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Show PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE This may well be called the jubilee issue of the Utonian: first, because we rejoice with the whole world that a righteous peace has been restored to the earth; and second, because this is the fiftieth year of service of the University of Utah since the institution was reorganized for new action in the spring of 1869. In the midst of our rejoicing over past accomplishments, we must look fearlessly toward a future jubilee, when men of a coming generation shall look back upon our works and declare them worthy of an occasion of rejoicing. In simple terms does the greatness of yesterday speak to us, or the wonder of tomorrow beckon us. The men who two years ago went out to battle against mighty hosts were inspired by the plain, every-day virtues of life. They believed that men must be honest, virtuous, helpful, truthful, just and forgiving, and that all the troubles of the world would vanish in the presence of such simple doctrines. Indeed, the great lesson of the World War is that upon obedience to the teachings of the righteous home rest the peace and progress and happiness of mankind. Fifty years ago a great man was called to organize for active service the University of Utah-which up to that time had had over nineteen years of existence in a somewhat inactive condition. So well did this man do his work that we are still building upon the foundations then laid and shall continue to do so for years to come. Yet, as the records are read, it is revealed that John R. Park rested the labors of his life on very simple principles. He worked hard, and urged others to do the same. He spoke truth, and loved nature, and taught the beauty of both. He loved his fellow men. He looked into the future, and saw the vision of the things that are to be, even as may be done by all who care to strive and reach out for truth. As he walked through life, he laid aside, in his judgment of men and nations, the little faults and weaknesses, the dust and grime that gather on all earthly things, but kept in his memory the deeds of greatness and the noble aspirations that he discovered in the hearts of all. To me, almost the finest event in our University life is the annual washing of the "U" which rests half-way up the mountain, east of the campus. Throughout the year, under the influence of the elements, the "U" loses its flashing white, and becomes discolored; but we do not love it less, for we know that its dimmed lustre is only the result of the natural wear and tear of the year. Therefore, on almost the first bright'morning of spring, everything else is laid aside, and all of us bend ourselves to the task of cleaning the great symbol of the University and making it as bright and lustrous as before. Therein, we point perhaps, to the great duty of the University man, who looks for the soul of things. Whether it be the institution we now serve, or the heart of our brother-our great duty is to help keep institutions and lives clean, so that their full beauty may be seen. This may be done by periodic cleansings, to which we should all subject ourselves, as symbolized by the annual labors of the "U" Day of this institution. We are grateful for the past; we trust the future; and we are resolved so to submit ourselves to the eternal laws of life, that those coming after us, when looking back upon our lives, shall have cause to rejoice that we lived and labored. Page Eleven |