The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1897-06-19

is not favorable location, and so
forth, are not based upon facts or
sound reasoning. The great major
ity of American colleges are still de-
nominational schools, in the sense
that they are under the patronage of
particular churches and appeal to
their special traditions and affec-
tions. The Universalists of the West
are beyond all doubt able to give
us the few thousands we Immediately
require to double or quadruple the
effective drawing power of the Uni
versity. Besides that, when they are
convinced that the University is
worthy their support, they are able
to make it as rich as they please.
And Galesburg is beautiful site,
while the friends of the University in
and about Galesburg are such body
of loyal friends to its interests as, [
am sure, few colleges have ever been
blessed with.
(2) Lombard University is to have
future. 1t is to stand here decade
after decade as an exponent of genu-
inc education, doing its part in the
enlightenment of the rising genera
tions. 1t is to achieve very particular
mission in behalf of liberal religious
thought in the West, and in shap-
ing the destinies of the Universalist
Church in this great section of our
country. 1t is already we'll equipped
for service and is doing noble work,
honorable to the church which fos-
tiers it, and to the benefactors who
have supplied it with the means of
operation.
If we are to have the future we
desire we must plan for it and must
work for it.
My plan for the upbuilding of
Lombard University is as follows:
a. First of all, we should get
everything we have into the best pos
sible running order, economical but
not picayunish, courageous but care
full, aiming at high scholarship and
sound character, rather than mere
members.
(2) Then we should add to the
plant till it equals at least the imme-
diate and imminent needs of the
hour. We should have buildings and
apparatus and professors enough to
make a strong competitive bid for
patronage, both of students and
money. We must not rely too much
upon denominational sympathy, but
have a school which can stand COM
parison with other like institutions
for the variety and efficiency of It's
work. A few improvements only,
such as | have sketched in the earlier
portion of this report, will suffice to
put us in excellent shape for the race
for public favor, for already we have
a well-merited reputation for schol-
arly work in all that we undertake.
(3.) A very important thing is the
improving the surroundings of the
University, so as to make the neigh
borhood more inviting for settle
ment by first-class families The
new pavement, now assured, and the
sewer which is almost equally certain,
will accomplish wonders in this line.
Then we want the college faculty, as
fast as possible, to have their homes
in the immediate vicinity of the cam
pus. Already we have done much in
this respect, the Presidents house
and Prof. Wright's new house have
been achieved during the past year.
l believe that an earnest and persist
ent movemement in this direction
will, in the course of few years, sur
round the University with scores of
uuo ucW uOuOo, oil lACICdoiuS lLo
natural constituency.
a. Then we must have faith in
ourselves, and go boldly before the
public far and near asserting our
claims. We must thoroughly adver-
tise ourselves by legitimate methods.
A new venture recently launched,
having this great purpose in view, is
the publication of a small monthly
paper called the Lombard Letter,
which is sent to all the former stu
dents of Lombard, as far as we have
their addresses, to all Universalist
pastors and parishes in nearby
States, and to long list of individual
friends of the college. 1t is hum
BILE instrument, but its persistency
will surely be felt in the long run.
o. AS soon as financial conditions
permit we must take steps to add to
the permanent income of the Univer-
sity through increase of its endow-
ment funds. 1t must be understood
among us that this canvass is to be
made, and that we shall not be con-
tent to ask for niggardly sum. One
1..I~1l kb1,,oanH Aollor. oI1oI a.