Repository: UIHistories Project: Book - History of the University (Powell) [PAGE 532]

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Arguments of Jliree Counties

491

lie immediately adjoining the city and portions of two of them embraced in the city limits. They possess every requisite for model farms, are supplied with never-failing water, and possess beautiful and commanding sites for the erection of buildings. The citizens of Logan county point with pride to their offer for the University, as being larger in proportion to the size and population of the county than any that has yet been made.

LOCATION

Lincoln is nearer the geographical centre of the State than any of the other locations that have been mentioned in connection with the University, It is situated on the direct line of road from Chicago to St. Louis, and is easily accessible to all parts of the State. A charter has been obtained at the present session of this Legislature for the construction of a Railroad from Decatur on the Illinois Central Railroad, through Lincoln to Pekin, a distance of only 70 miles. It is believed that this road will be constructed by the time the University shall be built and in actual operation.

OUR OFFER.

In brief we propose to give the State for the use of the University, a most eligible and desirable farm on which to locate the Institution. We propose further to give the State enough money to erect a building, better and more costly than the present Capital of the State, or the Normal University; and when all this is done, there will be the magnificent surplus of $100,000 left in the hands of the State, to be expended in the Supply of apparatus, machinery, and appliances of every sort necessary for the successful operation of the University. The State cannot ask more. Believing that no other location has submitted ashore generous or liberal proposition or one more advantageous to the State, the citizens of Logan County ask for their proposition the candid and just consideration of the Legislature.