This was a recognition that had never in the slightest manner
entered into my mind, and it was hard for me to realize that I was to
be honoured by a degree from the oldest and most renowned university
in America. As I sat upon my veranda, with this letter in my hand,
tears came into my eyes. My whole former life — my life as a slave
on the plantation, my work in the coal-mine, the times when I was
without food and clothing, when I made my bed under a sidewalk, my
struggles for an education, the trying days I had had at Tuskegee,
days when I did not know where to turn for a dollar to continue the
work there, the ostracism and sometimes oppression of my race, — all
this passed before me and nearly overcame me.
I had never sought or cared for what the world calls fame. I have
always looked upon fame as something to be used in accomplishing good.
I have often said to my friends that if I can use whatever prominence
may have come to me as an instrument with which to do good, I am
content to have it. I care for it only as a means to be used for
doing good, just as wealth may be used. The more I come into contact
with wealthy people, the more I believe that they are growing in the
direction of looking upon their money simply as an instrument which
God has placed in their hand for doing good with. I never go to the
office of Mr. John D. Rockefeller, who more than once has been
generous to Tuskegee, without being reminded of this. The close,
careful, and minute investigation that he always makes in order to be
sure that every dollar that he gives will do the most good — an
investigation that is just as searching as if he were investing money
in a business enterprise — convinces me that the growth in this
direction is most encouraging.
At nine o'clock, on the morning of June 24, I met President Eliot,
the Board of Overseers of Harvard University, and the other guests, at
the designated place on the university grounds, for the purpose of
being escorted to Sanders Theatre, where the Commencement exercises
were to be held and degrees conferred. Among others invited to be
present for the purpose of receiving a degree at this time were
General Nelson A. Miles, Dr. Bell, the inventor of the Bell telephone,
Bishop Vincent, and the Rev. Minot J. Savage. We were placed in line
immediately behind the President and the Board of Overseers, and
directly afterward the Governor of Massachusetts, escorted by the
Lancers, arrived and took his place in the line of march by the side
of President Eliot. In the line there were also various other
officers and professors, clad in cap and gown. In this order we
marched to Sanders Theatre, where, after the usual Commencement
exercises, came the conferring of the honorary degrees. This, it
seems, is always considered the most interesting feature at Harvard.
It is not known, until the individuals appear, upon whom the honorary
degrees are to be conferred, and those receiving these honours are
cheered by the students and others in proportion to their popularity.
During the conferring of the degrees excitement and enthusiasm are at
the highest pitch.
When my name was called, I rose, and President Eliot, in beautiful
and strong English, conferred upon me the degree of Master of Arts.
After these exercises were over, those who had received honorary
degrees were invited to lunch with the President. After the lunch we
were formed in line again, and were escorted by the Marshal of the
day, who that year happened to be Bishop William Lawrence, through the
grounds, where, at different points, those who had been honoured were
called by name and received the Harvard yell. This march ended at
Memorial Hall, where the alumni dinner was served. To see over a
thousand strong men, representing all that is best in State, Church,
business, and education, with the glow and enthusiasm of college
loyalty and college pride, — which has, I think, a peculiar Harvard
flavour, — is a sight that does not easily fade from memory.
Among the speakers after dinner were President Eliot, Governor
Roger Wolcott, General Miles, Dr. Minot J. Savage, the Hon. Henry
Cabot Lodge, and myself. When I was called upon, I said, among other
things: —
