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,/?•"
A
COMMEMORATIVE ORATION,
DELIVERED AT
THE miMk
IN
KING'S COLLEGE, FREDERICTON,
JV NK 25, 1857.
BY
WIILIAH imiDOXE JAOK, II. f. I.
rnoiicssou or m a rii em atics and natuuai. r ii i t, n so rii v
I'll EIM:K1C TON :
MMI'HdN, l'ltlNri:H l<i TIIK UI'KKNV MdHT KS('I';M.P.NT >tA.IKKTVi
1857.
1
■<*%
y#
/'
KD
4
PR
A
COMMEMORATIVE ORATION,
DBLIVEEED AT
THE ENCINIA
IN
KING'S COLLEGE, FREDERIOTON,
JUNE 25, 1857.
BY
WILLIAM BRYDOIIE JACK, D.G.L.
rRorisson or matuimatics and natorai. pHiLosornr.
FREDERICTON:
1, SIMPSON, PRINTKR TO TUB UIIIRN'S MOST BXCIIitINT MAJBSTt,
1857.
*>sr
L
The
Oration
Founde
duty thi
■o often
you wil
I now a
In ev
man's p
are und
from th(
power e
due to 1
of the I
things f
upon tl
means
though
faculti<
vidualt
impro^
throug
w
A COMMEMORATIVE ORATION.
The Statutes of this University require that an Annual
Oration be delivered within these walls, in praise of the
Founders and Benefactors of the Institution. This year the
duty thus prescribed devolves upon me ; and after others have
■0 often and so eloquently addressed you upon the subject,
you will readily give me credit for sincerity when I say, that
I now appear before you with no small degree of diffidence.
In every civilized community, — in every country wherein
man's proper place in creation and the dignity of his mission
are understood and appreciated, — it is perceived that, apart
from the divine inflatus whereby he becomes a living soul, his
power and superiority over the rest of the animal creation are
due to the peculiar gifts of reason and of language. By means
of the former he is enabled to trace the mutual relations of
things and their influences upon one another, and to speculate
upon the mysterious connection between cause and effect : by
means of the latter he can make known his motives, his
thoughts and his feelings to his fellow-men. These peculiar
faculties are possessed in different degrees by different indi-
viduals, but in all they are susceptible of great and marked
improvement by cultivation. Seeing, then, that from and
through them originate all advancement in knowledge, all
pre-eminence in art, all the blessings of government, and all
national changes, whether for the better or the worse, it is
clearly of the utmost importance that every effort should be
made not only to increase their efficiency, but also to give to
their powers a beneficial and suitable direction. Hence it
! IHVrZl
comes that in all nations which have occupied a prominent
place in the world's history and heen instrumental in promoting
human proj^ress, Schools for intellectual discipline and instruc-
tion have received generous encouragement and support.
Every body has heard of the Schools of the ancient Grecian
Philosophers; and although these sages, for the most part,
scorned that simply useful knowledge which is now too generally
regarded as the only knowledge worth possessing, yet who
would venture to assert that such illustrious men did not
exercise a beneficial influence in their day and generation, and
that their lofty speculations have not most materially contri-
buted to the elevation of the human race ?
Permanent and well-appointed establishments for imparting
instruction in the higher branches of learning exert an advan-
tageous and wholesome influence in many ways. In them are
found embodied the wisdom and intellectual advancement of
the age ; and they serve as resting and rallying points, from
which fresh inroads are to be made into the dark regions of
the unknown. In them mind acts upon mind, and the intellect
is not only invigorated, but prompted to take loftier and bolder
flights. The student who has the high privilege of resorting
to such an institution feels, on entrance, that he is not merely
to acquire a certain portion of information, but that he is
admitted a member of a learned community } — that he has
become connected with that which is substantial and lasting,
not merely with that which is artiflpial and transitory. He
flnds around him men who can appreciate his cravings for
intellectual superiority, and the spirit of emulation fires him
with the noble ambition to excel. Even if he cannot stand
pre-eminent, it becomes a point of honor with him to strive to
be no disgrace to the venerated body in whose ranks he has
been enrolled.
