USA > Indiana > St Joseph County > A history of St. Joseph County, Indiana, Volume 2 > Part 12
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of his portraits and landscapes are treasured at Notre Dame, and show what he might have become had his life been spared. May we not hope that the daily presence before the eyes of the bright youths of Notre Dame of so many fine works of art will inspire some choice spirits to produce paintings that may not suffer by comparison even with those of Gregori.
In the kindred art of music Notre Dame has always excelled. Indeed, the musical de-
Sec. 10 .- THE PRESIDENCY OF THE REV. THOMAS E. WALSH .- To preserve some unity of subject in this history, we have anticipated part of the events that occurred during the presidency of the Rev. Thomas E. Walsh. whose term of office began in 1881. Father Walsh has been vice-president and director of studies during the last presidency of Father Corby, from 1877 to 1881. He was barely past the age of twenty-eight when he became president, but he was even then a ripe
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UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME.
partment has ever been one of the most dis- tinguished of the university. The veterans of this department were Professor Girac and Brother Basil, the former gone to take part in the melodies of heaven, the latter still with us to make more holy and beautiful the world in which he yet lives. Father Lilly, himself a child of a family of musicians, was most precocious, playing upon the piano when his little arms could scarcely reach over the keys. In more recent times Professor Paul, and numerous other musicians, continued the harmonious line.
scholar and a man of mature mind. He took charge of the university when its material wants had been fairly well supplied. The disaster of 1879 had been, in large measure, repaired, and looking upon the new Notre Dame, we might even then well believe that the apparent calamity was a blessing in dis- guise. Father Walsh seemed to believe that his special mission was to lift the courses of studies to a higher plane and extend them to a wider scope, than any to which they had hitherto attained. Himself a finished scholar and a man of superior natural endowments,
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he felt within him the promptings to make Notre Dame equal to the greatest universi- ties of the land. Father Walsh's own char- acter was one of great evenness, roundness and fullness, and accordingly he strove to advance all the interests of the university, without sacrificing any one interest to an- other. While it may be that his own tastes in literature and oratory were predominant, yet his mind was so broad, his sympathies so wide, and his judgment so correct, that every department seemed to receive his equal at- tention and care.
During Father Walsh's presidency, the ex- treme wings or additions, originally designed for the new college building, were built, and the refectories and study halls were accord- ingly enlarged, greatly adding to the facili- ties of the university.
In the year 1882, St. Edward's Hall, for the use of the Minim department, was erected. The minims consist of young stu- dents, under twelve years of age. These youths have always been tenderly cared for at Notre Dame. They are under the special charge of the Sisters of the Holy Cross, and have a course of studies, and a daily life suited especially to their tender years. Ever since the erection of St. Edward's Hall, they have had all the facilities that could be de- sired for their training and instruction. St. Edward's park, in front of the hall, is per- haps the most beautiful little garden and pleasure ground anywhere to be seen about Notre Dame. It is a gem of pleasant walks and beds of plants and flowers, and always attracts the admiration of visitors at Notre Dame. The minims were always favorites of Father Sorin. He styled them his "Princes," and whether at Notre Dame, upon the sea, at Paris or at Rome, he never ceased to re- member them. From their ranks has come many a bright student of the university.
On June 20, 1883, the corner stone of Sci- ence Hall was laid by the Right Rev. John A. Watterson, bishop of Columbus. This building was constructed as a necessary part
of the plan in developing the scientific course of the university. It is considered by many, in the severe simplicity of its Greek archi- tecture, to be the most beautiful of all the college buildings. The corner stone itself was an object of particular interest from the cir- cumstance that it was a mineral curiosity, being a beautiful conglomerate, containing lucid and colored quartz pebbles, and pro- cured in northern Michigan. It was donated for the purpose by Dr. John Cassidy, the first graduate of the scientific course.
Under Father Walsh's presidency were also erected Mechanics' Hall, or Institute of Technology, and the astronomical observatory.
