o f hundreds . And when the boys went from here to make a start in the world she packed
w o w n each trunk ith her hands , into each of which she put a copy o f the Scriptures and a prayer . She spent her life willingly in this work , and fell asleep in full view of the f o . scenes her labor Such was the Matron Jane Mitchell .
o n . One other form appears this scene She , too , was
a o . o f here fifty years g A teacher the younger boys . Fair f o . face and form , faithful and devoted Her countenance
o f reflected the purity her soul . She lived her whole life ,
r few from that time until her t anslation a months ago , in the ministry of love and a conscientious , faithful discharge f o duty . I refer to Mary Lynch . I stood this evening in the presence of two aged men whose labors here have been almost coextensive with the history of the College ; their instruction touching almost , 1 0 EM - EN ENN L LLE E 4 S I C T IA OF GIRARD CO G .
if not all , the boys from the beginning until the present ; but n o w their labors are nearly ended ; the time o f their departure is at hand ; they have fought a good fight ; they have finished their course ; henceforth there is laid up for them a crown . We stand before them with heads u n covered as we look upon their venerable forms . God bless these veteran professors , George J . Becker and Warren
Holden .
n o t e fo r I do name th se in invidious distinction , others also could be named whose memories are like ointment ”
. su cceso rs poured forth These have their , equally
fo r worthy , but we leave them a tribute from others fifty years hence . I may be pardoned if I speak a word concerning the
o f o f management by the Directors the Board City Trusts . Many o f the honorable men who have held these positions are gone to their reward , who share the happiness of this
occasion in spirit perhaps , among whom we remember
r h i . Co w e t w a t J oseph R Chandler , William p , William Bid
a . dle , Mordecai L . Dawson , Judge C mpbell , William B
Mann , and others whose names I do not now recall .
These men , their colleagues and successors are to be held
in everlasting remembrance for fidelity to their trust , for
o f the faithful execution the plans , purposes and will of
Mr . Girard . How well these interests have been preserved
o u r is evidenced by surroundings , and while others have
spoken eloquently from without , we from within would
utter a hearty indorsement of it all .
o f Gentlemen the Board of City Trusts , we extend to you our h eartfelt thanks fo r your unselfish and untiring fu devotion to these great interests , and we hope in the
“ ture , as in the past , the Board will always be constituted
STEPH E G R RD S A E C H AL L A L P AZ . N I A T TU , ITY STEPH EN G I RARD—MAR I N E R AN D MERCHAN T
A BI O G RAPH I CAL SKETC H
P P BY GEORG E P . RU ;
L r r n G a o e ib a i a of i r rd C ll ge .
2 o th 1 0 Stephen Girard was born on the of May , 7 5 , in
Ch a rtro n s o f the Rue Ramonet aux , a suburb of the city
Bordeaux , France . He was the eldest son and the second l child of Captain Pierre Girard . When eight years o d he met with an accident by which the sight o f his right eye was destroyed . This personal defect and the ridicule it ff occasioned no doubt had its e ect upon his character . The men of the Girard family generally followed the sea for a living , and , without doubt , Stephen Girard inherited a like inclination . ’ When not quite fourteen years old , he , with his father s “ ” e D O consent , sailed in a vessel , the P lerin , for San
1 6 1 mingo . From 7 4 to 7 7 3 he traded between Bordeaux and the West Indies , attaining the rank of lieutenant of the
. n o w vessel . Mr Girard had become a skilful navigator , and he had made up for some o f the defects of his early
b . 1 education v study and observation In O ctober, 77 3 , he was granted a license to act as captain o f a vessel . In ” x the ship La Julie he left Bordeau for San Domingo ,
1 . reaching there in February , 7 74 Having disposed of the cargo , he sailed for New York , and landed there in July , 1 09 I I EM - EN ENN L LLE E O S I C T IA OF GIRARD CO G .
1 n 77 4 , this bei g his first visit to the United States . The ability he displayed in the business of disposing of the ” cargo he brought In the La Julie , attracted the notice of
o f Mr . Thomas Randall , a merchant New York , and his
assistance enabled Mr . Girard to trade successfully b e
a u tween New York , New Orleans , and Port Prince .
While acting jointly with Mr . Randall , as part owner of ’ L a im a b le . re the vessel called Louise , Mr Girard was turning from the West Indies , when he was forced , by the
O f presence a British fleet , to enter Delaware Bay , and he
fo r 1 6. arrived the first time in Philadelphia in May , 7 7 On
o f o f o f account the war the Revolution , the port Phila
delphia was blockaded by the British , and , knowing the ’ t o danger American ships , he sold his interest in L aim ” able Louise and opened a store on Water Street . From this time Mr . Girard could no longer be considered a mariner , though he continued in the Shipping business .
In the north - eastern section O f Philadelphia there was
- a ship builder named Lum , whom Mr . Girard consulted about the building o f a new vessel . While on this business ” o r a he met Mary Lum , Polly as she was familiarly c lled ,
o ld a girl about sixteen years , distinguished for her per sonal beauty and her noble virtues . After a brief court
Mr . ship they were married by the Rev . . Stringer , in St ’
o n 6th o f 1 . 0 11 Paul s Episcopal Church , the June , 7 7 7 the approach Of the British army to take possession of
fo r t Philadelphia , Mr . Girard , with his wife , left Moun
Holly , having purchased a small farm there from a Mr .
o n é . Hazlehurst , who had at time been his partner 1 8 In O ctober , 7 7 , two years after his arrival in Phila delphia , Mr . Girard took the oath of allegiance to the State i of Pennsylvania . On h s return to Philadelphia from
I I Z EM - EN ENN L LLE E S I C T IA OF GIRARD CO G .
t o its existence twenty years . With its capital o f ten mil lions o f dollars it was a powerful agency in establishing the
o f credit the government , in facilitating its financial opera tions , and in promoting its industry and commerce . The
’ bank began business in Carpenters Hall in Philadelphia , _
1 with branches in other cities, In 7 9 7 it was removed to the new building on Third Street below Chestnut Street . h 1 8 1 0 . a d In , Mr Girard about a million dollars with the f f o . Co . o . house Baring Bros , London Owing to the ’ Ba rin s o n g being the verge Of bankruptcy , Mr . Girard s money was in peril . He succeeded in Obtaining his funds
o f by the purchase of British goods , and shares in the Bank o f o f t o th the United States . The act Congress recharter G i bank having been defeated , the bank closed , and Mr . ’ ra rd purchased the bank building and cashier s h o use for
3 o n e - o n 1 2 1 8 1 third their original cost , and the th of May , f he opened the Bank o Stephen Girard .
1 8 1 o f When , in 4 , the resources the country were at h the lowest ebb , the treasury bankrupt , a foreign foe marc ing through the land , and when under these conditions the
fo r o f o f government asked a loan five millions dollars , and
o f the inducement a large bonus , and interest at seven per cent . , with the result that only twenty thousand dollars
o f . the amount asked for was subscribed , then Mr Girard came forward and subscribed fo r the large balance o f over
o f four and a half millions o f dollars . This act patriotism
w h o restored public confidence , and those had refused to subscribe were n o w willing to pay an advance ; but Mr .
n ff a i Girard would o t take advantage of these o ers , and lowed them to purchase on the same terms . The sinews o f war having been furnished , a series of brilliant victories followed and peace w a s restored . P AL E C 1 1 STEP H EN GIRARD : A BIOGRA HIC S K T H . 3
1 o f In 7 93 , Philadelphia was visited by an epidemic o f f yellow fever , and a reign terror , su fering , and desola tion prevailed throughout the city . The people became
- panic stricken , and the roads leading from the city were
o f crowded with fugitives . Hundreds houses became
w as tenantless , and the hearse the vehicle most frequently
— co m seen . Self preservation made the people forget the monest instincts o f humanity .
Federa l Ga z ette In response to an advertisement in the , — o n 1 2 O f 1 the th September , 793 , twenty seven noble hearted men met at the City Hall t o take measures t o re
t o lieve the distress . Attention was first paid the hospital
at Bush Hill , which was reported as being without order ” T o r . o arrangement , and far from being clean enter this
- pest house was thought t o be a passage t o the grave . At o n e o f the meetings o f this committee an incident occurred which is best t o give in the words o f the late Matthew Carey
th e e e n o n th e 1 th a r u s a n e o u rre d to th e o s At m ti g s , ci c m t c ! cc ! which m t
o n e d o u s e e e n ra rd a e a e r a n a n ca n a r d . gl wi g p cil h ly j tic St ph Gi , w lthy m ch t ,
n a e o f ra n e a n d o n e o f th e e e rs o f th e o e e o u e th e tiv F c , m mb c mmitt , t ch d with
re e o n o n o f th e su f e re rs a t B u s o u n a r a n d u n e e e d w tch d c diti f h Hill , v l t ily xp ct ly
o e re se a s a a n a s r n e n a o s a Th e su r r se a n d ff d him lf m ge r to u p e i t d th t h pit l . p i
sa s a o n e e d s e ra o r n a r e ffo r o f u a n ca n b e e e r co n ti f cti , xcit by thi xt di y t h m ity , b tt
c e iv e d a n e re sse P e e r e a n a e o f P e n n s a n a a so a e e r th xp d . t H lm , tiv ylv i , l m mb ,
o ffe re h is se r e s in th e sa e e a r e n e r o e rs e re a e e a n d d vic m d p tm t . Th i ff w cc pt d ; th e sa m e a ft e rn o o n th ey e n te re d o n th e e x e c u tio n o f th e ir d a n gero u s a n d p ra i se
r e wo thy o ffic . “ To o r a u s e s a e o f th e a u e o f th e o ffe r o f e se m e n is n e c e s f m j t tim t v l th , it sa ry to ta k e in fu ll c o n sidera tio n th e gen e ra l c o n st e rn a ti o n which a t th a t p e rio d
e r a e e e r u a r e r o f th e c a n d c a de a e n a n e o n th e S c b e p v d d v y q t ity , whi h m tt d c i k
r e a rde a s a e e ss a n a e r a n sa c r e U n in flu e n ce d a n re fl e o n s g d littl l th c t i ific . by y cti
o f s n o u a n o ss e n du e e n b u t th e u re s o e s o f u a n thi ki d , with t y p ibl i c m t p t m tiv h m
e a e o r a r a n d o f e re d e se e s a s th e fo r o rn o e o f th e co m ity, th y c m f w d f th m lv l h p
m itte e I ru s a th e ra u e o f e r e o - z e n s re a n a s o n a s . t t th t g tit d th i f ll w citi will m i l g EM - EN ENN AL LLE E I I 4 S I C T I OF GIRARD CO G .
th e e o r o f e r b en efice n t o n u I o e n o t die h m m y th i c d ct , which h p will with t e ” o n p re se n t g e n era ti .
G o f I Mr . irard immediately took charge the nterior o f the hospital , and he soon made his wonderful influence felt .
Order reigned where all had been chaos , cleanliness where
filth had been supreme ; and within twenty - four hours he
t o ff AS reported the hospital ready a ord every assistance . o n e o f o f turns over the pages the minutes the committee , day after day , for nearly two months , we find the line ,
Stephen G irard and Peter Helm at the hospital . Nor did the services o f that committee end when the disease
t o . ro ceased exist They supplied the poor with money , p
f r o . visions , and fuel . They furnished burial the dead
They took u nder their care one hundred and ninety - tw o
o f wh o o f orphans those had died the fever , and they only ceased their labors when they had taken precautions against a similar calamity in the future . We can form
o f o f some idea the terrible results this epidemic , from the
t o th fact that from the I st of August the 9 of November , 1 7 93 , there were four thousand and thirty deaths , nearly
n - o e tenth Of the population .
Mr . Girard placed a very modest estimate upon his ser vices during this period . Yet few men have equalled him
o f in the courage and spirit humanity he displayed .
