Knoxville daily chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1882, 1873-03-14
IKE METHODIST GENITAL UNIVERSITY,
Meeting of The COmmittee-Argumcnts
Heard-And Adjourned to meet AT
Knoxville, May 9TH.

Meeting of The acknowledgements
Heard-And Adjourned to meet at
Knoxville, May 9TH.
The Committee met in the City Hall, at
ten O'Clock, A. NJ. n. E. Cobleigh, ID. D.,
presiding. Rev. J. Braden was elected
Secretary pro. tenn. After few remarks
by the chairman Rev. Mr.. Spence, chair
man of Committee on location, announced
the different points held in nomination be-
fore the Committee, asking for the location
of the Central University.
Col. T. Fort, Chairman of the citizens
meeting of the city of Chattanooga, stated
that their Committees, had met with DIR.
Haven, Prof. Wilson and others, few
weeks ago, and as they understood, had
proposition made to them, but afterwards
withdrawn. He stated that it was his
opinion the matter had been settled, and
thought singular that another meeting
had been called. Their city had been trif1ed
with by the Baptist Church, holding out
certain inducements. They did not pro-
pose to be caught again. If the committee
did not think it to their interest to come
here he did not want them to come.
Col. Fort spoke at length of the great
ness of the prospects of Chattanooga. That
their citizens were emphatically people
of "great expectations. Inc entlre speech
was characterized by spirit of lndepend-
ence and bitterness toward the commit
tee.
At the conclusion of his remarks DIR.
CobIeiph and Prof. Wilson explained the
position of the committee, stating that
their action would be regular and unbiased
toward any locality, and that Col. Fort
was much mistaken IN his view of the sub
ject.
tain irregular and unofficial papers had
been sent to him for signature-condition-
alIy locating the University at Chat
tanooea but they went no farther AS
member of the committee he was not pre-
pared to make up his mind definitely.
No amount of sc, 900 or $50, 900 should in
f1uence his decision. We would not be
ready even now to accept proposition Of
fering $4,000 He wanted to look at the
nlaces and study their centrality and pro-
bable future growth, health, &c. He was
startled at the idea that Col. Fort should
have supposed the committee were COM
mitted to Chattanooga or any other place.
Mr.. j. w. Leigh, of Chattanooga, on
D6n0tI OF Uu0 DOdiO VI 1louSi otsiu tiIC
neople of their city would do all they
could, but they did not like the idea of
bidding against more wealthy cOmmuni-
ties after the manner in which they had
been fooled in the matter of the Baptist
University, and insinuated that this COM
mittee might attempt to play the same
role. 80,
Mr.. Spence, of Knoxville, said the COM
mittee would be actuated by no mere local
considerations or personal favors. Their
object was to place the Institution where
it would do the greatest amount of good
to the largest number of people. The
committee were representative, not local.
Judge Andrews, of Knoxville, presented
the nrOposition of the Board of Trade of
the city of Knoxville.
He said after an enthusiastic meeting of
the leading citizens in the Board of Trade
rooms on motion it was proposed to ten
der to the committee $4,000 and suitable
site. which was unanimously adopted.
He spoke at length of the centrality of
location, beauty of situation, the health,
morality and intelligence, of its citizens.
He called attention to the surrounding
country, the prospect of its beauty in a
short time, railroad centre. Judge AM
drew,s speech was close pointed and eff
fective.
E. p. Bailey, ESD, of Knoxville, said
that he was present to represent what the
people here sometimes called suburb of
Chattanooga Our city has some solid
men, men of brain and money, even if
we are called a quiet, sleepy town. We
are not here to make buncombe speeches.
but for business. We are not here to offer
subscription property at So, 900 per acre,
but $4,000 in hard cash. We do not claim
that Knoxville has arrived at such a state
of prosperity as Chottanooga has, to say elf
YOU don't want to come here on our terms,
we don't want YOU" On the contrary the
people of Knoxville do want you.
And we offer to this committee to-day,
not only money and site, but a high,
healthy location, differing from Chatta-
nooga. that we are free from floods, mala-
ria and musquitos, should you decide on
Knoxville our people will give you hear
ty welcome.
Prof. r. Pierce then represented New
Market and her claims. He spoke of the
temperate habits of the people of his town,
| the high moral state of its citizens. Called
attention to the old Holston College, and
pledged tho people for gift of the old
Holston College and $50, 600. But desired
time, thrt he might perfect his subscrip-
| ton.
DIR. Cobleigh represented Atlanta and
her claims. He said Atlanta is supposed
|
people have recently discovered that she
is so feet nearer heaven than Knoxville.
| Atlanta proposes if some of the friends
up North, will furnish the money to buy
land near the city, and give it to the Uni
yersity. The Drs Remarks were little
facetious and created no little merriment.
| Prof. Wilson spoke of Athens, and said
virtually, that their people would be
willing for the University to go to
either place, and they keep the Confer
ence College at Athens.
Rev. Mr.. Ford and Mr.. Angel represent
ed the views and wishes of the NJ. E.
Church In Knoxville.
! Mr.. Leigh, of Chattanooga, again took
the floor, and said some very loud and
sharp things, declaring Knoxville very
unhealthy place.
The committee then took recess until
2. p. M, when they met in private session
at the Read House.
At half past three o'clock the commit
tee met again at the ball and were address.