Celebration of Benjamin Franklin's Birth
This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.
239th anniversary of the birth of Benjamin Franklin celebration. Sponsored by members of the graphic arts industry the exercises honor Franklin's many great accomplishments. Mayor La Guardia speaks.
Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection
WNYC archives id: 69283
Municipal archives id: LT597
This is a machine-generated transcript. Text is unformatted and may contain errors.
From New York's historic city hall your city station brings you a program marking the two hundred thirty ninth anniversary of the birth of the great American the man on it is Benjamin Franklin and the exercises which include addresses here at city hall in the laying of a wreath at Franklin statue on Park Row sponsored by more than a score of branding educational and civic organizations but now to introduce the speakers here is our chairman the Honorable William H. Freedman a member of the New York City Tunnel Authority and chairman of the Graphic Arts Educational Commission Mr Friedman. Ladies and gentlemen in behalf of forty strong flowing organizations. The graphic arts industry extends a welcome to you here today. We have come here to celebrate the two hundred thirty ninth anniversary of the birth of Benjamin Franklin one of America's greatest sons the story of his life has made a lasting impression throughout the world and especially so in our own country where every man to a large extent may set his own goal and to win it by the fruit of his own efforts. Benjamin Franklin achieved fame and greatness as Printer author and publisher scientist philosopher and statesman history records few examples of a career with the interesting versatility and you manes personality that was Franklin's few men who rose from such humble beginnings to such great and didn't during splendor. It was Benjamin Franklin the boy who walked the streets of Philadelphia to become munching on a loaf of bread. The youth who rose from printer's devil to become the new world's first great publisher the man who invented stoves first compatriots warmth and designed like thing rugs for their safety. The executive who gathered supplies for Braddock's march into the wilderness the sage who signed themself Poor Richard the diplomat who raised alone in France to gain his country's freedom the patriotic who shared in framing the Declaration of Independence the Constitution. And the treaties with France and Britain these were only a part of Benjamin Franklin quite possibly Benjamin Franklin was the greatest man of the Western Hemisphere ever produced certainly historians state that he stood head and shoulders above his tomb temporaries that's why we who are engaged in the graphic arts industry. Are most anxious to perpetuate his teachings and therefore we pause here today to pay our respects to the straight man of revered memory Benjamin Franklin the printer. As part of the program we have invited here representatives of various industries business and labor each of whom will pay a tribute to Benjamin Franklin. The first number on the program will be the singing of the national anthem by the audience an artist. To go out. To woo woo woo. Woo woo. Woo woo eek and. Do with. The out. Of the E.U.. Thank you work was. Wow. Wow. Yeah cool. Cool. To throw out. Was. Yes you would. Benjamin Franklin was a worker first and a businessman afterwards Benjamin Franklin was a leader always. We have such a man. In our next speaker as a printer as the executive head of a large corporation as a man who has published many books on the life of Benjamin Franklin. And as a business man proud to be known as a printer I have the honor to present to you Mr Di you'll see McVicar vice president of the New York employing fritters Association president of the Brooklyn Eagle press midst of McVicar will speak Franklin in the business. In colonial times even more so than today only a well to do man could afford to save his country abroad but Benjamin Franklin printer had no consign on this score even though he started out Penny was so keen and shrewd were his business abilities and so dynamic the energies he directed into business channels that at the age of forty nine he was able to retire from business with a continuing income estimated at a thousand pounds sterling which was a pretty penny in those days. We should keep in mind that Franklin devoted only a part of his time to business on the side he found time for philosophical writing for invention of the lightning rod a stove a cup of plate printing press and other useful things for organizing a subscription library and a fire department and for many other activities for the public good the colonies had Franklin's business genius to thank for his freedom from Concern over personal finances which permitted him to sorry through so brilliantly his fellow Colonials And later our country which he helped to found a study of Franklin's business career backs the belief that if he lived today he would be world famous on the strength of his business abilities alone let's draw a few parallels from his career and relation to business activities today. Where we find a more magnetic sales manager than the youngster who went with his printing partner to violent Burlington New Jersey to print paper money for the state of New Jersey. A committee of the legislature was charged with watching the operations but from all accounts they kept their eyes on the work only the better to enjoy young Franklin's or resist a bold charm so in this audition was