Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1853-09-08
For the Freeman.
Norwich University.

Mr.. EDITOR There has been some talk of
late, concerning the removal of Norwich Uni.
versity from its present location to this place.
The facts, as we understand them, are as fol-
lows: AT a meeting of the Board of Trustees
vote was passed to remove the University to
any place, this side of the Mountains, provided
such town would raise the sum of $4,000 to
defray in part the expense of building. The
reasons for this vote were, the hostility of the
people in the vicinity Of Norwich, its proximity
to Dartmouth College, and the seclusion of the
place. A committee was appointed to look up
desirable location, and it appears that majority
of this committee we're in favor of removal to
Montpelier. All that remained, therefore, to be
done in order to secure for this town this addition
the cooperation of its citizens, so as TO raise
the amount required
1t is strange that such cooperation has been
withheld. Notwithstanding the exertions of the
committee appointed at a meeting of the citizens
to solicit subscriptions, the amount has not been
raised, nor is there any probability that 1t will
be. Not that our citizens are not aware of the
great advantages which would accrue to them
selves and our village, were this vote carried
into effect but every consideration of this kind,
seems to be swallowed up IN the one idea of the
necessity of raising $4,000. THIS, spirit has
long before this shown itself among our towns
people, and has, in some degree, gained for our
town notorety by no means envoble. But yet,
do not know as any other course Gould be ex-
pec,ed. When there is not public spirit enough
to build an Academy, when the capitalists lnva-
riably discourage every plan which promised TO
help our town, and when our men, and wealthy
men too, carry their sefshness 10 such an ex
IRENE as to discourage private as well as pubic
eDdeavors, but little can he expected from them
to fur ther the cause of law, order, religion, OF
education. There has not been a single solitary
Instance where Montpelier has ever contrib tied
for any public work SUN in proportion to the
advantages she would receive. The town has
long since become notorious for its want of pub
lie spirit its upruurous advocacy Of good prin
cipIes, aud Its want of sufficient energy to carry
them out.
But to return to this particular case, Their
has been, we understand some 81 600 subscri
bed by about twenty FIVE individuals, and tho re
mander is wanting, and probably will be 10
some time to cJlre. The cause of this defer
is the opposition Of one Of the religious demon
nations of this village, and for other reaso'
than that another sect happened 10 propose au'
support the idea, and promise to pay handso'ne
for its execution. ii is a strange idea that mem
bers Of THE CHURCH should oppose any sue
plan as this. When men profess to possess re
/ ligous and liberal principles, that they should
oppose the cause of education and the perna
; nent advantages OF the town and vicinity be
cause the prosperity Of another sect may be pro
noted incidentally by it. But 1t Is even So
Yet we hope that, Notwithstanding this oppo
si,ion, sufficient will be raised to satisfy the de
mant. Nor do we expect or wish others 10 eS
pect that $40 600 is all that will be required
The cost Of building must be more than that
, and we can not expect that it will sustain itself fc
e many years to come. We sometimes hope ihs
the plan will mol succeed, if We care 10 shoulde
the disgrace of seeing the Institution die ava
on account of the parsimony and selfshness
!. our citizens. But ultimately every sensible ma
It must see that advantages will accrue from it I
i our village, which will repay ten.fold what ina
! be expended in it's furtEeance.
= Yours truly, A CITIZEN.
Montpelier, August 20, 1853.