The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1910-09-29

to political combination and log-roll-
ing legislation for support. Each state
Institution Is entitled to be supported
and maintained In its proper sphere
and In full measure without the neces-
sity of resorting to such methods. We
now have had more than twenty years
OF statehood. Is It not time for us to
eliminate these local pretudlces and
give to each state educational institu-
tion the support to which ii Is meri-
toriously entitled? Blu pursuing this
course we will develop our institutions
on the line for which they were drafted
and make them of greater efficiency.
The University of North Dakota was
established by act of the territorial
legislature on Feb. 81, 1883. Its
object, as declared by section 8 of the
act creating it, is as follows:
The object of the University OF
North Dakota shall be to provide the
means OF acquiring thorough knowl-
edge of the various branches of learn
ing connected with scientific, Industrial
and professional pursuits: in the in
strnction and training of persons in the
theory and art of teaching and also
instruction In the fundamental laws of
the United States and OF this territory
| In regard to the rights and duties OF
citizens
The Early Struggles.
For many years 1T had to rely en-
| tirely for support upon funds derived
from direct taxation, with the result
that Its revenues wete maager. 1t is
only within recent years that it has
had any considerable benefit from the
income derived from the federal grant
The history OF it's struggles and the
sacrifices which were made by its
founders to bring 1t to it's present con-
dition shall omit,
About two years ago, President Mer,
rtfeld, who had given a full Quarter OF
a century of efficient and loyal SER
vice to its upbuilding, presented his
resignation and firmly insisted upon fits
acceptance. The task of finding and
securing a successor was not an easy
one, and was entered upon by the
board of trustees with hesitation and
misgiving. The members of the board
were agreed that what was wanted was
man who would render the most eff
cient service to the university and, as
| its head, to the educational interests
/ of the state For this reason, we did
not enter the field of popular idols in
search of material The position re-
CURED a scholar. II was found tina,
there are many men in this country
OF high scholastic attachments, but II
required more than this. He must be
an experienced educator. 1t was dis
covered there were many experienced
| educators whose services were avail
able. But above all else, the position
required man of tried executive abil.
| ity, for executive ability of high or.
der is perhaps the most important re-
| quirement in the successful manage
ment of modern university There
! are many men of good executive abil
ity; but very few of them enter the
educational field; most of them are en-
gagged in lucrative commercial ~,rrs,,'4s
as captains of industry. Further, the
position required man of middle age
the major part of those working wears
were still before him; a man whose
helpmate was college trained and thus
interested in his work and in student
life; man of poise. and character. and
finally, one who knew and understood
the northwest. it's conditions and It.
| people. We were told that this was al
impossible combination, and that such
person lived only in the ideal. Man,
months of discouraging search aImos
convinced us that this was true. bur
finally we turned to our sister. YES
our mother stata-the state of Mime
sota-and found, for he was not can.
didate. our ideal; scholar, an expert.
! enced educator and tried executive
your president, Doctor Frank L. Nc.
Vey.
| Doctor McVey, in your service o.
more than year. you have proved
your fitness and worth. We have an
abiding faith that you will give a good
account of your stewardship, and now
at this time it is my pleasant duty. a.
president of the board of trustees. II
It's name, and by it's direction, to for.
mally confer upon you the office o.
president, and to commit to your care
the welfare and the future of the State
University of North Dakota.
With these words Judge Yount
handed the keys to Pesident McVey
who then delivered his address:
President McVey opened his inaug.
ural address with a resume of the
/ early history of the founding OF tn,
institution and praised the people O.
North Dakota and especially of Crane
Forks for the interest they took in it,
foundation and gave fulsome prais,
to DIR. Webster Merrifield for hi
splendid service durinp the long year
of its earlier youth.
Continuing he said:
University Defined.
I am positive that the citizens. no
only of this commonwealth. but of tn
others that form the American union
will look with admiration, fifty year