1 802 - In , Mr . Girard was elected by his fellow citizens to
o f o f the Councils the city Philadelphia , and he was a faith
f r F r ful and useful member o several terms . o over twenty two years he was also a member o f the Board o f Wardens
’ o f Of the port Philadelphia . Mr . G irard s public spirit was again manifested when he subscribed o n e hundred and ten thousand dollars fo r the improvement o f the navigation of
1 1 6 EM - EN ENN L O F LLE E S I C T IA GIRARD CO G .
Church and placed in a vault belonging to the Baron Lal
l m a n d e . After nearly twenty years his remains were re moved and placed in a marble sarcophagus in the vestibule o f Girard College . ’ o f A full knowledge Stephen Girard s character conveys ,
o f in the minds those who have studied it , a vivid impres f o . n o t o f sion his remarkable qualities He was tall , but
very solid build , with a short , thick neck and fearless tem
era m e n t all p , his sturdy endowments took the direction o f indomitable energy in enterprise and of intrepid assertion
in everything right and good .
Let it be granted that he was eccentric , but eccentricity f needs defining . He was a rare example o a life where a ’ man s word was as good as his bond . Money , however,
n o G o d fo r was t his . He did not accumulate property the
o f f mere love it . He believed that the true blessings o life
n o t came through justice and mercy . Tw o facts stand o u t prominently in the earthly passage — o f ~ this markedly gifted man , his devotion to his fellow
f r o . men and his love his adopted country He was fearless , because he was a strong man , whose hope dimmed not ,
n o t whose faith faltered , and whose courage forsook him
n o t . By residence he belonged to Philadelphia , by faith t o the Roman Catholic Church ; but in a truer , wider sense
t o n o u t t o he belonged to no city , sect , b the people , to the cause Of the greatest good for all men . Whatever he espoused , whatever he touched , he enriched with the genius o f a determined spirit strong for success .
o f o f Poor , struggling , full ambition , full hope in his youth ; active , determined , enterprising , and charitable in the prime o f life ; mourned and regretted in his death ; such A ! P L E STEP HEN GIR RD A BIOGRA HICA SK TCH . 1 1 7
was the life of the most eminent philanthropist of his time , G who lies in the beautiful reek temple he planned , await ing the day when all shall be judged . ’
. l .To write Mr Girard s life means to write the financia and commercial history o f the city and country during its early and critical periods . WI LL O F ST EPH E N G I RAR D
' D a ted Febr ua 1 6 1 8 d 0 . Co ici s ry , 3 l , da ted D ecember
a n d zi n 20 1 8 1 e . / , 3
P r o ed D mber 1 v ece 1 8 1 . 3 , 3 d / ' Recor ded P h i/a d . IVzll Book 1 0 1 8 , p 9 .
th e h I , Stephen Girard , of City of Philadelp ia , in the
o f Commonwealth Pennsylvania , mariner and merchant ,
being of sound mind , memory , and understanding , do
make and publish this my last will and testament , in man
n er following , that is to say .
I . I give and bequeath unto The Contributors to the ” Pennsylvania Hospital , of which corporation I am a
th irt th ousa n d dolla rs member, the sum of y , upon the fol
lowing conditions , namely , that the said sum shall be added
to their capital , and shall remain a part thereof forever, to
be placed at interest and the interest thereof to be applied , in th e first pla ce to pay to my black woman Hannah (to whom I hereby give her freedom) the sum of two hundred
dollars per year , in quarterly payments of fifty dollars each
O f in th e in advance , during all the term her life ; and ,
secon d la ce p , the said interest to be applied to the use and f accommodation o the sick in the said hospital , and for
providing and at all times having competent matrons , and f a su ficient number of nurses and assistant nurses , in order h not only to promote t e purposes of the said hospital , but 1 1 8
I 2O EM - EN ENN L LLE E S I C T IA OF GIRARD CO G .
o f at the time my decease , in trust for the use and benefit “ o f the Grand Lodge o f Pennsylvania and masonic juris ” dictio n th eret o belonging , and to be paid over by the said trustees to the said Grand Lodge for the purposes of
o r being invested in some safe stock or funds , other good security , and the dividends and interest arising therefrom t o so be again invested and added to the capital , without applying any part thereof to any other purpose until the whole capital shall amount to thirty thousand dollars , when the same shall forever after remain a permanent fund o r
o f capital , the said amount of thirty thousand dollars , the interest whereof shall be applied from time to time to the relief o f poor and respectable brethren : and in order that the real and benevolent purposes o f masonic institutions
n o t may be attained , I recommend to the several lodges
t o o r to admit membership , to receive members from other
lodges , unless the applicants shall absolutely be men of
sound and good morals .
VIII . I give and bequeath unto Philip Peltz , John
z o f Lent , Francis Hesley , Jacob Baker and Adam Young ,
P a ss u n k o f h y township , in the county P iladelphia , the
usa n d dolla rs in sum o f six th o , trust that they or the sur
viv o rs or survivor o f th em shall purchase a suitable piece
of ground , as near as may be in the centre of said town fh , ship , and thereon erect a substantial brick building su cie n tly large fo r a school house and the residence of a
- o n e school master , part thereof for poor male white chil
fo r dren , and the other part poor female White children of
said township : and as soon as the said school - house Shall
have been built , that they the said trustees or the survivors
o r survivor of them shall convey the said piece of ground t and house thereon erec ed , and shall pay over such balance LL EP EN WI OF ST H GIRARD . 1 2 1
o f n said sum as may remai unexpended , to any board o f directors and their successors in trust , which may at the
o r o f time exist be by law constituted , consisting at least n twelve discreet i habitants of the said township , and to be annually chosen by the inhabitants thereof ; the said piece Of ground and house to be carefully maintained by said directors and their successors solely fo r the purposes o f a school as aforesaid forever , and the said balance to be c t se urely invested as a permanent fund , the in erest thereof to be applied from time to time towards the education in the said school of any number Of such poor white children Of said township ; and I do hereby recommend to the citizens o f the said township to make additions t o the fund whereof I have laid the foundation .
IX . I give and devise my house and lot o f ground
Ch a rt ro n s thereto belonging , situate in rue Ramonet aux ,
o f near the city Bordeaux , in France , and the rents issues and profits thereof t o my brother Etienne G irard a nd my niece Victoire Fen ello n (daughter o f my late sister Sophia Girard Ca pa y ro n ) (both residing in France) in equ a l
fo r o f o o n moieties the life my said br ther, and , his de
o n e o i cease , moiety the said house and lot to my said niece Victoire and her heirs forever , and the other moiety
o f a to the six children my said brother , namely John F b riciu s , Marguerite , Anne Henriette , Jean August , Marie , and Madelaine Henriette , share and share alike (the issue o f any deceased child if more than o n e to take amongst
' ’ th em th e parent s share) and their heirs forever .
X . I give and bequeath to my said brother Etienne
o f five th ousa n d dollars Girard the sum , and the like sum of five th ousa n d dolla rs to each o f his six children above
' named : if any of the said children sh a ll die prior to the 1 2 2 EM - EN ENN L LLE E S I C T IA OF GIRARD CO G .
receipt o f his o r her legacy o f five thousand dollars the , said sum shall be paid , and I give and bequeath the same , o f to any issue such deceased child , if more than o n e Share and share alike .
. ‘ XI I give and bequeath to my said niece Victoire en ello n o f fiv e th ousa n d dolla rs F the sum .
XII . I give and bequeath absolutely to my niece An
r t o in etta M f , now married to Hemphill , the sum o ten th ousa n d dolla rs , and I also give and bequeath to her the
fift th ousa n d dolla rs sum of y , to be paid over to a trustee o r trustees to be appointed by my executors , which trustee or trustees shall place and continue the said sum o f fifty thousand dollars upon good security , and pay the interest and dividends thereof as they shall from time to time a c
t o crue , my said niece for her separate use , during the term
Of her life , and from and immediately after her decease , to pay and distribute the capital to and among such of
o f her children and the issue deceased children , and in such
in st ru parts and shares as she the said Antoinetta , by any ment under her hand and seal executed in the presence of at least two credible witnesses shall direct and appoint , and fo r default o f such appointment then to and among the
o f said children and issue deceased children in equal shares , such issue of deceased children if more than o n e to take only the share which their deceased parent would have taken if living .
XIII . I give and bequeath unto my niece Carolina ,
r to M ten th ousa n d dolla rs now married Haslam , the sum of , to be paid over to a trustee o r trustees to be appointed by my executors , which trustee or trustees shall place and continue the said money upon good security , and pay the
“ h reo f t interest and div iden ds t e from time to time , as hey
1 2 EM - EN ENN L LLE E 4 S I C T IA OF GIRARD CO G . provided he Shall have brought safely into the port of f Philadelphia , or if at sea at the time o my decease Shall h bring safely into that port , my s ip or vessel last entrusted to him , and also that his conduct during the last voyage shall have been in every respect Conformable to my in stru c io n t s to him .
. a XVI All persons , who , at the time of my dece se , shall
' in den t u re a s be bound to me by , apprentices or servants , be and who Shall then under age , I direct my executors to m assign to suitable masters im ediately after my decease , for the remainder of their respective terms , on conditions as favorable as they can in regard to education , clothing ,
o f and freedom dues ; to each the said persons , in my ser vice and under age at the time of my decease I give and
five h un dred dolla rs S re bequeath the sum of , which ums
’ spectiv ely I direct my executors safely to invest in public stock , to apply the interest and dividends thereof towards o r the education of the several apprentices servants , for n whom the capital is give , respectively , and at the termina tion of the apprenticeship or service of each to pay t o him or her the said sum of five hundred dollars and any interest u n ex accrued thereon , if any such interest shall remain pended : in assi gn i ng any indenture , preference shall be given to the mother , father , or next relation , as assignee , should such mother , father , or relative desire it , and be at the same time respectable and competent .
XVII . I give and bequeath to Francis Hesley (son of “ th e M S . Hesley , who is mother of Marianne Hesley) sum
l s an d of one th ousa n d dol a r , over above such sum as may be due to him at my decease . o f XVIII . I charge my real estate in the state Penn sylvania with the paymen t of the several annuities or sums LL EP EN WI OF ST H GIRARD . 1 25 following (the said annuities to be paid by the treasurer or other proper officer O f the city o f Philadelphia appointed by the corporation thereof fo r the purpose out o f the rents a and profits of s id real estate , hereinafter directed to be kept constantly rented) namely 1 . I give and bequeath to M Elizabeth Ingersoll , widow f f . o o of Jared Ingersoll , esq late the city Philadelphia ,
o f on e th ous n counsellor at law , an annuity or yearly sum a d dolla rs , to be paid in half yearly payments in advance , of five hundred dollars each during her life 2 G . I give and bequeath to M Catherine irard , now r f M . . o widow of J B Hoskins , who died in the isle France , four h un dred dolla rs be an annuity or yearly sum of , to paid in half yearly payments in advance o f tw o hundred dollars r each , du ing her life .
3 . I give and bequeath to M Jane Taylor, my present house keeper (the widow o f the late captain Alexander
Taylor , who was master of my ship Helvetius and died in my employment) an annuity or yearly sum of five h un dred dolla rs , to be paid in half yearly payments in advance of two hundred and fifty dollars each , during her life . Mrs 4 . I give and bequeath to S . Hesley , my house
a t P a ss u n k keeper my place in y Township , an annuity
five h un dred dolla rs or yearly sum of , to be paid in half yearly payments in advance o f two hundred and fifty dol lars each during her life .
