The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1871-03-04
sJ"The above communication by Nj

Ellis, addressed through Tile Wig to our
citizens. is of vital Importance to this entire
community and county. The advantages
of having an institution for the education
of boys, located here, similar to the Wes-
/ leyan Female College, will strike every one
/ with much force. And we have learned
/ that suitable buildings and grounds can be
| purchased, located near the town, for a
very reasonable sum. The grounds are
beautifully laid out and planted with shade
trees, and the buildings are well adapted
with slight changes inside, possibly-for
such 4 school as is contemplated. Elkton
is a most appropriate site for such an insti-
| tuition of learning, and the buildings and
grounds, which it is in contemplation to
purchase, are far superior for the purpose
intended, to any that can be found any
where on this Peninsula. We hope that
an earnest effort will be made by our citi-
zens to secure the location of the proposed
college at this place.
Mr.. EDIToR:-I deem it proper in this
|
and its vicinity the following statement:
At the late Peninsula Convention of the
Ministers and Laymen of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, held at Smyrna, Della
ware, on the 18th, 18th, and 10th of Novem-
Der, last, while the subject of education
was under consideration, the necessity and
propriety of some provision for more
thorough academical training of the youth
of the Church on the Peninsula was admit
ted, and the Convention determined, by a
resolution that immediate steps should be
taken by the Church ON the Peninsula for
the establishment of first class Academy
for boys; where they may receive thor
ough preparation for business or for col
lege.
The design of the convention and the
Church is the establishment of school
for young men, somewhat similar to the
Wesleyan College for young ladies, in Will
mington, Delaware.
After the passage of the resolution, a
committee was appointed to receive propo-
sitions from towns, villages OF counties, for
the location of the proposed Academy
composed of Rev. Wesley Kenney, of
Odessa; Rev. William Uric, of Smyrna;
Rev. II. S. Thompson; J. Taylor Cause,
Of Wilmington; F. A. Ellis, of Elkton;
T. Mallleu, of Queen Anne's Co.; and
VIM. M. Shakespeare, of Dover.
At meeting of the Committee, held at
Smyrna, Delaware, on the Sth of February
last, distinct propositions were made by
committees from Dover, Smyrna and Port
Deposit.
A committee from Dover, with Gov. Saul
isbury at the head of it, urged the selec-
tion of that city as the proper location and
rendered the purchase and donation of a
lot in the town, and pecuniary contribu-
ton, but the amount indefinite.
A Committee from Smyrna rendered a
lot in the town, and pecuniary contribu-
tions to nearly $4,000.
A committee from Port Deposit rendered
pecuniary contributions of not less than
$4,000, and perhaps as high as $4,000.
A member of the committee was author
lied to tender lot of land at Centrevile,
Maryland.
l was without distinct proposition to
submit from Elkton; but suggested the
possibility of obtaining transfer of the
Academy Buildings and lot in Elkton,-in
munication to the Board of Trustees, to
which had no reply.
The Committee having received the sew
eral propositions, adjourned to meet again at
Dover, on Wednesday the Sth day of March,
instant.
The Committee have 10 authority to
determine the location, but are charged
with the duty of receiving propositions and
the Conference, which assemblies at Dover
on Monday next, which body will determine
the question of location, as well as other
prcliminaries. The whole matter is there
fore still open.
Since my return from the meeting of the
Committee at Smyrna have learned that
the Board of Trustees of the Academy
doubt their authority to make any such
transfer of the property. Another objec-
ton to that arrangement presents itself in
the want of sufficient grounds and the
improperly of that location.
In conversation with numbers of our
citizens find a very general desire to have
Elkton selected as the place at which to
establish the proposed Academy. The
advantages to the place are too apparent to
need enumeration. The anxiety manifested
by other towns to receive it is sufficient.
The question presents itself-What can
Elkton do in the matter?
With this view respectfully ask all per-
sons who feel any interest in the matter to
meet me at my office, on Monday afternoon
next, the 9th of March, at 3 o'clock, at
which time and place will state the con-
sderations that induce the belief that Elk
ton may, with any degree Of local interest,
be determined upon by the Conference.
Every business man in the place is inter-
ested in the matter. F. A. ELLIS.