Vermont farmer. [volume] (Newport, Orleans County, Vt.) 1870-1877, 1877-02-02
The College Again.

DR.. Hoskins' letter in another column is
but mild expression of very strong feel
ing shared by the great majority of farmers
Of this state. We say mild, because we
have had others more earnest than this, aud
more positive in statement, also. We regret
any occasion for publishing such articles, but
as those papers which are recognized as the
special defenders of the agricultural college
are constantly publishing articles in defense
Of its course so that the farmers who feel ag-
grieved are entitled to a hearing, where
should they look if not to the FARMER, viii oh
is eInphatically their paper? Some of those who
sympathize with DR.. Hoskins' views tell US
that after we have had few years trial
with the college we shall come to their con.
illusions. Perhaps VIC shall, time will tell,
but at present We arc utterly opposed to the
idea Of a separate institution; we have
enough already. Besides, students can en-
joy great and valuable advantages at Bur
lington which they could not get in any town
which has no college. We accept the fact
Of the union Of the agricultural college and
the university of Vermont, and would hold
the university to the duty Of sending quid
pro quo, full and just equivalent for the
funds received for the benefit of agriculture
and the industrial arts. We are compelled
to say that we think that the officers of the
college almost wholly mistake the feeling Of
the farmers; they underestimate the farm
ers' intelligence and their demand for prac
teal education for their sons, and they have
very inadequately measured the force and
intensity of the convictions which possess the
farmers of Vermont to-day. They see OF
the one hand these large sums which the col
lege has received, and on the other they look
for results, and what and where are they2
Now what we urged last week was thai
the farmers accept this work of Prof. Or cssey
whose value We would continually emphasize
as the beginning in good faith, and in the
best manner possible for the present time
by the college to do its appropriate and dc
signed work for the farmers, mechanics, etc.
Of the state. We believed then it wa
made in good faith, and we hold the sam
opinion to-day. We believe the income o
that land scrip was intended to secure specia
benefits TO the farmers Of Vermont, and a
citizens Of this state and as journalists with
some recognition Of the obligation which tn
position imposes, we shall do our utmost /
secure those advantages to the farmers. Il
at any time, the farmers or their friends pun
sue q course which we think will hinder o
defeat so noble an end, We shall oppose
just as strongly and for the same reason tina
VIC would oppose the college in a course whic
We thought hostile to the interests of tn
special bene6ciaries of that fund. Perhap
as some suggest, We do not understand q
the intricacies and dark places, if there al
any, of this important subject, but We writ
each week according to the best Of cur judO
ment and ability, but We hope conceit an
vanity have not SO far taken possession of |
as to make it impossible for us to modify Of
} opinions or positions as the light which
wider observation and more accurate know
edge of the facts aud principles involve
! shall demand,