Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1863-10-30
MEETING OF THE VERMONT BOARD
OE EnIICATION

RgraBsENr,rtv rs HALL, Thursday Eve. Oct. %
In the absence of the President, the meet
ing was called to order by the Rev. Pliny II.
Waite. OF Coventry, who directed the meet
ing to the choice Of a Cha rman, Mr.. Adams
OF burlington nominated Mr.. Dorr Of Rutland,
who was unanimously elected.
Mr.. Durr took the Chair. with a few ap-
propriate remarks, stating the object of the
IN citing to b the discussion of the best meas
ures for the union Of the Vermont Colleges
1t was peculiarly appropriate meeting at
such time as this, and he hoped the meet
ing would be successful and rebound to the
best interest OF Education in this state.
The Rev. DR.. Bourns. President of Nor
wich University, being called upon, next ad
dressed the meeting.
He stated that although Vermont is small
State, no state was so distinguished for its
educatona advantages. The principal prod
uct Of he State he thought to be- Teachers
] The best Teachers through the whole country
have gone from Vermont He said that he
was here. not to make a formal address, but
TO set the ball in motion. There are two Old
Institutions Of learning in the State, and he
himself was the representative of another very
aourishing one, and the design was to unite
these three IN one Institution, which shall he
an hoaor to the State, and an object of Just
pride. This is proyerbially a fast age, and
young men are hardly willing to spend four
years of their life in acquiring general edu-
cation and aiterward spend three years in fit
ting themselves for their chosen pursuit in
life. There should be specific branches en-
bracod in the Institution, aud at the same
time there should be gener al course for those
who have not determined as to their after life
The Agricultural Element is for those who
wish to devote their attention to Agriculture.
This element will not do away with the class
ical course or with the scientific, neither will
il be necessary to call the institution an Ag-
ricultural College. 1t might be called the
Vermont State University, or some such name
as would suit all.
He stated that although he was very much
attached to his own Institution, having shared
in its adversely and prosperity, he could an
swer for that Institution, that, il it should be
for the interest Of education in the State, it
would cheerlully render its weak assistance
to a Union of all the Colleges in the State
Mr. j. S. Adams next spoke, stating that
it was necessary that these things should be
discussed in their order. The State is pledg-
ed to the formation of an Agricultural College,
and she'will redeem her pledge at any cost,
There was now an opportunity for beneftting
the cause Of Enucation in the State, and we
should eagerly seize upon that opportunity.
The proposed Agricultural College is not
to ft men for the profession of the Law, or
of the Ministry, but for the nobler object Of
making well educated citizens of the State.
He thought the first question is, whether
/ tho Collegos should be united aud the time
/ was now or never. II the Colleges will not
unite, we shall still and soon have an Agri-
! cultural College, which will be the pride OF
this Agricultural State. The Legislature,
composed principally of farmers will bestow
their fayors upon this College, and the other
Colleges will soon fall far behind
He offered two resolutions and moved their
adoption 90 wit:
Resolved, That a junction Of the existing
/ Collegiate Institutions Of the State will di-
rectly and powerfully promote the educational
welfare of the Commonwealth.
ResoiUed, That he probable establishment
of new State College, under the provisions
of the recent Act OF Congress, for the es,ab-
lilhment Of Agricultural Colleges. furnishes
legitimate opportunity for an effort to com
bine the strength Of existing Colleges with
that of the new State College, and thus form
ing one State University, that shall eoncen-
trate upon itself the educational interest aud
power Of our whole people.
The Rov. Mr. 1orrey, President of the
University Of Vermont, said that before these
resolutions are adopted, they need careful at
tention; and he desired to make few 70.
marks upon tha question.
He said there would in all probability b,
an Agricultural College established in tn,
State.-a truly noble object. He thought
however, tha. this should be made to har
monize with the other Institutions in th,
State. lie greatly favored this plan of unit
ing the Colleges. lie agreed with Mr.
Adams. that II this union of the College
shall not take place, that the Agriculture
lnlla,a .rll raln al liz nnu.r nd Ii. aha