Repository: UIHistories Project: Book - History of the University (Powell) [PAGE 519]

EXTRACTED TEXT FROM PAGE:

478

History University of Illinois

student in theory may at the same time have an opportunity to reduce theory to practice. And your committee further contended that a college located in an agricultural district, remote from mechanical centres, would necessarily be of little practical benefit to the mechanic, and would virtually subvert the appropriation and partially defeat its object. These and many other matters were presented by the several members of your committee, tending to show the necessity for a division of the fund and the location of the mechanical branch in the city of Chicago. " A division of the fund was strenuously opposed by several members of their committee—First, because the appropriation was not sufficient to sustain two institutions; that both would be weak and inefficient, and therefore defeat the object of the appropriation. And again it was argued that while the act contemplated one or more schools, it nevertheless declares that the same branch of study shall be taught in each. Others contended that it was not legal under the act to divide the appropriation at all, and that the Supreme Court would issue an injunction should the fund be divided. Others went so far as to say that they would apply for an injunction should the legislature order a division. These, and many other objections, were made and kindly discussed by the several committees. "Your committee are of the opinion that the committee authorized to draft a bill to be presented to the legislature will not encourage the idea of a division, but will use all their influence against it. Their committee claim that they have nothing to do with the location, but will leave that entirely with the legislature, but would suggest that the institution be located where the largest amount of material aid would be furnished, be that as far north as Chicago, or as far south as Cairo/' Mr, Ira Y. Munn moved the adoption of the report He alpppfd to the great assistance the mechanic had afforded the l ^ ^ f f l in the construction of the present farm machinery, and -t#ged the neeesa|ty of fostering the mechanic arts. He favored l l l l idea of a d^ision of the fund, and the establishment of a separate school in this city.