THE SOCIAL FUNCTION
OF THE UNIVERSITY

[Ft. Smith
_______ Club
Dec. 10 1939]

Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen:
   I appreciate this opportunity to meet with you. Judge Ragon said that
he didn't care what kind of speech I prepared and that I might speak it, sing
it, or read it. The main thing was that you all should have an opportunity to 
see me and I an opportunity to meet you. Now that you have seen me, I feel 
that the greater part of my duty has been discharged. Many remarks have been
made about my youth. I really mean no offense by it and I am confident that 
definite progress is being made every day to correct it.
   This is my first public appearance as President of the University of 
Arkansas. I think it is fitting and proper that it be in Ft. Smith because 
Ft. Smith lias always beena strong supporter of the University. You have 
supported our fottball team with your enthusiasm as well as your money. You 
have sent your children to the university and have given it your support in many ways. 
I assure you that your friendship is appreciated. But further than that, 
your support of the University indicates that your people are aware of the 
advantages of a strong university. You understand that in order for your 
city and our state to prosper our young men and women must receive the best 
training possible. Your support after all is simply evidence of a sound 
judgment and a proper sense of values. Ft. anith has long had the well 
deserved reputation of having the most progressive leaders in the state. 
Your banks, your schools and your local government, both city and county, 
have been models of efficiency and integrity for many years. The University 
has, I believe, contributed to that leadership. Your excellent mayor came 
to you from Fayetteville. You should be proud of him and not merely because 
he married my cousin. You are also fortunate in having auah a public spirited 
Federal Judge. Many judges, after attaining that office, feel that their days
of extra legal service to the community are over,but not Judge Ragon.