Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1897-11-04
A NATIONAL UNIVERSITY.


for Maine.
George Washington left in trust to
Congress ninety eight years ago, fund
for national university purposes believ
ing an institution for the training of
statesmen at the capital was the surest
way OF protecting the spirit of the consti-
tuition 1t is now proposed that the
women of America unite in calling the
attention OF the people to the unfulfiied
desire of Washington"
Iu,se few lines record one of the many
thoughtful and prophetic propositions
which make manifest the wisdom aud
craftsmanship of our first President. The
fuIfiiment OF his wish has long been de-
layedi the history of the efforts made and
the obstacles encountered supplies most
interesting reading; the present com
bination of forces in its favor promises a
speedy and successful conclusion. Surely
a century Is long enough for planting,
rearing and harvesting II fruit so essential
in our national garden.
This central university, thus planned,
is to he endowed by government but con-
tinued, aided and extended by a people
who, by this time, may be expected to
comprehend the priceless benefits it will
confer upon the whole system OF educa-
ton. All existing universities, colleges
and schools are to cooperate in its
met hods and derive from this perma-
nent centre an ever-i ncreasing impulse
from the also everincressing fund Of
knowledge 1t will create and develop.
By system OF post graduate study and
corps OF advanced professors the sum
total Of human knowledge will progress
at pace which will equal il not outstrip
that Of the great educational Institutions
OF Europe. At present we are far behind,
and thousands OF the young people of our
land are now obliged to cross the ocean
to obtain advantages which this univer-
sity once established viii afford them in
still larger measure.
The practical and pecuniary fulfilment
OF this project, which has been elo-
qucntly advocated from time to time oy
our greatest scholars and most enlight
ened statesmen, IS naturally entrusted to
those vino are i'll charge OF national al
fairs. 1t may, however, be assumed
without arrogance that tue aid and infiu-
ence OF our countrywomen now cordially
welcomed by these statesmen, will add
something to the propeIling forces re-
quired for carrying out so great an en-
terprise. | quote with pleasure the apt
words OF the brilliant young author Of
peter Stirling" who remarks: Say
what we please, the strongest and most
subtle pull this world as yet contains is
the under-current OF woman's influence"
And what will not that Influence accom-
pIsh when it takes he form of an Amer
lean mothers eutreaty for the more per
feet education of her children?
1t Is therefore with profound belief in
the inestlmable value OF this new and
eliminating glory for our growing coun-
try that the organization OF women
formed in its service appeals to every
American woman to look into its history
in he past and assist in assuring its mag
n6cent future. A great central univer-
sity in the capital city OF the United
States, where already innumerable rays OF
science, art, philosophy and legislation
converge, will be as the sun to the solar
system, radiating light, warmth and fer
tility upon every branch OF human
knowledge.
Embracing in its genial scope every
division Of intellectual, moral and physi-
cal research broader and fuller than is