The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1871-04-20
FRANKLIN COLLEGE.
Inauguration of the New President
Prof. Andrew +. Ross.


Nestled amongithe hills, in the wealthy
township Of Athens, some seven miles
south Of Cadiz, is the quiet town OF New
Athens, whose chief attraction Is an in.
stitution OF learning, at one time one Of
the most prominent in the West, and
which It's friends are making efforts to re-
store to its former greatness and efficiency.
We allude 10 the well.known Franklin
College.
Prof Andrew F. Ross, who was con.
nected with the College in It's palmiest
days, having consented to again resume
labor within It's classic walls, was to be
inauguarted President Of the institution
on Tuesday last, and we, in company with
others, repaired to New Athens.
In the afternoon of that day, the citi'
zens ofthe town and surrounding country
throDged the chapel connected with the
college. Rev. ]. P, Caldwell, Of Crab
Apple, opened the services with fervent
and impressive prayer.
s. B. ShotwelI, Esq, on behalf Of the
Board of Trustees, delivered an address Of
welcome to Prot. Ross. He related, that
at meeting Of the Alumni, held in June
last, when measures were being proposed
to revivify Franklin College, Rev. Camp.
bell suggested that Prot. Ross be secured
ms President Rev. Campbell resigned
for that purpose, and you Prof Ross was
elected. Previous knowledge Of your
efficiency while connected with the instl-
tuition in former years determined our
course. The men noted for talent, who re.
ceiyed their instruction from Ross were in.
timateIy connected with the history ofthe
country. A teacher who was the instructor
OF such men as Senator Edgar COwan,
of Pennsylvania, Senator Joseph Fowler,
Of Tennessee, George W. MCCook, John
A. Bingham, and Judge Lawrence, OF
Ohio, DR.. Alex. Clark, Of Pa, A. N.
Bloch, of Illinois, George P. Vincent, of
Washington, WIN. and Samuel Findly,
Dr.. Davidson, of Hamilton, Ohio, and
others had certainly left strong imprint oil
successful teaching. Mr.. Shotwell re.
ierred, In eloquent terms, to the warm
feelings toward Prof. Ross entertained by
his former students (ol whom he had him.
self been one,) and, In the name Of the
Board of Trustees promised cordial sup.
port. Rev. II. G. Campbell, on behalf Of
the citizens Of New Athens and vicinity
welcomed DR.. Ross to his new home and
his new position, in few well conceived
and well spoken remarks. He informed
the audience that the new scientific
apparatus had been purchased at an
expense of $4,000, and stated other
matters which gave promise Of useiulness
He stated that the reason he wished to
retire from the Presidency Of Franklin
College was, he could not do Justice to his
congregation as q minister and at the same
time hold his position. II would be I'M
possible to perform both offices and be
efficient in either, and he could not sec his
way clear to abandon the ministry to be.
come professional teacher, MIR. G, gave
the citizens Of Athens some wholesome
advice about ornOmCuting their town and
making 1t attractive to students, and con.
cluded by giving the Doctor a hearty
welcome, the audience rising 10 testify ap'
probation.
Prof. Ross read his Inaugural Address.
1t was mastery production, the PROBES.
sor beng one Of the finest scholars in
Ohio, and man Of strong, practical sense,
In commencing he alluded TO the fact that
It was thirty years since he had before
been connected with this institution. He
alluded TO the many eminent men who
had received their education at franklin
College-Franklin College had history.
OF her sons none could be ashamed. She
had given the pulpit It's most eminent
men, and the Bar and Bench It's ablest or.
naments. The nation had been benefited
by the men from Franklin, and could
point, not to IN eminent man here and
there, but to many, very many. Such
was the past, and the work in the future
was before us. He appreciated the
responsibilities OF his new position. He
relied on Providence and the cooperation
OF the friends OF the College. The history
of Franklin was better than long rent
roll Of ndowments-with half century
Of experience she was rich. He proposed
that her students should receive useful
education. The modern whims, by some
called 1.-THE spirit Of the age" should find
no lodgmentin Franklin. The out growth
of centuries Of thought, tested by the
grand results Of modern study should be
the plan Of franklin. The Doctor argued
in favor Of classical studies-the litera-
ture and culture Of antiquity should be
known by him who would have cul.
ture. To bring out the power Of thought
in a man was the object of education.
Mathematics. should have IN impor.
tant position, and many reasons were
given why Physical Science, so much ne.
elected, should have a leading position in
an institution of learning. While secta-
rianism should not be taught, II was ne.
cessary to know that Christianity was a
power In the land, and we were Chris.
tian people. The Christian minister's
education was not complete who could not
answer the croRkings OF the sceptiC from
o peryersion Of natural science by the
truth OF science ITSELF We give but a
brief outline of the Doctors address, and
fear we do not do him justice.
Mrs. Dr.. Ross was elected by the Board
Professor Of Music.
A pleasant ride over the hills brought
US home in the evening, well pleased with
our days experience and with the hospi-
tality Of the good people Of New Athens.