5 . I give and bequeath to Marianne Hesley , daughter “ o f e o r o f th ree h un dred M S . H sley , an annuity yearly sum dolla rs ' , to be paid to her mother for her use in half yearly payments in advance of one hundred and fifty dollars each , until the said Marianne shall have attained the age of — twenty one years , when the said annuity shall cease , and 1 26 EM - EN ENN L OF OLLE E S I C T IA GIRARD C G .
the said Marianne will receive the five h undred dollars
given to her and other indented persons , according to
clause XVI . of this will :
6 - . I give and bequeath to my late house keeper , Mary
o r o f th ree u Kenton , an annuity yearly sum h n dred dolla rs to be paid in half yearly payments in advance of one hun
dred and fifty dollars each during her life . I ” . t 7 give and bequeath to M Deborah Scott , sis er of ” o f Mary Kenton , and wife M Edwin T . Scott , an annuity
o f th ree h un dred dolla rs or yearly sum , to be paid in half yearly payments in advance of o n e hundred and fifty dol
lars each , during her life . “ 8 L r n . Mc a e I give and bequeath to M Catharine , sister ” Mc La re n of Mary Kenton , and wife of M M . , an annuity
o r o f th ree h u n dred dolla rs a yearly sum , to be p id in half yearly payments in advance o f one h undred and fifty
dollars each , during her life . M”3 9 . I give and bequeath to Amelia G . Taylor, wife of ” d o r o f th ree M Rich M . Taylor , an annuity yearly sum h un dred dolla rs to be paid in half yearly payments in a d
n vance Of o e hundred and fifty dollars each during her life .
o f XIX . All that part my real and personal estate , near
Washita , in the state Of Louisiana , the said real estate
consisting o f upwards o f two hundred a n d ' eigh t thousand
o r o f arpens acres land , and including therein the settle
ment hereinafter mentioned , I give , devise , and bequeath ,
: I . as follows , namely I give devise and bequeath to the
corporation of the City of New Orleans , their successors a and assigns , all that p rt of my real estate , constituting the settlement formed on my behalf by my particular friend
o f o f Judge Henry Bree , Washita , consisting of upwards one thousand arpens or acres of land with the a ppu rt e
EM - EN ENN L LLE E S I C T IA OF GIRARD CO G .
the said sale shall be made , the said corporation shall pay
o r all taxes , prevent waste intrusion , and so manage the
said settlement and the Slaves and their encrease thereon ,
t o a as derive an income , and the said income shall be p
t o fo r plied from time time , to the same uses and purposes f the health and general prosperity O the said inhabitants . _ 2 . I give devise and bequeath to the Mayor Aldermen and
citizens of Philadelphia , their successors and assigns , two undivided third parts o f all the rest and residue of my said
real estate , being the lands unimproved near Washita in
the said state of Louisiana , in trust , that , in common with
n o f O f the corporatio the city New Orleans , they Shall pay
o n the taxes the said lands , and preserve them from waste
o r fo r o f intrusion , the term ten years from and after my
o f l decease , and , at the end the said term , when they shal o f deem it advisable to do so , Shall sell and dispose their
interest In said lands gradually from time to time , and apply the proceeds o f such sales to the same uses and pur poses hereinafter declared and directed o f and concerning
o f . . the . residue my personal estate 3 And I give devise and bequeath to the Corporation of the city of New O r u n leans , their successors and assigns , the remaining one
pay the taxes on the said lands and preserve them from waste and intrusion fo r the term o f ten years from and after
o f my decease , and , at the end the said term when they t o shall deem it advisable to do so , sell and dispose of their m interest in said lands gradually from ti e to time , and to apply the proceeds o f such sales to such uses and purposes as the said corporation may consider most likely to pro LL EP EN WI OF ST H GIRARD . 1 29
mote the health and general prosperity of the inhabitants
of the City o f New Orleans . im XX . And whereas I have been for a long time
o f o f pressed with the importance educating the poor , and placing them by the early cultivation of their minds and
th e m a n the development of their moral principles , above y
temptations , to which , through poverty and ignorance they are exposed ; and I am particularly de sirio u s to pro
fo r vide such a number of poor male white orphan children ,
as can be trained in one institution , a better education as well as a more comfortable maintenance than they usually receive from the application o f the public funds : And
whereas , together with the object just adverted to I have
sincerely at heart the welfare Of the city of Philadelphia ,
o f desirio u s and , as a part it , am to improve the neighbor
o f o f hood the river Delaware , so that the health the citi
zens may be promoted and preserved , and that the eastern part o f the city may be made to correspond better with
: No w e a ll th e the interior , I do give devise and bequ ath r esidue a n d rem a in der o f my rea l a n d person a l esta te of every sort and kind and wh e rso ev e r situate (the real estate in “ Pennsylvania charged as aforesaid) unto The Mayor , aldermen a n d citizens o f Philadelphia their successors and assigns in trust to and for the several uses intents and pur poses hereinafter mentioned and declared o f and concern
t o : SO ing the same , that is say far as regards my real estate in Pennsylvania , in trust , that no part thereof shall ever be sold o r alienated by the said The Mayor Aldermen
o f o r and citizens Philadelphia their successors , but the Same shall forever thereafter be let from time t o time to good tenants , at yearly or other rents and upon leases in possession n o t exceeding five years from the commence 1 0 EM - EN ENN L LLE E 3 S I C T IA OF GIRARD CO G .
ment thereof, and that the rents issues and profits arising therefrom shall be applied towards keeping that part of the said real estate situate in the city and Liberties o f Phila delphia constantly in good repair (parts elsewhere situate to be kept in repair by the tenants thereof respectively) and towards improving the same whenever necessary b y erecting new buildings , and that the nett residue (after paying the several annuities herein before provided fo r) be applied t o the same uses and purposes as are herein declared o f and concerning the residue of my personal
: estate And so far as regards my real estate in Kentucky , n o w o f Bu rm le under the care Messrs Triplett and y , in
t o o f trust sell and dispose the same , whenever it may be
o f expedient to do so , and to apply the proceeds such sale t o the same uses and purposes as are herein declared o f f and concerning the residue o my personal estate .
o f XXI . And so far as regards the residue my personal
t o tw o millions o f dolla rs estate , in trust , as , part thereof, to apply and expend so much o f that sum as may be n e ce s
—in sary erecting as soon as practicably may be , in the centre o f my square o f ground between High and Chestnut
o f streets and Eleventh and Twelfth streets , in the city Philadelphia (which square of ground I hereby devote fo r the purposes hereinafter stated , and for no other , forever)
o u t - fh a permanent College , with suitable buildings , su cie n tly Spacious fo r the residence and accommodation of l at least three hundred scho ars , and the requisite teachers and other persons necessary in such an institution as I direct t o be established ; and in supplying the said college
- and o u t buildings with decent and suitable furniture , as well as books and all other things needful to carry into effect my general design . The said College shall be con
1 2 EM - EN ENN L LLE E 3 S I C T IA OF GIRARD CO G .
clear ; the four rooms on each floor to occupy the whole o n space east and west such floor or story , and the middle o f the building north and south ; so that in the north o f the building , and in the south thereof, there may remain a
o f fo r o r space equal dimensions , an entry hall in each , for stairs a n d landings : In the north - east and in the north
o r west corners of the northern entry hall on the first floor ,
- stairs shall be made so as to form a double stair case , which
Shall be carried up through the several stories ; and , in
— - o f like manner, in the south east and south west corners the southern entry or hall , stairs shall be made , on the first — floor , so as to form a double stair case , to be carried up through the several stories ; the steps o f the stairs to be
o f made smooth white marble with plain square edges ,
n o t each step to exceed nine inches in the rise , nor to be less than ten inches in the tread : the outside and inside foundation walls shall be at l east ten feet high in the clear from the ground to the ceiling : the first floor shall be at least three feet above the level o f the ground around the building , after that g round shall have been so regulated as that there shall be a gradual descent from the centre to the Sides o f the square formed by High and Chestnut and Eleventh and Twelfth streets : all the outside foundation walls , forming the cellars , shall be three feet and six inches thick up to the first floor , or as high as may be necessary to fix the centres for the first floor ; and the inside fo u n da tion wall , running north and south , and the three inside re foundation walls , running east and west , (intended to c eiv e the interior walls fo r the four rooms each not less than fifty feet square in the clear , above mentioned) shall
o r be three feet thick up to the first floor , as high as may be necessary to fix th en c e n t res fo r the first floor : when F EP EN WI LL O ST H GIRARD . 1 3 3
carried so far up , the outside walls Shall be reduced to two
o f feet in thickness , leaving a recess outside one foot and
o f - in inside six inches and when carried so far up , the
b e side foundation walls shall also reduced , six inches on
t o o f tw o each side , the thickness feet ; centres shall then
o n o f be fixed the various recesses six inches throughout , left for the purpose , the proper arches shall be turned , and the first floor laid : the outside and the inside walls shall then be carried up of the thickness of two feet throughout , as high as may be necessary t o begin the recess intended
fo r o to fix the centres the second fl or , that is the floor for the four rooms each n o t less than fifty feet square in the
fo r clear , and the landing in the north , and the landing in
u the south , of the building , where the stairs are to go p a t k o f o f this stage of the wor , a chain , composed bars inch
b a r square iron , each about ten feet long , and linked to
o f o f gether by hooks formed the ends the bars , shall be laid straightly and horizontally along the several walls , and shall be as tightly as possible worked into the centre of them throughout , and shall be secured wherever necessary , especially at all the angles , by iron clamps solidly fastened , so as to prevent cracking or swerving in any part ; centres
fo r shall then be laid , the proper arches turned the second
floor and landings , and the second floor and landings shall be laid : the outside and the inside walls shall then be carried up o f the same thickness of tw o feet throughout as high as may be necessary to begin the recess intended
fo r to fix the centres the third floor and landings ; and , when so far carried up , another chain similar in all respects l to that used at the second story , shall be in ike manner
worked into the walls throughout as tightly as possible , and clamped in the same way with equal care ; centres shall 9 1 EM - EN ENN L LLE E 3 4 S I C T IA OF GIRARD CO G .
be formed , the proper arches turned , and the third floor and landings shall be laid : the outside and the inside walls
o f shall then be carried up , the same thickness of two feet
throughout , as high as may be necessary to begin the re
so cess intended to fix the centres for the roof ; and , when
carried up , a third chain , in all respects like those used at the second and third stories , shall in the manner before described be worked as tightly as possible into the walls throughout , and shall be clamped with equal care ; centres
n o w shall be fixed in the manner best adapted for the roof , which is to form the ceiling for the third story , the proper
b e arches shall be turned , and the roof Shall laid as nearly horizontally as may be , consistently with the easy passage
: of water to the eaves the outside walls , still of the thick h ness of two feet throughout , shall t en be carried up about
th e o f two feet above level the platform , and shall have marble capping , with a strong and neat iron railing there on : The outside walls shall b e faced with slabs or blocks
n o t Of marble or granite , less than two feet thick , and fastened together with clamps securely sunk therein they shall be carried up flush from the recess of one foot formed at the first floor where the foundation outside wall is reduced to two feet : The floors and landings as well as
the roof shall be covered with marble slabs , securely laid in mortar ; the slabs on the roof to be twice as thick as
those on the floors . In constructing the walls , as well as n in turning the arches , and laying the floors , la dings , and
roof, good and strong mortar, and grout , shall be used ,
so that no cavity whatever may any where remain . A furnace o r furnaces for the generation o f heated air shall
be placed in the cellar , and the heated air shall be intro du ce d in adequate quant ity wherever wanted by means of
1 0 EM - EN ENN AL LLE E 3 S I C T I OF GIRARD CO G .
iron balcony be placed sufficiently wide t o admit the open ing o f the shutters against the walls ; the windows o f the
t o e n o t lower story be in the sam style , except that they are t o t o b u t so t o descend the floor , far as the surbase , up
t o which the wall is be carried , as is the case in lower story o f P a ss u n k my house at my place in y township . In mi
n o t nute particulars , here noticed , utility and good taste
o u t should determine . There should be at least four buildings , detached from the main edifice and from each other , and in such positions as shall at once answer the
o f purposes the institution , and be consistent with the symmetry Of the whole establishment — each building
t o Should be , as far as practicable , devoted a distinct pur
: in o n e o r o f pose that more those buildings , in which
t o a they may be most useful , I direct my executors pl ce f o . my plate and furniture every sort The entire square , formed by High and Chestnut streets , and Eleventh and
Twelfth streets , shall be enclosed with a solid wall , at least fourteen inches thick and ten feet high , capped with marble and guarded with irons o n the t o p so as to prevent persons from getting over : there shall be two places o f
o n e o f entrance into the square , in the centre the wall
o f facing High street , and the other in the centre the wall facing Chestnut street : at each place o f entrance there
tw o o n e o u t shall be gates , opening inward and the other ward ; those opening inward t o be o f iron and in the style
f o f o the gates north and south my banking house , and those opening outward t o be o f substantial wood work well lined and secured o n the faces thereof with sheet iron .
