May we not confidently hope that the discussions
of such an assemblage will prove pregnant of a future for science
which shall outshine even its brilliant past.
Gentlemen and scholars all! You do not visit our shores to find
great collections in which centuries of humanity have given
expression on canvas and in marble to their hopes, fears, and
aspirations. Nor do you expect institutions and buildings hoary
with age. But as you feel the vigor latent in the fresh air of
these expansive prairies, which has collected the products of
human genius by which we are here surrounded, and, I may add,
brought us together; as you study the institutions which we have
founded for the benefit, not only of our own people, but of
humanity at large; as you meet the men who, in the short space of
one century, have transformed this valley from a savage wilderness
into what it is today--then may you find compensation for the
want of a past like yours by seeing with prophetic eye a future
world-power of which this region shall be the seat. If such is to
be the outcome of the institutions Which we are now building up,
then may your present visit be a blessing both to your posterity
and ours by making that power one for good to all man-kind.
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