The year 1876 is commonly taken as the date of the foundation of the Johns Hopkins University, as in that year its doors were opened for the reception of students.  On the twenty-second of February the plans of the University were publicly made known, and consequently “Washington’s Birthday” has since been observed as an anniversary or commemoration day.  But in reality the Trustees were organized nine years before.  The founder, Johns Hopkins, as he saw the end of life approaching (although he continued in active business for several years afterwards), determined to bestow a large part of his fortune upon two institutions which he proposed to establish, a University and a Hospital.  These establishments were to be managed by separate Boards of Trustees, citizens of Baltimore, whom he selected for their integrity, wisdom, and public spirit.  In order that the two Boards might be closely allied, the founder was careful that a majority of the Trustees of one corporation should also be a majority of the Trustees of the other corporation, and in a letter which he left as the final expression of his wishes, he declared it to be his “constant wish and purpose that the Hospital should ultimately form a part of the Medical School of the University.”  The Hospital was opened for the reception of patients in May, 1889; and a volume which was prepared in the following year by Dr. J.S.  Billings, gives a full description of the buildings, with other papers illustrative of the history and purposes of that great charity.  But as the Medical School, which is to form the bond of union between the two establishments has not yet been organized, the following statements will only refer to those opportunities which are here provided for the study of science and literature, in the faculty commonly known as the faculty of philosophy and the liberal arts.

Before speaking of his gifts, a few words should be devoted to the memory of Johns Hopkins.  This large-minded man, whose name is now renowned in the annals of American philanthropy, acquired his fortune by slow and sagacious methods.  He was born in Anne Arundel county, Maryland, not far from the city of Annapolis, of a family which for several generations had adhered to the views of the Society of Friends.  His ancestors were among the earliest settlers of the colony.  While still a boy, Johns Hopkins came to Baltimore without any capital but good health, the good habits in which he had been brought up, and unusual capacity for a life of industrious enterprise.  He began on the lowest round of the ladder of fortune, and by his economy, fidelity, sagacity, and perseverance he rose to independence and influence.  He was called to many positions of financial responsibility, among the most important being that of President of the Merchants’ National Bank, and that of a Director in the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company.  He was a man of positive opinions in political affairs, yet he never entered political life; and although