| |
| |
Caption: Book - History of the University (Powell)
This is a reduced-resolution page image for fast online browsing.
EXTRACTED TEXT FROM PAGE:
264 History University of Illinois reopen that investigation, either on the grounds alluded to, or to inquire into the manner in which the location of that institution was made,—the integrity of which has been by some called in question, (from motives we will not stop to inquire into)—we shall cheerfully co-operate in the most thorough and searching scrutiny of the whole subject. 4 'We would state in conclusion, that the foregoing offer is made with the distinct understanding that the fund donated to the State is to be preserved in entirety, and that consequently, should you see fit to divide it by establishing two or more institutions, we shall withdraw our bid and retire from the contest. Sincerely hoping your action may be such as to draw around the proposed Institution the cordial support and co-operation of the whole people, including that noble band of co-workers who for the last twenty years in defiance of many obstacles have so freely spent time and money to bring it into existence, we are Very respectfully yours, Jesse W. Fell, W. R. Duncan, George W. Park, E. M. Prince, John L. Routt, I. J. Bloomfield, F. K. Phoenix, John Niccolls, Daniel "Wilkins, L. W. Capen, A. Gridley, Geo. Bradner, John E. McClun, E. Barber, W. A. Pennell, L. A. Hovey." 8 The last sentence in the above document is especially significant in that it explains the close friendship existing between McLean and Morgan counties. Jesse Fell, William A. Pennell, and others of the signers were included in the "band of coworkers'' who had striven along with Turner for more than twenty years to bring the proposed university into existence. During the next few weeks there were many articles in the Bloomington Pantagraph answering charges, encouraging the workers, announcing meetings, and giving results of various activities. Logan county was also interested in the situation and asserablmg her forces on February 6, voted $300,000 in bonds. To •From a printed circular in the Turner manuscripts,
| |
