Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1870-02-23


Of the undertaking. II was no small work to
raise $4,000 OF sGO,OOO for the establishment of
a school for our denomination in Vermont. When.
more than twenty years ago, it was determined
TO establish Uniyersalist college, and one hun
drcd thousand dollars was decided to be the mini
mum sum with which the enterprise could safely
start, four years of earnest, persistent effort by
our late brother Skinner among the churches
scattered through the land, only secured the
pledge of $685. 600 Ultimately starting with
$50 900, and twenty acres Of land on Walnut
HILL Turr's COLLEGE was founded. Since then,
it has seen brighter days One, not Of us, but
seeing how God was making use Of our institu-
ton for good, gave to it not less than $500 900
and others have made to it most liberal requests.
Now, the little State Of Vermont, small in
population, but great in all those grand qualities
which make q noble commonwealth, comes for
ward with sum as great as the first endowment
Of Tufts College, to erect an ediicc for its do
nominational school more expensive than the
original building ut Walnut Hill.
The standard of general education in q commu-
nifty depends upon the opportunities afforded its
youth II the ordinary grammar school is the
highest, the young mans ambition seldom leads
him beyond it if high school is established. his
aspirations rise to that if school ofstill higher
grade, like the one you dedicate to-day isoponed,
he is not content until he has made use Of the OPP
portunites itahlrds aud 50 the people who have
made sacrifices and endured labors for the up
building Of an Institution of high grade, are re.
paid by the enlarged culture aud greater intel
ligence Of its young men and women. You have
before you the duty Of educating the future Gov
ernors Of your State NOT those who shall hercaf-
ter atn the gubernatoral chair, but the real Gov
errors, who form heupholdingand controlling con
stituencics behind the men who nomnally govern
In monarchical governments, the ignorant man
often makes the best subject, but no Republican
Government can afford 10 have an uncduoated man
within its borders The great su ring Of our
Government at present arises TOO much from the
fact that the men selected for Off often know
almost nothing Of the subjects They are called
upon 10 consider Malleasancc-uot necessarily
coruption-n Office, is the great bane of politics,
andoiall goyemmcntsat the present day, but when
education shall have made men capable Of Judging
Of the character Of laws and the manner in which
they are executed, it will be different
The relation Of education 10 faith Is more in
innate than it is often considered 10 be- The sub
mission Of Romanists 10 the dogmas Of their
church, is not like the faith founded upon in
telligence, which animatcs Protestant churches.
The great problems connected with the assump-
tions of the Catholic church in this country are
to be best met by such education will not al
low one to nccept unquestionei the teachings o f
church or priesthood
We feel that the cultivation of our unseen
powers is worth the sacrifice and Efforts Of our
ordinary or physical powers and 50 YOU have
felt when you have undertaken at such cost, and
with 80 great abors, n build institution which
shall afford your children an education 10 ft them
| for the highest social, intellectual, and moral
standing in the world. It is well that all great
opportunities are not given to the men Of one
generation. 1861 gave 10 as equal opportunity
for the display Of patriotic devotion 10 that which
our fathers in l756 so grandly and willingly en-
hraced The social reforms uf the age offer con-
slant opportunities for sslfsacrfce and devotion
| 10 grand principles, the triumph Of which shall
benefit the community, the state the race. The
with the lives Of those who have uprearod It's
walls. Unlike many things which perish with
the using, It's benefits will continue TO return like
the seasons, witheyer-constaut and manifold bless
/ ngs for years 10 come.
Rev. DR. Miner closed by offering the congratu-
latons Of a worthy and estimablc lady who, carry
ing out the wishes Of her late husband, had been
a warm friend and liberal benefacto7 Of the inst-
tuition. Though distant, in spirit she was pres
ent. He also spoke in eulogstc terms Of the
Principal, whom he had known for several years
and Of the other teachers whose acquaintance he
enjoyed and finally referred to the future Of she
Institution a. promising much for the educational
interests Of the entire state
At the conclusion Of Dr. Miners interesting
and able address, of which we can only offer the
above imperfect sketch, the 0ssth hymn was read
| by Rev. John Gregory, and sung by the choir
The exercises closed with dedicstory prayer By
Rev. Mr.. Lse Of Canton, \ T., and benediciion
by Rev. Eli Ballou, d. b., Of Montpelier.
| Alta little past two O'Clock most excellent an 4
substantial dinner was served in the dining-room
of the Institute which was partaken Of By many Of
the strangers present, a. well as by good mum
her Of the residents of Barre
In the evening Centenary meeting was held
in the Uniyersalist church. at which addresses
were made by Rev. DR.. Miner, Rev Mr.. lee and
others