Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1870-05-13
THE UNIVERSITY OF NASH

THE UNIVERSITY OF NASH
WILLIE.
1t has been matter Of very deep re-
greet to the people of Nashville, and indeed
to q large portion of tae Southern States,
that our distinguished University, the
pride of Nashville and an honor to the
State, has been 50 long in o state of sus-
pended animation. The Montgomery Bell
Academy, which is a subordinate appen-
dage to the University, occupying the at
titude of a grammar or preparatory school,
has been IN very successful operation for
some time past. Not very long ago great
inducements were offered to General Jos.
L. Johnston by the Board of Trustees to
get him TO take the Presidency of the
University. Previous engagements pre-
vented his accepting the proposition. The
hopes of the friends of education, of the
alumni and friends of the old University
sank, aud those magnificent collegiate
buildings and grounds, which were once
filed with ambitious youth, seemed des-
tinedto remain only memento of their
former prosperity. We are Pleased to
learn, however, that there is an encourag
ing prospect for most propitious change
in the status of the University. We are
informed that Generals E. Kirby Smith
and Bushrod johnson have made to the
Board of Trustees most favorable prop
osition, to put in operation and manage
and control the collegiate or under gradu-
ate department of the University. This
proposition is as follows:
NASHVILLE, Tenn, April 80, $780,
To the Honorable Board of Trustees of
the University of Nashville. -GENTLE-
MIN: Relying on the prospects presented
and the assurances given 10 us by our
friends that the necessary funds will be
raised to enable US TO put the buildings of
the Collegiate or Under Graduate De-
partment of the University of Nashville
in good order for the accommodation of
our students, we submit the following
propositions:
!. With the co operation of your hon.
orable body we will undertake to conduct
and TO maintain in reputable standing the
Under Graduate Department of the Uni
yersity of Nashville, including the Mont
gomery Bell Academy or Grammar
School, for period of fifteen years from
July l, 1870; asking only the use and
control of the buildings, grounds, furni-
ture and books belonging to said depart
ment, and an appropriation, towards the
payment of the salaries of teachers, OF
the sum of two thousand dollars per an
mum, for furnishing instructions to the
twenty-five boys on Mr.. Bells founda-
ton; all other charges and expenses to be
borne by ourselves.
2. We propose that your honorable
Board shall retain control over the teach
ing and discipline of the department, by
issuing all commissions to the corps OF
teachers Who may be selected by us, and
by reserving the right of approving OF
rejecting all ordinances intended to estab-
4 lish courses of study and rules and regu-
lations for the government and discipline
of the Under Graduate Department.
| 3. At the expiration of said fifteen
years, we propose to return to the Board
OK Trustees the buildings, all in good re-
| pair, the grounds, much improved, and
the libraries and cabinets enlarged and
increased by the contributions of pro-
fessors, students and others, who may be-
come interested in the success and pros
perity of the University. All of which
propositions are respectfully submitted
for your consideration.
(Signed.) Z. KIRBY SMITH,
B. r. Johnson.
We learn that this proposition has been
referred to a committee of the Board
consisting of Messrs. Trimble, East, Bass,
C. K. Winston, Harrison and Lea.
We presome that there will be no doubt
about its acceptance. The terms are in
the highest degree liberal The $4,000
asked as an appropriation towards the pay
ment of the salaries of the teachers, per
annum, is the same now allowed from
the Montgomery Bell fund, and upon the
same terms: the gratuitous education of
twenty-five boys. The Board of Trus-
tees are to retain complete control over
the teaching and discipline.
From this proposition it will be seen
that the Board of Trustees have the pow
er TO resuscitate the under graduate de-
partment, bring hundreds of students to
our city, indeed make the under graduate
department rival in numbers and reputa-
ton the Medical department without cost.
Nashville may then lay claim to be the
educational capital of the South. The
gentlemen who make this proposition are
extensively and favorably known in that
section of the Union from which we must
expect to draw the most of our students.
Both of them are distinguished educators.
Both of them acquired high distinction in
this respect prior to the war.
Gen. johnson is well known as the sue
cessful superintendent of the undergradu-
ate department of this University before
the war. Gen. Smith acquired high repu-
tation in other educational fields. There
can be no sectional or political objections
urged, as we find among the present and
prospective teachers representatives from
both sides in the late war. We hope by
next fall to see the old University on the
high tide of success.
EOW OUTRAGES ARE MANUFAC-
TURED.
An incident occurred in Warren county