The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-01-31


or the new educational movement.
me continued controversy oYerthe DISPOSE
ton or the money appropriated TO the state
under the act of congress, approved Aug. 20
1870, and known a. the Morrill, act, has pre-
vented the college from taking advantage, OF
the new field OF work open to IL; in fact, l am
informed That at the end OF juno last. IL was
necessary 10 curtail expenditures by dis
missing the professor OF veterinary science
and physiology.
At the present time the question OF the dis
position of the funds appropriated by the
Morrill, act is before the United States eli rcuit
court. The act passed by the last general
assembly incorporating the Rhode Island Col
iege OF Agriculture and Mechanic Arts di-
rected the general treasurer 10 pay over TO the
college treasurer all moneys received under the
congressional acts of March2, 1885,, and Aug. 30,
1851. and any other acts making appropriations
Tor the promotion OF agriculture or the me-
chanlc arts The corporation OF Brown
university, which az you are aware contends
that the funds should go 10 its institution, be-
cause Brown university was made the bene-
hciary under the act OF ls6e, and once filed
with the general treasurer n demand for the
money, and secured from the supreme court
an ex-parte injunction restraining him from
paying any moneys received by him under the
act of Aug. 30. 1890. % the treasurer OF the
Rhode Island college OF agriculture. An in
FUNSTON was also granted restraining the
treasurer of the Rhode Island college of agri>
culture from receiving any Of said moneys.
At the time appointed for answer 20 the court,
a petition was presented for the removal of
the case 10 the United States circuit court.
as the United States laws were in
volved. Tho petition was granted and the case
was placed on the docket of the United State.
circuit court for the November term. IL will
probably be given a hearing AT an early date.
While there is little doubt in regard TO the
tendency of public sentiment upon this matter,
n Il - l. = a. -
take any further action therein, until a deci-
sion has been arrived at by the court, before
whom the case is now pending. In the mean
time some addition may be made 10 the an
nual appropriation for this institution, so that
its work may not be too greatly retarded by
the delay in the receipt of revenue expected
from the funds in question. The general
treasurer reports that the amount received
under the Morrill, act to July Is, 1892, with in
terest, is s63, 1870.
There have been in attendance NJ the coll
lege during the past year ninety-hve pupils,
ninety OF whom were from towns in the state,
and five from the cities. These figures, |
think, are a significant indication that so far
"a the means at hand will permit, the college
is fulfilling the pur pose for which it was
founded.
School of Technology.
1cannotl leave the subject Of education with
out referring to the movement in which many
pIplllltll CillLenh are now eukaSeu, looking
toward the establishment Of a school OF
technology in the city Of Providence. 1t is
an enterprise worthy of public support and
encouragement and deserving Of every reason
able assistance that the state can afford. In
no other commonwealth is the need OF a
school of this character so pressing as in
Rhode Island. This is the greatest of manu-
featuring states, considering it's area, and
there is a constant demand here for SIX illed
artizans. 1T becomes, however, a matter for
serious reflection when we find our manufac-
turers compelled 10 look 10 foreign countries
for the supply of skilled wOrkmen 10 meet this
demand. IL Is a source of qualification that
SO much interest is now being taken in the
subject OF manual training, and that yearly
the opportunities for obtaining such instruc- |
ton are increasing and improving. What is
required, however, is an institution where
those who so desire, young or old, may obtain
a scientific training in the trades and indus
trial arts which are the foundation of our
prosperity. An institution where they may
become thoroughly acquainted with, and pro-
flcient in any trade they may choose, and Ia at
will To a large extent fill the vacancy that has
been felt in our industrial life since the ap-
prentice sy stem began 10 decline. We Dug hit
TO be able TO obtain our supply of skilled arti-
zans from our own homes, and that is what
understand the proposed technical school is
designed to accomplish.
The state during recent years has founded
many educational and charitable institutions
which now make large demands upon the pub
lie treasury. |, therefore, cannot recommend
that at the present time it should undertake
the care and expenses Of this venture. IL has
been suggested, however, that the state might
grant, free OF expense, the Use OF n portion of
the grounds of the old state prison as n site
for the technical school. IL such action will 10
any extent assist towards the accomplishment
of the important object, | cordially recon-
mend that il be taken during this session. The
property referred 10 could be devoted 10 no
better purpose, and in return for its use the
state would of course expect to secure the
privilege of n certain number of free scholar
ships in the institution.
In conjunction with this school of technology,
il is proposed to- establish n permanent indus
trial exhibition, where may be displayed the
manufacturing processes carried on
our borders. The close of the present
year, when the plants of many OF our largest
anufacturers will be withdrawn from Chi
cago. will be "a peculiarly fitting time for the
establishment of such an exhibition. II is
desirable that any aid that the state
feels disposed to give should be given
so that the work may be stimulated
thereby. l am heartily interested In this pro-
and I would not call your attention 10 IL
Z | did not consider it a public movement
.olely for the public benefit.
Militia.
StIlOuS y hl7Aulb abttSs accompanied DN
mob violence in several of the states during
last year, have drawn the attention of the
public TO the utility and necessity of the active
as a force for the maintenance of law.
he preservation of order and the protection on
ifc and property. Happily in our state there
has not been for many years past any violent
reach of the peace with which the civil au-
horities have not been able 10 cope. and rely.
ng upon the law abiding character, high
'rade of intelligence and good common sense
our citizens, we may hope for a long con-
inued period Of freedom from any public dis
rider. Yet we have no right TO pres ume upon
he future, and remembering our large man
interests and she varied elements
hat go Co make up our population, it is our
uty TO be repaired for any disastrous misun-
erstanding that may arise between conflict
1g interests In our industrial circles, and we
ught not TO expect nor permit the use OF ir-
private detectives. 1t is there
)re most important that the state should
pare no expense in placing its active militia
pom an efficient and well equipped basis.
Last August, after consultation with the nd I
itant general, | directed him 10 obtain in '
In detail a. 10 the condition of tho :
equipments, uniforms and camp equip I
OF the militia: the probable number of =