The Portland gazette., 1819-05-11


besides, Il was not thought, that two colleges
We're necessary in the district Of Maine.
Il. But. sir, ifIt has assumed too high char
acter, must that exclude il from all consideration
above a common academy 1t is very evident
from the petition for incorporation, from the act
OF Incorporation, and from the grant of town
ship of land instead ola half township, that this
was considered more than common academy.
a. The donations from individuals were too
small to give it much consideration.
b. The subscriptions were several thousand
dollars, perhaps five thousand, and do not know
but more I; much Of it is already realized, and
valuable tract Of land is purchased, and further
assistance is ready, whenever the Trustees SO on
to erect suitable buildings for the accomnods-
ton of the students.
With respect to two colleges, or two consider
able Literary Institutions in Maine, would OBJ
serve, that were there one, that was sufhcicn for
every reasonable purpose, aaother might not be
necessary--but it is thought now to be quite 9TH
erwise. The expence of education at Bruins
wick, however valuable the institution, is such,
that but few ofthe common people able to
send their sons there; and many good genius,
and many promising youths, must fail, not only
81 a collegiate education but Of any considerable
degree oflearning, fog want ofpecuniary ability.
But there are several things that will lessen the
expence ofinstructon at Waterville. Therefore
if ought not to be college, yet let it De rep
uts ole and useful school for those in less sfluent
circumstances.
"A. Another objection ofgreat weight against
granting the petition, is, that it would be giving
privileges to one denomination, which are deni-
ed to Others. The colleges in the state admit
bsptsts and others with equal privileges; but it
seems the institution at Waterville is exclusively
for the baptists.
B. am almost surprized at this suggestion.
From what, dear sir, can it arise; from what
source is the information deFived
a. 1t appears to be so from the report of the
committee to which the petition was referred.
Here -ead for yourself, Mr. B. the last paragraph
ia the second page, and the last but one in the
third page.
B. You are right, sir, but certainly, i'll do not
mistake the idea, it is not correct. To my knowl-
edge they have ive trustees that not baptists;
two Of them at least are congregational protes-
sors, and their treasurer probably rs OF the same
order 1t was voted more than five years ago,
that FIVE of the trustees should be of other de-
nominations, for the express purpose OF placing
the institution on liberal plan, that 1t might
meet the views of other denominations
"A. Another essential objection, is, that it
claims to be Theological institution, and to en-
dow a school of that nature would be going furth-
would be real crowding upon others.
b. That part Of the name of the institution
does not accord with the views of some Of the
trustees but the question is, whether any thing
further is implied, or intended, In the name, than
in the idea of profess or of dviaity in college.
That the design was that theology should be one
branch ofstudy is certain, but literature, general
ly speaking, is the object. And if it is equitable
for the public to support theological professor
ia college of one denomination why not IN a.
nother or in an institution OF less consideration
A, Ihaye some other things to mention, but
how far they had influence ia deciding the ques-
ton respecting the petition do not know. It's
thot' the whole affair is too much connected with
political matters that 1t IS the ann OF some to
make use of it as tool to turn the government of
the state into the hands of the republicans, as
they call themselves and as the baptists gen.
eralIy. at least within my knowledge, are Of that
party. and as much use has been made OF the
business already in electloneering, Il am not with
out my apprehensions that It is too much the case
b. Indeed, sir, your fears extend great way,
and presume you are not unwilling 10 De con
vinced, that the fact is far otherwise. 1he facts
are simply these. The first movers for the lnst-
tuition were friendly to literature in general and
they were sensible, that it was too much lacking
in our own denomination, and even IN some OF our
were proapted to propose plan of education
for the sake ofthe rising generation, which has
so far been carried into execution. Nothing oil a
political nature, presume was thought OF at the
time and the board is made up OF persons OF
both parties. and of different religious denomna-
tiops. 1t was their design, that 1t should be
principally under the care ofthe baptists but not
wholly SO.
As to .he baptists being republicans, cannot
deny but that great proportion OF them are, but
many certainly are not Some churches are
mostly federalists, and some ministers. We are
speaking of the baptists IN MaIne) But allow
ing that many OF them are republicans, yet after
long and extensive acquaintance with them,
am fully satisfied, that they are upright and SIM
in THEM political opinions, and as real frie ds
to their country as any ia the world You Will
agree with me, sir that merely their political
19e,vs ought not to exclude them from any civil
nriv;leoe whatever. You ederalist-l
know the sentiments and even the heart OF Fed
eraIist--We do not persecute honest men Tor tnelr
,oI;t,c.t oomions. 1t is evident, sir, that fear
of an abridgment oftheir religious rights has been
one GREAT occasion of their joining with the side
many Of them do. They are IN sentiment, care
full and tender of the rights OF conscience; there
fore some, who would be popular leaders, nave
taken advantage of this particular propensity OF
theirs, aud have cried out against oppression and
persecution in such peculiar strain, as to induce
many baptists and Methodists to adopt course
of fpolitics dsagreeabe to many others OF the same
denominations. Whether Federalists or Repub- |
Iicans. we claim no more than equal privileges
with others.
a. But do you not think, that the trustees
themselves are influenced by political motives /
b. | will not pretend TO answer Tor every ndl-
yiduaI. bat as to the body OF them, am confl-
dent il is not so. But should there be one, or
two. or even three (Which am not Wiling TO al
low, So basely disposed, it ought not to deprive