From Bishop Watterson's address at the laying of the corner stone of Science Hall, we take the following, which indicates the relations of the sciences to other studies as understood at Notre Dame:
"We lay it (the corner stone) in the shadow of yonder church, and here the stu- dents of Notre Dame can have the opportuni- ties and means of perfecting themselves in those physical studies, which, instead of be- ing opposed to religion, are auxiliaries to it, because they introduce us to the studies by which we attain our destiny. The course of an education in a Catholic university is in- tended to make intellectual and moral men, all the branches conspiring to this noble aim. The ancient classics of Greece and Rome tell the student of the necessity of a revelation, and history teaches of the doing's of Almighty God with man, proclaims God's goodness and mercy and the necessity of his church. Nat- ural philosophy places us in the very vestibule of theology; moral philosophy tells us of our relations with our fellow men and our duties in the various walks of life. Here- tofore the natural sciences have been taught in this university, but now they are to be taught with greater application than ever. Here they are to receive diligent attention, for they tell us of the goodness and great- ness of God, and teach us that everything should lead us to God. Some men do not
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recognize God in science, because they do not see the natural sciences as God intended. He wishes nature to lead us to him, and if sci- ences are properly studied they will do their own towards bringing us to our future happiness."
The dimensions of the principal buildings of the university, thus completed under di- rection of Father Walsh, may well be given here, with some details of their uses and purposes.
The main building is three hundred and twenty feet front by one hundred and fifty- five feet in depth. The material of which this, as well as all the other buildings, is constructed, is cream-colored, sometimes called Milwaukee brick. The dome of the main building is gilt, with pure gold leaf, and is surmounted by a massive statue of the Blessed Virgin, which is "crowned with stars" of electric light, a most beautiful sight of a summer's evening. Father Sorin had resolved that this crown should circle the brow of his Blessed Lady, even before mod- ern science had yet succeeded in dividing the electric fluid for this purpose. It is not the only time when the ardent founder's genius seemed, as it were, to leap over present dif- ficulties and to anticipate success where others could see only disappointment. The star-crowned statue on the dome rises two hundred and seven feet above the earth.
The Music Hall, or Academy of Music, as it is also called, which contains besides music rooms and recreation halls, also the fine ex- hibition room, known erstwhile as Washing- ton Hall, is one hundred feet front by one hundred and seventy feet deep, and a little over one hundred feet in height.
On the evening of June 20, 1882, the ex- hibition hall, as rebuilt after the fire, was formally opened to the public. It was de- scribed on that occasion as one of the most attractive rooms to give a public entertain- ment in to be seen anywhere. It is octagonal in form, and the acoustic properties are un- usually good. Three electric lamps make a
noonday radiance in every part of the audi- torium, stage and gallery. The gallery, which is reserved for the students of the university, has a seating capacity of 500, and the body of the hall, the tiers of seats in which are arranged in horse-shoe shape, and slope down from the rear to the stage, will accommodate about 700 people. The stage is ample and commodious in its appointments.
It was mentioned as something of an an- achronism that the hall should have been "opened with a play of Sophocles by electric light." The play was the Oedipus Tyrannus, and was produced by the Hellenists in the original Greek, under direction of Father Stoffel, the professor of the Greek language and literature in the university, in the pres- ence of a large and intellectual audience. The "South Bend Times" had this to say of the occasion: "Distinguished people from all sections of the country, both clergy and laity, greeted the Hellenists, and the applause that was given testified the appreciation of the audience. This is the first time that a Greek play ever was produced west of the Alleghanies. The costumes were designed by Signor Gregori, the renowned artist. The music was composed expressly for the occa- sion by Mr. Nobles, one of the professors of music. The entertainment commenced at eight o'clock, and occupied an hour and a half in its presentation. During this time, not one word of English was spoken (the play being in Greek), but the audience was so interested that not the least impatience was shown. The singing was the finest ever heard at Notre Dame, particularly the duets and the grand chorus." The production of this Greek play at Notre Dame attracted wide attention.