If in these respects this University has hitherto failed in
achieving aught that is great or glorious, the fault does not lie
with the founders. To them still belongs the merit, and to
them be a(;curded the praise of founding in New Brunswick
an Institution with such high objects in view. The principle
that in tl
ions an
ti sound
in establ]
tained ii
and beat
It will loj
tiiat it 01
iome pa|
duty an(
been fou
at once,
and time
dence, t(
Ihroughc
of be pr«
for glorj
Ever)
improve
ledge se
advance
Hence £
Univers
sible ; x
mark o
Institui
encour
talents
progre
Loo
and ta
sued V
much
from i
the Fi
to the
from
•ed a prominent
Jtal in promoting
'ine and instruc-
't and support,
ancient Grecian
the most part,
owtoog^enerally
ssing, yet who
s men did not
generation, and
aterially contri-
s for imparting
xert an advan-
In them are
dvancement of
? points, from
ark regions of
pd the intellect
tier and holder
:e of resorting
is not merely
ut that he is
—that he has
I and lasting,
insitory. He
cravings for
lion fires him
cannot stand
1 to strive to
onks he has
to failed in
does not lie
8"t. and to
Brunswick
he principle
Ihnt in this country provision should bo made for affording its
ions an education not inferior to the demands of the age, was
d sound one, and one worthy of the good men who succeeded
hi establishing it. This was the fundamental principle con-
tained in their work, and one which they believed would live
and bear fruit after they were dead and forgotten ; and I trust
it will long be regarded as a principle of such inestimable value
that it ought never to be abandond. If experience has proved
iome parts of their scheme to be faulty, these it becomes the
duty and the privilege of their successors to amend : if it has
been found that there are other parts which cannot be realized
at once, but which require to be modified to suit persons, places
and times, it may be an act of true wisdom, as well as of pru-
dence, to alter these in conformity to such requirements. Rut,
throughout every change, let the grand principle I have spoken
of be preserved, and New Brunswick may yet have good reason
for glorying in her University.
Every day of life supplies the means of self-culture and
improvement to the wise ; and the boundaries of human know-
ledge seem capable of almost indefinite extension, as mankind
advance in their destined course of civilization and proficiency.
Hence an education, such as that afforded by Colleges and
Universities, is becoming every day more and more indispen-
sible ; and all thoughtful and clear-sighted men regard it as a
mark of sound policy in a nation to establish and foster such
Institutions, and provide them with the means of directing and
encouraging in their onward career of study, those whose
talents and acquirements promise to contribute to human
progress.
Looking at the matter from the narrowest point of view,
and taking into consideration only one department of study pur-
sued within these walls, 1 beg you to consider for an instant how
much really valuable information our young men may acquire
from an experienced and able teacher regarding the Flora and
the Fauna of our Province ; and how much profit might accrue
to them from a knowledge of its geological formations, and
from an intimate acquaintance with the nature and properties
of the minerals underneath its surface ; and then, I would ask
you, whether you can have any sympathy with those, who in
their blind zeal for the total subversion of the College, vii-tually
say to the youth of the Province, * we will allow you no oppor-
tunity in this your native land of obtaining instruction on these
subjects, — so far as it depends upon us, the great book of nature
with all its wonders shall remain to you an illegible book, —
so fur as it depends upon us, your minds shall never be elevated,
nor your reverential feelings excited by a systematic study and
an intelligent contemplation of the marvellous beauty, the
harmonious adaptation, and glorious majesty of the Works of
Him whose kingdom ruleth over all.' It is sheer folly or
shallow pretence, in the would-be-destroyers of the College,
to say that our young men can acquire all the needful infor-
mation on these and other useful subjects at our Academies
or Grammar Schools. This, I am certain cannot be accom-
plished, unless in these as ample provision be made for the pur-
pose of giving special instruction in the different departments of
study as is at present enjoyed by this Institution. To obtain the
hii^her, and therefore the most efficient and useful instruction
in the various subjects comprehended in a liberal education,
it becomes absolutely necessary to make a division of labour
among the teachers; and science has now penetrated so deeply
into the mysterious laws of nature, and can show by so many
examples how these may be made subservient to the objects
of art, or rendered available for practical purposes, that even
the most clamorous for only useful learning are obliged to
acknowledge the value of this higher teaching. Many arts
and professions owe their very existence to Chemical Science
alone ; and their onward progress towards perfection is depen-
dent on the rapid flow of the tide of discovery in that science.
