C. C. STILLMAN '98 ENDOWS PROFESSORSHIP OF POETRY

In memory of Professor Charles Eliot Norton '46 and in recognition of his work, Mr. C. Chauncey Stillman '98 has endowed a chair of Poetry at the University. The announcement, which follows close upon the news of Mr. Stillman's purchase of Beck Hall and the intended site of the Roosevelt Hotel, states that the chair is given in gratitude and in reverence to the memory of Professor Norton.

"Poetry" Used in Broadest Sense

Mr. Stillman, who is a former pupil of Professor Norton, has specified that the word "Poetry" as used in his endowment should be interpreted in its widest sense. It is the intention of the giver that the term "Poetry" shall include, together with Verse, all poetic expression in language, music, or in the Fine Arts, under which term architecture may be included.

The incumbents of the chair are to be chosen, it has been announced, without limits of nationality, from men of high distinction and preferably of international reputation. It is not at present contemplated that there shall be anything in the way of permanent tenure of the appointment to this chair, although the details of tenure have not yet been determined.

Incumbent To Give Public Lectures

In addition to his work within the University, the professor holding the appointment will deliver each year at least six public lectures on the subject of Poetry. Mr. Stillman's gift, specifying that these lectures shall not have been previously published or delivered, makes provision for their subsequent publication.

President Eliot Pays Tribute

"Thousands of Harvard students attribute to Professor Norton's influence lasting improvements in their modes of thought, their intellectual and moral interests, and their ideas of genuine success and true happiness," said President Eliot in a tribute to Professor Norton on his eightieth birthday. "His work in the University and his training for it were both unique, and are not likely to be paralleled in the future."

Norton's Work An Inspiration

"There is no one in America or in Europe," wrote the former Ambassador Bryce in a tribute to Professor Norton on the same occasion, "whom those who know what he has done and who have been privileged to enjoy his friendships will deem more worthy of a tribute of affectionate respect such as that which you are now paying to this reverend patriarch of American letters.

"His clear and luminous intellect, shining with a steady glow, has been a beacon light to many who seek their way amid the tossing waters that surround as, Loving beauty in literature and in art, and seeing the need of it for the delight of life and the refinement of character, he has never allowed his apostleship of beauty to divert him from the pursuit of goodness and truth. His own literary work, pure and simple in style, elevated in feeling, exact and just in thought, has inspired and stimulated not only his own pupils in the great University he has so long adorned, but those also who on both sides of the Atlantic recognize and value sound learning and fine criticism."