The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1873-10-23
From the S. w. Presbyterian,
Oakland College.
II. c.. POWERS,
Governor OF Mississippi

Editor Of S. " Presbyterian: | have no.
iced with interest the discussion of the re-
establishments of Oakland College, and the
commendable zeal with which Brookhaven
aud HaZiehurSt are pressed forward To the
front as the places for the College; and lest
it might be understood as indifference on
the part of the city of Jackson, beg, in be-
half of the citizens of that place, to say that
when the time for action comes. she will
present some substantial reasons in her ia
vor. | had missed the number of your
paper containing the communication setting
forth the claims OF Mississippi Preshyter
To the possession Il i'd control OF the College
assets; and only know from hearsay that
the city of Natchez would not OBJECT 10
taking care OF the College, and | am snre
would contribute literally toward its tinau-
cial success.
When II former committee, appointed by
the Board OF Trustees of the College, invited
offers from the different localities in the
STATE. their advertisement did not command
that attention which it would have secured
had it been known that il was the purpose
of the Synod to re-esUabliSh the College a
an early day. Bus it was understood that
the con mittee had no power TO close with
the best offer. and thar it was still debate
able question whether the assets should go
10 ST wart or some other College, or Sh uld
remain invested until some more uSplciou~
time for undertaking such "A co-t-y eutrr-
prise. Here, in jackson. the matter OF Oak
liberal subscription could at that time, and
can still he realized. One gentleman. and
don't hesitate 10 meHtiOn his name-Mr.
Z Richardson, ot the firm of Richardson &
MaN-offered ten thousand dollars in cash,
and an eligible lot worth five thousand dol
lars and holds himself in readi ess to give
one-tith of any amount the community may
subscribe to secure Oakland College at TINS
place. We have now in success ul opera
ton, a firsU-class high school for boys, and
Of rtasa-
terday, ffi y-tive students answered to their
names. This school was started last year by
a stock company An eligible lot of ground
within the corporate limits, some eighteen
acres. with comfortable school house was
secured. and Is worth to-day, as an invest
ment, from eight to ten thousand dollars
This property, l undertake to say, would
be promptly subscribed, and the high school
turned over as preparatory department
tor Oakland College, in addition to liberal
cash subscription by the community.
i have thus indicated some of the things
that we are able and willing to do in order
TO get Oakland College at Jackson. l hope
the Synod at its approaching meeting will
resolve: lst. That the College shall be re-
built; ID. That committee of at least five
of its members shall be appointed to invite
offers from different places, within six
months from the date of their appointment.
and with full power TO act; Sd. That all the
real estate now held BY the trustees shall
II
can be done without sacrifice. so that the
communities bidding for Oakland may
not only know exactly what they are eX-
| peeted to do but to what extent the Synod
! will be able to cooperate. With the money
| in bank, at interest, the amount yet due
| from the State $4,000, and placing a liberal
/ estimate on the value of the Beck planta-
4 ton and other real estate, the total assets of
| the College may be set down at forty thou
sand dollars. This, with the local subscrip-
/ ton of the point that may be selected, would
| be sufficient to erect a suitable college
/ building. and equip the ins tuition with APP
para1us aud furniture. Then would come
/ The question OF endow ment, for without an
| endowment fund. success will not be GER
! tain. no matter where located. l believe il
| is the solemn duty of Synod TO take up this
| whole subject, and with that zeal. energy
and EiberalirY in the cause OF education fol
| which our Church is distinguished, address:
| itself at once to the establishment of Oak
land on a scale that will make it a success:
| and blessing in the future, as it has beer
i'm the past. As one who cordially favored
the abandonment of the old site, in ordel
that the increasing debts against the insti
tuition might be paid, and that a more eli
gible point might be selected. / look for
ward with interest, and with hope. to sucl
action on the part of Synod as shall Civ
to our State an Institution of learning, wor
thy the name and prestige of old Oakland
4 jackson Miss Oct ?kh 1879