“Our gathering to-day is one of no ordinary interest.  From all sections of our State, from varied sections of our land, we have met at the opening of another avenue to social progress and national renown.  After two years of pressing responsibility and anxious care the Trustees of the Johns Hopkins University present the first detailed account of their trust.  Of the difficulties attending the discharge of their duty; of the nice balancing of judgment; of the careful investigation and continued labor called for in the organization of the University, this is not the place to speak; but for the Board of Trustees, I may be allowed to claim the credit of entire devotion to the work, and a sincere desire to make of the University all that the public could expect from the generous foundation.  Happily, our action is unfettered, and where mistakes occur, as occur they must, the will and power are at hand to correct them.  We may say that the University’s birth takes place today, and I do not think it mere sentiment, should we dwell with interest upon its concurrence with the centennial year of our national birth, and the birthday of him who led the nation from the throes of battle to maturity and peace.  But it is not my province to detain you from the exercises which are to follow.  I am happy to state that we have among us to-day one who represents the highest type of American education, and one who, from the beginning, has sympathized with, counselled and aided us.  I know you anticipate me, as I announce the distinguished name, from the most distinguished seat of learning in our land—­President Eliot, of Harvard University.”

ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT ELIOT.

President Eliot next delivered a Congratulatory Address in which he said: 

“The oldest University of the country cordially greets the youngest, and welcomes a worthy ally—­an ally strong in material resources and in high purpose.

“I congratulate you, gentlemen, Trustees of the Johns Hopkins University, upon the noble work which is before you.  A great property, an important part of the fruit of a long life devoted with energy and sagacity to the accumulation of riches, has been placed in your hands, upon conditions as magnanimous as they are wise, to be used for the public benefit in providing for coming generations the precious means of liberal culture.  Your Board has great powers.  It must hold and manage the property of the University, make all appointments, fix all salaries, and, while leaving both legislative and administrative details to the several faculties which it will create, it must also prescribe the general laws of the University.  Your cares and labor will grow heavy as time goes on; but in accordance with an admirable usage, fortunately established in this country, you will serve without other compensation than the public consideration which will justly attach to your office, and the happy sense