The Guthrie daily leader. [volume] (Guthrie, Okla.) 1893-1996, 1897-12-15
PLAN OF WASHINGTON
PROPOSED AGAIN.
CONGRESS ASKED TO HELP.
Provides FOR an Institution OF the
Highest Learning High GOV
ernment omc,als as Regents
is to 10 ru,hed
with Nigor.

WAsHINGroN, Dec The bill TO
establish the University of the United
states was introduced ia both Houses
of Congress to-day. The bill in gen
eral terms provides for an institution
Of the highest possible type, for the
graduates of accredited colleges and
universities only, with special refer
ence to the work of original research
ana investigation in all important
fields OF irl Try.
The gov runent is vested in a board
IF regents ana a university council.
The board of regents embraces the
President of the United Stntes, the
Chief Justice of the Supreme court OF
the Uaited States, the Commissioner
Of EJucation, the Secretary of the
SIN thsonian institution, the president
of the National Academy Of
Sciences, the president of the
National Educational association,
the president of the university
and nine other citizens to be appoint
I'd 10y the President, by and with the
advice and consent OF the Senate. No
two of them shall be from the same
state. The university council is to
have immediate charge of the work Of
Instruction, research and investigG-
tion. 1t consists OF the regents and
twelve other members, to be appoint
ed by them from among eminent edu-
Gators, with like impartial distribu-
tion.
Neither sectarian nor political pref
erences in any form are TO be allowed,
whether in the appointment or in any
Of the operations Of the institution.
Authority is given to establish with
other institutions of learning such CO.
operative relations as are deemed ad-
vantageous Provision is made for
the use Of what is known as "Univer-
sity Square" the site set apart by
Washington for university purposes
and lately occupied by the naval OBJ
servatory
Congress is now asked for but enough
means to enable the board Of regents
to organize and practically inaugurate
the institu tion. Gifts and bequests
are to be deposited in the United
States treasury in trust and invested
IN bonds of the United States bearing
= per cent interest
The present bill is the outgrowth OF
more than 100 years of agitation. The
thought of a National university first
came to Washington while command.
ing the Revolutionary army. Subse-
3dently, as President, he repeatedly
urged its establishment, aud in mis-
asst will and testament left S25, 600 in
stocks as first endowment, the inter
est to be compounded. Had Congress
tosteted the plan this sum would now
be nearly $1,000, 900. The idea thus
cherished by the Father of His Couu.
Try was also indorsel by Presidents
John Adams jefferson, Madison, Mon
roe, John Quincy Adams and Jackson,
and in more recent years, by Presi-
dents Grant and Hayes. During all
| this time the measure was advocated
by men the most distinguished for
learning and craftsmanship, but, ow
ng TO the lack of organized effort
nothing practical was accomplished.
| The present general movement was
begun at the Pan-Republic Congress,
of 1891 by the appointment Of com.
mittee OF promotion.
1t is the intention of the National
University committee that the govern
ment shall cooperate in the establish
ment of the proposed university, and
1t is intended that the bill shall be
pressed TO arly passage, SO that july
D. s09, the lOOfi anniversary OF Wash
lington's bequest, shall witness at leas
the practical beginning of what should
become the leading university Of TIA,
world