The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-11-02

1esEzEzH
convinced that the prosperity. progress
auJ development OF the University have
beenaretarded by Its connection with the
state, and In 1898 he began to investigate
its legal status and to consider The Ques-
ton of It's divorce from government OWL
ers1ip and control. Many, perhaps ma
pority. OF our citizens are inclined to re-
gard the University as burden. or at
best, an expensive luxury TO the state
She has never had the financial support
she deserved, and there is always hot
light in the Legislature whenever the
question OF appropriation Is reached.
Nothing but the answering loyalty and
devotion OF her faculty and alumni ex-
| hbited in constant watchfulness and Wig.
o,ous action. have prevented her pitiful
stipend from being reduced to still more
Inadequate proportions. upon many crid-
raj occasions, Tie States Of Wisconsin
and Minnesota lgNe their ulNver Si (es
more than s5OOGGO apiece every year. and
take pride In their liberality. but here In.
Virginia we have to wage constant bat
tie to keep our appropriation for the Uni
ve1sity up to $4,000 or Soo.eoo year.
| II would seem, therefore, that the State
| would be glad to get rid Of the annual
charge upon her treasury If she could do
SO tonorably and upon advantageous
terms And some Of the prominent mem
bers OF former Legislatures have indicat-
cd to the writer their belief to this effect.
Suppose for instance. some benevolent
gentleman or a syndicate were to express
willingness to endow the University sufi-
GENTLY to enable her to carry on her
present work and increase her schools
and general usefulness. provided the State
would grant charter for the purpose
and convey to the corporation the interest
in the institution?
| Pr,eny stated, the contract would be to
this effect: I'm consideration of the sum
of -- million dollars, invested for the
! endowment of the University of Virginia
by A. B. 8Ctand d. and in further consid-
Grafton Of the agreement by them. In
behalf Of themselves and5their SUCCESSORS.
ncrretnallva to conduct said Institution as
a University. and to educate there from
year to year students from the Com
morwealth Of Virginia free OF tuition
charges, a charter Of incorporation Is
granted unto said parties for said PUT
noses, and the Commonwealth further
grants unto them all her title and interest
| III, and TO the real and personal property
| of said institution.
OF course. this is not Intended to be
more than a Very rough outline. But
| these results would follow:
| First-The4 State would be relieved OF a
nresent annual charge of from $1,000 to
| $4,000
Second-The State would continue to re-
ceive practically the same benefits she
now receives from the University.
Thrd-The University would be severed
| from State ownership and control and alb
so!utely4 removed from political influences
and disturbances.
| Eourth-The University would have a
certain and sufficient income for present
needs and the fair prospect of larger en-
| .AI.7- r.
1ir;duals. For it is an undaniahle fact
| that such ent'ownents always go to pri-
vate CORPORATIONS in preference to State
I institutions.
/ Fiftf-The University would have a
much more stable government. and un-
! lcuhtedly her alumni would be given a
/ rotent voice therein, as IS done In other
/ leading institutions, with which she has
/ to ccn1pete.
is THE PLAN POSSIBLE NOW?
/ The question remans are such things
rossible now? Certainly not IL no effort
| be made to attain them. But if proper
! nnterrrise be shown by the alumni and
| friends of the University, no causezis seen
1 for despair. An endowment of 5000 0H0
would be sufticen: to start with. and 1t
! ought not to he impossible to obtain that
! ar1o,1nt What is needed is organized.
i united and persistent endeavcr.
/ II the General Alumni Association, which
4 is a bly, presided over by Judge James &.
Sener of Washington. D. c.. who Is an
/ enthusiastic and untirng worker for the
! University. We're to take the lead in this
1 matter Doubtless i! would be brought to
I a successful conclusion in due time.
| The election Of a president Will also
| be ster in the right direction. If the
proper man can be secured for that office
! it is not unreasonable to expect that he
/ nav be able to secure either the Whole
or certainly very large portion of the
i requisite endorsement.
!. In conclusion the suggestion IS made
| that r7uch benefit might be conferred
,,pon the University by general mass
meeting in this city OF her friends and
alumni throughout the State. to be adj
dressed by chosen sneakers prepared to
discuss the present needs Of the institn-
i tIon and make recommendations for IFS
future government and welfare. Some
i Of the distinguished alumni Of other
states might be induced to express their
views. and the occasion MIGHT be mace
notable. useful and eniovahle
fsenedl EUGENE C. N1ASSrE. /.