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gifted with the length of life that we all wish for it, a span of a
century at least, it can hardly fail to be torn by some such dilemma.
Our universities, at all events, must be prepared to meet it.
If
such
a crisis should come, the universities throughout the world
will
have done most to create it, and are under most obligation to find
a solution for it. I will not deny that the shadow of this coming
event has cast itself on me, both as a teacher and a writer; or that,
in the last ten years, it has often kept me silent where I should
once have spoken with confidence, or has caused me to think long
and anxiously before expressing in public any opinion at
all.
Beyond a doubt, silence is best. In these remarks, which are only
casual and offered in the paradoxical spirit of private conversation,
I have not ventured to express any opinion of my own; or, if I
have expressed it, pray consider it as withdrawn. The situation
seems to call for no opinion, unless we have some scientific theory
to offer; but to me it seems so interesting that, in taking leave of
the association, I feel inclined to invite them, as individuals, to
consider the matter in a spirit that will enable us, should the crisis
arise, to deal with it in a kindly temper, and a full understanding
of its serious dangers and responsibilities.
Herbert
B.
Adams, Esq.,
Ever truly yours,
HENRY ADAMS.
Secretary, etc., American Historical Association.