That these are really useful matters on which instruction is
needed, inasmuch as they can be made directly available and
turned to profitable account in the ordinary business of life,
the so-styled practical man will in all probability admit ; but
then, he may perhaps be ready to ask, with a triumphant air,
what benefit society is likely to derive from the vain theories
ji
..J^
fyr-
m
then, I would ask
i^ith those, who in
College, virtually
ow you no oppor-
struction on these
'at book of nature
illegible book,— -
'ever be elevated,
eniatic study and
ous beauty, the
of the Works of
Js sheer folly or
of the College,
5 needful infor-
our Academies
nnot be accom-
lade for the pur-
departments of
f To obtain the
'eful instruction
eral education,
'sion of labour
rated so deeply
'W by so many
to the objects
ses, that even
ire obliged to
r* Many arts
mical Science
tion is depen-
that science.
instruction is
available and
iness of life,
' admit j but
Jniphant air,
ain theories
||nd empty speculations of philosophers ; and of what possible
Ikse the study at College of the loftier and painfully accessible
branches of learning can be to mankind in general. This
question could be most readily and satisfactorily answered by
•n appeal to facts ; — by showing that most of the grand dis-
coveries, which have contributed so largely to the advancement
<»f the age, and which form at once its glory and its boast, have
lleen the fruits of purely theoretical investigations. To these
we owe the discovery of Electro-plating and gilding, and the
beautiful art of Photography : to these the Miner is indebted
for his Safety Lamp, which preserves him from harm while
lurrounded by an element of destruction, apparently uncon-
trollable by human power : and the discovery of the Electric
Telegraph itself, — the most wonderful invention of modern
times — can be traced, by a process of pure deduction, from the
fundamental principles of abstract science.
Without, however, wearying you with illustrations of the
value of theoretical science, even in a merely commercial and
practical point of view, I may be permitted to ask, what could
bo apparently more remote from any useful application than
the investigation of the curious phenomena of polarized light ?
Who could have believed that the narrow track of observation
opened up by Malus, a young French officer of Engineers, as
he looked through a prism at the windows of the Palace of the
Luxembourg, would have taken such a direction as to furnish
the Navigator with the means of detecting rocks and shoals in
the depths of the ocean, and thereby preserving him from their
lurking dangers, — as to enable the Chemist with unerring
certainty and a rapidity previously undreamt of, to tell the
amount of Sugar in the Cane, Beet, and Parsnip juice, at
different stages in the growth of the plant, and thus to point
out to the manufacturer when and on what article he can most
economically bestow his labour, — as to assist the Engineer to
discover the laws of tension in beams, and thereby give addi.
tional security to life and property, — as to provide the Astro-
nomer with a new method of measuring unapproachable objects,
and even of marking the passage of time, as well as of deciding
8
whether yon far distant shining speck which has just burst
upon his astonished vision, owes its brilliancy to the light pro-
ceeding from itself, or borrowed from other bodies ?*
These facts in the history of physical science, and others
which might be adduced in almost endless profusion, afford
incontrovertible evidence of the value of theoretical investiga-
tions ; and prove that it would be presumption in any one to
assert that such investigations are unworthy of attention,
because being to all appearance of a purely speculative
character, they can never lead to any usmi result, or be
brought to bear upon matters connected with the ordinary
concerns of life. In this particular, the tide of public opinion
seems now to be setting in the proper direction ; and^ it is
beginning to be recognized at last, that in an advanced stage
of civilization a competition in industry must be a competition
in intellect ; and that more and more encouragement must be
given to the cultivation of theoretical science, as forming the
bnsis and ground-work of all true progress.