The dimensions of Sorin Hall are one hun- dred and forty-four feet front by one hun- dred and twelve feet in depth. This is the residence of such students of the advanced classes as have previously given entire satis- faction as to industry and deportment. They are accorded the privilege of having private
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rooms, and this without additional cost. This innovation in the traditionary system . of government in Catholic colleges, although at first viewed somewhat unfavorably by the ultra-conservative, has stood the test of ex- perience, and the resulting benefits have more than justified the hopes formed when the experiment was hazarded. In Sorin Hall, too, are the law lecture room, court rooms, law library, etc.
On the first floor of the Music Hall are the recreation and reading rooms of the students of Brownson Hall and Carroll Hall. These rooms are supplied with newspapers, period- icals, games of all kinds, including billiard tables. The dressing rooms of the bicycle club and of the athletic association are also on this floor.
Science Hall is divided into two depart- ments, and is supplied with all the agencies requisite to facilitate the acquisition of a complete knowledge of the sciences. The lab- oratories, lecture rooms, museums, biological department, engine rooms, etc., are admirably arranged for the convenience of students. This hall is fully equipped with all the neces- sary chemicals, preparations, specimens, charts, tools, instruments, and the innumer- able accessories of a great school of science.
Mechanics' Hall, the Institute of Technol- ogy, is a large and commodious building, de- voted to the use of the students of civil, me- chanical and electrical engineering. It is fully equipped with all the appliances for. wood and metal working, and is supplied with the most approved forms of forges and cupolas for blacksmithing and foundry work. The rooms for mechanical drawings, and the lab- oratories for special experimental work in mechanical engineering were especially de- signed for the purpose for which they are used, and are complete in all their appoint- ments.
The astronomical observatory consists of a main part, with a revolving dome, an east wing or transit room, in which is mounted the transit instrument, and a north wing or
computing room, which contains the smaller instruments and the works of reference for the use of observers.
East of Music Hall, for the accommodation of students desiring to take physical exercise when the weather is unfavorable for out-door sports, stands the students' play-hall, one hundred and sixty feet in length by forty- five feet in width and two stories high. In addition, there is fitted up, on the second floor of the Institute of Technology, a thor- oughly equipped gymnasium.
The infirmary, for the comfort and care of those who may become sick, is a building two hundred feet long by forty-five feet wide and three stories high, situated to the east and rear of the main building. A regular physician is in daily attendance, while the Sisters of the Holy Cross minister also to the wants of the sick.
It would take too much space, nor is it necessary, to notice in detail the various other buildings which form a part of the uni- versity. So numerous and extensive are they, that if brought together they would cover eight or ten acres of ground. As they stand, they give to the visitor the idea of a pretty rural town.
The buildings more immediately connected with the university are arranged so as to form a harmonious front. The main build- ing, with its noble dome, occupies the cen- tral space; to the right front is the Church of the Sacred Heart, and to the right front of the church is Sorin Hall; to the left front of the main building stands Music Hall, to the left front of Music Hall is Science Hall, and to the left front of that is the Institute of Technology, and to the front of that the astronomical observatory. All these build- ings, therefore, present a united grand front to the south, extending to the east and west with a combined width of nearly one thousand feet. Within this space, in the embrace as it were of these noble edifices, is enclosed a beautiful courtyard, a garden of green and shade and pleasant walks. It is all most beau-
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THE GROTTO, UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME.
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tiful; fully justifying the oft repeated ex- clamation, "Beauteous Notre Dame."
As indicating the impressions made by Notre Dame during the administration of Fa- ther Walsh upon a wide-traveled and culti- vated gentleman, but one who had no sym- pathy with the religion through the practice of which all these things came, we give the following from the New York "Christian Advocate," of March 5, 1891, an organ of the Methodist church, by its editor, the Rev. J. M. Buckley, D. D .:
"The ride from Chicago to South Bend took three or four hours. Here Schuyler Colfax lived for many years; here his widow and family reside, and his memory is hon- ored by men of all parties and creeds. That evening, through the kindness of my host, I met at dinner many of the most distinguished citizens, including the gentlemen of the press, clergy of different denominations, merchants and manufacturers, and Rev. Father Walsh, president of the University of Notre Dame, the famous Catholic institution of the west, established by the order of the Holy Cross- an order of priests and brothers devoted pri- marily to teaching. Receiving a courteous invitation from the president to visit the in- stitution the next day, and finding that Mr. Studebaker would be able to accompany me, I accepted it, and Father Walsh expressed a hope that we would come to dinner and sit with the boys, as he expressed it, at 'Commons.'
