Page:The autobiography of a Pennsylvanian.djvu/363

 examining the great events of the past and their significance that he might adequately comprehend the social forces that determine legislation and laws. Hence the bench was congenial to him and he adorned it with the soundness of his judgment, the ripeness of his learning, the simplicity of his manner and by the uprightness of his character.

Literature is indebted to his contributions, for they are the product of persevering and profound research. He has illuminated the early history of the Quakers and the Germans, along the shores of the Delaware, and delved into the musty archives of four nations that he might with fidelity depict The Settlement of Germantown and eloquently describe the life and civic virtues of the learned Pastorius.

Since 1886 he has been a trustee of the University, active in promoting its interests, pleading always in its behalf, giving without measure time and service. We give generous praise to those who thus labor in the cause of education, opening the eyes that they may see more and farther; instructing the ears that they may hear more perfectly; awakening all the senses that they may more swiftly appreciate; enriching the mind that it may more wisely and efficiently understand.

Strong and steadfast in conviction; faithful in friendship; loyal in principle; passionately devoted to Pennsylvania and its institutions, he has ever performed with honor the responsible duties that have devolved upon him. For his eminent services as a citizen and his lofty qualities of heart and mind, we, the Trustees present Samuel Whitaker Pennypacker to the Provost that he may receive the degree of Doctor of Laws.

The winter of 1903-04 was severe and the Susquehanna, the most impressive of the rivers of Pennsylvania, was frozen across, giving beautiful displays of ice effects which could be seen from the windows of the executive mansion. The thaw came in the early part of March, the waters rose to a great height, piling cakes of ice in huge masses. On Sunday, March 6th, in the afternoon, while the rain was still falling in torrents, I was called to the telephone and informed that near Goldsborough, a few miles below Harrisburg, fourteen people were on an island in the river, that the waters were rapidly rising and had reached the Rh