The messuages n o w erected o n the south - east corner o f
o n t o High and Twelfth streets , and Twelfth street , be ed taken down and remov , as soon as the College and out F EP EN A 1 WI LL O ST H GIR RD . 3 7
sh a ll buildings have been erected , so that the establish ment may be rendered secure and private . When the college and appurtenances shall have been
fu rn i constructed , and supplied with plain and suitable
in stru ture , and books , philosophical and experimental
t o ments and apparatus , and all other matters needful carry my general design into execution ; the income issues and profits o f so much o f the said sum o f tw o millions o f dollars as shall remain unexpended Shall be applied to maintain the said College according t o my directions
1 . The institution shall be organized as soon as practica
t o ff ble and , accomplish that purpose more e ectually , due public notice Of the intended opening o f the college Shall — be given so that there may be an opportunity t o make
o f selections competent instructors , and other agents , and those w h o may have the charge Of orphans may be aware o f the provisions intended fo r them
2 o f . A competent number instructors , teachers , assist ants and other necessary agents , shall be selected , and when needful their places from time t o time supplied : they shall receive adequate compensation fo r their services : but no person shall be employed wh o shall n o t be o f tried skill
o r o f in his her proper department , established moral char — acter and in all cases persons shall be chosen o n account
n o t o r . Of their merit , and through favor intrigue 1 3 . As many poor white male orphans , between the ages o f six and ten years , as the said income shall be adequate to maintain , shall be introduced into the college as soon as possible ; and from time t o time as there may be v a
1 h a n a a e e o r s . . o o P e n . fa e r e ss S n vs . A th l child , City , 3 3 St t R p t , p 9 1 8 EM - EN ENN L O F LLE E 3 S I C T IA GIRARD CO G .
ca n cies o r , as increased ability from income may warrant , others shall be introduced .
4 . O n the application for admission , an accurate state ment should be taken , in a book prepared for the purpose , o f - the name , birth place , age , health , condition as to rela tiv es , and other particulars , useful to be known , of each orphan .
5 . No orphan should be admitted until the guardians or
o f o r co m directors the poor , a proper guardian , or other 1 petent authority , shall have given , by indenture , reliu
u ish m en t o r q , otherwise , adequate power to the Mayor
o r Aldermen and citizens of Philadelphia , to directors or others by them appointed , to enforce , in relation to each orphan , every proper restraint , and to prevent relatives or others from interfering with o r withdrawing such orphan from the institution .
6 fo r . Those orphans , whose admission application shall
first be made , shall be first introduced , all other things — concurring and at all future times priority o f application i shall entitle the applicant to preference in adm ssion , all
: other things concurring but , if there shall be at any time , more applicants than vacancies , and the applying orphans ff shall have been born in di erent places , a preference shall
— first o f P h ila del be given , to orphans born in the city 2 secon dl phia ; y , to those born in any other part of Penn sylvania ; th irdly t o those born in the city o f New York (that being the first port o n the continent - o i North
la stl t o America , at which I arrived) ; and y , those born in
1 Th e o er u a r a n o r n e r e n m a n to th e o f sse m th , g di , xt f i d y bi d City , Act A mbly
ro Ma 2 1 88 1 8 a e 8 . pp v d y 3 , 7 7 , p 2 “ ” Mr ra r Th e o ld s a s e a t th e e a o f . City with limit th y e xi st e d d th Gi d ,
So o h a n vs P e n n a Sta te ~ e rts . o . . City, 3 3 . Rp , p 9
EM - EN ENN L LLE E 1 40 S I C T IA OF GIRARD CO G .
teen and e ighteen years o f age ; they shall then be b o h n d
o f out by the Mayor , Aldermen and citizens Philadelphia , or under their direction , to suitable occupatio ns , as those of agriculture , navigation , arts , mechanical trades , and manufactures , according to the capacities and acquire c ments of the s holars respectively ; consulting , as far as
o f prudence shall justify it , the inclinations the several
t o . scholars , as the occupation , art , or trade , to be learned In relation to the organization o f the college and its
t o appendages , I leave , necessarily , many details the Mayor Aldermen and citizens o f Philadelphia and their successors ; and I do so , with the more confiden ce , as , from the nature
t o of my bequests and the benefit result from them , I trust that my fellow citizens of Philadelphia , will observe and evince especial care and anxiety in selecting members fo r
: their City Councils , and other agents There are , however , some restrictions , which I consider it my duty to prescribe ,
o n b e and to be , amongst others , conditions which my
fo r quest said college is made and to be enjoyed , namely
first o f , I enjoin and require , that , if , at the close any year , the income of the fund devoted to the purposes of the said college shall be more than sufficient fo r the maintenance
o f of the institution during that year , then the balance the said income , after defraying such maintenance , shall be forthwith invested in good securities , thereafter to be and remain a part of the capital ; but , in no event , shall any
o r part of the said capital be sold , disposed of , pledged , to
o f meet the current expenses the said institution , to which
I devote the interest , income , and dividends thereof ex clusiv el : secon dl n o ecclesia stic y y , I enjoin and require , that , mission a r or m inister o f a n sect wh a tsoever sh a ll ever h old y , y , or ex ercise a n sta tion or du t wh a tev er in th e sa id colle e y s y g ; LL EP EN 1 1 WI OF ST H GIRARD . 4
n or sh a ll a n su ch erson ev er be a dmitted for a n ur ose y p y p p , or a s a visitor, with in th e premises a ppropria ted to th e pur
oses o f th e sa id colle e : p g In making this restriction , I do n o t mean to cast any reflection upon any sect o r
o f person whatsoever ; but , as there is such a multitude se cts ' a n d , such a diversity of opinion amongst them , I
t o o f desire keep the tender minds the orphans , who are t o derive advantage from this bequest , free from the ex cit em e n t s co n , which clashing doctrines and sectarian t ro v ers so y are apt to produce ; My desire is , that all the instructors and teachers in the college shall take pains to instil into the minds of the scholars th e purest p rin ciples o f m ora lit o n y , so that , their entrance into active life , they
from in clin a tion a n d h a bit ben ev olen ce tow a rds may , , evince
‘ th eir fellow crea tu res a love o f tru th sobriet a nd in , and , y dustr y , adopting at the same time such religious tenets as
m a tured rea son their may enable them to prefer .
If the income , arising from that part of the
o f said sum two millions of dollars , remaining after the construction and furnishing Of the college and o u t - build
o f ings , shall , owing to the encrease the number of orphans ,
fo r o r applying admission , other cause , be inadequate to
o f the construction new buildings , or the maintenance and
o f education as many orphans as may apply for admission , then such further sum as may be necessary fo r the con struction o f n ew buildings and the maintenance and edu
o i o f cation such further number orphans , as can be main t a in e d and instructed within such buildings as the said
o f square ground shall be adequate to , shall be taken from the final residuary fund hereinafter expressly referred to fo r e the purpose , comprehending the incom of my real estate in the city and county of Philadelphia , and the divi EM - EN ENN L LLE E 1 4 2 S I C T IA OF GIRARD CO G .
de n ds of my stock in the Schuylkill navigation company
—m e o f in y design and desire being , that the ben fits said stit u tio n shall be extended to as great a number o f orphans as the limits o f the said square and buildings therein can accommodate .
five h un dred th ou XXII . And as to the further sum of sa n d dolla rs o f , part the residue of my personal estate , in trust , to invest the same securely , and to keep the same so invested , and to apply the income thereof exclusively
: to the following purposes , that is to say
1 o u t . To lay , regulate , curb , light and pave a passage o r o n o f O f street , the east part the city Philadelphia , front
- ing the river Delaware , not less than twenty one feet
D ela w a re Aven ue wide , and to be called , extending from
o r South Cedar Street , all along the east part of Water S street quares , and the west side of the logs , which form
o r the heads of the docks , thereabouts ; and to this intent t o n o f obtai such acts Assembly , and to make such pur
O r chases agreements , as will enable the Mayor Aldermen and citizens o f Philadelphia to remove or pull down all the buildings , fences and Obstructions , which may be in the way , and to prohibit all buildings , fences , or erections of any kind to the eastward of said avenue —to fill up the heads of of the docks as may not afford sufficient ‘ such room for the said street —to compel the owners of Wharves t o keep them clean and covered completely with
o r gravel other hard materials , and to be so levelled that — water will not remain thereon after a Shower of rain , to completely clean 1 and keep clean all the docks within the
1 No t to e a n b u t to o n e vs 1 P e n n a . e th e o n e rs to e a B . cl , c mp l w cl , ck City , 7 S a e e o r s 1 0 t t R p t , p . 4 .
EM - EN ENN L O F LLE E 1 44 S I C T IA GIRARD CO G .
— the way from Vine t o South street that such part o f each centre or middle alley as runs from Front to Water street h e o r so arched over with bricks stone , in strong a manner as t o facilitate the building o f plain and permanent stone
- so steps and plat forms , that they may be washed and kept constantly clean : and that the continuance o f the said
o f alleys , from the east side Water street be curbed all the way to the river Delaware and kept open forever (I understand that those middle o r centre alleys were left
o f o n open in the first plan the lots , the east front of the city , which were granted from the east side of Front street to lo t o n the river Delaware , and that each said east front has contributed t o make those alleys by giving a part ' of their ground in proportion t o the size o f each lot ; those alleys were in the first instance , and still are , considered
fo r in public property , intended the convenience of the habitants residing in Front street t o go down t o the river fo r o r water and other purposes ; but , owing to neglect to
o n some other cause , the part Of those , who have had the
o f care the city property , several encroachments have been made on them by individuals , by wholly occupying , or
o r building over , them , otherwise , and in that way the
w h o inhabitants , more particularly those reside in the neighborhood , are deprived of the benefit of that whole some air , which their opening and cleansing throughout
ff : would a ord) That the iron pipes , in Water street , which , by being Of smaller size than those in the other streets ,
t o o and near the surface of the ground , cause constant leaks , particularly in the winter season , which in many
re places render the street impassable , be taken up and placed by pipes o i the same size quality and dimensions e i in every resp ct , and la d down as deeply from the surface LL EP H EN WI OF ST GIRARD . 1 4 5
Of the ground , as the iron pipes , which are laid in the main streets Of the City : and as it respects pumps for
fire - Schuylkill water and plugs in Water street , that one — of each be fixed at the south west corner O f Vine and
Water streets , and so running southward , one of each near the steps o f the centre alley going up to Front street ; one
o f each at the south - west corner of Sassafras and Water
o n e o f o f streets , each near the steps the centre alley going
- up to Front street , and so on at every south west corner of
all the main streets and Water street , and of the centre
o r alleys Of every square , as far as South Cedar street ; and when the same shall have been completed , that all Water street shall be repaved by the best workmen i n the most
- complete manner , with the best paving water stones , after the height o f the curbstones shall have been regulated
o f throughout , as well as the ascent and descent the street , in such manner as to conduct the Water through the main
a n d t o a streets the centre alleys the river Del ware , as far as practicable ; and whenever any part O f the street shall
t o want be raised , to use nothing but good paving gravel
for that purpose , so as to make the paving as permanent
: in as possible By all which improvements , it is my tention to place and maintain the section of the city above referred t o in a condition which will correspond better with
the general cleanness and appearance of the whole city ,
and be more consistent with the safety , health , and com
i . fort o the citizens And my mind and will are , that all
the income , interest and dividends of the said capital sum of five hundred thousand dollars Shall be yearly and every
year expended upon the said objects , in the order in which
I have stated them as closely as possible , and upon no other objects until those enumerated shall have been a t 1 6 EM - EN ENN L O F LLE E 4 S I C T IA GIRARD CO G .
