Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1852-07-21
THE UNIVERSITY.

We are permitted to make the following eX-
tract from a letter of the Hon. Henry Barnard,
who was recently elected President of the Uni
versity to Chas Ii. Palmer ESQ., one of the
Regents. 1t will be seen that Mr. Barnard holds
his appointment un6er advisement as also a
similar appointment from the State of Indiana !;
and that he will accept neither place till after he
shall have had an opportunity to examine the
ground and ascertain the views of the friends
of the University, and Of the educational cause
in the two States. Mr. Barnard's heart is evil
IDENTIFY in the system and we doubt not that un-
der his Presidency not only the University but
the Common School Cause will prosper Let us
say here that in the system of Common Schools
and the University, the instruction Of our State
will be found the chief lever of every species of
Improvement The moral power, of people,
and we had almost said, their religious character
largely depends upon the efficiency of pri-
mary and University Schools; and should Mr.
Barnard determine to accept the position Of
President of the University we doubt not the
benefits of both to Michigan will be greatly ex-
tended. Mr.. b. says: Free Press.
IL am too unwell yet to leave for Detroit
DR.. Sumner enoins quiet, as far as practicable
and entire cessation from thought and mental
activity of any kind. In the hope of leaving
lot DclTOlL III tlc COuTSc VI UChb Wtch, IllNc
concluded to defer any formal answer to your
communication till then.
| cannot possibly accept the appointment,
without personal interview with the Board, or
some of its active members, and especially with
out knowing more than | now do, of the pres
ent state of the University, and of my chances
of receiving the cordial and general cooperation
Of the friends of educational improvement in
the State.
| shall not 60 to Michigan to contend for my
own position. | shall need all my strength to
work out to the full circumference of my duties
as President, and especially to cooperate in
such way as shall be opened to me, with the
active laborers in the improvement of Common
Schools, and other means of popular education.
am not ambitious to be the presiding officer of
any College. For intrinsic dignity much pre-
fer my present post and if leave it, it will be
because there is good reason to think that
change for field of wider usefulness. | be-
lieve have got in my head-the result of some
observation and refection-a working plan for
making the University felt, directly and widely
in the educational policy of State. If be-
come President of your University after care
fu consideration Of the present state Of things
in the University and the State, I shall succeed,
God willing or die IN the harness. If | labor
among you, shall know no other object, than
the thorough, complete and liberal education of
the whole people, as far as Common Schools Of
different grades-Libraries--c Of popular
lectures, and the facilities of the University can
secure it. | shall know no party and no sect.
| shall work in season and out of season--in
the University and out Of it--in the lecture
room, and in the Common School House, in
the meetings of the Board of Regents, and in
the District meeting, in cooperation with your
superintendent Of public instruction and teach
ers and officers of schools of every grade, in
trying to realize my ideal of system of pub
lie instruction adapted to the peculiar. crcum-
stances of the West. To do or begin to do,
what think necessary to be done, must also
feel sure of better health than now have. Be-
sides have received similar appointment from
Indiana, rendered in manner so prompt and
cordial, and sustained by such friendly assuran-
ces from public men in different parts Of the
State, that cannot decline the invitation with
out visiting the State, and Judging for myself
IL leave Connecticut again shall leave it for
ever, and in so doing ] shall leave many dear
friends and household ties. If / cast my lot
in the West now, shall expect to take my
share of labor in building mp and consolidating
her educational and social institutions"
A Free Banking law passed the Connecticut
House of Representatives Friday afternoon, by
vote of 1913 yeas to 80 nays-nearly party