Alumni Bulletin (Volume 11) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1918. Excerpt: ... JEFFERSON'S PHILOSOPHY AND THE PRESENT CRISIS By The Hon. Josephus Daniels, Secretary of the Navy. In the philosophy of Jefferson there is light and direction for every change and chance in human experience. His understanding of human aspiration and his many-sided sympathies embraced all ranges of thought, compassed all systems of government, constituted him the counsellor of men seeking the best in every domain of life, and makes him today as much the brother of lovers of liberty as he was when he loved America and France into lasting friendship. It is the glory of this University, born in the brain of Jefferson, that its mission has ever been, as expressed by its Founder, "for here we are not afraid to follow truth wherever it may lead, nor to tolerate any error so long as reason is left free to combat it." In former annuals here in times of peace men have turned with confidence to the teachings and writings of Jefferson for right guidance. Today, with all the world at war, what illumination shines from the lamps kindled by the Sage of Monticello? No man has lived who worshipped more sincerely at the shrine of Peace than Jefferson, and yet he wrote the document that has furnished the shibboleths of every fighter for freedom for a century and a half. "I abhor war and view it as the greatest scourge of mankind," he wrote to Elbridge Gerry in 1797. That sentiment, iterated and reiterated during his long life, was his passion. It was not only consistent with, but a necessary accompaniment to, his declaration made four years earlier, "We in Virginia are alarmed with apprehension of war, and sincerely anxious that it may be avoided; but not at the expense of our faith and honor." The America of today, with all its manhood and resources engaged in war, is anim...