dodging his apron to dine at their homes he became intimately friendly with many officials of the province and these friendships lasted through his lifetime where today is the business promotion man with a better sense of the dramatic touch than Franklin who shoved his paper loaded wheel barrow through Philadelphia streets not for want of ready money but as he himself stated to show his creditors how industrious and frugal he was undoubtedly also he was mindful of the advertising effect on local buyers of printing where the business man today more keenly aware of the opportunities in hand and more ready to take them than Frank when he became his own debt free master only four years after he set up in business at the age of twenty eight he was public printer for Delaware and New Jersey later of Mary land where the business ambition today to better than to Franklin poor at an early stage in his career at the spats partners to establish print shops in several of the colonies and in at least four towns in the remote West Indies where the modern might yet more fry settle than just Polonia omni vendor who under one roof sold soap ballads food dry goods books and stationery and who on the side bought linen rags by the Times to sell to the paper mills where the newspaper publisher to day look at stimulate a secular nation and increases advertising revenue at will for the product of his own pen as Frank went to writing anonymously as the busybody. Poor Richard who is all Maneka at a price to yield a generous profit wasn't essential in every home in the colonies and through the years since hasn't reached American literature or truly was a great businessman as rare abilities and business are not so well known today only because he was even greater as a scientist patriot diplomat government finance a statesman and philosopher it should be mentioned that there was no record of Franklin's deviation and the slightest degree from the finest ethics of business the highest standards of fair dealing with his fellow men. He was a genius and business we simply couldn't help being successful but who was best known to us today as what he most wanted to be a staunch advocate of Liberty and self-government as our first international citizen and first proponent of the good neighbor policy applied to all nations. Benjamin Franklin as a printer was interested in labor. It was through labor and the printed word that his great philosophical writings had been spread across the face of the globe are inextricable like Franklin has been interested in Labor Education and philosophy and has devoted the larger part of a full and energetic life to the betterment of the social and economic conditions of the masses. There are a few people who know the problem of vocational education as she does. And it has been through her efforts that industry labor and education have gotten together at the Round Table to plan and develop ways and means for the proper training of young bands and the women for industry. The philosophy of labor the philosophy of industry and the philosophy of education as applied to vocational education are subjects close to our heart it is therefore a privilege to present speakers Mrs Buddy Holly Donnelly executive secretary of the advisory board of vocational education and vice president of the New York State Federation of Labor Mrs Dolly will speak on the subject Franklin on the job. Was next to. Mr Friedman honored guest and clear chair Benjamin Franklin it is quite fitting that a representative of the great mass of organized workers throughout the state of New York numbering over a million and a porter in the American Federation of Labor should pay tribute to a great man who was of working one of the proudest those of the Federation of Labor is the membership in our ranks of the skilled craftsmen in the printing trades they have brought honor to the ranks of labor because they are skilled mechanic I want to say just a word to you boys here today who are to be the future working people in the great army of the printing trade I think that you are particularly blessed not only to live in this great land of opportunity but especially blessed to live in the great city of New York that afford such modest educational opportunities its OK Still education has done one thing it has brought to educators a fuller Ellis ation of the dignity of labor and I say to you future costs not take advantage of that opportunity if one lesson was totally. When our countries lose in this great. Danger when we were facing almost a task to see to the world and in America. It was the value of the working man and where our lives that the thing that keeps the life blood flowing in our war effort is the work of the mechanic on the job because the car that went out from Washington was Workers of America men your factories go to your ships your country needs you. You say what do we as printers do and what have we done as our contribution Need I tell you how much the written and printed word has meant as in the daily press we review the happenings that's going on in that terrible war across the sea and as we envision our ability your companions over there fighting the things and for the things in which Franklin and those of us who follow him believe we are in our eyes a contribution that printing can may make and has made because it will bring into the written word and the printed word the word of God and great men that will envision for us a world of peace in our to model self future craftsman of America follow in the steps of a great Labor man and