Massachusetts spy and Worcester advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1823-1825, 1824-11-17
SPEECH OF NH. TRAIN UPON THE AM
HERST QUESTION.

AIoSsE oF nbFREsENTATIVES June 3, 1874.
.Vr. SpeGker-The subject under discussion
has for two years been before the public. Il
is not at all wonderful, that much has been
said and written in favor of this Institution.
nor is it at ali wonderful, that my esteemed
friend from Williamstown (Mr. Dewey,)
should dislike what has been said and publish
ed IN Its favor, because he is opposed to it.
The view which he has given us of the state
OF ITS funds, is to be ascribed TO the same
cause. 1t Is by no means surprising, that
some, who have subscribed to these funds.
should become unable or unwilling to nav
their subscriptions but according to his esti-
mate, if have made no mistake in the ca,cu-
lation, these funds amount to forty-eigbt
thousand dollars, instead Of fifty thousand, as
stated in the report of the Joint committee of
Inc Legislature. | feel greatly obliged to
that gentleman for his respectful mention of
the baptlsts, that "they are moral and res
pectaole class OF citizens :" but am not a.
ware that any improper measures have been
taken to enlist them on tine side of the AM
herst Institution. have no knowledge that
any one OF that denomination has been flattcr-
ed to it, nor do apprchend that they will find
themselves deceived. As it respects myself,
have no connection whatever with that Insti-
tuition, withits trustees, officers or students
and as humble individual, have little 70
expect, and less to fear from that Institution.
So far as they are disposed to be liberal, |
feel disposed to meet them but approach
this question upon the broad ground CT the
public good.
Literature renders our citizens intelligent.
and enables them to understand the PRINCIPLES
ofGovernment and Religion. Moral princi.
pies, ditused among every class of citizens,
give permaneucy to all our free institutions.
Upon the Importance oF education there can
be but one opinion. 1t expands, strengthens,
elevates and delights the mind; it renders
man mere capable Of discharging the duties,
and enjoying the blessings of life. WHEREBY
er Science spreads her cheering rays, there is
light and comfort, but in every other place on
the globe there is darkness. gross and paIpa.
bic darkness. Education, therefore, we are
bound by the Constitution to promote.
Without it what were unenlighten'd man ;
ga savage, rowing through the woods aud
wilds
"ln quest of prey; and with the unfashion'd
fur
CROUCH clad; devoid of every finer art,
g And elegance of life. Nor happiness
g Domestic, mixed of tenderness and care,
" Nor moral excellence, nor social bliss,
" Nor guardian law were his; nor various
skill
g To turn the lurrow, or guide the tool
" Mechanic nor the n-directed Prov
"Of Navigation bold, that fearless braves
Sc The burning line, or dares the wintry pole"
Whatever promotes the interests of learn
ing, promotes the public good, and deserves
encouragement. That the Amherst Institu-
ton without charter is doing much good is
readily admitted; hut will it not do much
more good, be more extensively useful, if we
give it the standing it deserves among our
Seminaries of the highest order? This is the
question before us, and, as apprehend, not of
difficult solution. When consider the moral
and literary standing of my native State, her
increasing population and resources, the en-
enlargement she has uniformly extended TO
all enterprises of promising utility when
consider the favorable location of this Institu-
ton, the talents and influence, the science
and benevolenCe, to which it owes its origin
and support, must confess, am not a little
surprised, that its claims to College Charter
should be so long and warmly contested. But
so subtle are the operations Of the human
mind, so slow the progress of public opinion,
such specious objections have been presented
by those engaged in the same pursuits, and of
the same religious persuasion, that the simple
request for the power of comforting Degrees
on those who deserve them, has been twice
denied, and these respectable petitioners a.
gain raise their suppiant voice, and ask you
to give them the power Of being more useful
by admitting them TO the same rank and priv
ilegcs with other Colleges. They ask you TO
acknowledge the Institution to be what in
fact it already is in every thing except the
name, College. Situated on one Of the
most delightful spots in nature, in a central
part Of the Commonwealth, and nearly equi-
distant from surrounding Colleges, the nearest
Of which is more than fifty miles, in the midst
Of a virtuous, industrious and fiourishing pop
ulation, you behold two spacious and commo-
dious College edifces, 100 feet long, 30 wide
and four stories high; also Presidents house.
A Library of Is hundred olumes, a Philosoph-
ical and Chemical Appar titus unfold the treas
ures of knowledge to I2 students pursuing
their Collegiate courseur der the care and in
struction Of a President two Professors and