It thus appears that instruction in the highest and most abstruse
branches of learning ought nut to be neglected, even though we
should ngreu to measure the value of all knowledge by the stan-
dard adopted by those who maintain that science is only useful in
so far as it can be rendered applicable to practice. This
'See Plajfair'is Lecture in the Hecords of tin- Sohool of MincH. On the Bnme Bubiecl,
Mill, in 1)18 work on Political ICconoinv, mnkcs tho followitia reinorks : — " In n national, or
universal point of viow, the labour of the xuvpnt, ur speculative thinker, is ns much a part of
production in the very nnrrowcst HiMite, as that of the inventor of a practical art; many such
invenlioii.H being the direct conietpienccs of tlieorrtic discoveries, and every extension of
knowledge of the powurs of nainru being fruitful of applications to tho purposes of outward
life. The ♦•Ipctro-maonetic iclcgraiih was tho wonderful ami most unexpected consequence
nfihu uxporiiiiiMits of (Krstcd ana tho mathematical investigations o(^ Ampere : and the
modern art of navigation is on uiiforsocn emanation from the purely speculative and
nppuruntly iiu'rcly curious enijuiry, by the iiiathoiiiiuicioim of Alexandria, into the proper
ties uf three curves formed by the intersoctiun of n plane hurface and a cone. No limit can
be set to the importanco, oven in u purely pnuhuuivo and moteriol point of view, of more
thought. Inusmucli, however, as these matoriol f I'.itn, thouj;h tho result, arc seldom tlie
direct purpuBu of the pursuits nf savants, nor i:\ tin .r remuneration in general derived fVom
ilio increitsed pradut.tion which miiv be cauiicd incidentally, and mostly after a long interval,
by their discovurios, this ultimiitu Influence docs not, for inoKt of the jxirposcs oT pulilioal
economy, require to be taken into consideration ; and speculativu tliinkeri are generaliv
classed as the producers only uf the bonks, or other useable or saleabln articles which
directly emanato from them. Hut when (as in politicol econmny ono should always be
prepared to do) we shift our point of view, and consider not iniliviJual acts, and tho motives
liy which they nro detormineil, but notiounl and universal results, intellectual speculation
must be looked upon as a most inlliinntial part of the productive labour of society, and the
portion (if its resourees employed in carry iiigoa and in remunerating such labuur, us • highly
proUuotivo part of its oxpvndilura,"
fnit of
ts it do|
which c
ignorani
•f the '
■landari
iMis beeil
«ften as|
will be
For, in(3
tedge isl
ftre foU([
we are
to our
us supe|
on this
preteni
that he
and th
wants t
than th
iha
it Is a
its chi
cumst
anyth
sayini
quite
foUy,
since
to ri
crro
subj
. pcrf
lual
10 I
inl
'^as just burst
to the light pro-
dies ?*
nc«, and others
rofusion, afford
etical investi^a-
> in any one to
y of attention,
e'y speculative
•"csult, or be
1 the ordinary
pubh'c opinion
'on ; and, it is
dvanced stage
a competition
fnent must be
» forming the
most abstruse
'cn though we
o by the stan-
oiily useful in
ictice. This
'l/Iiegnmesubjeci,
• in n national, or
» as much a pan of
•«' ««( iiianyguoh
>y«ry exieinion o(
rpoHog of outward
cte.l consequence
Ampere i and the
speculative and
"1(0 tlie proper
«• No limit can
' view, of more
are soldom tli..
nil dorivod from
• a 'onu[ interval,
"SI'S of political
• a":" Bonerallv
onicle. whicJi
»uld alwayn be
•nil the inotivea
'«! "peculation
""cty, and the
9
i&it of measure is undoubtedly of great value ; and affording
ii it does outward and visible manifet ations of its worth,
which can be appreciated equally by the learned and the
ignorant, it has in our times, and more especially on this side
•f the Atlantic, come to be looked upon as the true and only
Handard. In the teachings at this University, every disposition
Ins been shown to acknowledge its merits, by employing it as
«flten as occasion permits. Nevertheless a very little reflection
will be sufficient to convince us that it is partial and^impcrfect.
For, independent of the transitory things of this world, know-
ledge is valuable for its own sake. In the acquisition of it wc
are following the dictates of both nature and revelation, since
we are cultivating that special talent which God has entrusted
to our keeping, and through which he has been pleased to give
us superiority and dominion over the rest of his animal creation
on this terrestrial globe. In all systems of education which
pretend to educate man as man, it ought never to be forgotten
that he is an intellectual and moral, as well as physical being ;
and that he has been so constituted by his Mokcr as to have
wants and pleasures of a far more refined and exquisite kind
than those which merely concern the body.