I say the word Labor man advisedly and we pledge to you the working people of this nation that we will stand by with you the future workers in making possible look kind of a world that Franklin would add vision and that you will go for it as craftsman workers and citizens thank. Many of you. See Quite frequently the site of the Evening Post. I wonder whether when you see it there occurs to you the sort. That was Benjamin Franklin plies the original founder. Of the magazine which preceded the site of the Evening Post. Benjamin Franklin's Poor Richard all Mike is known the work of a civilization exists Benjamin Franklin's reputation as an author would be great if only he had written nothing else than is part of biography. It is therefore a privilege to introduce to us the next speaker Mr Irving a chandler trustee of the international bunch of and Franklin society alumnus of the University of Pennsylvania founded by Franklin was the chan little stick on Franklin as off. Her he. Was the Chairman Ladies and gentlemen. Benjamin Franklin with only two years of formal schooling became by self education the ablest American writer of his time. And while he was a master of plain turfs and dynamic English he had no aspiration to achieve literary distinction. Franklin was not interested in writing fiction his thoughts and writings the more interested in the subject of facts. And while he was a prolific writer he always had in mind and in view some present potent and practical utility. Franklin really began his writing at the youthful age of fifteen years when as an employee of his brother's newspaper The knowing the Koran. He surreptitiously wrote articles that appeared in that paper without the real author be known because he used the fictitious name. Of silent to good. As we all know Frank then left his Boston home at the age of seventeen to seek a career elsewhere and ended his seeking in the friendly city of Philadelphia where a few years later his stablished himself in the printing business. Escaped him the opportunity of creating and publishing in seventeen and thirty two the first issue of Poor Richard's Almanac. This Aman Act which Franklin published for twenty five years with much profit to himself became intensely popular throughout the colony because besides containing how men act material. It called History set forth writings that for both entertaining and displayed the fertile humor of Richard Saunders the fictitious name that Franklin adopted as the author and publisher of this annual publication. It was in this I'm a knack that Franklin first published. His famous writing an article under the title of. Father Abraham speech which was after it reprinted under the title of the way to wealth this has been described as the best sermon ever preached upon industry and frugality it received world wide distribution. It was copied and all the newspapers of European continent and distributed in Great Britain as a broadside. Ninety suddenly. Additions. I this wonderful speech. Are printed in English fifty six in French eleven in German and nine in the talent it was translated into at least twelve other foreign languages including Chinese. This is an American classic preeminent bear in mind that this was about two centuries ago. Franklin's exploration. And experimental activities in the then little old science of electricity a chief for him international distinction and membership. In the eminent scientific societies in Europe such as the Royal Society of London and the Academy of Sciences in France. Way back in seventeen fifty four francs and author of a plan for the Unite union of the colonies that was thirty three years before the drafting of our famous United States. Constitution. But in the minds of the people it was not yet time for such a union of a probably needed and his plan for the union was regarded in England has been too democratic. And in the colonial assemblies as giving too much authority to Great Britain. Franklin's brain. Operated along scientific philosophical and political lines and the subjects that received attention have his exploring an analytical mind doing some paid visit life aggregated more than sixty a number. Highly any subject in human experience. Or as natural phenomena escaped its attention and became. At the basis of his writing even death let's clarify in his writing on that subject. Franklin was our first American economist. The study of political economy. The fact that his attention and thoughts before the Explain minds of eminent men in Europe are attracted to its prominence his writings on economy are many and sound common sense that Franklin was the only American ever to participate. In the authorship and signing of four of our country's greatest historical and political documents. First the Declaration of Independence second the Treaty of Amity and commerce with France. That secured the aid that fight allies to Declaration of Independence and made possible the winning of our world for freedom. Third treaty of peace between Great Britain and United States. And the last but greatest of all the United States Constitution a pioneer motto of liberty and freedom everywhere. Not only as one of the greatest of our founding fathers. But also. Through a half century of many kinds of public service Franklin demonstrated his unsurpassable skill as a constructive statesman up unimpeachable sincerity for Rafferty and integrity. He was a diplomat Supreme. Ambasador extraordinary. And a very personification of thirst and economy. Expressing gratitude why our country's having had the