The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1897-12-13
prominent Educators Interested in
the Great Work.
After Nearly One Hundred Years, the
Project of Establishing q Great
National University. for Which
Warrington Made q Request, In
fses Material RexRlts-The Pres
ent Design Contemplates IN Edu-
cati0nal Institution to BE the
Equal Of Any In the Entire World.

WASHINGTON. Dec. 12.-The bill to
establish the university of the United
States will again be introduced In both
houses OF congress tomorrow.
The bill, in general 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 and
investigation in all important fields Of in
Quiry. The government is vested in
board OF regents and a university eoun-
ell. The board of regents embrace the
president Of the United States, the chief
justice of the supreme court Of the United
States, the commissioner of education. the
secretary Of the Smithsonian Institution.
the president OF the National Academy
or Sciences. the president Of the National
Educational Association, the president of
the university. and nine other citizens, to
be appointed by the president, with the
advice and consent of the senate. no two
of them 10 be from the same state. The
university council is TO have immediate
charge of the work of instruction, re-
search and investigation. 1t consists of
the regents and twelve other members to
be appointed by them from among emf
raent educators, with a like impartial dis
tribution.
All courses and officers of instruction
are to be determined by the council, also
all regulations governing the international
management of the Institution. Neither
sectarian nor political preferences 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 learn
ing, such cooperative relations as are
deemed advantageous. Provision Is made
for the use of what is known as Uni
versity Square, the site set apart by
a fnr
lately occupied by the naval conservatory
Congress is now asked for but enough
means TO enable the board OF regents to
organize and practically inaugurate the
Institution.
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 hundred years of agitation.
The thought of national university first
came TO Washington, while commanding
the revolutionary army. Subsequently,
as president, he repeatedly urged its es-
tabfshment, and in his last will and testa-
ment ieft s23,Oo In stocks as a first en-
uoWment, the Interest TO be compounded
HAD congress fostered the plan. this
sum would now be nearly 5000 900. The
idea thus cherished by the father of his
country was also fndorsed by Presidents
John Adams. Jefferson. Madison Monroe
John Quincy Adams and Jackson. ana In
more recent years by Presidents Grant
and Hayes
During all this time the measure was ad-
Vocated by men mostly distinguished for
learning and statesmanship. hut owing m
the lack OF organized efforts nothing prac-
ticai was accomplished. The more modern
movement in this cause may be said 10
have been inausurated I'm 1859. by the Ma
tionat Educational Association, after an
appeal from DR. John W. Hoyt. of Wis
cohsih, at the close Of his educational tours
OF inspection in all the countries of Eu-
rope and In the American states bv am
tnorities OF the government That great
association thrice unanimously indorsed
the university proposition. and through Its
committee bll was introduced and unani-
mously reported in the house OF represen.
7atives in 1873. The measure continued TO
receive the Endorsement of leading schol-
ars and statesmen from time TO time. and
in 1880 university bill was introduced In
the senate by Mr. Ednunds of Vermont
And upon his motion referred TO select
committee. with Senator Proctor as chair
man.
The present general movement was be-
gun at the PanR Republican congress OF 1891
By the appointment OF a committee of pro-
motion. TO be enlarged in the discretion OF
its chairman. ex-Goy John w. Hoyt
which committee by steady growth. be-
came what Is known as the national uni
versiiy committee of one hundred a com
mittee now grown TO several hundred. en-
braciug the presidents OF all the state uni
yersities and some $50 other leading insti-
tutions, the superintendents of public in
struction Of all the states but one. and
many OF our most distinguished statesmen.
scholars and men OF affairs.
With the approval of the national univer
sity committee. the patriotic women OF the
country, under the lead OF Mrs. Ellen A.
Richardson, OF Boston. have organized the
George Washington memorial committee
for auxiliary. though independent, work.
their purpose being 10 raise by popular
subscription $259,ts fog the erection on
University square of a first university
building. IL is the intention Of the ma
tional university committee that the gov-
ernmsnt shall cooperate In the establish
rnenf of the proposed university. and il Is
intended that the bill shall he pressed 10
early passage. so that July 6, ises, the ie0th
anniversary OF Washiugtou'E bsqueSt,
shall witness at least the practical begin
ming Of what should become the leading
Of vrrfa