t a in e d : and , when those objects shall have been a cco m
lish ed p , I authorise and direct the said The Mayor Alder men and Citizens to apply such part Of the income of the said capital sum o f five hundred thousand dollars as they may think proper to the further improvement , from time
f o r f o o . to time , the eastern Delaware front the City f XXIII . I give and bequeath to the Commonwealth o
th ree h un dred th ousa n d dolla rs Pennsylvania , the sum Of , for the purposes o f internal improvement by canal navi
a tio n g , to be paid into the state treasury by my executors , as soon as such laws shall have been enacted by the con stituted authorities o f the said commonwealth as shall be
f f o r necessary , and amply su ficient to carry into e fect , to enable the constituted authorities o f the city Of Phila f delphia to carry into e fect , the several improvements
la w I . s above specified ; namely , , to cause Delaware ave nue , as above described , to be made , paved , curbed , and a O lighted ; to c use the buildings , fences , and other bstrue tions n o w existing to be abated and removed ; and to pro h ib it the erection o f any such obstructions to the eastward f 2 l o . a ws said Delaware avenue ; , to cause all wooden buildings as above described to be removed , and to pro h ib it their future erection within the limits o f the city of
la ws : . Philadelphia 3 , providing for the gradual widening , regulating , paving , and curbing Water street , as herein
fo r before described , and also the repairing the middle alleys , and introducing the Schuylkill water , and pumps ,
s e cifie d— as before p all which objects , may , I persuade
o n myself, be accomplished principles at once just into
: relation to individuals , and highly beneficial to the public the said sum , however, not to be paid , unless said laws be passed within one year after my decease .
1 8 EM - EN ENN L O F LLE E 4 S I C T IA GIRARD CO G .
for the purposes of internal navigation , excepting how ever the rents issues and profits o f my real estate in the
City and County of Philadelphia , which shall forever be
t o reserved and applied maintain the aforesaid College , in the manner specified in the last paragraph o f the X X Ist
o f : clause this will And , if the Commonwealth of Penn sylvania shall fail to apply this or the preceding bequest t o o r the purposes before mentioned , shall apply any part
o r fo r o f thereof to any other use , shall the term one year ,
o f from the time my decease , fail or omit to pass the laws hereinbefore specified fo r promoting the improvement o f
o f the city Philadelphia , then I give devise and bequeath the said remainder and accumulations (the rents aforesaid always excepted and reserved for the College as aforesaid) t o the United States o f America fo r the purposes o f in ternal navigation and no other .
Provided , nevertheless , and I do hereby declare , that all the preceding bequests and devises o f the residue o f my estate to The Mayor Aldermen and Citizens o f P h ila del phia , are made upon the following express conditions , that
—First in is to say , That none Of the monies , principal , t ere st o r , dividends , rents , arising from the said residuary devise and bequest , shall at any time be applied to any other purpose or purposes whatever than those herein
a o in t edz—Secon d a c mentioned and pp , that separate
o f counts , distinct from the other accounts the corpora tion , shall be kept by the said corporation , concerning the o f said devise , bequest , college and funds , and the invest ment and application thereof ; and that a separate account
r o f o accounts the same shall be kept in bank , not blended with any other account , so that it may at all times appear on examination by a cbm m ittee of the legislature as here LL EP EN 1 WI OF ST H GIRARD . 49
in a fte r mentioned , that my intentions had been fully com
w ith z—Th ird t plied , Tha the said corporation render a detailed account annually in duplicate to the legislature
o f l the Commonwea th of Pennsylvania , at the commence
fo r ment of the session , one copy the senate and the other fo r o f the house representatives , concerning the said de
a vised and bequeathed estate , and the investment and p
o f o f plication the same , and also a report in like manner
O f the state the said College , and shall submit all their books papers and accounts touching the same , to a com m it t ee o r committees of the legislature for examination ,
: Four th when the same shall be required , The said cor p o ra tio n shall also cause to be published in the month of
tw o January , annually , in or more newspapers printed in
o f the city Philadelphia , a concise but plain account of the
o f state the trusts , devises , and bequests herein declared and made , comprehending the condition of the said col lege , the number of scholars , and other particulars needful t o be publicly known , for the year next preceding the said
o f month January , annually .
XXV . And whereas I have executed a n assignment in
o f t o ff trust my banking establishment , take e ect the day before my decease , to the intent that all the concerns there
O i may be closed by themselves , without being blended with the concerns of my general estate , and the balance
: remaining to be paid over to my executors Now , I do hereby direct my executors , hereinafter mentioned , not to interfere with the said trust in any way except to see that the same is faithfully executed , and to aid the execution thereof by all such acts and deeds as may be necessary and ff expedient to e ectuate the same , so that it may be speedily closed , and the balance paid over to my executors , to go , 1 0 EM - EN L E 1 50 S I C T ENNIAL OF GIRARD COL EG .
: as in my will , into the residue of my estate And I do hereby authorise direct and empower the said trustees from
o f re time to time , as the capital the said bank shall be c eiv ed n o t fo r , and shall be wanted the discharge of the debts due thereat , to invest the same in good securities in
o f t o the names my executors , and hand over the same to f o t o . them , to be disposed according this my will — I XXVI . Lastly do hereby nominate and appoint
Timothy Paxson , Thomas P . Cope , Joseph Roberts , Wil liam J . Duane , and John A . Barclay ex e cu t o rs o f this my last will and testament : I recommend to them to close the concerns of my estate as ex peditiously as possible , and to see that my intentions in respect to the residue o f my estate are and shall be strictly complied with : and I do hereby revoke all other wills by me heretofore made .
In witness , I , the said Stephen Girard have to this my
- fiv e last will and testament , contained in thirty pages , set
o f h my hand at the bottom eac page , and my hand and
o f seal at the bottom this page ; the said will executed , from motives of prudence , in duplicate , this sixteenth day o f o n e February , in the year thousand eight hundred and thirty . E L STEPH EN GIRARD . ! S A !
Signed , sealed , published , and declared by the said
Stephen Girard , as and for his last will and testament , in the presence of us , who have at his request hereunto sub scribed our names as witnesses thereto in the presence o f
1 6 1 8 0. the said testator and of each other , February , 3 N N . JOH H IRWI , L U SAM ARTH R ,
P EN E . S . H . CAR T R
1 2 EM - EN ENN L LLE E 5 S I C T IA OF GIRARD CO G .
- fiv e o buildings , and forty acres and s me perches of land , called Peel Hall , on the Ridge Road in Penn Township , now I declare it to be my intention and I direct that the orphan establishment , provided for in my said will , instead Of being built as therein directed upon my square o f ground between High and Chestnut and Eleventh and
Twelfth streets in the city of Philadelphia , shall be built
r
M . upon the estate so purchased from W Parker, and I 1 hereby devote the said estate to that p urpose exclusively in the same manner as I had devoted the said square , hereby directing that all the improvements and arrange ments for the said Orphan Establishment prescribed by my said will as to said square shall be made and executed upon the said estate , just as if I had in my will devoted the — said estate to s aid purpose consequently the said square o f ground is to constitute and I declare it to be a part o f the residue and remainder o f my real and personal estate and given and devised fo r the same uses and purposes as
e in are declar d in section XX . of my will , it being my tention that the said square of ground shall be built upon and improved in such a manner as to secure a safe and permanent income for the purposes stated in said X X th
: section In witness whereof I , the said Stephen Girard set my hand and seal hereunto the twentieth day of June
- eighteen hundred and thirty one . E L STEPH EN GIRARD . ! S A ! Signed sealed published and declared by the said Ste — phen Girard as and for a re publication o f his last will and testament and a further direction In relation to the real
1 re e s n o t to b e a o u t o r a sse ro u u n ess so re o e n e St t l id p d th gh , l c mm d d by — L 1 8 1 2 . Tru s e e s o r D re o rs o f o e e a r 2 1 8 2 P . . t i ct C ll g , Act, M ch 4 , 3 ( , 3 3 , p LL EP EN 1 WI OF ST H GIRARD . 5 3
estate therein mentioned , in the presence of us who at his request have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses thereto in the presence of the said testator and o f each 2 0 1 8 1 other, June , 3 . P EN E S . H . CAR T R , R N L . BA D I ,
ML U SA ARTH R .
Acts o f Assembly to enable City to carry the Will into effect were approved
2 1 8 2 1 8 1 — 2 March 4 , 3 3 3 , p . 1 8 2 1 8 1 — 2 April 4 , 3 3 3 , p .
2 1 8 1 8 . February 7 , 47 47 , p G I RA R D CO LLEG E : I TS O R GA N I ZAT I O N A N D ADMI N I ST RAT I O N
LLA Z L ’ L R 2 . WI I H . BY M E E , 7
Four distinct periods divide the record of the a dm in is tra tio n and the government o f Girard College between the
1 8 2 1 8 2 years 3 and 89 . The first continued from 1 83 to
1 8 o f o f c Gi 47 , under the direction a Board Dire tors of ra rd 1 8 1 8 6 Trusts ; the second from 47 to 5 , under the administration of a Board o f Directors ; the third from
1 8 6 1 8 0 o f o f D ire c 5 to 7 , under the supervision a Board tors elected by the Councils o f the consolidated city of 1 8 0 Philadelphia , and the fourth , from 7 to date , under the supervision o f the Board Of Directors o f City Trusts as now constituted . Doubt and uncertainty seem to have been in the public mind concerning the intentions of Mr . Girard as expressed in his last will and testament .
n Probably none beyond the executors , and the emine t
o f l attorney who assisted in the preparation the wi l , were acquainted with the plan Mr . Girard had in view for the establishment of his great charity . The knowledge of his intentions in disposing of his vast fortune was apparently but vaguely understood or appreciated even by these , and the first practical steps fo r executing the terms of the b e quest were not taken by the Councils of the city of Phila 1 8 h 1 . delp ia until January 3 , 3 3 I S4
6 EM - EN ENN L O F LLE E 1 5 S I C T IA GIRARD CO G . a contrary course now appears to have governed the
fo r authorities . The Joint Committee met the first time o n 8 April 5 , 1 3 3 , followed , after organization , by a second
1 8 a t in meeting on April , which time the architect was
fo r structed to submit plans the Main Building . That these plans were prepared with great speed is demonstrated by
o n 2 the fact that they were adopted April 9 , eleven days after the organization o f the two bodies constituting the
~ controlling power . This exceptional process in deter mining a proceeding so momentous , as the preparation and submission o f plans fo r the construction of the Main
Building , was mentioned by Mr . Thomas U . Walter ,
i n the architect , his yearly reports as an error, and as the cause of much contention and complication in the
o f progress the work . It was , however , in accordance f with the feverish condition o the public mind . Every body demanded the rapid fulfilment o i the design o f Mr .