benefit of the life and skills of this unmatchable man I and failed to say right now right now as never before in our country's history has our country more critically needed their wisdom of Benjamin Franklin. Are there on. The will of Benjamin Franklin. Which has become a classic the world over starts with a simple words I. Benjamin Franklin printer. So today what is more fitting. Then to have here the first president of the International Association of Printing House press from a member of the Board of Governors of the New York club of printing house Pressman manager of the color production department of the American weekly. Mr Perry our long will speak Franklin the printer I grant. FRIEDMAN ladies and gentlemen. As a represent of the International Association of printing else press and I'm very glad to take part in this program today and honoring that great printer and great American Benjamin Franklin the top sergeants of the printing industry will comprise or seven thousand members affiliated with our local organizations in all the large cities of United States and Canada and in fact all the people engaged in the printing industry regard Benjamin Franklin as our patron saint of the many worthwhile things that Franklin did as a printer as a publisher and as a citizen as well as a statesman has served as a pattern for inspiration for many people in past years for countless numbers of people in the years to calm his life and deeds will continue to shine as an example to be emulated we honor Frank and this time and we also honor the art of printing which he practiced for many years and which he was always so deeply interested our organization as is a tutor this year they observation of printing week and will continue it every year along with the other printing create organizations to observe printing week each year it will be observed in the week in January in which Benjamin Franklin's birthday anniversary occurs. Honoring the member of Benjamin Franklin and hope and calling attention to his life and work will always be an important part of the observation of printing week Franklin after serving his apprenticeship in his brother's print shop in Boston Cravell to Philadelphia where he secured work at his trade in the print shop of Samuel climate later he went to London and after working into print shops there returned again to Philadelphia and is again employed by Samuel climate at the age of twenty three Franklin set up his own print shop in Philadelphia a little later he started the newspaper called the Pennsylvania Gazette under Frank was management this publication grew and prospered he saw the importance of advertising and build up the sale of more advertising in his state for then appeared in any other paper in a college at that time along with being a good printer. Franklin became a prolific writer most of his writing had to do with the building up of the growing colonies and the welfare of the people. In seventeen thirty two he observed that seven element X. for Britain published at that time he believed that a better almanac to be published that be more helpful to the people not being afraid of competition he proceed to write print and publish his own Elman Act which named the poor Richard Hellman Ike which as with West become historically famous under the name of poor Richard he wrote many sayings of philosophy and advice which the readers they all men act like very much the circulation grew rapidly sales reached as high as ten thousand copies annually the same as a poor Richard became very popular no American writer as ever been quoted as much as Franklin sayings a poor richer. Franklin print a newspaper in Germany this was the first foreign language newspaper printed in the columns Franklin re the necessary plates and printing the first paper currency used in American columns Frankton grew and ran the first cartoon years in America Franklin Spencer me gives it under different names and under many owners has been printed continuously since seven hundred twenty eight and today we know it as a Saturday Evening Post Franklin thought more said more and did more of enduring value than any other individual born under American skies we are the printing industry are proud of the work and accomplishments of Benjamin Franklin we are grateful for the great contribution he has made to printing which is recognized as the art preservative of all the arts. As I look around the audience. I see some very distinguished guests. I want to call attention particularly to Mr William Wilson president of the printing press and his union number fifty one. Mr Hill of the Allied printing Trades Council Mr Russell Hogan president of the New York club of printing house crafts and. Mr Magruder in the autumn playing for an association Mr Conklin chairman of the school of printing press one of the Ostroff running Mr Ralph Wright of typographical you number six and many others. Immediately after these exercises. The Advertising Club of New York by Mr Allen T. Pryor president of the Allied printing Trades Council of New York by Mr Ralph right. International Benjamin Franklin society by Franklin Bates Huntington trustee in New York love of Printing House press one by Russell J. Hogan president in New York employing printers Association a Daniel a McVicar in the York printing press and union number fifty one I P. and P. and a U. of North America by William S. Wilson president of the New York School of first of printing class in January one nine hundred forty five by William grimaced president will each lay a wreath at the