The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1875-09-17
Remarks of Judge EIwell, at the Normal
School Meeting, September 6, 1875.

OrnOOl heeUnS SeplPWDpf v, 1870.
Reported by Prof Walker.
The meeting having been duly organized
in pursuance to call Judge Elwel spoke as
follows;
1t is well-known to you all, citizens, the
calamity which bclell this town on Saturday
almost any other that ever happened to this
community One of the most flourshng in
stiutions Of the Commonwealth has met
with disaster by fire and we are convened
this morning for the purpose, so far as prac-
ticable, as possible, to overcome the difficult
ties that are caused by reason of that calam-
ity; and in order to 10 that, il is necessary
that the citzans Of This town (inasmuch rs
they are each and every one interested in the
property Of this institution,) that the citi-
zens should take measures imme lately TO
make such provisions for students rs will en-
able them to remain and the school to con-
tinuc. We have yet remaining the original
school building one in which n large
part of The scholars can be taught. But the
boarding hall and the dormitOrics are de-
stroyed, and there is an immediate necessity
therefore, and one that calls together this
meeting that Of making provision for these
students so that that important part Of car
rying ON the Institution may be provided
Cor, and suitable boarding rooms for the
scholars.
The school started off with excellent pros
poets for the present tcrm--hcttcr than at
any time since its organization. II has been
gradually under the present administration,
on the increase in favor with the communi-
ty. Its reputation extends far and wide.
1t has become not only great attraction
| but an Indispensable necessity. 1t must not
be allowed, for one moment, although 50
great calamity has bcallcn ii, to be stayed
| in its course And it is upon the citizens
now that rest what may term the RESPONSE
| bilities involved in this matter 1t is not
| merely the trustees, few individuals who
are citizens Of this town, they are not the
ones solely interested in this institution any
more than any other citizen, no moro than
hundreds of the citizens Of this town. Every
citizen feels that it is matter in which he
is concerned, that he is not only personally
Interested in it, but that there is duty
resting upon him to step forward, and in
every possible way to aid this enter
prise. As it appears to my mind what can
be done is to continue the school. But some
may say, "Th3 is merely temporary mat
ter The building is insured The insur-
ance will be got and the trustees will put it
up again, and if the school should stop for
little while that won't make much diler-
ence it will 90 ON AGAIN."
! Those who reason thus reason without un-
dcrstanding the facts in the matter Can we,
! if the institution or the school should close
now for amy length of time, do over again
the same work that has been doing for years
to bring it up before the people and to place
it upon the foundation where it is now?
As to the matter of rebuilding that should
be, must be, ought to be done; but those
who conclude that the insurance money mot
yet received and no arrangement made
concerning it, is oirg to Go tie wnk
are mistake n. The institution is subject to
IL mortgage of &30,00O with interest due
upon the coupons--or rather with coupons
due. 1t owes for borrowed money some Sl6,
600 or $4,000. 1t owes numbers of smaller
debts, how much don't know, but say -, )
600. 1t is $50, 600 in debt, at least. There
fore, to say that the thirty thousand dol
lars insurance will rebuild it, and that other
citizens should do nothing in reference TO it,
is to reason in a way TO throw cold water OF
the whole thing, and it would inevitably e
down under such state Of things as that
The direct object of this meeting thi.
morning is to ascertain who of the citizens
will take students as boardcrs, how many
they can take, and what provision they cal
, make in the way of rooms and all that; fo
it is necessary to provide Immediately to
these scholars for the time being. Ia VIVA
particular way we shall ascertain about that
how that can be known and what can b
done in that respect, we want to determine
now if we can. Perhaps it will be done b.
, the presidents calling upon those who ar
willing to take boarlcrs to see how man.
they will take,
suppose in regard to the matter Of re
, building, Of course the citizens are not pre-
, pared this morning to take action upon tina
, subject. And yet AN aware that betor
we adjourn il would be well that a commit
! tee be appointed to take subscriptions for tn
rebuilding, | think now is Il proper time t
do that. If it ia.rebuilt there will probabl