I have indulged in these somewhat trite remarks, because
it is a very common thing in this Province, more especiiilly in
its chief commercial City, for parents, even in affluent cir-
cumstances, to excuse themselves for not giving their sons
anything beyond a common Grammar School education, by
saying that, as they are intended fur men of business, this is
quite sufficient for all their requirements ; and that it would be
folly, or at least un utter waste of time, to send them to College,
since they could there gain nothing which would enable them
to ride faster or higher in the world. Now this is a very
erroneous and mischievous view to take of this very important
subject, and one which every educated and right-thinking
person ought, to condemn ; inasmuch ns it ignores the intellec-
tual and moral nature of nmn, excepting so far ns conducive
to his self-gratification and mere worldly aggrandizement. It
in truth owoi its origin to the same spirit of mammon as that
I
10
which renders man a foe to godliness ; and against which the
earnest and pious minister of religion finds too much and too
just cause for incessant complaint. It behooves us, therefore,
to unite our efforts with those of the Clergyman, and resolve to
check as far as lies in our power the far too prevalent idea that
wealth is the real measure of worth ; that professions and trades
exist merely for the sake of the riches which they draw in
their train ; that the acquisition and accumulation of money
is the grand end and aim of our existence ; and that for this
purpose we are to toil and moil and waste our energies and
even our lives. Such ideas tend to the degradation of man's
higher and better nature, and of ali those pursuits which are
immediately connected with mind ; — they stifle the feelings of
his spiritual existence, and deaden the consciousness of his
belonging to a nobler and more excellent economy than that
which is conversant with money-making, or the manufacture
or sale of commodities. A taste for literature and science,
so far Trom being incompatible with the necessary business of
life, serves to relieve and sweeten its toil ; and the man who,
huppily for his own sake, has been imbued with it in early days,
finds that he possesses within himself many sources of pleasure
and enjoyment, which arc unknown to and untasted by others
who have been less fortunate in their education.
Before I conclude, it may be expected that I should offer a
few remarks upon the Bill relating to King's College, which
has been recently laid before the public, under the auspices of
the College Council. This Bill merits attention, not only on
account of the source from which it emanates, but also for the
important alterations which it contemplates in the administra-
tion of the Institution. The scheme which it embodies may
not nrobably corroHpond with the ideal which many of us may
have formed ; but we ought to bear in mind that the Council
may have considered the existence of the College at stake ;
and that at a crisis when decided changes wer^ expected, it
would bo well for the honor and educational prosperity of New
Brunswick, if these could bo so controHod as to prevent their
assuming nn excessive and violent character. Such being the
gpgition o1
iUfbether i
predilecti
frbich ack
be preser|
education
It woul|
examine
ndvantag
question
consider
lated to
contain t
ncceptab
fair and
the want
and use
inducein
Provinc
for a s<
generoD
and mc
enumci
success
Alumn
the w(i
I ar
. quartc
litts be
of the
is ind
youtl
well
lion,
Sedj
heui
tind
inst ivhich the
much and too
us, therefore,
and resolve to
alent idea that
ions and trades
fhey draw in
•on of money
^ that for this
energies and
t'on of man's
its which are
he feelings of
isness of his
fny than that
manufacture
and science,
y business of
Ije man who,
nearly days,
' of pleasure
etJ by others
ould offer a
'ege, which
auspices of
not only on
ilso for the
tdministra-
odies may
of UB may
10 Council
Qt stake;
pectod, it
y of New
ont their
^eing the
11
llbsition of affairs, it might be matter for grave consideration
ilhether it would not be sound policy to concede some of our
|ifredilections and opinions in order that the vital principle,
which acknowledges the necessity for such an instituion, might
be preserved, and the interest of the higher branches of
•ducation continue to be represented within the Province.
It would be out of place in me, on the present occasion, to
examine in detail the various provisions of the Bill. The
advantages likely to be derived from some of these, might be
questioned ; while of the measure as a whole, all circumstances
considered, a favourable opinion may be entertained, as calcu-
lated to be productive of good. At all events, it seems to
contain the germs of such a measure as ought to be generally
acceptable, and as is most likely to secure for the College that
fair and impartial hearing, which has long been denied it, and
the want of which has stood so much in the way of its popularity
and usefulness. Could public confidence be established, the
inducements held forth by the Bill to all the young men of the
Province, without distinction of rank or creed, to resort hither
for a sound and liberal education, are of such a free and
generous nature, us to lead one to anticipate from them the boi^t
and most satisfactory results. And if the different branches
enumerated in the schedule of instruction, can be well and
successfully tuuglit within the specified time, sure I am that tin;
Alumni of this University would rank second to those of fv.\\ in
the world.