statue of Benjamin Franklin located in Franklin Square City Hall in New York City in humble reverence to this great statesman citizen and friend of. Benjamin Franklin's early life was one of travel and struggle and the trials and tribulations to obtain an education for himself and to become apprenticed as a printer. In our great educational system in New York City. Over one and a quarter million students are being educated. Amongst these are approximately fifty thousand young men and young women who are striving to carry out the same ambition that Benjamin Franklin had. These fifty thousand young folks are attending the vocational and industrial high schools hoping to become apprenticed to industry. And in that way become so supporting self respecting you flew and the worthwhile citizens. These people want and do get in the New York City the best education for life and for a worthwhile living. Standing at the top of this field in education is an able and outstanding educator who is cooperating with industry labor and business and whose progressive leadership is making the vocational high schools of New York City the best in the world. We had hoped to have Dr John Wade superintendent of schools of New York City here in person but pressure of business has given us an opportunity to have in his place the very educator who is directly responsible for the success of vocational education in the city of New York. It is therefore a great privilege that I have here now to present to you Dr George J. Pickett Jr associate superintendent of schools in charge of all case no education in the New York City. Clear of diverses own version I've got the raids speech and Franklin and education. And I must jam ladies and gentlemen on the guest something particularly the boys who are here from the New York School of Congress. So from time on the way does I ask may still expresses big regret because it was an ability to be here this morning. But the pressure of his official duties has been such today as to make it absolutely impossible for him to leave the office that for. A long. Distinguished jam but only up as quite a price and. I think I'm entitled that distinction lies we because of my size. The seven times on how deep in the head. Would have said Bess. If my Jimmy Franklin had done no more than the good to the well the rich wisdom and the God the self discipline incorporated in his autobiography he went today big concerted and outstanding. Influence in the education of his fellow man. But in addition to this admirable book. A veritable guide for the human spirit he also edited and compiled for Richard's Almanac a straw house of Mike Simms and proverbs which have become household sayings and money American homes. That was three Franklin for the moron but the first circulating library in America was organized. A powerful medium have a same scale as elite formative days for disseminating knowledge to a young and progressive Republic. For claims of mine Jimmy Franklin for recognition as educator on is based not only on these three miles storms and a brilliant record of service. They and Thomas Jefferson were probably the most versatile leaders among the founding fathers Franklin achieved high distinction as we know as statesman scientist popularizer of science and finally as a member of the Constitutional Convention which framed the Constitution of the United States this charter of our liberties as and I've caught was sound principles of democratic government and operates under a system of checks and balances that keeps our country from lapsing into a dictatorship. But I surprised Franklin's influence through his popular philosophical writings and a sign that says precepts are the basis of an education for all of us. Today when there was somewhat just slightly in the way. So many conflicting opinions about everything including what constitutes an education we find some of our doubts resolved by frankly. If we could for example prevail upon our young people to accept for themselves but for all of the resolve the Franklin made they were in this way reach a high stage of character development there are some significant points of view in regard to human nature as Franklin sleeze of. Good will. I resolved to speak ill of no man whatever. Not even a matter of truth but rather by some means to excuse the faults I had charge of the pond others and upon proper occasion to speak all the good I know of everybody. Loyalty. To endeavor to speak truth in every instance to give nobody expectations that are not likely to be answered. But I aim at sincerity in every word and action the most amiable excellence in a rational being. Price of merits. To apply myself industriously to whatever business I take in hand and not to devote my mind for my business by any foolish project of growing suddenly rich. For industry and patients are the surest means of planting economy it is necessary for me to be extremely frugal for some time till I have paid what I owe. There is character in the making there is the essence of a curriculum and I think some models there is Franklin The educate off and self-educated Franklin was an ardent believe in south education. Because he knew that education continues throughout life. Accordingly he was a champion of adult education. Not on the narrow science but broadly as continuous training for all adults but would improve their minds and live more satisfying lives he did not hesitate to start learning another language at a time when most men are ready to retire to his way of thinking no one has ever to road to embark