The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1879-01-18

The Maryland Agricultural College was
originally private corporation, and was
first established by intelligent and educated
farmers of the State in 1858, for the pro-
motion of agricultural education. A farm
in Prince Georges county, on the Wash
ington branch Of the Baltimore and Ohio
road, was purchased at cost Of $50, 900,
including college buildings. When the
feFEa wAs seoused aud tho beildings orse-
ted in 1855, the State appropriated to the
institution $4,000 year to promote in
struction in the arts and sciences relating
to agriculture, and has continued 70 con-
tribute this amount annually sincs that
time. During the war the college got
into debt, and was closed.
In 1866 the State made an appropria-
tion of S45, 900 to pay off the college in
debtedness, and became joint owner in
it, being represented in the board Of trus-
tees by four State officials as ex-oficio
trustees, namely, the Governor of the State,
the President Of the Senate, the Speaker
of the House Of Delegates, and the State
Superintendent of Public Instruction, who
is also Principal Of the Normal school,
The private stockholders, although only
half owners, are represented by seven trus-
tees, elected by them annually, SO that al
though the college is virtually State in
stitution, it is controlled by the private
stockholders, as they have seven votes to
the States four in the board Of trustees.
The annual income Of the college, ex-
elusive Of tuition fees and board of stu
dents, is nearly $4,000 year. Besides
the $4,000 annual appropriation BY the
State, the income from the lands granted
to the State by the United States for the
promotion of agriculture is also enjoyed
by the college, amounting to over 81, 600
year, The college, therefore, including
interest on the $4,000 invested in 1866,
costs the State about 500, 600 year. No
tuition fees are required Of the students
residing in the State, but board Is charged,
and there is some income from students
from distance.
Nearly ever since its establishments
there have been contentious in reference
to its management, and it is held that the
original design Of its founders has never
been carried out The charter Of the col
lege requires more than simply the ednca-
tion Of boys in the ordinary college eurric-
ulum, and exacts that instruction, with
experiments, shall be given in the value
and adaptation Of fertilizers, analysis Of
soils, the value Of certain grains, seeds, &c.
These, constituting its agricultural features,
it is claimed, have been almost ensircIy
neglected, OF only introduced nominaIIy. &.
a part Of the college instruction. IN 9th
er respects the college has been conducted
as an ordinary school
It's first president was Mr. Benjamin
Hallowell, Of Montgomery eonsty, who
followed, as nearly as possible, the design
Of its founders, Mr. HallokelI was auc.
ceeded by DR.. Minor, now president -ef cha
Virginia Agricultural College. Admiral
Buchanan, Of the Confederate navy. Rev.
DR.. Regester aud General Samuel Jones
succeeded Dr. Minor ii order. Mr.. Reg
ester's administration was successful Iinan-
cially. Two years ago General Jones was
superseded by the present principal, Cap
tain VIM. II. Parker, who Was 40 old Uni.
ted States naval officer, an officer In the
Confederate navy, and at one time the
principal Of aschool at Annapolis designed
to be preparatory to the Naval ACADEMY.
When DR.. Regester left the college il
was nearly free Of debt, hut under auhse.
quent management il became involved for
want Of patronage and alleged extrarn-
gance. When Captain Parker assumed
4 the presidency fhn nolleoa f,wn1 hnluanr.