, 1861-06-20

THE TERRITORIAL UNIVERSITY.
Beyond a knowledge Of the laying of the
cornerstone. which We did not learn until after
it had taken Place we have hitherto known but
little respecting the progress made by the Com.
msSicncrs in 'hr erection of this important struc
turc. \ late visit 10y Mr.. \. p. Dc'n to Seattle,
during which he gathered many particulars con-
rcrnns it, places Us in possession Of Information
which cannot fail to interest our readers, as well
as others who are so!icitous for the welfare Of
on: Territory.
The site selected for the University is in the
most commanding portion Of Seattle; the town
proprietors having donated ten acres for that
purpose. Theground has been carefully graded,
with handsome slope in 'front.' and all trees and
brush removed except single cedar ia the Cen.
tire, which is designed for a flagstaff At the
proper time the site will be enclosed in a sub
stantal fence.
The foundation or cornerstone of the main
building was laid on the goth ult, with appro-
pirate ceremonies. Mr. Den states that the
groundwork is Of solid masonry, suitable stone
for which is obtained in large quantities opposite
Seattle. Messrs. Russell & Pike have contracted
Tor the erection Of the building, and employ
twelve men upon it. They had the frame ready
to raise on Monday last, and will complete the
building in season to open on the lst OF Novem.
Der next The dimensions of the edfce are
iiity by eighty feet. two stories high, with thirty
two feet posts. This will leave ample space be-
tween floor and ceiling. The style Of architec-
ture adopted is Of the Ionic order, with four
iiuted columns in 'front.' resting on a spacious
porch. When completed, this will be the most
imposing building in the Territory probably for
many years.
In addition to the University building there
will be two Others within the same enclosure,
one Of which is designed for a boarding house
for the pupils, and the other for residence for
the Principal; the boarding house, Of course,
being much the largest Of the two. The whole
will be lathed and pastered, and otherwise fin.
shed in q substantial manner.
The Commissioners have already received up
wards Of ten thousand dollars from sales of the
lands appropriated by Congress for this object,
and have promise Of the sale Of as much more.
They do not doubt their ability to dispose of
these lands as rapidly as funds are needed to
prosecute the work to completion; but, in order
to avoid embarrassment, they let contracts only
as they have money on hand to meet them. Thus
far all has gone well, and there Is no reason to
aPprehend termination to their labors under
other than the most favorable circumstances.
Mr.. Daniel Bagley, as Acting Commissioner, has
been indeIatigable in his duties, and is entitled
to much praise for the success which has at.
tended the efforts Of the Commissioners. Cir
cumstances that would have deferred others from
entering upon this work seem to have had no
fleet upon him or them but, believing it to be
within the pale Of possibility, they set about &C.
cOmplishng II, and we now have the result Of
their labors in the near completion Of the Uni
vers ty.. T. the close, we bid them God speed
We congratulate the people Of Seattle upon
their good fortune in securing so great boon
as the Territorial University. However other
localities may find fault with the acts of the last
Legislature, they have no reason to grumble.
They have, in this institution Of learning, that
which will prove in the end Of vastly more ad-
vantage than the seat Of government can confer
upon its locality, and We are glad to see them
manifest their appreciation Of ii in the manner
they do.