upon a new study. From his earliest youth Franklin was fond of reading and spent every cent he could lay his hands on for books. His choice of reading material was essential inspirational a read put clocks lives to great advantage the photos essay on projects back to math as essay The don't grip. Other books he found valuable and recommends our filled rooms progress block on the Human Understanding Xenophon's memorable things of Socrates and the art of thinking by the much as the portray are those are some of the work seen mentions in his autobiography as having influenced his thinking and his conduct in later life. By misreading of Xenophon he learned a lesson that to feel no. One that may well be remembered by all of us when we engage in controversy. The art of discussing without contradicting. Of persuading without opposing and avoiding all violence and language and mental attitude all necessary it is to observe this caution if we wish to discuss important matters on an intellectual rather than on an emotional basis. If we could but takes the restraints he had in mind. We would make real progress toward drawing people closer together and universal brotherhood. Franklin's reading and experience led him to the conclusion that truth sincerity and integrity and dealings between man and man one of the utmost importance for the felicity of life. As a picture of him south. And as a guide for the teachers of others. Franklin listed as bright Joe's sincerity justice industry resolution moderation. Humility. And said his intention was to have but your way themselves the practicing them one by one. Writing to the advice of that cyclists in the golden voice of. FRANKLIN the grade that daily self-examination is necessary for the time in the extent to which a man had achieved his aims he made a little book in which he wrote each of the great seals on a page of its own adopt the following excellent scheme for his own guidance. In the morning. What good shall I do this day. And they gave an ink what good to have right done this day. By same all of his own characters and by strict adherence to the code of behavior here the stab with from South be foreshadowed a plan of life and growth that later became the typical American way. There are no final text books on how to live even in this day and Franklin's autobiography and his poor rich it's almost like. His take things for instructing others are eminently sound and you advised. If you wish to instruct others a positive and dogmatic of mind I and advancing your side the months may occasion opposition and prevent a candid attention. Man must be taught as if you taught them not. And things are no. Proposed as things forgot. To FRANKLIN We all know the growth of the free public library and it was in his role as educators that he gave us this he had observed when he first established himself in Pennsylvania but there were fewer booksellers shops lovers of reading had the sun to England for their books Franklin organized the group known as The jumped out for the discussion of models politics and natural philosophy members of this. Each had a few books and Franklin suggested that they are some believes and lend them to each other. This was done and the advantages were such that he proposed to extend them to the public. A fund was set up and more books important than the library was opened one day in the week. While landing the books to subscribers on their promissory notes to pay double fine. If not the early retirement the institution so manifest that its utility was imitated by other towns and in other provinces the libraries were augmented by donations raiding became fashionable. And Ira people having no public amusement to divide their attention from study became better acquainted with books and in a few years were observed by strangers to be better instructed and more intelligent than people of the same rank generally in other countries this collection of books later became the Philadelphia library and was the predecessor of the modern public library Franklin and his father understood the desirability of exploring the like some capabilities of students. Which is the purpose of the modern junior high school. Young Franklin wanted to go to see his father decided and to time and that his son ought to make an intelligent choice of his tray Accordingly he took young Benjamin upon an exploratory sort of the shops. I can size he took me to work with him and see the joy in a bricklayer's time in US and others at their work. I think of that he might observe by inclination and divert the fix upon some trade or a profession that would keep me on land. It has ever since been a pleasure the main to say good workman I know there has been often useful to me to have lived so much as to be able to do some trifling jobs in the house when I work men was not at hand and to construct little machines for my experiments at the moment when the intention of making them was warm in my mind the fundamentals of education FRANKLIN You know these prescribed that. Start us out of put them into practice the modern trend in educational practice to wipe the size for all students the use of the hands of tools as well as proficiency a basic I could damage subjects as an accordance with Franklin's teachings. Character development codes of behavior relationships between man and man are embodied in his mikes and for his own guidance. Let me speak no ill of any man and I always speak all the good that I know about everybody. Perhaps. Then Jim and Franklin was a rare personality. And a great leader as