PRESIDENT WILSON AT THE SORBONNE

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 161, 2 April 1919, Page 8

PRESIDENT WILSON AT THE SORBONNE

It was a great occasion in the University life of Paris, and one may perhaps also say in (ho life of President Wilson, when at the Sorbonne, lie was admitted to the degree of doctor honoris causa, awarded to iiim in July last. The vast amphitheatre, which has already received so many illustrious guests, was crammed to overflowing with all that is best in art and letters, as well as with everyone bearing a great name in the State and in diplomacy, from the President of tho ltepublic downwards. The black, red, violet, and yellow robes, and white ermine .stoles of the University men lent a wonderfully picturesque note to the scene. The ovation accorded to President Wilson as he entered with M. Poineare—preceded by the massiers 'bearing the insignia of the Faculties—to the strains of the two National Anthems was simply deafening. When the applause had somewhat died down the Vice-Rector, M. Lucien Poineare, called upon the doyen of the Faculty of Law to read his report. M. Liirmtuxle thereupon discoursed on President Wilson's juridical work as professor and writer, closing with the impressive words:— "You have created a new right, the very announcement of which has cnusc-u tottering thrones to crumble, and which, in tlio eyes of wondering diplomatists and attentive peoples, is about to establish <i reign of justice. You are, and you will remain, 'Wilson tho Just.'" Again there was mighty cheering, and. M. Croiset, doyen of the Faculty of Letters, and M. Lucien Poineare analysed and extolled in turn (he historic and the University career of the now doctor, after which tire Vice-Hector handed Mr. Wilson his diploma and an address signed by all the law professors of the nations of tho Entente.

President Wilson, in accepting the honour conferred upon him, made an appropriate speech, in the courso of which no said:—

"If there is one point of prido that I venture to entertain, it is that it ha? been my privilege in somo measure to interpret the university spirit in the public life of a groat nation, and I feel that in honouring me to-day in this unusual and conspicuous manner, you have first of all honoured tho peoplo whom J represent. The spirit that I try to express I know to bo their spirit, and in proportion as I servo them, 1 believe that I advance the cause of freedom."