Delaware tribune. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1867-1877, 1869-07-01

MEssRs. EpIrvRs IL notice communication
in the Delaware Gazctte of the 18Th inst, from
Wyoming, Del, over the signature Of ''B." re-
fleeing rather upjustly, think upon the Board
of Trustees Of Delaware College, for their appa-
rent neglect of the welfare of the institution in
trusted to their care. am much pleased with
the interest manifested by this correspondent in
Delaware College, and if it is an index of the
state Of feeling throughout the community, il
augurs well for the successful Reorganization Of
that institution. His ccnsure of the Board,
am convinced, results from a mlaapprchenson of
the facts in the case rather than disposition 10
fluid uult.
am not n trustee of the College, but am some
what familiar with its past history, the efforts
making for its re-opening, and its intdre pros
pvcts and take the liberty Of stating few Of the
reasons why the Board have not before this start
I'd the Institution.
The act Of the Legislature of this State, accept
| Ing the provisions OF the act of Congress. Do
mating public lands to the several States for the
benent of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts,
was passed, March II, 1867, and was promptly
certified TO the President, BY our Secretary oi
State, but the Land Scrip was not received from
| the general government until Augus, 1868, and
satisfactory sale Of the scrip was not effected
until April, 1860 and although the proceeds of
that sale are now drawing interest, there is not
one cent reaCy y TO be paid over TO tic Treasurer
| of tic Board, or available for the use OF the Col
| lpgc. This is u matter over which the Trustees
| have no control.
Again, the act of the Legislature proposed a
| Joint management Of the College H., the State
aud the original Board of Trustees, neccs7itating
change in the charter of the instltuiun-thi~
change, and the additional legislation deemed
necessary and proper TO carry out the objects
contemplated, WAS MOI secured until March last,
and until this was done, there was not u legally
- lrtt -tnfra a. I..n npI
anticipating the action of the Legislature, and
mar iiustirg their earntstness and interest in iht
matter, carly in the past Spring app intcd COM
mttpe 10 proceed ut once with The repairs of the
buildings and have them completed by the time
The funds in hand would warrant the reorganlzl
tion Of the College.
This committee has not been idle as 'B" snp
poses, but has been engaged in making car,tu
examinations Of The work to be done, securing
proposals for Its faithful execution, and ttkii /.
such action us wi place the building, anu
grounds in complete order by the time they az
wanted for use.
Unfortunately for the success ol D.iaware Col
lege many of the gentlemen formerly cpnpnslni
lis Board OF Trustees, though Of the lighes
snriil position, ans distinguished iu the suveIa
caugs, did not take that interest in Its manase
mcnt which was necessary Tor rs succrssin
operation -many OF them were appointed iron
, | Other States as mere cunplimtni, or Tor tn
, supposed influence which their naues woal'
exert.
In the reorganization of the Collegc l thinl
, there is u disposition to remedy this defect, an'
, secure us Trustees gentlemen OF well-kuowl
! energy and whose hopes and sympatbles ar
, identified with the educational Interests of tn
, State.
But ample grounds and buildings, well selectc
libraries, splendid cabinets o philosophical ap
, paratus, distinguished Faculty, and even gen
erous endowiDents, will not render successful NJ
institution Of learning. IL must have the cordla
: sympathy, encouragement and support Of til
community for whose benefit it is established
, Delaware College is now the property of til
state. and 1t should be II matter of both interes
!, and State pride on the part OF its cilzcns :
! build II up and sustain it. Let each individual bu
consider himself us the guaidinn Of its Intel
: esls and endeavor To shield it from every intu
:, cuce TINT eau impair its usefulness, aud The pre-;
= ent generation will have the honor Of estiblshin
= m restitution which will diifuse the blessings ,
. liberal education around these onr homes, an
(, transmit them to the thousands who viii com
. after them. E ID. z.
q NEWARK, DEL, June 23d, 1868.