The Wilmingtonian., 1885-05-30
DELAWARE COLLEGE.
The Treatment Other State UnIversities
Receive.


Our esteemed contemporary the DeIapare
Ledger, misapprehends the motives of THE
WILMGNGToNTAN in regard to Delaware
College. aH
Simply, we are averse to the theory of
patching. OF ''pouring new wine into old
bottles, "-the vigorous old biblical simile is
exceedingly apt, for also ''the rent is made
worse aud perpet1ation of patching will
be needed We yield to no one in our inter-
est in the State of Delaware and its institu-
tions.
Delaware College is state institution-it
is uudcnominational and demands the genu-
inc support Of every Delawarean.
We consider this to be the moment for de-
cisive action in regard to our state universi-
ty. 1t needs thorough rehabilitation. We
claim that if the college gets state recogui-
tion at all it should receive it in that full
measure that is accorded other state institu-
tions.
Look at the many thousands expended
upon the new almshouse! In this age of
enlightenment we should remember that ed
ucational needs are not whit less worthy
of public consideration than those of ply
steal nature. In conversation with an emf,
nout member of the Michigan bar, astwoek,
the writer was informed that the legislature
of Wisconsin has passed bill levying tax
af one-eighth of mill for university puipO-
ses. That tax realizes about si00,0 600 at the
commencement. What a recognition of ed
ucational needs that is in a young statel
The gentleman referred to dilated upon
what Michigan has done for its own splen-
did alma mater, at Ann Arbor. THE Will
MINeToNIAs would gladly see the citizens of
! Delaware listening TO tbsgraphio Narration
Of this Michigan lawyer of the glories of his
state university. s ~
Why oanuot our state follow in this liber-
al spirit. Delaware is not so large and rich
as those young giants of the west. But
then, the same road is open to US. This
frittering away of an occasional few thous-
and dollars is unbusiness-like, and worse, it
is contemplate.
The university of the State of Delaware
calls for fitting state recognition 1t would
almost suggest itself, judging from Il 10
treatment that the college has hitherto re-
ceived that the cit zens of Delaware did not
recognize the meaning of the term, State
University 1t has been treated in the beg
carly manner customarily seen in the case
of some obscure denominational school
whose endowment is exactly sufficient to
enable it to maintain only starveling ex-
istence.
Chicago University which collapsed the
other day was UNCONVENTIONAL school. 1t
was founded upon insecure foundations.
No sect can ever expect co get general pop.
ular aid or sympathy. Our university is
undenominational. This is fact of the
greatest advantage,
The theory of being thankful for anything
you get, for any small plttance or appropria-
tion may suit in some cases, but is undoubt-
edly to be condemned when applied to the
question OF our state university.
The role Of humble benefciaries fol char
ity is as undignifed for Delaware College as
the picture is reprehensible of those in az
thority and OF public influence whose culps
BILE neglect allowed that institution to be.
come mendicant Delaware College has
demands upon the state. 1t has the right to
stand up and present those demands to the
citizens of Delaware. Its present, implied
role of supplant for relief is altogether un-
beftting.
The question of the existence of Delaware
College, its existence as respectable seat
of learning is dependent upon its recogni-
tion by the citizens of our state.
To attempt to perpetuate the existence
of the school without full and worthy en-
dowment, or provision for such,is wrong.
Our esteemed contemporary makes expls-
nation in regard to the library, apparatus,
ETC. But the showing is a trifiing one. quite
inadc quate, and would hardly compare, tax.
ing it all round, with what can be seen in
" isconsin, or Michigan, or Pennsylvania
state normal or high school, Let us all con-
fess that ours is by far the most contempti-
bic state university, when the question OF
pecuniary matters is considered, OF any state
iu tho Union. Confession is good for the
soul. After confession naturally comes the
attempt to do better. 1t will be then in or
der for the press of tho whole state to take
the matter thoroughly In hand and maintain
the agitation until Delaware College obtain
the endowment it is entitled to.