Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1847-12-10
ftor the Free Press. |

have noticed in several papers, within the
last few weeks, a preamble and resolution pur-
porting to be from the Corporation of the Uni
versity of Vermont, accompanied by commen-
tary, in the form of letter. addressed to Presi-
dent Wheeler by President Labaree.
When first read this letter, | concluded that
no public notice would be taken of it. as i'm
agined no special evil could result from it. |
had no doubt, that those who n1ht read il
would see at once, that it is one of those con.
fused, mistaken things, which. even good and
intelligent men, under the influence of feelnp.
are sometimes left to write. But some of nv
neghbors fear that this letter may do mischief,
If it is not answered though they confess, that
1t is plainly the result of misapprchension.
must say. however, that ! cannot see any special
call for an answer, other than what is to be
found in careful inspection of the preamble
resolution, and letter. Still few historical
facts may be of service.
1t seems that the Corporation Of the University
ask three men to 90 to Vcrgennes, and talk up
the subject of the union of the two Institutions
with three other men from Middebury College
without giving them any other powers or in
structons. than to talk hear, returu. and report
to them what was said, that they might UNDER
stand the position of things, with view to ef-
feet union. In other words the committee
from the University had no powers or instruc-
tons 10 conclude terms; bit 10 ascertain and re-
port rhat terms couH be had
But President 1abaree's letter seems TO imply
that these three men from the University were
! preparedness, aud that their CORPORATION had
ratified and confirmed, in advance, whatever
they might say or do in the premises Hence
he seems to make no distinction between the
powers and responsibilities of these men. and
those of the Corporation. This is a capital mis-.
take, since the Corporation had bestowed no
final powers upon them.
This letter seems to imply more It seems to
90 on the assumption, that the mere fact that
these three men received terms to report to the
Corporation of the University, most solemnlv
bound both them and that body, to adopt those
terms and carry them out This is such sin
of the writer of the letter. that the careful reader
cannot but notice it,
1t appears from their resolutions, that the Cor
pora,ion of the University regard the existence
of two colleges, in Vermont, as Il hindrance to
the cause of sound learning, and think that a
strenuous effort for a union should be made
bit SIN they do not Judge best to unite them on
The terms Of certain plan, phich was presented
10 them.
In all this, President I.abaree seems to dis.
cover Inconsistencies evidence of bad faith, and
even ".fnn resolution 10 decline further nego.
tidtion on The subject"
But really cannot see all this, or any part Of
it. The Corporation of the University were de-
! sirous of a union on such terms, that the on,
: institution could promote, more efficiently, the
ends for which both were organized namely, the
interests of learning, morality and religion
Now, how does it follow that, because said Cor
poration think that a strenuous effort should bt
: made for such a union, they are bound to regart
This particular effort as al all Hkely 10 effect ii