Constantine republican. [volume] (Constantine, Mich.) 1836-1838, 1838-03-14
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE sUPERIN
PENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION.
STATE OF MICHIGAN, I
Office Of Superintendent Of Public In
sfructioa,
Marshall, Deccnibsr 81, 1887. J
TConciudcd. ]

OWCe 81 DupeftHtfHuent " I-uOttC
sfructioa,
Marshsll, Deccnib.r 81, 1887. J
[Concludedl
A note was also received from President
Day, assigning a feeble state of health as a
reason for not wiring more at length; but
kindly forwardingthe "rcports on the cause
of instruction in Yale College" as contain.
ing the substance OF his views on the sub
ject. From this able document extracts
have already bcenm made. Other letters have
been received from gentlemen of high stand
ing on the same question, but marked "pr.
vate.n One of them recommends the an
pointment of board of education, similar
10 our board ofagents, with power OF found
ing colleges, but only on the condition pro.
posed by President Brown, of having pro-
cured ample funds to sustain them on a foot
ing of high responsibility and usefulness.
Il results therefore with great clearness
from the statements and reasonings pre-
scented. that the multiplication Of institutions
under the imposing name of universities and
colleges, in our country, is to be regarded
ms an evil of great magnitude, as exceed
inglv detrimental to the interests Of ltera.
ture, science and the arts. The system never
has, and never can, yield any thing else
than the stinted growth, and bghted grape
of the drear desert; it never has, and ne9er
will. produce the rich luxuriant foliage and
clustering rpened fruit Of the stately vine,
as on the deep and highly cultivated soil I'M
der a genial sun. The question then is,
shall we as a state, with the accumulated
light, emanating from the experience OF all
the states for the last halfcentury, and pour
ing in upon the subject, adopt the same sys-
tenn. and enter upon the same course of
policy? A system conlessedly bad, IN oil
its elements, and line of policy acknow-
lodged 10 be ruinous by all judicious, re-
fleeing men, and proved TO be such by the
test of all past experiments But If the
door is once Internationally opened, how is
it ever TO be subsequently shut ? Toguard
efTactually against the evils so universally
deprecated, and in accordance with the prac.
tice in the state of New York, let the re-
gents of the university be empowered 10
grant charters of colleges only on the con-
dlion, that the association applying. shall
have actually secured, for the use OF the
institution. the sum of two hundred thousand
dollars; Of this sum, fifty thousand dollars,
nj least. should be invested in suitable build
inrs and other accommodations, and the
balance. one hundred and fifty thousand
dollars, so invested and secured, as that the
full amount ofthe interest arising therefrom,
shall be yearly available for the support Of
The college, SO long as it shall continue IN
operation, rcserving to the state In all cases.
the right of visitation, and an annual re-
port. No institution ought ever 10 be al
lowed 10 assume the name and responsible.
ties of college, on less solid and perma-
nent foundation. With less sum, no such
establishment can be placed upon perma-
nent footing of high responsibility and use
fulncss. Thus much undoubtedly the state
has a right TO require. Justice TO herself,
TO her reputation and character demand 1t,
rs nothing can resutfrom an opposite course
but disrepute and the lasting degradation OF
literature, science and the arts, in our fair
aud rapidly rising commonwealth.
Though some may ultimately refuse all
co.ope alton and harmony of action, with
the public, in founding and rearing up an
institution worthy of the state, and of the
age, vet it is believed that the liberal minded
Of all classes, including the great body Of
the people, will rally around the Univer-
sy of Michigan" and give it countenance
and firm, unwavering support. 1t is the
property of all and hence equally the in
torest and duty Of all 10 dot its object is
the cultivation of intellect-the acquisition
of knowledge-the formation Of noble
lninds-high moral attanments and eleva-
ten of character. Education in all its
branches is common ground-all parties
can here meet--al sects can here unite
the object is the highest culture and improve
ment Of all conditions. If we cannot come
together and unite on this ground, as citi-
zcns of one community, TO promote the pub
lie good, we can meet and cooperate no
where this side the grave. But there is no
occasion to despair, the good sense of the
community, and sober reflection, will lead
10 the desired co operation and harmony Of
action. Further acquaintance. and concili-
atory intercourse will remove what may
now seem, in the distance, impossible bar.
riers. This was strikingly illustrated at the
late session Of the " College of Profession.
al Teachers" There were present bap-
fists, presbyterians, episcopalians, metho.
dists, unitarians, catholics and some others;
yet their action was generally harmonious.
On one exciting question, it was expected
the Institute would be rentin twain +; but at.
ter free discussion, and comparison ofviews,
the convention came TO unanimous result.
Il is no more difficult to coalesce and co.
operate in sustaining an institution of the
highest grade, than for persons of different
names 10 send 10 the same primary school.
Deeming the question above discussed TO
be one Of vital Importance, the Superintend
cnt has felt constrained, in the outset OF that
career Of improvement, on which the state
seems disposed to enter, TO present TO the
consideration Of the legislature, his views
in an extended form on the subject. 1t is
TO be borne in mind, that the policy now a.
dopted is destined TO affect the literary stand
ing and character Of the state, not only foi
the time Of the present generation, but SC
long as the republic and lis institutions shall
be preserved, nay more--so long as its
name and the memorial of its deeds shall
be read in story, or in song.
BY an act, approved July %, 1886, "tc
define the duties of Superintendent Of Pub