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Caption: Book - History of the University (Powell)
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188 History University of Illinois responsibility which should be occupied by honest men," These critics pointed out that not one of the men interested in the cause of the fanners or prominent for many years in securing the grant had received recognition by the chief executive of the state. The governor, accused of being under the influence of Chicago politicians and of adroitly bargaining for votes, soon realized that he had stirred up a hornet's nest. He then attempted to appease the wrath of his critics by appointing Turner and a few others to the committee. Though a personal friend of Governor Yates, Turner refused the appointment and condemned the entire proceeding in his usual vigorous manner. 18 Early in September, 1864, the governor's committee added another blunder to those already made. I t published a statement in the papers to the effect that all parties intending to apply for any portion of the fund should prepare a written statement of their claim. The Prairie Farmer in publishing this appended some caustic remarks on the "coolness of this formal opening of the 'grab game.' " To combat the various opposing schemes to get control of the federal fund and to perfect their own plans, the agriculturists called a convention to meet in Decatur, September 15, 1864, in connection with the state fair. President Van Bpps of the state agricultural society in his opening address reviewed the situation, stating again the arguments for an institution separate from existing colleges and urging mechanics and agriculturists to act together. "Be not divided," said he, "and thus more easily conquered." 19 Resolutions were passed condemning a division of the fund, endorsing the work of the sixth convention, June 9, 1863, and the seventh convention, January 5, 1864, resolving to support no man for office regardless of political status, without assurance of his support for the bill they would introduce, and selecting an able committee consisting of William H. Van Epps, J. B. Turner, John P. Reynolds, A. B. McConnell, and B. G. Roots "Prairie Farmer, September 10, October 8, 1864. C. E. Griggs of Urbana wag one of those appointed later by the governor on his commission. "Prairie Farmer, September 24, 1864.
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