TRIBUTES FROM ASSOCIATES AND FRIENDS 157

voice was heard in counsel. He acted free from factional prejudice
and his advice was always highly valued because of independence in
his conclusions. Serving no special industry, he was vitally inter-
ested in all and sought their fullest development.
 With fine perception he identified himself with those amusements
and activities which denoted clean social enjoyment and made his
influence felt against the distracting and hurtful practice of the so-
called "society" which every community finds in its midst. His
devotion to pure athletics was manifested in his own recreations and
the policy of the institution he had in his charge. His interest in
sports was of the highest type and did much to further the cause of
true sportsmanship, locally.
 Perhaps the most sensitive point of contact between an institution
of learning and the city in which it is located is found in political
problems. Personal ambitions of politicians may have a very unfor-
tunate effect on the interests of the college. Dr. Murphree with rare
tact was able to exert a wide influence in the selection of city officials,
while keeping his personal preferences in the background. Thus
was built up a spirit of understanding between the town and the great
state institution located in it. He stood adamant against the college
being brought into compromising position through faculty members
becoming candidates for public office. He consequently widened the
field of their influence and promoted, to a large degree, the cause of
good government, with its attendant moral standards.
 The City of Gainesville mourns the loss of one of its foremost
 citizens who did much to promote our prosperity. We will miss more
 and more his fine insight, courageous counsel, and continual activity
 in everything that contributed to our best development.
 The writer lost a close personal friend. One who gave and
 accepted an intimate companionship. There is in my heart, as I write
 of him, a feeling of loneliness, as I realize that his voice is stilled
 and happy hours with him here are things of the past.
 -w. M. PEPPER, SR.