1909] Tributes to Dr. Fletcher. 225 



uniform courtesy always in evidence and extended to the 

 humblest applicant for information. 



It was not, therefore, Dr. Fletcher's official courtesy that 

 impressed me, it was his approachableness at all times and in all 

 places; his every-day enthusiastic readiness to serve; his desire 

 to give. His life was like a book lying open before you; every 

 time you wished you could apply, could have intercourse without 

 preface or introduction. 



We have no remembrances of unkind words, his temper- 

 ment was too bright. A remark by a former speaker reminds me 

 that Dr. Fletcher once said he had no use for poets ; neverthe- 

 less. Dr. Fletcher was a poet; his unequalled energy, his love for 

 doing things led him to make a humourus protest against appar- 

 ent listlessness. A poet is one who through observation and medi- 

 tation distils thoughts into strong words; who weaves beautiful 

 thoughts into songs full of Divine uplift to the human soul ; thus 

 bringing hope and joy into daily living. In this large, best, truest 

 sense he was a poet of "sweetness and light. " 



At this club meeting it is natural that references should be 

 made to the scientific side of his life, I was pleased that one of the 

 speakers touched upon the charm of his home and family life. 



Not being a member of the Club would it not be proper for me 

 to refer to the fact that Dr. Fletcher discharged with equal enthu- 

 siasm and efficiency the social and religious duties of a citizen. 



Until something better is evolved, all that is included in the 

 word church will continue to stand for the highest moral force. 

 This Dr. Fletcher recognized, to the benefit and appreciation of a 

 large number of our citizens, thus rounding out an ideal life. 

 Too many of our scientists are one-sided like all great thinkers. 



When science escaped from the tyranny of ecclesiasticism 

 the pendulum swung to the opposite, materialism; during the 

 last twenty-five years many scientists have not only swung 

 back again but have become spiritists. 



A large number take a half-way position, claiming that the 

 evolution of man as mirrored in nature demands a continuitv of 

 life, another environment in which the wonderful powers of the 

 subconscious mind may be unfolded; that what we call life is 

 always associated with what we call death. 



Whatever we may think of these conclusions it seems to me 

 that one of the strongest proofs of the Divinity of the human soul 

 and of a future life is suggested by the untimely ending of a life 

 so full of fruition, so full of even greater promise; the closing of 

 the clean record of a beautiful life such as his of whom we to- 

 night speak these words of fond remembrance. 



