Omaha daily bee., 1895-06-09

missionary work in the northwest territory,
In his travels through northern Indiana he
was impressed with the natural beauties Of
tract of forest land on the banks of the
St. Joseph river. He recognized the posi-
bllities Of so admirable a site and determined
to secure it for a college In 1880 he pur-
chased 600 acres of land from the govern
ment paying S1.25 per acre. The 600 acres
purchased by Father Bodin in 1880 had been
conveyed by deed to the bishop Of Vincennes,
who approved of the design of establishing
an educational institution. In 1912 he took
the initiatory step by offering the tract
known as St. Mary's of the Lake to Rev.
Edward Sorin, on condition that the latter
maintain a building to serve as a college.
Father Sorin, priest Of the congregation Of
the Holy Cross, missionary society founded
in France during the latter part of the last
century, and six brothers of the same com,
munity, had in tle preceding year accepted
the invitation of Bishop de la Hailandiere to
establish branch of their congregation in
the diocese of Vincennes. The bishops offer
was accepted, and November 26, 1912, Father
SOrin and his companions first saw the spot
where they were to establish the university.
At the beginning of an unusually long ana
severe winter the little colony found itself
in possession Of the land. Notwithstanding
the determination Of Father Sorin to proceed
at once with the erection Of a college, 1t was
August, 1S43, before the cornerstone of the
first edifice was laid. The next spring it was
completed The first commencement exeI-
cises were held in June, 1874, and during
the same year the legislature of Indiana
conferred upon the institution a charter with
the title and privileges Of university.
In April, 1879, the university with its
treasures, was burned to the ground. In
the following September, the main building
which now stands, was completed so far as
was necessary for the accommodation of stu,
dents. Since 1879 additional buildings have
been constructed from ntime to time.
FADs IN TTIE SCHOOLS.
When the public schools get away from
the rudiments of anGEnglish education, says
the Atlanta Constitution, the tendency is Il
drift to the special lfarls of certain reform
ers, who are enterphhy tinkering away a
our educational system. One good thint
about our old-fashioned schools was theil
freedom from these new-fangled notions
They trained up a race Of men and womer
whose intelligence and culture are the crown
ing glory of Americana citizenship, but the!
did not study oneHfdarth as many text
books as are now dsei in the schools. /
they wanted to find Tout something abou
alcohol and tobacco they learned what the!
wanted to know at home. Their time II
school was devoted to the elementary studies
and the teacher who paid too much atten
! tion 10 matters outside of a practical Eng
llsh education was never wanted long in on
| place. Something will have TO be done to re
duce the number OF textbooks and specia
studies or the schools will do the children
OF the poor very little good.
PENSIONS FOR TEACHERS.
The Illinois legislature passed the bill pro
viding for the pensioning Of Chicago teachers
| The pension fund is TO be raised by tn
moderate assessment Of L per cent on tn
salaries OF teachers and employees In tn
schools. or course II may be swelled b.
contributions from outside sources. II is
however. expressly provided that no none,
shall be appropriated FROM the city treasur!
wholly selbsupporttng and is for this ressoi
unobjectionabie from the standpoint Of extr
expense to the commuAlty. Those who bene