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Caption: Book - History of the University (Powell)
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Illinois Plan Before Congress 93 popular with our farmers and working people, or do so much good if judiciously managed. 11 In conversation with Senator Douglas on the cars the other day he expressed his opinion that such a grant could be obtained at the next session (See p. 43 Report) and I thought I would just enquire of you what could be done." 2 Twelve days later Senator Trumbull replied approving the land grant plan, pointing out the dangers that stood in the way of its success, and finally making a suggestion that was a determining factor in deciding who should introduce the desired bill in congress. "Since the receipt of your letter I have re-read the pamphlet in regard to industrial universities. The idea is a grand one, if it could be carried out and made practical. I thought I saw in the last congress an opposition springing up against any further grants of land in the States, but perhaps it was confined to those made to new States, and your project contemplating a grant to all the States might meet with more favor. Several large grants were made last year, but it was done grudgingly. For my own part I have been favorable to an early disposition of the public lands by the general government, and if they could only be secured to actual settlers, I would be glad to see it divested . at once of this great source of patronage and corruption. If some of the old States would take Jwld of tlte matter, I think it not unlikely that a grant of lands might be obtained from Congress; but coming from the new States, which have already obtained such large grants for schools and other purposes, it would be likely to meet with less favor. "Objections to the feasibility of the plan will, of course, be urged; but no one can doubt that something, if not all that is expected, could be accomplished by institutions of the character proposed. "For the diploma you inclosed making me a member of the Industrial League, I desire to express my thanks," 8 Trumbull's arguments made it clear that the bill would have a better chance for success if it had the support of some of the 'Turner to Trumbull, October 7, 1857, Trumbull collection, library of congress. •Trumbull to Turner, October 19, 1857, Turner manuscripts. •H
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