The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1893-02-17
Don't starve the University.

The University of Michigan Is now re-
garjed both i'm this country and In Europe
as the equal of Hazard or Yale. Last year
1t had more students than either. That it
has attained this position is due to the en-
thusiasm, devotion and ability of the pro-
fessors and the prudent and careful fnan-
cial management Of the regents. 1t was
founded In grant of the national govern
ment and obtained prominence without any
aid from the state. In fact the first sub
stantial aid given by the state was In 1871.
In 1873 the people recognized the necessity
of a settled policy in aiding the University,
and therefore the legislature almost unan-
imously passed an act granting 1-20th of a
mill upon the taxable property OF the state
for its support. But no ole then foresaw
the magnificent growth of the institution or
dreamed that in less than twenty years ii
would attract to its halls nearly 5000 stu
dents. What was true then is equally true
today, viz, that there must be an appear
ance of permanency in the income of the
University in order to secure and keep the
best men as teachers. A noted astronomer,
scientist or man of letters cannot be secured
when he sees that the necessary financial
support depends upon legi ,lative appro-
priations from year to year. He will rather
go to those universities whose resources are
secured by permanent endowments and
whose incomes are more than twice that of
the Ann Arbor foundation. 1t follows, too
that students will be attracted to the finest
libraries, the best scientific equipments, and
the most noted instructors. Rockefeller with
his Standard Oil millions has founded
university i'm Chicago. which is Offering its
professors $1,000 per annum. Wisconsin
gives her university $40 of a mill tax an
nually and graduate of our University is
its president. Another western state gives
q of mill. While Michigan was one of
the first to adopt this method, other states
quickly took it up and have distanced us in
raising the amount. recognizing as they did
the prestige to be derived from such wise
policy. Unless the University of Michigan
is to be left behind in the race the tax must
be increased here. 1t certainly is not wis
dom to take any chances and repent when
it may be too late.
There is not city or village in this state
and but few in the United States. where
will not be found graduates of our Univer-
sity occupying high and responsible posi-
lions as lawyers, doctors, clergymen, teach
ers. engineers, dentists, pharmacists or
business men. Its graduates have also
carried its name and influence into other
lands. Two of the Hawaiian commission
ers now in Washington graduated at Ann
Arbor About half the students are from
other states and countries Many of these
remain in the state, while many of those
from our own state find positions of useful
ness elsewhere. Mutual benefit results
from this interchange besides the benefits
which each student derives from his asso-
citation with others.
The usefulness of the University is the
chief consideration for the people and the
to what extent they will aid in and enable
it-as is their clear duty-to keep the want
age it has won and extended its influence.
The LIS of mill provided for in bill
now before the Legislature will impose no
burden upon the people. The farmer
whose farm is assessed at $40, 200 will pay
50 year, while he whose farm is assessed
at SIS, 900 will pay but 81. Every farm in
Michigan is enhanced in value by the ex-
istence of such an institution.
1t must receive about the amount which |
the bill now pending will yield or must soon |
drop back to second rank among the COL |
leges and universities of America. Expert |
ence has shown that the regents can he |
trusted and besides they are amenable to |
the people and are obliged by che law to |
render annual accounts to the governor. ii
The Tribune believes there should be no
hesitation to pas, the bill and that the peo-
pie are overwhelmingly in favor of such a