The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1874-03-10

possible that the government may be induced
to present the grounds to the state and
throw the buildings in at a moderate cost.
The very suggestion has aroused number
of thoughtful citizens to the expediency of
securing the whole domain for some bsnef-
cent state purpose. The general opinion
runs that the most desirable end would be
subserved by securing the arsenal ground
for the use of the state university, now in
operation at Bloomington. There is obvi-
ously strong grounds for favoring this idea.
The capital of the state is pre-eminently the
place for the state university. Its highest
usefulness can only be attained by such nat
ural advantages as its central location would
give it in this city. Although pros
perously conducted at present the friends
of education hope for a greater work, and
broader scope for the chief university. 1t
is impossible to ignore the fact that with
an equipment equal to any similar institu-
ton in the state, if not superior; with a fac
ulty of recognized ability. and the additional
inducement of free tuition, there is disin-
clination among students to avail them
selves ofits privileges. Other colleges out
strip it in the number and standing OF their
classes, and with smaller faculties and light
or expenditures, more work seems to be &C
complished. The explanation of this con-
dition is not confined to a single cause.
Those who have given the question study,
have come to the conclusion that it is the
location which operates disadvantageously,
otherwise an institution in every sense up
10 the highest expectations of modern schol-
arship, would be equally successful in &C
tive work. The location unquestionably in
terferes, with the vigorous prosperity of the
college. When the institution was
founded the state of Indiana was
undeyeloped; the relative Importance
of different points to be determined by rail-
road lines and centers were not known, as
they now are. AS the thorough fares and
business features of the state have assumed
form and permanancy, it is now easy to see
the mistakes of the past. Bloomington is
left upon a single line Of road and that the
least travelled of any main line in the state
1t is not easily accessible compared with
many other towns. The medical department
is already carried on at the capital, and it is
own advantage, ought to follow. Probably,
both faculty and students would endorse the
change. 1t would strengthen the hands of
the one and increase the number of the other
a great city is IN itself liberal education.
Here the student has an opportunity to keep
up with the world of the day-the
world of actual life, as distinguished
from books. Halfthe greatness of Harvard
lies in its proximity to Boston. Modern
education is best because it makes practical
the things learned in books. The seclusion
of the old system is virtually excluded in the
present and educated men are now the
movers in the social economy of the day.
Scores of young men would gladly pass
their course at the capital who decline to be
secluded in the old and not very slightly
town of Bloomington. But there are other
considerations spoken OF. The state library
should be in the vicinity, and by natu-
raj gravitation collections, museums
and cabinets will accumulate at a point
where they will be accessible to the greatest
number of visitors, and be most beneficial
To the state. These are facts that can neither
be controlled nor changed. OF what use is
it to collect the treasures oflearDing, art and
nature, where comparatively few can en-
JOY them? All the state comes to the capital.
Not only the whole state, but rybody
else that visits Indiana. Here, then, is the
proper place to build up the uni
versity, with all its ever accumulat-
ing, scientific and literary treasures. The
magnificent grounds of the arsenal would
give the university abundant space, and a
situation absolutely unequaled in the state.
There are ample grounds, beautiful beyond
comparison, aud buildings which are not ill
adapted to the purposes of a school. 1t is not
unlikely that this location might be secured
to the state on favorable terms for so noble
purpose. As these suggestions must be
brought to the public mind sooner or later,
it is better to give them attention in time
for deliberate and careful action by and by.
M. Ledru Rollen has been elected to the
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