"The approach to the university is grand; the golden dome being visible for many miles. glistening in the sunlight like the dome of the Greek churches in Moscow. The build- ings are numerous and imposing. The walls of the reception room are covered by por- traits of the former presidents of the insti- tution and other dignitaries.
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"It was an interesting spectacle to see the boys at dinner. There are five hundred stu- dents, a very vigorous class physically and in excellent discipline. I was interested in Fa- ther Walsh, before knowing that I should
meet him, by a standing advertisement in the South Bend papers, running thus:
"'I hereby give notice that I will prose- cute to the utmost extent of the law, regard- less of cost, all persons guilty of selling or giving liquor to the students of this institu- tion, or furnishing it to them in any way. " 'THOMAS E. WALSH, President.'
"The institution was founded in 1842 by Father Sorin. The founder is still living, sev- enty-eight years of age, and is general of the order of the Holy Cross throughout the world. He is patriarchal in appearance, wearing a long white beard and mustache, having a dispensation from the pope allow- ing it. To him I was introduced; he blended with the dignity of his office the fine manner of a cultivated Frenchman. The order of the Holy Cross consists of priests and lay broth- ers, generally. though not exclusively, de- voted to teaching. The church is one of the most magnificent in this country, being capa- ble of seating one thousand two hundred. The stained glass is beautiful, of a high or- der, brought from Europe. The altar, which stood for three hundred years in Rome, was purchased and imported in a complete state for this church. I do not think there is anything superior to it, excepting the cathe- dral in New York. All the buildings are large, light and airy.
"In the university is a manual training school, where machinery and many other manufactured articles are made. This insti- tution does not possess one dollar of endow- ment, but it is supported by the amount paid in by tuition and board, which is about three hundred dollars per year. . Everything about it is very pleasant and wholesome. The in- firmary is the best and neatest I have seen. "Perhaps some one may say: Here is an- other example of the ingratiating effect upon the most decided Protestants of the skillful courtesies of Roman Catholics. Not at all; they were simply gentlemen; they recog- nized my Protestantism; I report simply what I saw. If there had been anything to
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criticise it would have been criticised, as time; and praises of what they saw were anyone knows by my letters from abroad. echoed in hundreds of places where thereto- fore the great university of the west had been but a name. Protestants are admitted to the institution, but in all cases are required to remain at the services, of which rule they make no secret. It is a Catholic institution to train Catholic young men, and the spirit of the institution cannot be relaxed. Their con- sistency in this matter I admire."
The allusion in the Rev. Mr. Buckley's letter to Father Walsh's care for the preser- vation of the students from the evils of in- toxication, brings to mind the constant care of Father Walsh for the moral welfare of the young men of Notre Dame. It can hardly be said that his solicitude in this re- gard was less than his care for their intel- lectual well being. Indeed, as said before, the aim of the educators of this institution has always been to secure the harmonious development of the physical, moral and in- tellectual nature of those committed to their training. Only by such harmonious develop- ment of the whole nature of man, can the best educational results be attained. The total abstinence societies at Notre Dame have always been most sedulously cherished; and this was particularly the case under Father Walsh, who was himself a strict abstainer from all intoxicating beverages.
