Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1873-04-27


The following is the report of a special
committee appointed by the Mayor to con-
fer with the trustees of the Vanderbilt Uni
versity.
To the Honorable the Mayor and City
Council Of Nashville: Your committee, to
whom was assigned the duty of comforting
with Bishop McTyeire and the trustees, in
relation to the location of the Vanderbilt
University, beg leave to report that they
have had most agreeable interview with
Bishop McTyeire and other distinguished
gentlemen associated with him, and that
we are deeply impressed with the magni-
tude Of the enterprise and the vast bene-
fits which must accrue 10 Nashville,
peeuniarily, intellectually and morally.
The magnificent gift of Commodore
Vanderbilt Of 100000, is now being largely
increased by agents operating in this and
other States, and it is confidently expected
that 10000 more will be raised and what
we do as a city to procure the ground will
materially aid them in their efforts. The
amount to be Immediately expended in the
purchase of site and the erection of
buildings viii be fully 100000. When the
University is in full operation there would
be annually expended in the city from five
to seven hundred Thousand dollars. In
view of these facts and others no less cogent
which might be enumerated, your COM
mittee would have felt themselves fully
justified in reporting bill appropriating
$4,000 for the purchase of building
site subject to the ratification OF
the qualified voters of the city.
But to this course Bishop McTyeire strong
ly objected, for reasons assigned in bis COM
munication of this date, herewith trans
mitted, desiring to accept only free will
offerings. The sum, $4,000, expected
from our citizens is not large, only enough
to purchase The grounds, and we hope they
VIII respond nobly when they are waited
upon. In conclusion we would say that If
Nashville would enter upon the glorious
path of progress, we must put our should
ers to the wheel. Shall this become great
educational center? The question must be
answered now. Already one opportunity
has been lost. Shall another be allowed to
pass? We hope not.
Respectfully submitted,
j. W. WILSON,
Chairman.
T. A. ATCHIsoN,
G. r. WINSTON,
d. F. CARTER,
HUGH MCCREA,
G. w. SMITH,
Committee.
The following communication from Bish-
op McTyelre accompanied the report:
To the Joint Committee Of Aldermen and Coun-
cilmen, Nashville:
GENTLEMEN-Your appointment and
the manner in which you have conferred
with the Trustees of the Vanderbilt Uni
versity are highly appreciated. You make
it evident that the city is ready to respond
to the act by which it was named as the
site of the institution.
l have been informed that in making
your report you are Of one mind, to recon-
mend prompt contribution OF money by
the city, say $4,000, for procuring an eli
gible site; that tax be levied to raise the
sum; and that it be submitted to the peo-
pie at the earliest day practicable, whether
or not they will vote the tax.
This business like method would be sure
and effective, and no doubt seems to be en-
tertained of its Endorsement by large
majority of qualified voters. The material,
social ard educational interests of your
constituents are SO clearly to be promoted
by this enterprise that popular favor may
be counted on.
We accept, gratefully, your intentions,
and it is with a reluctance, which only the
peculiar nature of the case could overcome,
that beg leave to suggest modification
of your plans.
Might not the same end be substantially
reached without resort to special tax? the
subject properly represented to our people
and commended By your high opinion and
influence, could not personal contributions
be relied on?
My reasons for the request implied in
these inquiries are these, briefly:
1. To avoid occasion of offense to any
persons who might feel aggrieved By the
proposed tax. This community is to be the
home Of the University, and all will agree
as TO the importance of its beginning and
continuing its work among friends.
2. Though large majority voted the tax,
yet minority of taxpayers may be sup
posed VITO would consider themselves OPP
pressed and wroDged by it. Contributions
made thus grudgiDgly and Of necessity
would not be useful to our cause.
8. With some of our fellow-citizens a
question of conscience might be involved.
Putting myself in their place can conceive
how this might be.
l am, with high consideration, yours,
II. N. MCTYEIRE.
NASHVILLE. April %. 1873,