PREFACE. HE propriety of a Hiram College Memorial to THE President Garfield will be admitted on all hands. It was in Hiram that he fitted for college, and that he made his reputation as a teacher and schooladministrator. Hiram was his home for twenty-six years. Much of that time, probably one-half of it, he spent in other places and duties, college, the army, and Congress; but Hiram was the place to which he looked for residence and rest. To those who have become acquainted with him, his name or fame, the last four years, Mentor means more than Hiram; but to all of his earlier friends Hiram means as much more than Mentor, as his residence in the one place was longer than his residence in the other. Nor can there be two opinions as to the fitness of such a memorial as is here attempted. General Garfield was a scholar and an educator. His earliest fame was won in study and in teaching. He was always the friend and advocate of education. It was in Hiram school that his happiest days were spent, 5 and that he performed the work which in late years he looked back upon with most satisfaction. Hence, such of his utterances concerning education and educators as have been preserved, attended by suitable memorials of his Hiram life, could not fail deeply to interest educators and cultivated men generally, especially such as belong to the Hiram fellowship. That this volume will measurably draw out this interest, is the hope of its compiler and of others whom he has consulted in its preparation. Some remarks upon the number and quality of the speeches and addresses included, will be found in another place; but it is proper to say here, that the personal sketch is by no means exhaustive. An interesting and inspiring volume could be prepared on his Hiram life. Here the aim is to make a Garfield book in the sense of his being its author, and not simply its subject. At the same time, the personal sketch is a comprehensive survey, embracing all salient points of his Hiram life and character, filled in with sufficient memorabilia to answer the purpose of illustration. What is more, the memorial speeches made at Cleveland supplement the sketch, and show the impressions made by Teacher Garfield upon their authors, who are simply the representatives and mouthpieces of thousands. This book has been prepared, and is now published, in the confident belief that no more appropriate memorial to the lamented dead could go forth from President Garfield's old home. It is also believed that none could go forth, which, were he living, would give him so much pleasure. It is proper to add, that this memorial has Mrs. Garfield's cordial approval. The pictures of the President and herself she has chosen. Writing at Mentor, Oct. 28, 1881, she says, "I quite approve of your plan in regard to the memorial volume. It would be most appropriate that the speeches to which you refer should appear in such a volume." HIRAM COLLEGE, HIRAM, O., Nov. 19, 1881. B. A. HINSDALE. |