Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1868 [PAGE 165]

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153

In my opinion, the inauguration of the Industrial University will ever be regarded as an important incident in the educational progress of our State. The character of the institution to be inaugurated is a true and just response to the demands of the cultivators of the grand and fertile prairies of our State. Let a generous and elevated spirit control the management of the University. Let the baleful influences of partisanship and sectarianism be excluded from its halls. Let an eye single to the physical, intellectual and moral advancement of the sons of the prairie State watch over and direct its operations. The affections and just State pride of our citizens will cluster around i t ; the patronage of our State Legislators will sustain it, and endow it still more liberally; the industrious and worthy of,our sons will throng its halls. Its usefulness and destiny will be Excelsior. Man will be blest, and glory given to the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe. I shall await with much interest the published proceedings of the inauguration. You will please accept, as an apology for this pencil note, the fact that confinement to a sick bed prevents my participation in the pleasures of the occasion. Yours very truly, B. N. STEVENS.

WASHINGTON, March Mh, 1868. J. M. GREGORY, ESQ.

DEAR SIR :—Your kind favor, with card of invitation to the inauguration of the " Illinois Industrial University, is received." Nothing would give me more pleasure than to comply with your invitation ; but I fear that duties more arduous than pleasant will prevent. "lours, truly, JOHN A. LOGAN.

WASHINGTON, D. C , March 3, 1868. HON. J. M, GREGORY,

Regent Illinois Industrial University. MY DEAR SIR:—Your letter, inviting me to be present on the occasion of the inauguration of the Illinois Industrial University, on the 11th inst., has been received. I shaU not be able, consistent with public duty here, to be with you. I wish I could attend. I look forward to the day when that institution will be a great benefit to the people of our prosperous State. Education and labor, joined together, is the great need of the people. Honest, intelligent work is what makes a people worthy and powerful. Your Institution, properly fostered by the State, and managed well by those in immediate charge, is destined, in a few years, to wield a powerful influence for good in the country. Hoping you may have a pleasant time at your inauguration ceremonies, and thai the University may meet with great success, I am, in haste, yours very truly, S. M. CULLOM.