Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-30
NATIONAL UNIVERSITY.
Wnshington's Bequesf-The Move.
mcnt to Carry Out HE Wishes.


ton made bequest for the establishment
OF national university. but that like
many legislative resolutions to build
monuments, the bequest never materi-
allied In the form of being put into force
and effect.
From time to time movements have
been inaugurated which were designed to
utilize Wasllington's bequest and carry
out MS view and In 1890 the United
states Senate created q select committee
10 establish the university, and the fol-
rowing were appointed members of Il:
George +. Edmunds (chaIrman) Senators
sherman, ingalls,, Blair, Dolph, Harris,
Butler, Gibson. and Barbour.
HOYT MEMORIAL.
In 1892 the Hoyt memorial concerning
national university was submitted to the
| senate and an outline OF that memorial
Is here given as defining succinctly the
scope, purposes. ETC., of the proposed in
| stitution:
The offices Of a national university are
| these
THE OFFICES.
To supplement existing institutions by
supplying full courses of POSTGRADUATE
instruction, and 1t only. in every depart
! ment OF learning.
By its central facilities and cluster of
professional schools of highest grade, to
represent at all times the sum of human
| knowledge.
10 lead In the upbuilding OF new pro-
LESSONS by its applications OF science.
To lead the world I'm the work of re-
search and investigation.
WHY AT WASHINGTON.
Washington was designated by the
Father of His Country in his bequest of
property in aid OF its endowment and by
MS selection Of land for a site
washington is the only sufficient and
convenient spot where the government
mas both exclusive and perpetual juris-
diction.
Ihere are In the government depart |
ments and connected Herewith vast |
amounts of material that could be made |
auxiliary, and which. being now but |
partially utilized, are In some part an |
enormous capital running TO waste
There are hundreds OF experts In the
departments whose services could be more
or less utilized with mutual advantage
such O university in Washington would
exert great influence upon the National
Government itself in every branch and
department.
BY the National Educational Assocla-
ton, which, at three annual meetings,
unanimously Endorsed the proposition and
created permanent committee OF its
members to promote the enterprise.
REASONS FOR A RENEWAL OF THE
EFFORT.
The need not only remains. but in
creases with the years, as shown by the
fact that some 1900 American graduates
are now seeking opportunities abroad
Since this need can only be met by the
nation, why not begin now?
NO other important educational measure
is now likely TO interfere.
h0r
National Government would be certain 10
attract large donations from private
sources for the endowment of fellowships.
professorships, faculties. and departments.
The growing power Of the United States
among the nations suggests the CORES
ponding present need Of such forces and
influences at the seat Of government as
shall be worthy to impress and lead the
world.
THE PROPOSITION.
To urge upon Congress the early estab-
lishment of national university of the
highest type and to be known as the
University OF the United States
whose form Of constitution shall secure
II against partisan control-a thing not
difficult, as shown by the success Of lead
Ing State universities and Of scientific
controlled by the General
Government;
4
with its educational members;
Whose conditions of admission shall be
character and competency;
Whose applicants for degrees already
have the bachelors degree;
Whose fellowships shall be duly en-
dowed and open to the best qualified;
Whose professoriate shall be so con- !
stituted as to secure TO it the highest I
possible character and efficiency; 7
Whose departments of letters, science, I
and philosophy shall be centres for the 4
grouping OF postgraduate professional T
schools Of every class;
Whose beginnings shall be with such I
means as befit the great undertaking and O
hall encourage liberal endowments from h
'ther than governmental sources; thus I
Early making It the leading university Of G
he world
The conditions Of success are these:
1. A thorough awakening of once ae-
I've friends OF the proposition.
2. Readiness Of all to cooperate, with
Tut regard to minor differences. al
3. Systematic organization, with a view q,
o the most effective service. ~
A. Full unity OF plan and purpose, with a
concentration of forces under a common
leadership. y
WOMEN TAKE HOLD. I'll
Since this memorial was submitted, the
'omen OF the country have taken hold
{ the movement with great zeal, and re-
entity woman's convention looking to
IS furtherance was held in Washington w
Veil known women from various Sec
ons of the country attended this con- as
ention, and efficient working commit
ees were appointed. "a
THE FUND. fe
The condition OF the fund was explained
y the late G.. Brown Goode. former d.
actor of the National Museum who In
Il address, previous to his death, said: =
The sum Of s4.4ol0 900 (amount Of Wash a,
lgton's bequest with compound interest ~
} the present time), II appropriated for
lis purpose by Congress and placed in
10 Treasury Of the United States there :
remain paying interest would yield