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Caption: Book - History of the University (Powell)
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248 History University of Illinois started she rushed through all her arrangement* within a couple of weeks. McLean organized her resources in much the same way that Morgan did through mass meetings and articles in the daily papers. In these arguments were set forth, the people's sentiment tested, a vote taken, and an offer submitted to the legislature. From articles that appeared in the Bloomington Pantograph and in the Jacksonville Journal it is entirely clear that McLean and Morgan had friendly feeling one for the other. I t is equally clear that these counties looked with disapprobation upon Champaign's efforts almost from the first and finally charged Champaign with dishonest methods. The Pantagraph said on January 26, the day following the reference of the various bills in the senate to the special committee of five: "Of course things are now fixed up in the interest of Urbana." The Pantagraph thought, however, that when liberal offers came in from other counties it would make a difference and that in the end the place that could offer the best inducements would obtain the location. It hoped it was not placing too much faith in the honor and candor of its fellowmen. On the 29th of January, the Pantagraph had an article on "The Worth of a College," in which it pointed out both the material and educational advantages of such an institution. By way of illustration it pointed to Normal and Normal university. It quoted prominent citizens, as Jesse Fell, H. Gridley, R. E. Williams, E. R. Roe, A. B. Ives, Geo. W. Parke to the effect that to secure the agricultural and mechanical college was the greatest thing they could do to insure the future growth of McLean county. At a meeting of citizens held in the court house in Bloomington on the evening of January 29 was urged a proposition to raise by tax $200,000 from the county. Meetings at various places throughout the county were announced on February 1 to be held during the next few days when leading men would discuss the subject with the citizens. On February 1 a committee of the legislature consisting of five senators and nine representatives made a visit to Normal. After viewing the one hundred acres of land owned by the state and the Normal university building the committee returned to
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