Evening star., 1896-10-20

it Is also full Of noteworthy incidents. On
May %, 1891, the American University was
Incorporated in the District of Columbia for
postgraduate and professional courses Of
study and for original research. The charter
from the District Of Columbia was rended
and a new charter with enlarged powers
granted In 1893 by the Congress OF the
United States. The search for site began
in January, 1890. and was continued two
weeks until January Is, when the approprt-
ate piece of ground was selected. The merits
Of the chosen property lay chiefly In Its be-
ing an undivided tract OF ninety acres In
extent, lying northwest of Washington, ele-
waited 400 feet above the sea level. and of
such surface as to make the entire space
available for building purposes. The land
was bought by faith alone. There was no
wealthy individual to come forward and
make pledges for its purchase. Each initial
step was taken on the ground Of reliance
on the great multitude Of the people. Mr..
John F. Waggaman Of Washington furnish
was later accepted and the land purchased
for 100000. The first payment Of $4,000
was made February %. 1890. The remain
ing payments have been met promptly. and
in March, 1895, the last was made. The
land Is now in the possession Of the trus-
tees of the university.
The citizens Of Washington seemed will
ing to take upon themselves the RESPONSE
bility of payment for the site and this plan
has been strictly adhered to, though few
individuals from a distance have seen fit to
add to their contributions. Fully 10000
has been raised by the Washingtonians
alone. Congregations. Sunday schools, gov
ernment officers, clergymen, merchants
clerks and mechanics, and people of every
class have sent in cash to the fund.
Built on Historic Ground.
In addition to being located on such an
advantageous eminence, the American Uni
versity is also planting its buildings ON his
toric soil. May 1, 1872 Joseph Addison, the
gentle and humorous Spectator" Of Eng
lands Augustan reign, was born in the rec
tory of Rev. Lancelot Addison at Milston,
in Wiltshire, England. About the same
time there was born in Maryland a Thomas
Addison. to John Addison, q brother of the
Rev. Lancelot. This first American-born
Addison was sent to England to be edu-
Gated. and according to a tradition among
his descendants was in Oxford at the same.
time with his cousin and friend, Joseph Ad-
olson, the poet and essayist. On his return
to this country Thomas Addison afterward
known as Colonel Addison, married and
built the fine old Manor House on the Po-
tomac opposite Mount Vernon, calling the
place Oxon Hill in honor of his alma mater
In England. The site Of the American Uni
versity was granted to this Thomas Addi-
son and James Stoddart by letters patent
on December 3, 1113. This grant included
about 5000 acres lying between Rock creek
and the Potomac.
About this time Rev. George Murdock was
serving as first pastor of the Rock Creek
parish, founded in 171G. To him was born
son, William, and to Colonel Thomas Ad-
olson daughter. Nancy. After years had
rolled around William and Mary were mar
ried. To this couple Colonel Addison de-
vised by will the above mentioned tract of
land. This William Murdock was q man Of
tright colonial fame. He, with Edward
delegate from Maryland to the famous
stamp act congress, held in New York In
October, 1105, which adopted the famous
declaration of rights. William Murdock,
with Robert Livingston and Samuel John
ston, signed the address then made to King
George w.
1t was some time near this same period