In his speech, Mr. Rattenbury. dwelt upon the magnificent educational opportunity which is offered by these three great cities standing together at the point where two of the great waterways of China, the Han and the Yangtze, meet. More than 15 years ago, a scheme had already been proposed for the establishment of such a uni versity. The Rev. W. E. Soothil had been nominated as the first President, Private moneys had been subscribed. The interest of the British Government had been secured, and liberal support had been promised from influential quarters. American interest, too, had been aroused and committees were meeting in New York as well as in London and Wuchang, with a view to ce-operation.
Unfortunately, the European war broke out before these plans had matured and so for the past ten years the university scheme had been in abeyance. But it had not deen lost sight of, and was only waiting until the time was ripe for its revival. Now the time had come. The commencement had had to be in a more modest way than the supporters of the scheme had hoped for. The bulk of the funds which were originally expected for its support have now been dissipated. Nevertheless, the foundation which was now being did was a solid The new spirit of goodwill and desire to ce-perate between different missions was the most hopeful sign of. the times. Dificulties which at one time seemed insuperable had given way to tact,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.