Girard . ’ With the submission o f the architect s plans on April 2 9 came the excavations for the foundations begun on Ma y
- 6 1 8 o f t e . , and on July 4 , 3 3 , the laying h corner stone 1 1 8 November 3 , 47 , marked the period of the conclusion of the labors of the Building Committee , just fourteen years and six months after it had been called into exis t
o f ence , and the final report this Committee was made , on that date , through John C . Davis , Chairman , in accord ance with the ordinance o f Councils passed on September 1 6 , directing the Committee to give possession of the
College to the Directors . The Trustees had been anxious that some part of the Estate should be devoted to the purposes of the Founder ‘ In 1 8 6 as soon as possible . 3 Alexander Dallas Bache had LLE E: N Z A N AND D MIN A N 1 GIRARD CO G ITS ORGA I TIO A ISTR TIO . 57
1 8 8 t o been elected President , and in 3 they endeavored open a part Of the College to meet the purposes o f th
will ; but eminent legal authority , in John Sergeant and
n o o f Horace Binney , gave an opinion that part the grounds could be opened until the buildings were en tirelv
completed .
The organization o f the College was begun by the adop ~
o f o n 2 1 8 tion an ordinance Of Councils May 7 , 47 , author izing the election o f a Board o f Directors o f sixteen per
C 1 8 sons , who governed the ollege from November, 47 , 1 8 6 until June , 5 , when by another ordinance of Councils the system was changed to conform with the Act of Con
o f 1 solidation the city passed in 8 54 . An ordinance passed
1 8 8 Co m November 9 , 4 , constituted Councils a standing
m itt e o f e Visitation . During the nine years o f the existence o f the first Board — o f - Directors there were thirty nine members , changes
n o t being frequent , a few serving but a year and some
o f only a few months . The only surviving member this
Board is Mr . Frederick Fraley . The ordinance of June , 1 8 6 o f o f 5 , changed the system government the College
t o o f o f to conform the Act Consolidation , and the Board
Directors was increased to eighteen members . Under it 1 8 6 the first Board was chosen in June , 5 , and organized
. So with William Biddle as President far as known , the
— - only survivors o f this Board a total o f Sixty nine mem
1 8 6 1 86 o f bers from 5 to 9 , when the Board Directors of City Trusts assumed control under Act of Assembly a p
0 1 86 — : proved June 3 , 9 are
. LD D HENRY C CORFIE JOSEPH R . RHOA S LL WI IAM C . HAINES AUGUST HEATON T LL . LL E L L ROBERT GI WI IAM . ITT ETON 1 8 EM - EN ENN L O F LLE E 5 S I C T IA GIRARD CO G .
o f Mr . Littleton enjoys the distinction being the only member of the Girard College Alumni ever serving as a
Director . The Board o f Directors of City Trusts was created by an Act of the Legislature amending the charter o f the 1 6 o f 0 8 . city Philadelphia , approved June 3 , 9 Frequent changes in the city Councils had given a more or less partisan character to the various appointments to
o f f o f the old Board Directors , and the di ficulty securing appropriations commensurate with the needs of the Insti t u tio n in differ , together with what has been charged as
o o f ence t the future the several trusts , led to statements Of neglect and charges o f the existence of abuse in thei r
t o a administration . It was considered best secure legisl tive action , and to remove the care Of the College , and of
o f citv the several trusts , from the superintendence the Councils by creating a new department ; and these changes
th e o f — n introduce fourth period government , the prese t
- system , now entering upon its twenty ninth year . That the wisdom o f the advocates of this change has been abun dautly proven and justified is evidenced by an increase in the value o f the Girard Estate and of the other trust s more than fourfold . The appointments to this Board were made by the
r o f Judges of the Supreme Cou t the Commonwealth , to gether with the Judges o f the District Court and of the Court o f Common Pleas o f the City and County of Phil a
o n 2 1 6 8 . delphia , and September , 9 , J Ross Snowden , o f Prothonotary the Supreme Court , notified the mem
o f — bers the original Board of their appointment , the Mayor of the city and the Presidents o f Select and Co nr m f mon Co uncils being me bers for the terms of their O fice , and the twelve citizens during good behavior .
1 6 EMI—EN ENN L F LLE E 0 S C T IA O GIRARD CO G .
o f a dm in i From the beginning , those in control the s t ra tio n and government of the College have been repre sen t a tiv e o f w h o men the city had won public confidence , and attained public honors , by their integrity of character ; but it is a matter o f more than passing note that the Board
o f o f of Directors City Trusts has , by its purity business
o f methods and its clearness business judgment , wrought o u t a stewardship without parallel in the history of any similar body . The uncertain tenure of the term o f office common to the Directorate in the periods from 1 83 3 to 1 869 inter fered materially with the success o f the great plan so won de rfu ll y outlined by Mr . Girard in his will . The question o f partisan preferment naturally entered into the action of Councils and in the selection for members of the trust , and continually led to complications and indecisions in
o f the prosecution the work on the buildings , and later in the carrying forward of the course o f instruction and o f the affairs o f the household o f the College . Under such ephemeral conditions and with this environment of in
o i stability system and of methods , the situation demanded
o f a change , which the Legislature Pennsylvania , in its prerogative , made by the creation of the present board of administration . The membership of the several bodies comprising the administrative and governing power o f the Girard Estate and o f Girard College from t h eyear 1 83 2 t o the year 1 898 is given in the annexed statement : L E E N Z N AND D M N A N 1 6 1 GIRARD CO L G : ITS ORGA I ATIO A I ISTR TIO .
COMMISSIONERS FOR TH E MANAGEMENT OF TH E GIRARD
TRU STS .
sse Se cem ber 1 1 8 2 A o in ted b U nder Or din a n ce o Co u n cils a d . ( f p p 5 , 3 pp y
C u n cils O cto ber 1 o , , JAMES PAGE JOSHUA LIPPINCOTT LL E L V WI IAM . EHMAN ROBERTS AUX THOMAS DUN LAP MICHAEL BAKER D LL JOHN M . HOO JOSEPH WORRE JOHN M o ss
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF GIRARD TRU STS .
i D ecem ber 1 1 8 2 Ele te U n der Am en ded Or din a n ce o Co u n c ls . c d ( f , 3 , 3
Cou n cils Febr u a r 1 1 , y ,
NICHO LAS BI D D LE JOSEPH MCI LVAIN LL LL D WI IAM H . KEATING WI IAM M . MERE ITH D R E L . A GERNON S . ROBERTS THOMAS MC UEN L D W D CHAR ES BIR BENJAMIN . RICHAR S D R L . JOHN M . KEAGY THOMAS DUN AP D R D W L D O . . GEORGE B . WOO GE RGE TO AN RICHAR D P RICE JOHN STEELE
JOHN C . STOCKER
BOARD OF TRU STEES .
e Or din a n ce a n u a r 1 1 8 Elected b Co u n cils Ma rch 2 8 U n d r . ( , j y 3 , 3 3 y , ,
L D L D R E NICHO AS BI D E . THOMAS MC UEN W D L BENJAMIN . RICHAR S THOMAS DUN AP LL D JOHN STEELE WI IAM M . MERE ITH JOSEPH MCI LVAINE RICHAR D P RICE
LATER AP P O INTMENTS WERE
D GEORGE B . WOO HENRY TROTH L L D A GERNON S . ROBERTS CHAR ES BIR L V W L D SAMUE . MERRICK GEORGE . TO AN
LL W L . WI IAM . HA Y JOHN K KANE LD ELL W . MATTHIAS . BA WIN JOHN B ISON L D LL CHAR ES D . MEIGS JOSIAH RAN A
HENRY TROTH WI LLIAM S . PEROT LL BRINCKLE JOHN SWIFT WI IAM D . LL JOSEPH R . INGERSO 62 EM - EN ENN L O F L 1 S I C T IA GIRARD COL EGE.
TH E U L N EE B I DI G COMMITT .
U n der Or din a n ce o Co u n cils a n u a r 1 ( f , j y 3 ,
LD C/z a ir m a n SH ARSWO O D JOHN GI ER , GEORGE JOSHUA LIPPINCOTT JAMES AN D REWS D MCCRED Y L W ENNIS SAMUE . WEER JOHN BYERLY WI LLIAM MORRIS N JOHN R . EFF JAMES Y . HUMPHREYS LL JOSEPH WORRE JOHN C . DAVIS
SAMUEL V . MERRICK JAMES ROWLAN D EPHRAIM HAINS MATTHEW NEWKIRK JAMES BURK JOHN P RI CE WETHERI LL P LL ETER WRIGHT JAMES J . BOSWE L E JOHN M . BARC AY JACOB . HAGERT ISAAC ROACH GI D EON SCULL HENRY SAI LOR P ET ER MCCALL ISAAC OTIS JAMES LES LIE LL V D WI IAM . AN ERSON ISAAC BARTON JOHN WEIGAN D JOHN AGNEW
ISAAC ELLIOTT A LGERNON S . ROBERTS JOHN S WARNER JOHN RO D MAN PAU L CORNELIUS TIERS JACOB AMOS JOHN LIN D SAY ROBERT HUTCHINSON L DAVI D WINEBRENER WI LLIAM W. HA Y B JAMES HUTCHINSON JOSEPH . SMITH
E 1 8 —1 8 6 B LL . OARD OF DIRECTORS OF GIRARD CO EG , 47 5
Elected u n der Or din a n ce o Cit Co u n cils Ma 2 1 8 r ovidin o r six ( f y , y 7 , 47 , p g f
teen m em ber s . )
L W L D WI LIAM BI D D LE GEORGE . TO AN
U . L JAMES J . BOSWELL THOMAS WA TER P D THOMAS . COPE JOHN WEIGAN L D L . D MOR ECAI . DAWSON JOSEPH R CHAN ER LL L D WI IAM J . DUANE JAMES ROW AN FRED ERICK FRALEY JOSEPH CO W P ERTH WAIT G L CHARLES GI LPIN JOSEPH . C ARKSON A LEXAN D ER HENRY WI LLIAM WELSH SAUN D ERS LEWIS JAMES HUTCHINSON E LL . JOY MORRIS JAMES R . GEMMI LL SAMUEL NORRIS THOMAS G . HO INGSWORTH JOHN ROD MAN PAU L WI LLIAM MARTIN
L P G . SAMUE H . ERKINS ARTHUR COFFIN
- 1 64 S EMI CENTENNIAL O F GIRARD COLLEGE.
D JOSEPH R . RHOA S THOMAS B . REEVES HENRY SIMONS ENOCH TAY LOR ED D LL WAR BAINS ROBERT P . GI INGHAM L L L THORNTON CONROW WI LIAM E. ITT ETON
. L . GEORGE TRUMAN , JR A GERNON S ROBERTS P RESIDENTS OF TH E BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF GIRARD LLE E CO G .
D L JOSEPH R . CHAN ER RICHAR D VAUX D L L E LEX FRE ERICK FRA EY CHAR ES . L N SAMUE ORRIS ROBERT M . FOUST L P SAMUE H . ERKINS AUGUSTUS HEATON MORTON MCMICHAEL
I R TH E BOARD O F D IRECTO RS O F C TY T U STS.
E P R SID ENTS OF TH E BOARD OF D IRECTORS OF CITY TRU STS .
