The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-09-29
ANOTHER WORD WITH THE UNI
vERSITY COMMISSIONERS.
WAIIA WAIL8. Sent. %. 1901

WALLA WALLA, sept. -, 1881.
Gentlemen: No one will deny me the right Of
being deeply interested in all things pertaining
to the welfare of the University of Washington.
That Is my alma mater, and will therefore in
sist on being permitted to watch every step
taken in its reorganization and re-establishment
on the broad, wholesome basis Intended by the
last legislature.
Soon after Mr. John Arthur's return from his
extended trip to the national capital in the in
terest of the university, had the pleasure of his
company on ride to our homes. Naturally /
inquired of his success while at Washington
City. He told me he had found out that the
university's original grant had nearly all been
sold in early days at very low prices. Only a
few acres remained.
This had been piece of notorious informa-
ton for all the fourteen years have been in the
state, and do not know for how much longer
That same matter had all been completely ex-
amined and reported upon by Regent 2. b. John
son at the last legislature.
Ex-Governor Miles C. Moore, one of the ap-
pointed appraisers of the old university site in
formed me that the appraising board had been
requested to postpone their part of the pro-
gramme until the land should be more en-
HANGED in value. l asked Hon. John McReavy,
one of the commissioners, why his board con-
templated starting on building that would use
up more than all the money now in sight for the
university. He Informed me that they would
protect the university. The state might be put
In debt, but the university would not
1 had sought all this information before adj
dressing an open letter to the commissioners
under date of September %. 1891.
Since then l have noticed that there is a
vast fortune available for the university some
where in the may future. The Telegraph an
nounces that the commissioners expect to real
Ice 100000 for the old site, whereas the highest
estimate placed upon its present value is $780,
900. All acknowledge that there are but few
acres left of the universitys original grant. Any
other funds on which to build the extravagant
university contemplated must come from con-
gress or the state legislature.
The State university now has dedicated to its
use an ample site. 1t has funds available in the
sale OF the old site that will net about $4,000
With this sufficient edifces can be erected and
enough money saved for an endowment Is it
wise, while the state and almost every county is
burdened with Indebtedness, to start on ex-
travagant building, with polished marble wains-
coting, plate glass. ETC., to cost more than the
funds now available and then to presume on the
generosity of congress or the state legislature?
Now, Just word with Mr.. Arthur. In an in
terview in the Press Times of September % he
takes occasion to twit me on my ignorance No
one regrets half so deeply as myself the deep ig-
norance that enshrouds me. was not fortunate
enough to have wealthy parents. had TO sweep
out Offices to pay my way through the Univer-
sity OF Washington, and could not go abroad for
an education. What am anxious about now Is
to see established in this state university in
which my daughter. my young brother and all
my bright little Washington friends may get
educations that will at least compare favorably
with or surpass that enjoyed by Mr. Arthur.
That gentleman specifies as one example OF my
gross ignorance q mistake made III addressing
the university commissioners as simply the
university land and building commissioners
instead of the board of university land and
building commissioners. plead guilty of that
blunder, and hereafter for Mr.. Arthur's gratid-
cation / Will address him as board.
Mr.. Arthur also says that am mistaken In the
idea that the commissioners have anything to
do with the maintenance or support OF the uni
versity. OF course that is true If they persist in
spending more than all the available funds on
the first building. But the legislature did not
for moment dream that such would be done.
See the title of the law: "An act providing for
the establishment, location, maintenance and
support of the University of Washington"
Then see section of the law in which il is
declared that there shall be kept separate and
permanent university fund, into which shall
be paid all moneys received from the sale OF all
university lands, etc.
The University OF Washington has heretofore
been the worst-used institution in the state.
and 1t viii be a lasting shame and disgrace If
extravagant expenditures are permitted TO again
exhaust all its available wealth. Yours fat h.
fully, EDMOND 8. MEANY,
President of the Alumni Association of the UNI
versity of Washington.