Colgate University - Salmagundi Yearbook (Hamilton, NY)

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Colgate Unz uer.vz'ty Q y We at Colgate know him principally as Trustee, and while he would be too modest to allow us to state all the truth, we certainly can say, that the most important improvements connected with the University buildings and life, since his connection with the Board, have either originated with him or have been supported by him in such a way as to make their indispensable- ness apparent and to secure their adoption. ln some instances, as in the case of the Academy Commons, he has acted on his own initiative. What- ever he has done has been in such a beautiful way as to make us feel that we were conferring the favor upon him instead ol' his conferring the favor upon us. N0 alumnus of the institution could have been more devoted. . We have learned, in his association with us, to understand something of his loyalty as a friend, which, while it does not allow him to be blind to de- fects, on the other hand keeps him patient and strong a11d true. 'lhe same good practical sense which has stood him in such stead in his business and in politics, he has brought to bear upon the affairs oi' the College. He has not paraded his generosity, nor published his good intentions, but his faith- ful service in the Board, his thoughtlul suggestions and his active co-opera- tion is sufhcient evidence . of both. We have spoken about the Colonel, as he is called here, asa college man, a business man,'in his relations to the church, and to our institution. We want now to speak of him as a college man among the boys. It is so difficult for a man to be with the boys and yet not become a patron, or seem to be patronizing. Never, for one moment, could any one think this ol' Mr. Col- gate. There are no persons who can read character more accurately than young men, and they see, as all who know him see, in Colonel Colgate, a man and a friend, who is sympathetic, without being weak, just without being sterng one who appreciates recognition l'or himself yet is not susceptible to flattery and who can carry the burdens which birth, education and success bring with- out yielding to the temptations which they offer and whose good judgment makes his friendliness and friendship a satisfaction and an encouragement W. M. L.

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8 The Safmagzmdz' of IQI3 strong movement among certain members of the llepublican party, who felt that something should be done to secure reforms regarded as absolutly neces- sary. Whether the name 'fNew Idea, originated with this wing of the party or not, it was accepted by them, and a very vigorous campaign was under- taken. With this movement, Mr. Austen Colgate identified himself. Al- though 11ot i11 any sense a politician, yet believing in his State and in his party, he became very active. The value of his services was at once recognized and he was tendered, and accepted, the nomination to the Assembly. He was elected in 1906, returned i11 19o8, and also i11 19o9. His speeches during these campaigns evinced a great deal of talent as a speaker. They were well received, for they were courteous to those who disagreed with them, they were convincing to those who needed persuasion, and they were informing to those who needed educationg they were marked by no flights of oratory but they were llll earnest, sincere presentation of conditions. His speeches possessed also what has been aptly termed a compelling force of humor, arresting the attention and holding it until the thing that he was saying was impressed upo11 the memory. No matter how his auditors might feel afterwards about what he had said, while he was saying it there was no irritation. O11 the contrary, they felt themselves conciliated and desirous of listening. This is not only an high art, but it is an endowment. It en- ables one to present, in a most effective way, the truth which has taken pos- session of his own soul. lt is not sarcasm and it is not ridiculeg it is some- thing more than fun-provoking sympathy. Home one has defined wit as the statement of truths in unexpected relations.', When Colonel Colgate rises to speak, you know that you a1'e going to hear what he believes, but you also know that you are going to hear it stated in such a way that you will feel that he is not an e11emy, that there are no personal grievances which are to be righted, but, as Beecher said, he wings the ar1'ow of conviction with a smile and gilds the edge of an illustration with a sunbeamf' We all know his happy way of illustrating the point with an effective story and we can appreciate his acceptableness to an audience. ln addition to this, it ought to be said that his speeches show a rich quality of imagination. We do not mean that they are imaginative, but in a few brief sentences he can outline such a picture of conditions impossible to obliterate from the memory. Upon the election of Judge John Franklin Fort to the Governorship of New Jersey, Mr. Colgate was made his personal Aide, with the l'2LI1li of Colonel, by which title he is generally known, although just prior to the retirement of Governor Fort he was made Deputy Adjutant General, and l suppose, be- fore long, we shall all be calling him General, because he has a very happy way of commanding the friendship a11d good-will of all who know him. Although a business man, and having but little time to himself, Mr. Colgate has a fine library. I-Ie is fond of reading, and while not neglecting general literature, he is especially interested in the classic novels and the English poets. This prefe1'ence for the English classics will probably ex- plain the quality of his add1'esses to which we have alluded. l think it was once stated that for a number ol' years he read Ivanhoe through annually. Mr. Colgate is connected with the University Club of the City of New York, with the Yale Club, has been l'resident for some time of the Essex County Country Club, is fond of shooting and golf and outdoor sports that appeal to a warni-hearted, genial, healthy 11atu1'e.

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