LL L W D WI IAM WE SH . HEYWAR DRAYTON P LL HENRY M . HI IPS LOUIS WAGNER A LEXAN D ER BI D D LE
MEMBERS OF TH E ORIGINA L BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF CITY
U PP N E EP E B 2 1 86 . TR STS , A OI T D S T M ER , 9
2 8 D e a r 2 1 8 . . B GUSTAVUS S ENSON i d M ch , 3
L D B D D L es n e a n . 1 2 1 88 . A EXAN ER I E R ig d J , 5
n 2 8 . LL e a . 1 JAMES CAMPBE Di d J 7 , 93
Au 2 1 88 . L. e L . JAMES C AGHORN Di d g 5 , 4
H L T LL es n e u n e 1 1 1 88 . C AR ES H . . CO IS R ig d J , 4
8 . . LL LL e s n e e . 1 J GI INGHAM FE R ig d S pt 9 , 74 b 2 F 1 1 8 . ED D K es n e e . WAR ING R ig d 4 , 7 6 B 1 1 . LL . e . 8 WI IAM MANN Di d Oct 7 , 9
JOHN H . MICHENER 8 Au 2 1 8 . P LL D e . 8 HENRY M . HI IPS i d g , 4
1 8 0 . . e r 1 1 GEORGE H STUART Di d Ap il , 9 8 L d b 1 1 1 8 . L L D e Fe . WI IAM WE SH i , 7
” EX - BE OFFICIO MEM RS .
n 1 8 2 . F a . D L . O X Ma or e r e re ANIE M , y T m xpi d J I , 7
L W LL P r esiden t Select Cou n cil er e re a n . I 1 8 2 . SAMUE . CATTE , T m xpi d J , 7
L P r esiden t Comm on Cou n cil e r e re a n . 2 1 8 1 . OUIS WAGNER , T m xpi d J , 7 LLE E N Z N AND M N N 1 6 GIRARD CO G : ITS ORGA I ATIO AD I ISTRATIO . 5
A P POI NTMENTS O N BOARD O F D IR ECTORS O F CITY TRU STS E EN TO EP EM E 2 1 86 U B U B . S S Q T S T R , 9
' in d Appo t e . Fe b 1 1 8 2 e W . D . . 1 8 2 HEYWAR DRAYTON 4 , 7 Di d Oct . 9 , 9 .
L a n . 1 8 . OUIS WAGNER J 4 , 7 5
a 1 8 1 8 . s n L. r 8 e e D e c . 1 8 1 8 1 . GEORGE H ARRISON M ch , 7 R ig d 7 ,
a n 882 B B . . 1 . ENJAMIN COMEGYS J 7 ,
O L a r 1 1 88 J SEPH . CAVEN M ch 3 , 3 . LL L EL : 6 1 88 WI IAM . KINS Oct , 4 .
6 1 88 e n e . . . . s a r 1 888 . JAMES SIMPSON , M D Oct , 4 R ig d M ch 5 ,
D V 6 1 88 a r . . e 2 2 1 8 . RICHAR AUX Oct , 4 Di d M ch , 95
LL AM L a n . 2 88 1 1 . e r 1 8 1 8 . WI I HENRY RAW E J , 5 Di d Ap il 9 , 9
L D R B D D L rea o n ed r 2 1 888 . A EXAN E I E ( pp i t ) Ap il ,
O un e 1 88 J HN H . CONVERSE J 3 , 9 .
ED n 2 D . B L u e 1 8 0 . WAR S UCK EY J , 9
CU MING D c 1 8 2 K . e . . JOHN 5 , 9
LL D a r 6 1 8 DA AS SAN ERS M ch , 93 .
LL r 1 1 8 JOHN MARIE CAMPBE Ap il 5 , 95 . ED . D e c 1 8 6 WIN S STUART . 7 , 9 .
‘ ” EX- B OFFICIO MEM ERS .
MAYORS .
LL . L a n 1 1 8 2 to r . 1 88 1 . WI IAM S STOK EY J , 7 , Ap il 4 , A L G . K r 1 88 1 to A r 1 88 S MUE ING Ap il 4 , , p il 7 , 4 .
LL B . r 1 88 to r 1 88 WI IAM SMITH Ap il 7 , 4 , Ap il 4 , 7 .
D . L r 1 88 to r 6 1 8 1 . E WIN H FIT ER Ap il 4 , 7 , Ap il , 9 ED . r 6 1 8 1 to r 1 1 8 WIN S STUART Ap il , 9 , Ap il , 95 .
L . r 1 8 . CHAR ES F WARWICK Ap il I , 95
PRESI D ENTS O F SELECT COUNCI L L E. L . 1 1 8 2 to a n WM ITT ETON , 7 , J . W . 1 8 to u ROBERT DOWNING 5 , 74 , J ly W W LL . . B . . 8 1 8 to a n URNE , M D , 75 , J .
E . 1 8 6 to No v GEORG A SMITH 3 , 7 , . W . B 1 88 1 to r GEORGE UMM 3 , , Ap il
LL B . 1 88 2 to r WI IAM SMITH 3 , , Ap il
. 1 88 to A r JAMES R GATES 7 , 4, p il L . L 1 8 JAMES MI ES 3 , 93 1 66 EM - EN ENN L O F LLE E S I C T IA GIRARD CO G .
P D O F C C C L RESI ENTS OMMON OUN I .
* RY a n . 2 1 8 1 to Feb . 1 1 8 2 HEN HUHN J , 7 , 5 , 7 . L Feb 1 8 2 . 1 to a n . 6 1 8 OUIS WAGNER 5 , 7 , J , 73 . W H ENSZEY a n 6 . . . 1 8 to a n . 1 6 A J , 73 , J 3 , 87 . L a n P . 8 6 . 1 to r 1 88 1 . JOSE H CAVEN J 3 , 7 , Ap il 4 , E A r LL A . L X 1 88 1 to A r 1 8 8 . WI I M H p il 4 , , p il 7 , 4 RL L C r 1 88 to r 2 1 888 CHA ES AWREN E Ap il 7 , 4, Ap il , .
LL . S r 2 1 888 to Ma 1 8 2 TWI IAM M MITH Ap il , , y 4 , 9 . G R Ma 1 2 1 8 2 L . WEN E HA TMAN y , 9
- The total number of Directors has been ninety eight , but ten of these were elected to more than one term not consecutive ; the longest term of service has been nineteen
years , the Shortest term , one year, and the average term ,
four years .
The total number of Directors of the City Trusts , not
ex oflicio e - including members , has b en twenty eight ; the
- longest term of service has been twenty eight years , the
shortest term , two years , and the average term , twelve
years .
Mr . John H . Michener is the only member of the Board
O f o n 2 Directors of City Trusts appointed September ,
1 86 . 9 , who has served continuously since that time
x 1 2 1 88 Colonel Ale ander Biddle resigned in January , 5 ,
2 1 888 . and was reappointed April ,
General Louis Wagner, who , as President of Common
ex ofiicio Council of the city of Philadelphia , was a member
o f 1 86 1 8 h a d 1 86 the Board from 9 to 7 3 , also served from 7 to 1 869 as a member of Councils Committee on the Girard
Estates .
h a d Mr . Joseph L . Caven and Mr . Edwin S . Stuart been ex ofiicio members of the Board , as President of Common Council and as Mayor o f the city of Philadelphia resp ec i l t v e . y , before their appointment as permanent members
es n e D e . R ig d . T i d
‘ 1 68 EM - EN ENN L O F LLE E S I C T IA GIRARD CO G .
Fo r scho o l pu rpo ses in th e fi rst Scho ol D i strict o f P e n n sylv a n i a 00 Fo r th e di stribu ti o n o f fuel a m o n g th e p o o r o f th e City o f Phil a d elphi a 00 Fo r th e impro v emen t o f th e E a stern Fro n t o f th e City o f Phil a d elphi a 00
Fo r th e ere o n o f th e ra r o e e B u n s th e n e essa r cti Gi d C ll g ildi g , c y l a n d w o rth p ro b a bly 00 a n d a sum o f 00
Fo r th e a n en a n e o f th e ra r o e e th e e n re res u e o f m i t c Gi d C ll g , ti id th e s a e ro a e n o r E t t , p b bly th w th
2 0 1 8 w er On April , 3 3 , the follo ing securities w e set aside as the fund for the erection O f the Girard College build ings :
S o o f th e B a n o f th e U n e Sa es s a res a ue a t 00 t ck k it d t t , h , v l d
L a f h n e er e n . o n o t e o o ea o f P en n s a n a Fiv p c t C mm w lth ylv i , v a lued a t 00 e e r en Lo a n o f th e o f P a e a a ue Fiv p c t . City hil d lphi , v l d a t
T o t a l At this time the stock of the Bank of the United States f o . was paying a dividend seven per cent per annum , and both the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the city o f Philadelphia were promptly paying the interest o n their bonds ; and it was hoped that , as considerable time would
be required to erect the buildings , the income received from these securities would be sufficient to pay a large
O f portion Of the cost erection , leaving a correspondingly large portion o f the principal remain to increase the e n
dowment fund .
The plan o f the buildings designed by Mr . Thomas U . W o f th e alter , the architect , was adopted by the Councils
O f o n 2 1 8 . city Philadelphia April 9 , 3 3 Work was begun
6 1 8 th is - O f on May , 3 3 , and corner stone the Main Building GIRARD COLLEGE : ITS ENDOWMENT AND MAINTENANCE. 1 69
was laid on July 4 of the same year . The work progressed 1 8 favorably until 3 9 , when the income of the building fund was greatly reduced by the financial panic and dis
a ster which had swept over the country . The Bank of the
United States had failed . Interest on the bonds of the
ix Commonwealth of Pennsylvania was paid in S per cent .
o n bonds , which sold for less than fifty cents the dollar , “ ” o r later in relief notes , which also sold at a heavy dis h count . The fund for the erection of t e College buildings
ff o u t o f su ered greatly from these causes . The income ,
fo r o ff which it was expected to pay the erection , was cut
o r reduced to a comparatively small sum . To continue
o f the work erection , it was necessary either to sell a por tion o f the principal Of the fund o r to greatly reduce the
th e w o rk extent of undertaken .
Under the financial conditions then prevailing , the for
mer course would involve serious sacrifice , which it was hoped could be avoided by curtailing the work until the 1 8 0 1 8 business depression should pass , and from 4 to 44
o f the erection the buildings made slow progress .
o f This course , however, did not prevent the sacrifice the
invested funds , all of which had to be sold at such prices as
could be obtained , and the buildings could only be com let ed p by encroaching upon the Residuary Fund .
Th e c a sh re a li z ed fro m th e b u ildi n g fun d a m ou n te d to
Sa e o f In es en s o r n a a ue a t l v tm t , igi lly v l d
I n tere st a n d Divid en ds c o ll e ct e d
Th e c o st o f th e Bu ildi n gs w a s a n d th e co ll a tera l exp e n ses
Exc ess o f expen se I O EM - EN ENN L LLE E 7 S I C T IA OF GIRARD CO G .
This e xcess o f e xp en se w a s m a d e up by
Sa l es o f Wa ste M a teri a ls 20 a n d a n a ppro pri a ti o n fro m th e R e sidua ry Fu n d o f 1 1 3 I
After the payment of all the specific bequests , including with these the amounts willed for the erection of the Col lege buildings and fo r the improvement o f the eastern front of the city , etc . , there remained the main portion of ’ Mr . Girard s real estate , consisting of the banking house o n o f Third Street , a number stores , warehouses , dwell ings , Wharves and vacant lots in the city Of Philadelphia ; a number of dwellings and over six hundred acres of farm land and lots in Philadelphia County ; seventy - three tracts of land on the Mahanoy” (Schuylkill and Columbia Coun
- ties , Pennsylvania) containing Over twenty nine thousand
o f acres ; six thousand acres land in Erie County , Penn sylvania ; four thousand seven hundred and seventy - fiv e acres in Hart County , Kentucky ; two undivided third
o f o f parts a tract land in Louisiana , containing two hun
dred and seven thousand acres , and stocks and bonds with an aggregate par value of This remainder (called the Residuary Fund) was de ’ Mr voted by . Girard s will , first to the maintenance and
o f C desi extension Girard ollege , within the limits of the g
n a t e d tract of land on Ridge Road , known as the Peel
Hall farm ; and , second , for city purposes , the support of
a police force , to improve city property and the general
appearance of the city , and to diminish the burden of taxa
tion .
