The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-03-01
of the Chancellor of the
University.

ST.. PAUL. Feb. rs, 1861.
Hon. ALEX. RAMsEY--DEAR SIR: In
rendering my resignation as Chancellor of
the University of Minnesota, it is proper
that brief allusion should me made in re-
lation to my connection with the education.
al affairs of the State.
In the year 1858, during the administra-
ton of your predecessor, and at the instance
OF Hon. H. M. Rice, I was elected Cham
cellor.
After several weeks elaboration accept
ed the Office, for although discovered that
by poor management the Institution had
incurred heavy debt by the erection of a
building in advance of the wants of the In
stitution, yet l supposed that by strict
watchfulness the debt might in years be
liquidated, and the University serve its pur-
pose at its proper time.
The last Legislature repealed the old
charter of the University. and passed new
act by which the old Regents, as well as
myself, were displaced.
They also enacted that the Chancellor,
under the new arrangement, should be ex-
officio State Superintendent Of Public In
struction. .
The new board, with one exception, were
of different political opinions from MAORI
ty of the old board, but at their first meet
ing they re elected me Chancellor.
The action of the last Legislature COM
mended itself to me, tor it made a unit of
educational interests too frequently sepa-
rated.
Believing that State University should
be kept in the closest sympathy with the
Normal and Public Schools, and that there
never could be University worthy of the
name, unless the public schools of the lower
grades were made efficient, 1 entered upon
the duties devolved upon me by the last
Legislature with enthusiasm, and the hearty
God speed, as l had supposed, of the men
of all creeds and parties.
The correspondence on file in the Office gives
abundant evidence that the position has not
been snecure.
But respectable number of the present
Legislature desire to modify the system so
lately inaugurated, and which has been com.
mended by distinguished educators abroad,
and bring the Office OF Superintendent of
Public Instruction nearer to political inAu-
ences.
In order that they may have no obstacles
to the reconstruction of the educational
system, as their wisdom and matured expe-
rience may suggest, think it better that
should retire.
Since 1858 have performed the duties
of the CHARACTERISTIC, and since March,
1860, those of the State SUPPLEMENTARY
of Public Instruction without receiving any
compensation, and have been obliged to
furnish the office with desks, postage, sta
tionery, and part of the time employ a
clerk, and, also, pay all my travelling ex-
penses while in the service of the State.
By law the Legislature is required to
provide suitable compensation, and have
no doubt that if this Legislature-owing to
the extreme poverty of the State-fail to
remunerate me for the service performed,
and the money expended, in behalf of the
commonwealth, that the day will come when
I shall be paid in full with interest.
Assure the Regents of my high personal
regards, and that while no longer holding
any official connection with them, I am still
as ever ready to cooperate in any move.
ment that will tend to give our State a
name for intelligence.
Yours truly, E. D. NELL.