The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1864-03-31
$500 PER ANNUM IN ADVANCE.
NUMBER 43.

great advantages of free labor, conceive
that this Stateis eminently fortunate in hav-
ing the opportunity to signalize its conf
dence in its own system, by the establish
ment of an institution so well calculated to
augment its power, and to add to its culture
and ornament.
1t is an argument, sir, employed frequent
ly against this measure, and from its gene
raj acceptance worthy of notice, here that
''all former investments of this character on
the part Of the State have proved entire fail
ures, and, that further advances in this di-
rection are but waste of the public money"
The history Of the institutions, is more ia
miliar to many here than myself Yet, when
| recall the fact that most of the now flour
ishing colleges of our country have passed
through similar period of struggle and
unprodu tiveness,-which seems indeed an
|inseparable condition of their infancy much
as our success i'll this regard may have fall
en- below our anticipation, and the early
promise, cannot but entertain the hope that
the future of these even will prove far less
gloomy than their present condition may
lead us to apprehend. But, sir, whatever
may be their history, or destiny, / am I'M
willing to interpret the lessons of experience
as counsslling, because of past errors, a
hopeless and fruitless inactivity.
Former mistakes as [ comprehend their
use, should serve as guides in our future ac-
ton, but not discourage further exertion and
enterprise.
1t is also said that farmers do not de-
sire the establishment of this college-that
they do not need it." There is a spirit abroad
in our land, in respect to Farmers which
think is much to be deprecated and which
often leads us to listen too readily to the sug-
gestion of the less enlightened and liberal Of
their number. 1t is the disposition to accept
low standard of education and refinement
as the measure of the farmer s wants and Ca
pacity. 1t is this spirit which has surround
ed many European cities with Doors anG
Peasants and has kept them So If needed
| it will close our Seminaries of learning just
as even now is seeks in many districts tx
close our common schools.
| This was not the early American doctrine
and never can become such, but to our Diet
riment as nation. The age that witness
es the degradation of this class in its rela
ton to the other classes of society, will, mark
the decay of our social system and national
character. And, sir, fear, unless the ad
vantages shall be afforded this class which
are extended to almost every other-the
means be given of informing them more
thoroughly in the principles Of their profes
sion-unless we multiply influences which il
these days of progress will enable the farm
ers to keep pace with the other classes of
society in all that can instruct and refine,
that age is rapidly approaching.
am in hopes, Mr.. President, that the bill
will pass without further amendment, as
believe that in its present form it will bes
accomplish its object. | shall vote for it be
cause the conditions of the grant seem t.
impose the necessity Of immediate prepare
ton; because the honor and faith of the Stat
are in manner already pledged by its &C
ceptance because the financial interests O
the State for many years to come may no
be more favorable to the enterprise, and tn
State cannot afford to wait for its benefits
and because II is my hope that this young
and richly endowed State of Wisconsin shall
possess. and that speedily, all the advantage
and educational influences which any othe
enlightened country or sister State may hav
found instrumental i'll the cause of socia
progress and civilization.
The bill vas referred to third reading b.
10 ayes to 8 noes, rules suspended on it
passage by same vote, and passed by sam
vote