well. Not only was he a distinguished statesman publisher and public servant but he was also a great fighter for the rights of the common man. We have here in our own city in our own generation a rare personality. Not only is he to a great leader a former publisher and died and a dynamic public servant but he too is the champion of the rights of the plain people. He is a man whose record of achievement is unselfish. And symbolizes the highest ideal of modern public service. He is a man who has devoted all his life to the betterment of the social and economic conditions of labor and industry. A man whose life and achievements during peace and the Ruhr we find a great parallel to the Life and Work of Benjamin Franklin he is the man who does what can't be done it is therefore ladies and gentlemen a great privilege to present to you the Benjamin Franklin of today honorable Fiero actually Wadia mayor of the city of New York who will speak on Franklin the man and citizen perhaps. Afraid when. Ladies and gentlemen. Now that introduction Mr Feynman. Might have bet all right. Had it not followed. The address by Mr Penn. Didn't you hear mistake it say that Franklin was an emotional and patient I never used any music to listen to the suppression. So we'll a pardon the printer's license but. You know it's nice. To meet here once Yeah. To commemorate the birth. Of one of the greatest American. Of our history. This man. Much. To many activities of life. And his contribution Well a permanent. And had great influence. All through the years and all through the history. Of our. Country. He was culture. And did educate himself. And was the equal. To the greatest minds. Our Europe. Whom he met and encountered. On a very important mission. For his young country. It is rare in history that we find. A person. Who has or has a scientific mind. As practical as. Benjamin Franklin. Who was a statesman sound and such. And yet an artist. He don't beautiful things. Great deal of his prose is poetry. And he was I think I'm a philosopher. It's quite true is just take it said he was generous in the bait. But he was right. Boys don't get the idea that he was a sissy he wasn't. He was quite nice. And when advocating. Is something. That he believed it. And he believed. In the future of our country. In the reliance and resourcefulness. As the people of his time. He was sent to Europe. And the most difficult mission. At a time. When kings and empires. Were at their very like. We were a young country. Crude. And as you just heard. Educational facilities a very limited. Population was small. People were struggling and fighting against the cat. To eke out an existence. It was not yet the land of abundance and plenty. O. we were by no means a definite. As a population as to just what said form of government we wanted. And the best proof of that is. That the government the form of government we now enjoy and believe in was not first of all reach originally created. But Franklin had does not yield. His worst no easy task. To sell America. To what was then. Europe. We've always been so fortunate that in every crisis. Our country as always produced. The man or the men to do the job. And Franklin was the man at that time. Our standing in Europe was not very high. There were some very false notions about America. And the people who had settled it at the time. But in the face of overwhelming opposition. And Prejudice. And misinformation. Franklin as an ambassador. Was the first. To represent the settlers. As a nation. This body a census. Who were determined. To. Establish. To find a way. I was stabbed to St Mark was then a hazy notion. I were an entirely new form of government. And you know he knew human nature too. And human nature was much different then than it is now. I.E. he had trouble with government contracts too. I always like to refer to that I went through the same thing in printing contracts when I took office. And his warning was very helpful to me. It was so intensely human. Like I was public eye it was subject to attack and he readily would admit any weakness or any thought. I don't know whether it was easier to do it in those days now but it's always a good thing to do oh yes I made a mistake. We all do he did and it made an. Assault on this. Day. I heard country yes the world. Pays tribute. To a truly great man. One. Who made contributions. Science. Literature. Government. Established an example that still lives for characters. One whom every generation of our country is in debt for his part. In the formation. Of. What is now the greatest democracy in the whole world. Was. The next number on the program will be the singing of America by the audience accompanied by the orchestra and drum corps of the New York School of trending led by Mr Nelson. For the exercises adjourned to City Hall Square May I express our thanks and appreciation to the municipal Broadcasting System and to director of Maurice Novick and his assistants for making this broadcast possible I also expressed our thanks to the various heads of city the patents that permitted us to come here in these beautiful chambers. To celebrate this great occasion. From New York City Hall we brought you ceremonies marking the two hundred thirty ninth anniversary of the birth of Benjamin Franklin the Honorable William H. Freedman a member of the New York City Tunnel Authority and chairman of the Graphic Arts Educational commission and served as chairman of the orchestra and drum corps the New York School of printing was led by Nelson Farber. This is the municipal Broadcasting System.