The Grange advance., 1874-06-03
Hamline University.
BY REV. }. F. CHAFFEE.

BY REV. }. F. CHAFFEE.
The Hamline University was chartered
! in 1854. The provisions Of the charter are
!; liberal, and look to the ultimate building
up Of literary institution of high grade.
but the enterprise itself was inaugurated
too early. The paucity and poverty of the
people alike should have prevented the un-
wisdom Of SO premature an attempt to an
ticipate the wants and provide for the ne
cessities Of the coming millions. The error
has borne fruit after its own kind. With
little money the existence of the institution
was constant struggle till finally it was
obliged to succumb to an empty and embar-
rassed treasury. Suspension became ne
cessity But in suspending. the university
preserved its honor, having paid its debts,
and kept its endowment property intact.
Much might be said in behalf of the Uni
versity on account Of the work done during
the years Of its active labors. Its faithful
and often half-paid teachers did work the
influence Of which for good cannot we'll be
calculated Well educated men and women
from its halls adorn nearly every useful
calling and profession Of life The mental
and moral power thus created is infinitely
more than quid pro quo for all the money
thus far expended.
With the temporary suspension Of the
school came up the question of relocation.
Complicated as this question has been even
beyond our expectations, it has been settled
with great satisfaction to the most Of our
people. 1t could not be expected where 50
many interests clashed, that all would be
suited. And that so many are pleased is
matter for sincere congratulations.
Located about midway between St. Paul
and Minneapolis near the line of the st.
Paul and Pacific railroad, possibly in the
centre OF a future great city, certainly in
the suburbs Of two cities, the most astute
minds regard the location in itself consid-
cred, as very fortunate one-one which is
far-looking and which says on the face oft,
1--WE mean business" With the location
we received a deed of forty acres Of land,
and bond for deed Of thirty seven acres
more, with $4,000 in pledge to aid us in
paying for the thirty-seven acres, making
in all, seventy-seven acres of land where
we are building. Besides, the people Of
St. Paul and Minneapolis have pledged
towards the building over $4,000. The
main University building which is now in
process Of erection will be an imposing ed
ifice, 60xl24 feet, and five stories high.
The walls Of the basement story are now
completed, and are receiving the joist for
| the floor. The building above this story is
under contract to be enclosed for $26, $50.
Mr.. A. F. Parker Of St. Paul doing the ma
son work, and MIR. A. D. Davidson, the
wood work. If we should be fortunate in
making collections we hope to enclose
the building the present season.
The ceremonies connected with laying the
| cornerstone will occur June 4th, at o
o'clock p. m. 1t is expected that short ad-
dresses will be delivered by Gov. Davis,
Bishop Merrill, and ex-Gov. Marshall. The
public are cordially invited to be out in
! force. The train leaving Minneapolis at 2
| p. m. will be in time. 1t is hoped arrange
! St. Paul.
| The annual meeting of the Board of Trus-
tees will be held in Minneapolis, at2 p. M,
June %.
Thanking our friends for their generous
| interest and support thus far, we beg to as
sure them that the =" end is not yet." Help
us friends, and you will help !. good cause,
-Citizen.