Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1863-10-30
THE COLLEGES.

'h',I'Nt " ~ NVuclllAdlltn nI Inc re-
sources and strength now divided betweel
three different Colleges in the State. pre-
scnted, without consultation with each other
10y t'oy. Smith in his message, and Secretar,
Adams in his Report, is occupying tn,
attention Of the Legislature and the friend,
of Education. On the :l,t a meeting OF
the Board Of EducItion, Educational Com
mittees and Representatives of the different
ln-titut ols was held in the Executive Rooms,
at Montpelier. Mr. Adams briefly stated
some of the important facts bearing upon the
care and read the Resolutions adopted by the
Corporation of the University Of Vermont, a
copy Of which will be found in another
column. Hon. T. p Redfeld of the lard
of Education offered resolution to the effect
that u union of the colleges if practicable is
desirable Pres. Bourne, of Norwich, said
that the subject was new one, in that
quarter. The institution he represented
could perhaps be as easily moved as any,
having not much property, and no debts; but
strong objections 10 Its removal would he
made by the community in which it existed,
and as he supposed the same would be the
ca-e ut Burlington and MIddlebury, he at
first blush could see little hope Of success in
an attempt to unite the colleges. President
labarrc Of Middlebury said the obstacles IN
the way of a removal Of Middlebury College
were almost insurmountable. Its real estate
was given for a college and for nothing else.
If removed he believed that another, and
perhaps not as good an institution, would
take IT. place in the same spot lie sug-
.e,ted that discussion would be more to the
point if some plan OF union was before them,
and suggested the appointment Of a commit
tee TO present one. Pres. TOrrey Of Bur
linston. said the first thing necessary was to
conc 10 an agreement that a union Of the
COLLEGE. was desirail, The Corporation OF
the University had indicated, in the resolu-
tions read, their position. The Fathers OF the
state intended that there should be one and
but one State University, and be doubted not
the wisdom OF their plan. \ single institu-
tiou. drawing around it the needed scientific
and professional schools and combining all in
one Tq,rerafy. had been found in other
States and in Europe, he only plan condu-
Give To- highest success. Until they were
agreed As to the main point Of the dcsiribil-
ity of Union, he considered a discussion
Of details useless.
4 committee consisting of the Chairmen
Of the Educational Committees, the presi-
dent, of the College ana Ex-Gov. Hall, was
appointed to shadow forth some kind Of a
ulau for consolidation o. the colleges, and re-
port To- an adjourned meeting on thursday
afternoon. un wednesday in his public
address in the Hall Of Representatives, Sc
crctary Adams again presented the subject,
urging substantially the considerations pre-
.cntcd in his Report.
The committee met, but We suspect found
the task allotted them not very easy one
and could report nothing very definite AZ tie
result of their deliberations.
Ofthc truth OF the abstract Trol, sItion that
there ought to have been hut one University
in the State, we have nota particle Of doubt.
the damage done by a division of resources
and patronage among two or three small in
,titutions, is too obvious to be questioned.
There Is force in the consideration urged by
the Governor and Secretary that the recent
L. ;. grant for an Agricultural College, Of
lers an opportunity for consolidation not
heretofore presented lfa union can be ci-
i,ctcd at all it will probably be by the estab-
lishment Of a single University existing in
two branches one at Niddlebury the other at
Burlington-the Acadcmical department be
ing at one place, the Agricultural and
Military at the other But the practical
difficulties in the way Of such a result are
crave. The value Of the new grant Is un-
certain. One or the other of the two must
give up bird in the hand for bird in the
bush. And looking at the case all around,
we confess our want Of faith that We are to
see union of two or more Of the Colleges
this year, if ever.