The University’s War Debt: Professors Demand a Hero’s Welcome for Seattle’s Own

All of Them Favor a Magnificent Reception to the First Washington Volunteers.

They Call Attention to the Fact That Colonel Whittlesey Was Connected with the University as Also Were a Number of the Privates.

"In our joy over victory," said President Graves, at the University, to a Star reporter today, "we are liable to forget the sufferings and privations that the Washington troops have undergone. The best way to show our appreciation is to give the First Washington some substantial recognition when the regiment returns from the seat of war. We are all too liable to give thanks to the great commanders and to forget that they could accomplish nothing without the bone and sinew of the patriotic and manly soldiers behind them. It seems to me that a celebration in Seattle would be the proper thing on the day when the Washington troops return."

Colonel Whittlesey Was a Professor.

"The return of the Washington volunteers shall be made the occasion for every demonstration in this city," said one University Professor of History, Frederick W. Meany, to a Star reporter later. "All feel proud of their brilliant record. There is no institution or organization that is entitled to more heartily participate in the celebration of the heroes than the University of Washington. At the time of his appointment to the command of the First Washington Regiment, Col. John G. Whittlesey was professor of military science and tactics in the university. Nine active students, unable to get commissions, enlisted as privates, all of whom have gallantly served. Several are now promoted. Besides the nine men who left for the battlefields, there are others in the regiment who were formerly students, notably Lieut. M. H. Gentry, who succeeded Captain Fortana in command of Company B. He was a captain of the class of 1899. By all means let us have the celebration on the lines proposed, and let the University assume to participate."

"It is not only proper, but a highly commendable project to celebrate the heroism of the volunteers," said Registrar A. H. Coffin. "I believe it a man first done his duty to his country when he voluntarily enlisted, who is deprived of his home comfort and social pleasures, and willingly goes into the midst of dangers, knowing that his life depends upon a trigger, should be welcomed home by his fellow citizens, whether he comes with the trophies of victory, or bruised by honorable defeat. With my whole soul, I give the Washington boys a rousing reception upon their return from the Philippines. The governor of the state should be asked to have this regiment brought here to be mustered out."

"I am heartily in favor of celebrating the homecoming of the Washington troops," said Registrar Kirk. "The boys have conducted themselves in a manly way since their enlistment. They were patient in waiting, as well as brave on the field of battle. Under the splendid leadership of Colonel Whittlesey, the regiment was brought up to the highest point of efficiency. I would suggest that the celebration take place out of doors at the old University grounds. We shall be particularly grateful that our University boys now in the regiment will be able to return and finish their education."

"There should be a reception either at the old University grounds, or at the new campus," the opinion expressed by Professor Meyer. "That would seem appropriate in view of the fact that Colonel Whittlesey and many of the privates are University men. Some special recognition should also be given by the university to the students who went forth from this institution to do battle for their country. Why teach military science and tactics, if we fail to recognize valor and manhood on the part of the pupils?"

"It would be a shame not to celebrate," said Professor Foster. "A warm welcome to the returning soldiers will not only do them good, but will be a lesson in patriotism. Let the university students and the school children take part in the program."

"I would like to see each of the boys brought home and given a grand reception in Fourth of July style. A banquet would not go amiss for men who have spent months in eating army rations."

"I consider it eminently proper to have a celebration when the boys come home," was the opinion expressed by Professor Rhoda. "I would give them a banquet and have plenty of ceremony, so as to show them we think them very distinguished guests. It would be nice to have a poem written especially for the occasion. The University should be represented."

"Let us have a celebration, by all means," was the comment of Professor Muench. "Patriotism once more gets the upper hand in our University, which has given some of its best members to the Washington regiment, should be accorded a prominent part in the affair. As an old soldier who has marched many times, I am for the project heart and soul."

"By all means, not only the city of Seattle, but the whole side of Washington, should be on hand when our heroes are back from Manila. They have had the journey to make thousands of miles from home and native land, and face death," said Professor Henry Laidlaw.

"The University cadets would doubtless like to participate in public demonstration," remarked Professor Howe. "Let the affair be held out of doors, so that all the people can participate. We will do all that can to make it a success."

"The Washington boys should be warmly welcomed upon their return," said President A. F. B. [illegible]. "So far I am individually concerned, I am willing to celebrate, whether I like the war or not."

"I am in favor of honoring the boys and showing them that we appreciate what they have done for the country and state," said Professor Fuller.

"Certainly welcome the boys home in grand style. They have fought bravely, and deserve a grand reception," was the remark made by Professor [illegible].