Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-10-18
bTATE REFUSES
| COPELAND GIFT
Donor of Middlet0wn Springs
Farm Wished to Impose Too
q, Many Conditions.

MONTPELIER, Oct. 15.-The State has de-
lined through Gov. II. f. Graham to ac-
ppt the offer made by II. c. Copeland of
is farm in Mddletown Springs as home
pr destitute children, because Mr.. Cope
nd imposed so many conditions con-
ected with the gift that the board Of con-
rol could not see its way clear to bind the
tate in the manner which Mr.. Copeland
Lyanted The farm is not fit for a chill
rem home, a great deal of money would
ave to be expended to put 1t in shape.
She reasons why the gift was not accepted
re set forth in the following statements.
yhich include the joint resolution relative
b the gift. This reads:
Resolved by the Senate and House of
representatives: That the matter of the
]. G Copeland gift for the pupose of es-
ablishing a home for destitute children,
b which attention was called by the Gov
rnor in his address to the joint assembly
n March q, 1917, be referred to the board
4 control. with full power to act in behalf
e tho State
Montpelier, Aug. 10, 1917.
II. G. Copeland. ESQ.,.
N2 West 101st St.. New York,
Dear Sir:
1.-THE board of control, to whom was
eferred the matter of your proposed
lift. visited your farm at Middletown
prings yesterday afternoon and looked
he property over. This board consists
Il the Governor, state treasurer. auditor
{ accounts. director of State institutions
. nd one other member The board took
action with reference to this matter.
ut after looking the property over and
"a thpm-
elves informally. suggested to me that
write you at my earliest convenience
nd ask you to state to us. for the board.
THAT your proposition would be. going
hto the matter as fully and particularly
$ you care to.
Yours truly,
"HORACE F. GRAHAM. Governor"
New York, August 10, 1917.
Hon. Horace F. Graham.
Governor of Vermont and Chairman
of Board of Control.
Dear Governor Graham:
II found your letter on my desk. upon
ny return from n trip to Vermont, last
light In Vermont I learned you and
he other members of the board of control
ad visited my farm and also Miss Ross
;ith two or three of her friends. I was
ute surprised as had thought all plans
Involving my farm were indefinitely post
oned or given up altogether. 1t seems
low, however, this scheme has taken on
lew life
"Since do not know the scope Of the
lans you are considering I can only
ssume they are such as will do credit
the State and to the men who have
hese matters in charge. You doubtless
emember a former letter I wrote you
which I outlined the proposition
made at the time the matter OF an agri.
cultural school was before the Legisla
ure. I am prepared to make about the
anne offer again. 1t is as follows:
ITO deed my farm at Middletowr
Springs to the State Of Vermont. subject
b conditions named herein:
'Ist. The State shall expend $4,000 ir
ew buildings, fittings and shall expend
900 per year for maintenance for q
ears.
"2nd. Work on new buildings to bt
egun on or before one year and be com
ieted on or before three years.
"3rd. If $4,000 is not employed in new
buildings, fittings and furnishings within
he first three years. the deed to become
loid and the property to be reconveyed Il
he and a payment made to me of $1,000
IS liquidating damages.
18th The deed to become absolute a
be end Of twenty-five years IL the condi
ions are complied with.
IT deem these conditions necessary t.
insure the prompt and faithful completion
adequate plans and their efficien
Execution.
zone of the principal objects I have il
mind to accomplish in giving away m.
arm which is the link that connects M
With the town Is to benefit the town ant
very citizen in 1t and to build n monu
nent more useful and more lasting thai
ne built of stone.
"If there is any probability Of the boar,
oming to a conclusion favorable to TAX
hg over the property. I should like t
10 advised OF 1t as early as possible tina
may give my men ample notice to max
change and otherwise prepare t
|acate.
VERY respectfully yours.
(Signed) III. C.ACOPELAND."
Montpelier. Oct. 10. 1917.
H. c. Copeland. Esq,
"242 West 1Olst St. New York.