WILLIAM BARTON ROGEES. 437 



he gave a great part of the instruction, and extended a personal regard 

 to every individual student committed to his charge. They recall with 

 what wisdom, skill, tact, and patience he directed the increasing means 

 and expanding scope of the now vigorous institution, overcoming 

 obstacles, reconciling differences, and ingratiating public favor. They 

 will never forget how, when the great depression succeeded the un- 

 healthy business activity caused by the civil war, during which the 

 institution had its rise, the powerful influence of its great leader was 

 able to conduct it safely through the financial storm. They greatly 

 grieved when, in the autumn of 18G8, the great man who had accom- 

 plished so much, but on whom so much depended, his nerves fatigued 

 by care and overwork, was obliged to transfer the leadership to a 

 younger man ; and ten years later were correspondingly rejoiced to see 

 the honored chief come again to the front, with his mental power un- 

 impaired, and with adequate strength to use his well-earned influence 

 to secure those endowments which the increased life of the institution 

 required ; and they rejoiced with him when he was able to transfer to a 

 worthy successor the completed edifice, well established and equipped, — 

 an enduring monument to the nobility of character and the consecra- 

 tion of talents. They have been present also on that last occasion, 

 and have united in the acclamation which bestowed on him the title 

 " Founder and father perpetual, by a patent indefeasible." They have 

 heard his feeling but modest response, and have been rejoicing though 

 tearful witnesses when, after the final seal of commendation was set, he 

 fell back, and the great work was done. 



We honor the successful teacher, we honor the investigator of 

 nature's laws, we honor the upright director of affairs, — and our late 

 associate had all these claims to our regard ; but we honor most of 

 all the noble manhood, — and of such make are the founders of great 

 institutions. In comparison, how empty are the ordinary titles of dis- 

 tinction of which most men are proud ! It seems now almost trivial 

 to add that our associate was decorated with a Doctor's degree, both by 

 his own University and also by the University at Cambridge ; that he 

 was sought as a member by many learned societies ; that he was twice 

 called to preside over the annual meetings of the American Association 

 for the Advancement of Science ; and that, at the death of Professor 

 Henry, he was the one man of the country to whom all pointed as the 

 President of the National Academy of Science. This last honor, how- 

 ever, was one on which it is a satisfaction to dwell for a moment, 

 because it gave satisfaction to Professor Rogers, and the ofiice was one 

 which he greatly adorned, and for which his unu&ual oratorical abilities 



