Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1871 [PAGE 350]

EXTRACTED TEXT FROM PAGE:

342 Mr. Hamilton—I think if we do meet, we should meet during the vacations of those institutions, so as to not interrupt the officers of the institutions in their regular duties. I would extend an invitation to the gentlemen to have it at our college in Pennsylvania, if I did not think that in another year probably—in two years from now—we may be able to have a railroad that will take the gentlemen right there; and we have twelve miles of rough roads to go over, and it might be inconvenient. I am very [anxious that the system of experiments which we have at that college, should have a thorough examination. I believe that they are important. We in Pennsylvania believe that they are important, that they are worthy of some consideration, and the gentlemen who got them up are certainly not numbskulls. They are gentlemen who have had some experience in experimenting. They are gentlemen in Bucks county, in Chester county, in Cumberland county ; and better farms do not exist in this country than those to be found there. Mr. McAffee—I have no doubt that the management of the University of Wisconsin would be most happy to welcome this body to meet at Madison at any time, if they should see fit. I think I may say there is no doubt of it. I am not authorized, of course, to extend the invitation, because it was not known that this body would continue its organization, but I can state in almost confident terms to that effect; and I like the idea of the next meeting, if we have a meeting, being held at some one of the industrial universities. The Chairman—I will say that I shall also be glad, the next time, if it is due to Illinois to have the next meeting in our midst, to have them meet at the Industrial University at Champaign. We have railroads north and south, and east and west, and you can meet us quite readily. Mr. Parker—Would it be possible to meet and not interfere with the terms, as in the Iowa institution it runs all summer, and the others run all winter. We shall have to meet while some of the colleges are in session. But our latch-string hangs out, and we welcome our friends, whether they come on an excursion, or stop on their way to the mountains, or at any other time; we shall be very glad to meet this association. I believe I. am authorized, as a resident there, to invite the association to come whenever it sees fit. What is the order of business now ?

VOTE OF T H A N K S .

The Chairman—The general order. Mr. Parker—I would like to introduce a resolution.