The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1912-02-24

Few occasions in the history of the
state university have brought out such
splendid expressions of enthusiasm
and loyalty as were manifest all
through the varied exercises which
marked the annual observance of
Founders day at the big state institu-
ton Thursday. This is not the first
time the anniversary has been re-
called by means OF appropriate exer-
cises, but this occasion Will stand out
in the memories Of all who had a part
in the varied activities Of the day as
one long to be remembered. Many OF
the alumni were present and many
who could not attend sent In messages
expressive of their interest and 10y
atty. The resident students and the
citizens Of Grand Forks turned but in
force and the enthusiasm Of numbers
was added to what would in any
event, have been a most notable oc-
casion. The past was linked to the
present by the FACT that many men
and women were there who have been
connected with university activities at
all stages of it's growth and develop
ment.
The Founders day lecture, which
was given in the evening by Prof,
Vernon p. Squires, before n Of the
largest gatherings ever assembled in
the university gymnasium. was the
big event Of the day. In the lecture
Professor Squires summarized very
ably the university's history from the
very beginning in 1883. For more
than two hours he held the large gath
ering with his interesting discourse.
which was supplemented by over 100
excellent views that had been specially
prepared for the occasion, and we're
presented by the use of a ster sopticon.
Pictures Of the laying Of II e corner
stone of the first building OH Oct. 2.
1888, Of the first board of regents, the
first man to register, the frs presI-
dent, and other members OF the early
faculty were shown, as well as a wide
variety of views illustrative of student
life at different stages of the insti-
tution's growth, and pictures Of the
buildings and grounds from the earlI-
est times to the present.
AS IN Introductory thought, Profess
" OAuAlCo .AuAlCN oLACAAiOh W Ill
fact that there were many reasons
why the day and the occasion was a
memorable one. It was the birthday
Of Washington, and Of Lowell, and
the anniversary of the date when
the enabling act hat started North
Dakota toward statehood was signed.
Its connection with university history
comes through the fact that on Feb.
23, 1883. the act providing for the
University Of North Dakota was pass
ed. The first act was put through the
territorial legislature on Feb. 16, but
an amended act followed it on Feb.
%, and was finally signed by Gov
ernor Ordway on Feb. q. For these
many reasons, Feb. % is the best day
on which to recall the fact Of the in
stitution's founding.
Four Periods of History.
University history, according to
Professor Squires, can be conveniently
divided into four periods-ancient
medieval, modern amid contemporary,
The first period covers the time from
1883 to 1895, or from the beginning
of the time when the institution was
placed in a very precarious position
by the curtailing Of appropriations as
was done in 1895. The medieval Pc
Rod covered four years, from 1895 to
1899, the end of that period being
marked by the passing of the mill tax
law which placed the institution on a
stable financial basis. The modern
period runs from 1899 to the retire