Constantine republican. [volume] (Constantine, Mich.) 1836-1838, 1838-03-14
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The foundation Of the system was laid by
the convention that formed the constitution;
and the system itself begun by the FIRST le-
gis'aturc, was matured and perfected by the
last. What remains is TO carry il into suc-
ccssful operation, making from time to time
such notifications, as experience shall de-
lermine to be necessary and desirable. As
the great and leading object Of the system,
is the general improvement of the people
| themselves, and the elevation of their chill.
dren TO high and useful attainmcnts, res
pectablllty and moral worth, il can scarcely
fui! of being received with favor by an en-.
lightened public, and supported by the con-
current voice and co operation OF the great
body Of the people, though individuals may
not approve it in all its features. Most GER
tainly we have laid the foundation for rails
ing a fabric of gigantic proportions, and
great magnllcence one whose superstruc-
turc, when duly perfected by the wise hand
and councils of experience, cannot fail oil
being the ornament and glory Of Michigan
in all coming time, and as useful in all its
apartments, as grand and beautiful in its de-
sign. Hence if we fail, as justly remarked
by distinguished gentleman Of the late SEES
sion Of the College of Professional Teach
ers, sit will be magnificent failure" and
draw after it consequences OF direful i'm.
port. But we trust in that Providence of
the all wise, the high and mighty Ruler OF
the universe which has thus far so benign
ly and prosperously guided the councils and
affairs ,,f Olr cta.a flo cx,eta,,, iS Iacfi
ned TO flourish and bear much fruit, even
long after those who were instrumental in
its production shall have returned TO the dust
Of the valley, and gone TO their fnal home.
University Fund.
This fund originally consisted ofseventy.
two sections OF land, reserved from sale
and granted by an ordnance Of Congress 10
the state, for the purpose Of founding and
supporting Il university, and three sections
obtained at The treaty made with the lnd-
ans at Fort Meigs for the promotion of the
same object. Nearly the whole of the Sc
twenty-five sections, equal to $4,000 acres,
was selected in the early settlement Of the
country; and hence comprising some OF
the most choice lands to be found in the
state. OF this amount, four sections were
sold by the former trustees for 8 of
this sum, $4,000, with interest, amounting
to $454 II, has recently come into the
hands ofthe Superintendent TO be re-loaned.
During the past summer, under the provi.
sions of the act for the disposition of the
university and school lands, 6593 acres have
been sold for $l50,447 90, the interest of
which is payable between the fifth of July
and the eighth Of August next; at which
time it will pass into the hands Of the trea-
surer Of the state, 10 the credit Of the uni
versity fund, TO be paid TO the treasurer Of
the university on the warrant of the auditor
general. There remains, therefore, unsold
of the university lands, 3s,S57 acres. We
have this result:
35,s57 acres, at $40 per acre, the
minimum price, ST7,l40 10
$3.50 acres, at 500 esq per acre,
as sold, l5O,447 90
BY former trustees, 5000 90
Due on notes for use Of improved
lands and natural meadows, 1000 Sd
Total, $93i,5SS 40
The interest of $4,000, amounting TO
$454 IA, has been passed to the credit of
the university fund, and is now in the hands
Of the treasurer of the university.
The resources Of the country being rich
and abundant, as developed from year to
year, the increase Of its population unpre-
cedented in the annals of time, and the
march Of improvement being rapidly on.
ward, depreciation in the value Of choice
farming lands, is not 10 be apprehended.--
1t is hence TO be expected that certain por-
tons of the university lands will sell for
more than the fixed minimum price, espe-
cially when it is considered that some OF
| these lands are situated at some Of the most
important and desirable points in the state,
like those at the mouth of the st. Joseph,
on which it is believed the great central
railroad will terminate. Sufficient, it is
thought, will thus sell, to raise the universe
ty funds as high, at least, as ST. ,000,0 00.--
1t would not, perhaps, be safe 10 base any
operations Oh higher estimate, though time
may yet enstamp upon them a somewhat
| higher value.
But though the university fundb be estima.
ted at s l,000,000, and the interest arising
thcrcfrom at $4,000 annually, yet it will
not be sufficient to put the present insttu.
ton, with such number of branches as it
will be desirable TO create, into immediate
and successful operation Much is to be
done, and much iudi,iously expended be-
fore this great object can be accomplished.
Suitable university buildings are to be G.
rccied, library 10 be procured, philosoph.
lcal and chemical apparatus TO be purchased
and a cabinet of natural history TO be Sc
lcc,ed, besides the yearly payment of the
salaries of the chancellor, professors, tutors
and steward of the institution, when once
it has commenced operations. For years
to come the university will need every dol
lar of the income of its fund to give it Q
vigorous and manly existence. 1t is ex.
ceedingly desirable TO place it, as soon as
may be, above all competition, on prominen
ground Of permanent usefulness. Should
such course of policy be pursued, the u
University is destined soon to become the glo
ry of Michigan, and TO shed over our state
a bright aud pleasant light.
In this view Of the subject, it will be found
TO be necessary to provide other means fol
supporting Its branches. Ii is certainly o
much consequence to the public interest:
that these branches be pushed forward witt
vigor, and be adequately sustained. The,
farm tho III i,,portont