Much of this property was lost to the fund . The real estate acquired after the last republication o f the will was i - - a a t . recovered by Mr . Girard s heirs law This included
EM - EN ENN L LLE E 1 7 2 S I C T IA OF GIRARD CO G .
Upon ‘ the completion of the College buildings and the 1 1 8 8 opening of the Institution on January , 4 , these ex
en ditu res p for city purposes ceased , and since that time the entire net income of the Residuary Fund has been a p plied toward the support and maintenance of the Girard
College .
In spite of all its losses and depreciations , the Residuary
Fund has increased until to - day it may safely be valued
Co l at over twenty million dollars , exclusive of the Girard
, lege grounds and buildings . When this fund was received by the city , its income amounted to between sixty and 1 8 8 seventy thousand dollars per annum . In 4 , this had increased to o n e h undred and eighteen thousand dollars — a per annum , sum ample , after deducting the expenses
t e of the Estate , to support h Institution with the number o f — 00 pupils then contemplated , 3 . Up to this time , the growth in income was due entirely to real estate in the
o f 1 8 8 vicinity Philadelphia , which in 4 yielded AS this property has become more valuable and as build
o r ings have been erected upon the vacant lots , new build ings have taken the place of the o ld structures which m n changing conditions had ade unprofitable , the reve ue 1 8 i derived therefrom has continued to increase , in 97 be ng $4 1 The most important of these building improvements vvere :
- a n d 1 8 8 . 1 2 D e n s o n th e n o r s e o f ro n Sree e we en 5 9 w lli g th id B w t t , b t Fifth
Sixth Streets.
1 8 1 — D e n s o n a n d a rs a Sre e s e een a r o u n 7 4 . 43 w lli g Fifth , Sixth M h ll t t b tw F i m t
en u e a n d B ro n a n d o n th e sou s e o f B ro n ree b e Av w , th id w St t
n d ree s tw e en Fifth a Sixth St t . — Th e a n n o use a n d ffi e u n es n u ree . B ki g H O c B ildi g , 43 3 43 7 Ch t t St t LE E : EN MEN AND MAN EN N E 1 GIRARD COL G ITS DOW T I T A C . 7 3
' 1 886— Th e s o re o n th e so u es o rn er o f E e e n t a n d Ma r e re e s 7 . t thw t c l v h k t St t 1 1 00 (No s.
1 88 — Th e ro w o f s o res e e e n th e a o e a n d e re e No s 1 1 20 7 9 . t b tw b v Tw lfth St t ( . — — Th e e en ra r u n 1 2 o u e t re e 1 8 6 . B t 9 7 St ph Gi d ildi g , 9 5 S th Tw lf h St .
Plans for the erection of the twenty - two stores and fifty six dwellings upon the block between Eleventh and
Twelfth , Market and Chestnut Streets , were under con sideration by Mr . Girard for some time before his death ; the actual improvement was made after his death by his executors , and not by the city as trustee . The income from Real Estate in Schuylkill and Colum bia Counties amounted to little prior to 1 863 ; but in that year the mining of coal upon this property began , the gross receipts being These receipts have in creased from year to year, as new collieries have been
fo r 1 8 opened or facilities mining improved , and in 97 amounted to The radical difference between royalty upon coal mined and removed from the property , and rental where the “ property is returned at the end o f the lease in like good order and condition ” does not seem to have been taken into consideration in the early days of mining on the property of the Girard Estate ; but in 1 87 7 the fact that f the mining o coal is a depletion of the realty , was recog n iz ed by the inauguration of a policy under which three fourths o f the net income derived from this source has been treated as principal and set aside for investment . Early in 1 8 97 , this policy was extended , the entire net income being now treated as capital . The amount o f the cash receipts thus set aside for in 1 1 8 vestment , to December 3 , 97 , is and 1 EM - EN ENN L LLE E 74 S I C T IA OF GIRARD CO G . from this source have been derived the funds with which to make the recent extensive improvements to real estate within the city , and to increase the value of the
1 862 investments in stocks and loans from in ,
o n 1 1 8 in to December 3 , 97 , and the annual come derived therefrom , from to
By his will , Mr . Girard charged upon his real estate in the Commonwealth o f Pennsylvania a number o f annuities f aggregating per annum . The payment o these
1 8 6 continued until 9 , when the last annuitant died , and the amount thus expended was With steadily increasing income available fo r its sup port , the Girard College has been enlarged , in the number o f its buildings , from five to nineteen , and in their value from t o while the number o f pupils 1 0 has increased from 3 00 to 5 5 .
1 8 0 . This enlargement began in 5 , when Building No 5 was erected . The other more important improvements in buildings and in the equipment o f the College were as follows
No In r a r u d n . 1 85 8 . fi m y B il i g (
6- n u d No . . 1 87 77 . B il i g 7 — 1 8 6 a el . 7 7 7 . Ch p
— Ea s r o u se a e r La un r : 1 8 6 . B o e B 7 7 7 t il H , k y , d y — 1 8 8 ea n s ea ro a en ra a n . 7 7—7 . H ti g by t m f m c t l pl t 1 880 8 1 u n No 8 . B ildi g . . — 1 880 8 1 rs en s o n o f In r a r u n . . Fi t Ext i fi m y B ildi g — e s o er o use . 1 883 84 . W t B il H — 1 8 e a n a o o u n . 883 4 . M ch ic l Sch l B ildi g
— 6 u n No 1 88 8 . . 5 . B ildi g 9 n 1 887 Exteri o r Ele ctric Lighti g . — 1 8 . ree n o use 887 9 G h . — 1 0 u n No . 1 0. 889 9 . B ildi g — New L u n r a n d a er . 1 889 90. a d y B k y
1 n er o r Ee r L n . 894 . I t i l ct ic ighti g
8 Se o n E en s o n o f n r a r B u n . 1 97 . c d xt i I fi m y ildi g
1 6 EM - EN ENN L O F LLE E 7 S I C T IA GIRARD CO G .
Fro m which there has been expended fo r
A n n u iti es City P urpo ses Gira rd Co ll ege (m a i n ten a n ce )
An d ere re a n s o n D e e er 1 1 8 th m i c mb 3 , 97
Co n si sti n g o f Gira rd Co ll ege Gro un ds B u ildin gs
R ea l E st a te in Phil a d elphi a R e a l E sta te o utside o f Phil a delphi a Sto ck s a n d Bo n d s Ca sh 00
With this steady growth in invested principal and in in it come , is safe to predict that there will be other additions to the buildings of the Girard College and further increase in the number of its pupils , until the capacity of the Col lege grounds Shall have been reached , and that thereafter large amounts of surplus revenue will be available “ to ” diminish the burden o f taxation upon the citizens of
Philadelphia!,
1 8 EM - EN ENN L O F A LLE E 7 S I C T IA GIR RD CO G .
all graduates of Girard College , marching in military array past the City Hall on the occasion of the unveiling on May 2 0 1 8 n , 97 , of the bro ze statue of their benefactor . f To answer this question in an o ficial manner , it was de cided by the Board of Directors of City Trusts and the Alumni to collect statistics concerning the graduates now
living . With this purpose in view , the Alumni appointed — Th o m a s ' rr a special committee of twenty eight , with Mr . O r as Chairman , and Mr . Frederick Unrath as Sec etary (and
to Mr . Unrath much of the credit for the completeness of their report is due) .
In reply to their inquiries , the following results have been obtained
Admitte d Sin c e th e O p en in g o f th e Co ll ege D i e d in th e Co ll ege
Nu er en ro e D e e er 1 1 8 mb ll d c mb 3 , 97
D s a r ed a n d to b e a o u n e fo r i ch g , cc t d
Nu mb e r re p o rte d a s empl o y e d Nu mb er re p o rt e d a s u n e mplo ye d D i e d Si n c e l e a vin g Co ll e ge R e a dmitt e d In o th er in stitu tio n s No rep o rt
P u blic Led er As has already been stated in the g , the pupils enter the College “ at a tender age and are dis
charged a t the age of eighteen , so that it is impossible to do anything more than prepare them fo r a college educa tion , or for work ; and as the greater number of graduates
are dependent upon themselves for support , few of them obtain any other education than that given within the Col
es ex lege walls . Under th e circumstances , it is not to be LLE E : N N AND TH E ES L 1 GIRARD CO G ITS TRAI I G R U TS . 79
pect e d that the roll of Alumni should exhibit the names
o f Of men of letters , such as may be found in the list gradu ates O i universities ; but it is largely to the credit of th e
Institution that , substantially , all the graduates have b e
’
come good citizens . Some among the number have risen
l m n r to high position in the professions , using the e e e ta v education at the College as the foundation for private studi es . There is no doubt that the education is thorough so far as it goes , and that , considering the age of the pupils , Girard College deserves to rank among the best o f ele ” mentary schools .
a r o f When boys leave school , they e, necessity , lacking
’ in the ease o f m a n n er and the knowledge of that technical language which can only be acquired from actual associa d” tion with men and women in the busy , practical worl
n o t t o about them ; and it is gratifying , if surprising , note the rapidity with which Girard College ! boys attain that polish of address and familiarity with the variety o f details which render them distinguishable from the average young
men Of business with whom they daily come in contact .
They take pride , furthermore , in their personal appearance a n d their moral reputation , are ambitious to advance in the positions they occupy ; and with reference to the im
pression which is probably , even at this day , extensively t t o prevalent , not only in this ci y but elsewhere , in regard the neglect of religious training in Girard College , the best
o f answer that we can make is , that very many our gradu ates manifest a most commendable interest and zeal in re i ff lig o u s a airs . They are also disposed to establish quite m o f early in their career ho es their own , and are evidently deeply attached to the families that surround their hearth
stones. 1 80 EM - EN ENN L O F R LLE E S I C T IA GI ARD CO G .
Since the reports which have been received from former
pupils are , in the majority of instances , from those who a e h v been more recently graduated , it is but reasonable to
assume that the proportion , in a complete list , of those occupying prominent positions in professional and business
life is even greater than as now presented . Examining in detail the long list of occupations (more than three hundred in number) in which these g ra dira t es
' th o se h o are engaged , we find that , in the professions , w have been admitted to the bar are highest in number ,
eighteen , while four are enrolled as students having the same purpose in view ; ten are clergymen and two more are students ; ten are physicians and surgeons and four are students ; there are two dentists and one student ; there are seven druggists , twelve drug clerks , and three chemists ; three are civil engineers , one is a student and one is a sur v ey o r ; five are architects and one is studying in the same branch o f art ; eleven are draughtsmen and four are con tractors ; there are four notaries public , two of whom are
conveyancers ; five are teachers , five prefects , and twenty are students . In banking and kindred pursuits there are two bankers and brokers , three assistant cashiers of banks , two bank tellers ; five treasurers and four with the title o f secretary and treasurer , and eighteen are connected with
the insurance business . The list of bank and railroad
clerks is very large , but they are embraced in a general
class as clerks or bookkeepers , which reaches the large
f - total o four hundred and eighty . There are seventy seven
stenographers , eighty salesmen , two paymasters , and six
'
cashiers . Five are auditors , twelve are in the real estate su erin t en business , ten are superintendents or assistant p
2 EM - EN ENN L O F A LLE E 1 8 S I C T IA GIR RD CO G .
U n it e d Sta t e s I re l a n d Ge rma n y En gla n d Wa l e s Sc o tl a n d Fra n c e Switz e rl a n d
a n a da C .
u a C b . Ita ly Sw e den No va Sc o ti a Ru ssia No rw a y H o ll a n d D e n m a rk A u stria P a l e sti n e P o rtu ga l So u th Am e rica M e xi c o W e st I n di e s Ne wfo u n dl a n d B e lgiu m Ea st I n di e s A u stra lia O n shipbo a rd No t re c o rde d