The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-07-01
MONEY FOR SMALLER COLLEGES.

The figures published in the Journal of
Saturday showing amounts recently given
by millionaires for educational purposes
are impressive, indicating, as they do, not
only the liberality of these money kings.
but their interest in the intellectual devel-
opment of the community. But these.gifts
were nearly all TO the great universities
and colleges. These institutions need mon
ey, no doubt. Though they have all large
endowments, yet the constantly increasing
attendance and the demands for new and
improved educational facilities in all de-
partments make additional funds neces-
sary. They are expanding with the coun-
try. and it is gratifying TO see their wants
met in so generous a way by men who are
too often charged with having no interest
in the public welfare. But while it is we'll
for these universities TO share in the in
creasing publ wealth. it is desirable that
tie smaller colleges and schools should not
be overlooked. AS the Journal remarked a
day or two ago. the larger number of men
and women who receive a liberal education
must go TO the small institutions nearest
10 uclT OWL HOUlSS- All THESE Sllldll tOl-
leges need money, and their usefulness is
hampered by the lack Of 1t. The Indiana
colleges need money, and need it badly.
Purdue, for instance. needs an assembly
hall, or chapel. Its largest room now
available has a seating capacity of 600.
Last year, in order to accommodate the
commencement crowd. it rented a tent at
a cost of several hundred dollars. A heavy
rain in the morning blew the tent down
and made it useless. This year, with a
graduating class of 80, over a thousand
visitors were turned away from the hall
for lack of room. The Sti.,e University at
Bloomington needs new buildings and new
equipment; so do Butler. Wabash, De
Pauw. Hanover and the rest. These four
last named. being church institutions, look
/ to the respective churches and their men,
bership for support. The first two. being
supported in part by the State. find that
fact something of a hindrance when seek
ing gifts from private individuals. In time.
no doubt, sons Of each of these Indiana
colleges. having gone into the world and
amassed fortunes, will emulate the gener-
osity of the Morgans and Rockefellers and
give 10 their home colleges according to
their ability. As yet. however, these schools
have few if any millionaire sons, and the
immediate needs must be supplied. How TO
supply them is the problem of each ard
every college. to be solved by its trustees
and other officers as best they may.
1t is TO be considered in this connection
that it is the exceptional case when a gift
OF the sort in question is made without
previous solicitation on the part OF the
beneficiary. 1t is a part of the business
of the college presidents and trustees to
lay the cases of their schools before pos
sible donors. and 10 convince them that
the cause is a good one. Booker Washing
ton puts tho matter very cleverly. He says
he believes that most of these men of
wealth are ready to give when they are
sure their money will be well spent. but
that they are too busy TO look up places
for benevolent investment. and that in
pointing out such a place 10 them he is
doing them a favor. This Is a very sensi-
BILE way OF looking at the question. Ger
| tainly no man. whether he has little or
much TO give. should resent having the OPP
| portunity shown TO him. But. on the other
hand. II he can give and is not solicited
neither should he walt for the opportunity
10 seek him. He can always be sure that
what he has TO offer will be welcomed by
the smaller colleges. and will be usefully
bestowed there IN educational facilities
| Of the country are its chief glory. but they