I am aware that the scheme has been objected to in certain
quarters, ns having the effect of turning the College into what
lins been d<>nominatcd a Godless Institutiin. The originators
of the Bill, however, expressly declare that religious instruction
is indispensable to a .collegiate course of study, and that no
youth can be well-educated who is not instructed in Religion as
well as in Science and Literature. They quote with approba-
tion, and emphatically endorse the sentiments of Professor
Sedgwick, when be says: — "A Philosopher ma^ be cold-
hearted and irreligious, n Moralist may be without benevolence,
and a Theologian may be wanting in the common rlmritiei^ of
:
m
12
life. All this shows that knowledge is not enough, unless feel-
ings and habits go along with it, to give it meaning, andio
carry it into practical effect. Religion reaches the fountain
head of all these evils, and she alone gives us an antagonist
principle whereby we may effectually resist them." It is,
therefore, not only conceded by the framers of the Bill that
man is a spiritual and accountable being, but also that all
education is good, only so far as it proceeds upon this supposi-
tion ; and they lay down the doctrine that " the Government,
if not as representing the collective sentiments of all religious
persuasions, yet as being at least the guardian of their equal
rights, should require that the evidences, the truths, and the
morals of Christianity should lie at the foundation of all public
Collegiate instruction, and the spirit of Christianity pervade
its whole administration. As to the teaching of what is
peculiar to each religious persuasion, this clearly appertains to
such religious persuasion and not to the Government."
The objection which I have been considering, would proba-
bly be deprived of any weight which it may still have in the
minds of some religious and conscientious persons, if every
ohristain denomination — and be it observed that all are respect-
fully recognized in the Bill — were allowed the option of con-
necting with this University a School of Divinity for the purpose
of teaching its own peculiar religious tenets ; — each of these
schools to enjoy all the advantages and privileges conferred
by such connection, but to be supported by the denomination
which it represents. It might also bo allowable for the Pro-
fessor, or Professors, in each of these schools, to have a voice
in conferring degrees in Divinity, on distinguished members
of their own persuunion. Moreover, such an arrangement as
that just mentioned, has something like. a |irecedent to recom-
mend it to favour. In the Scotch I'niversities, although the
Established Church is alone admitted into immediate union,
yet there the Faculty of Arts is wholly untrammcled by that of
Theology, and its course of study is altogether independent,
«inco it not only works apart, but owes its maintenance to
funds drawn from an entirely separate source. Now, to the
|eneral)
teligiousl
mode ofl
unafTect^
iheologyl
as by hal
fessors W
religious
latitudir
whethei
instalm*
least, til
Wha
that th<
tution
branch<
the c'lvi
us who
as well
ability,
the enl
. i
'gh, unless feel-
meaning, and to
es the fountain
IS an antagronist
them." It ig^
•^ t'le Bill that
't also that all
>n this supposi-
|e Government,
of all religious
of their equal
••u'lis, and the
n of all public
'anity pervajle
S of what is
' appertains to
ment."
would proba-
^ 'lave in the
'ons, if every
" arc respeet-
ption of con-
>■ the ])urpose
ach of these
cs conferred
cnominaiion
^or the Pro-
•tt*'e n voice
tl members
"ffoment as
* to recom-
though the
iato union,
' h that of
dependent,
onnnco to
w, to the
13
Jeneral, literary, and scientific curriculum, students of all
feligious persuasions are freely admissible, and the scheme and
node of instruction therein pursued would continue equally
anafTected by having in legalised connection ten Schools of
theology belonging to as many different christian denominations,
ts by having one. It is true that in these Universities the Pro-
fessors in even the Faculty of Arts are required to subscribe some
religious test more or less stringent ; and even in this land of
latitudinarian principles it may still be permitted to doubt
whether it would not be better that the Professors should, before •
instalment in office, be obliged to declare their belief in, at
least, the inspiration and authenticity of the Holy Scriptures.
Whatever changes may be at any time effected, let us hope
that the necessity for maintaining in New Firunswick an insti-
tution for affording its youth such instruction in the higher
branches of learning as is commensurate with the demands of
the civilization of the age, will never be overlooked ; and let
us who are in any way connected with this University, Students
as well as Professors, each in his place and to the best of his
ability, strive to make it a worthy and lasting monument of
the enlightened policy of its Founders.