So well known and admired were his labors in this field, that Archbishop Ireland, Presi- dent Cleary, and other leading men of the Catholic Total Abstinence Union of America determined to recognize the excellent work done in this line by convening the sixteenth annual convention of the Union at Notre Dame. Accordingly the convention was held at the university on August 4 and 5, 1886, at which were present delegates representing a membership of 50,000 in all parts of the land. The meeting was one of the most suc- cessful ever held by the organization. One pleasant result of this convention was that numerous leading men, lay and cleric, espe- cially from the extreme eastern states, came to see and to know Notre Dame for the first
Here it may not be inappropriate to note that Notre Dame has during her history been visited by a multitude of distinguished per- sons, who came to see the beauty of the place, and to honor those who had in so remarkable a manner built up an institution of learning and religion in what, within a single life- time, had been an unbroken wilderness.
Besides priests innumerable, and reverend bishops and archbishops from all parts of the Union, from Canada, Mexico, Europe and Australia, including the beloved Cardinal Gibbons; besides governors, United States senators and congressmen from our own state; many eminent persons have been pleased to turn aside on their journeys through the land, or even to come on purpose from dis- tant points to see what has been done in this chosen spot.
During the war the family of General Wil- liam Tecumseh Sherman for a long time re- sided with us; and here the distinguished soldier delighted to come to visit his beloved and to pass pleasant days with them in the quiet of these classic shades. Here was in- terred the body of the general's eldest son, Willy Sherman; and here long lived his second son Thomas, now the eloquent Jesuit priest.
To Notre Dame, in 1875, came the Papal Ablegate, Mgr. Roncetti, and in 1886, the Ablegate, Mgr. Straniero. In 1893, the Apostolic Delegate, Archbishop Satolli, came to see Notre Dame and its venerable founder.
Others that have taken pleasure in viewing these grounds and halls of learning, were Chief Justice Chase, in 1871; James G. Blaine, and Thomas A. Hendricks, in 1884; Carl Schurz, in 1859; the historian John Gil- mary Shea; the delegates to the Pan-Ameri- can Congress, in 1889; the orator Daniel Dougherty, in 1891; and many others whose names might be given.
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How close in touch with public affairs and public men, and how warm in sympathy with the best interests of the nation, has always been the spirit of Notre Dame, may be il- lustrated by a letter written in the name of the university, as far back almost as the founding of the institution, by the eloquent professor, Gardner Jones, whose literary ser- vices to Notre Dame have many times been referred to in these pages. The letter was addressed to Henry Clay, to whose kindly and active interest the university was more than once indebted. The letter is as fol- lows:
"UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME DU LAC, (Near South Bend, Ind.,)
MARCH 14, 1850.
"Honorable Sir :- The president and faculty of this Catholic institution, all un- known to you as they are, cannot resist the impulse created by the recent reading of your compromise speech in the college refectory, to address you a brief letter of thanks for their share in that rich treat. Professing a creed widely different from your own, and which is generally, though falsely, supposed to be anti-American, and hostile to civil lib- erty, they yet partake with you in those just, wise and moderate views which you advance in the noble document referred to, and in all that patriotic and trembling solicitude for the continuance and perpetuity of this glorious Union, which you so laudably manifest. It would be dissimulation in those who address you to affirm aught else than that they seek the edification and glory of the kingdom of their Master Christ, before all other earthly considerations; but besides this reigning aim and desire, they know no greater love and affection than that they bear towards the con- stitution and federal government of these states. With the integrity, stability and un- checked progress of this land of religious liberty, they see identified the highest interests of the church of Jesus Christ, and the highest hopes of humanity ; and, greatly as they ven- erate your exalted patriotism, evinced not
only now in this painful crisis, but also through a long and illustrious life of unselfish and unrequited devotion to your country, they will not yield to you in the alarm they feel in view of the dangers now threatening the Union, or in earnest and continual sup- plication to the God of Nations, that he will be pleased, for his church's sake, to avert from us those imminent perils which now menace us.
"While you are assailed by the violent and insane of both sections of the Union, we thought it might be agreeable to you to know that in a secluded religious house, whose in- mates have their citizenship and conversation in heaven, who commune more with the mighty past than the present, and whose in- visible companions are the noble army of saints, your kindling oratory has warmed and cheered many a heart inflexible and altogether AMERICAN.
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