Repository: UIHistories Project: Book - History of the University (Powell) [PAGE 525]

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484

History University of Illinois

the " Champaign Elephant 1 ' is now known and recognized as a power and one whoso claims cannot be set aside by any trifling effort In all parts of the State, they now know what we have to offer and that it is in the most tangible shape and sooner brought into actual use and occupation than any proposition yet made from any portion of the State. Many who were in attendance have no expectation of the location of the institution in their own locality and readily concede the propriety and justice of locating it in Eastern Illinois and will give their aid to that end. Others who hope to secure the location did not hesitate to say that if they failed that this county would be their next choice. From these facts and numerous others we might name, we cannot but urge the Board and the people of the County to vigilant and determined action. If it need be that money be expended to attain this end, let it be appropriated, not grudgingly and in a stinted manner, but freely and promptly. Nor is this all, every citizen of the County should consider himself a committee of one to urge at home and abroad, this matter. Many other points throughout the State will strongly compete for the location by offers of money, land and buildings, nor will they scruple as to the way in which they may attain this end. Champaign County is rapidly taking a position as one of the foremost agricultural Counties in the State; her soil and geographical position eminently points her out as the proper location of the great Agricultural School, from whose portals shall go forth the sons of toil, learned, elevated and better prepared to subdue and cutivate the broad and fertile prairies of our great State. And having reported, your committee pray to be discharged. W. H. PEARCE, C. R. GRIGGS, J. C. SHELDON, Committee. From the Central Illinois Gazette, Urbana, 111., Friday, March 2, 1866.