The Kansas herald of freedom., 1857-01-31
The Manhattan Meeting.

InS mammalian 1ae6IlIS.
We publish in another column of
this issue the proccedings-of public
meeting held at Manhattan on the 18th
inst. The actors in that convention
pursued, in our judgment, a very un-
wise policy. Had they considered the
matter we'll, and understood the facts,
they would have had less cause for
complaint than they imagined. The
people of Lawrence, cotemporary with
the first settlement of the town, pro-
iected the construction of a college,
and funds were partly promised by
Eastern capitalists, who were interest
ed in the prosperity of the place, to-
wards such an enterprise. A site was
selected, and the foundation was COM
menced for the building. Our diff
culties broke out, and the enterprise
was deferred, not abandoned. With
the restoration of peace, it was but
natural for the people again to make
a move in favor of education. This
they have done, and in laudable man.
ner, for which they are justly entitled
to the thanks of every person in Kan
sas who has the good of the Territory
and its educational interests at heart.
Fhe memorial to Congress asked for
funds to establish a University and four
Colleges. Immediate action was tax
en-, as it was desirable to bring the
matter before Congress at an early day.
The session adjourns in little more
than one month from this time. Ii
follows that whatever is done should
be done at once.
The people of Lawrence live for
something else than glory. They wish
to plant the institutions Of the East
among them, and first among these are
schools, academies and colleges. Ig-
norance, they have learned. is the pa
rent of vice, and as they hate the lat
ter they hate the former.
| If the people of Manhattan wish to
build a college. or University even,
instead of laboring to retard our eff
forts. we will join with hearty good
will with them in favor of the move
ment; and more, we viii enter into q
healthful esnspetition with them, to
see which CO do the most to advance
the educational interests of the differ
ent localities.
We protest against this enpious feel.
ing towards Lawrence-for it is moth.
ing else. The people of every locali-
ty in Kansas are selfish. and each an
desirous of advancing the peculiar in
lterests of his own vicinity, just as ey,
cry land-helder is desirous of outstrip
ping his neighbor in permanent i'm
lprovements, and in identifying hi
home. This competition IS what en-
courages isolated labor, while eommu
Inity of interests tends to check enter
prise, and restrain individual effort
Instead of censuring individuals ant
j neighborhoods fer this wholesome
Ieompetition we should encourage it,
While the people of Lawrence are la
! boring to surround themselves Wit
| the institutions Of the East, nsighbor
1 ing towns should bid Us God-speed
and join in the race for prosperity IN
j distinction.
Too long for the commen good hay
individuals and communities engage
8 IN strife with each other. and too lon
/ have they labefed, net to build them
selves up. bus 70 pull their neighbo.
i down. Oar leading men. 50 called
tIhaye done this. Il they see one PEI
4 son prospering moro than his neigl
II Dor. BY dint Of extra sxssties, detral
Il lsioa has been employsd to rob him ,
i his reputation and the same is true
{ towas. Ne haYs no desire 70 hol
: Manhatsan back o. shs contrary. v
E honestly believe thai every citizen /,
} Lawrs8ss would DO sll in his possr
1 advance the Interests Of thai iep aiity