Repository: UIHistories Project: Book - History of the University (Powell) [PAGE 560]

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Origgs and tJte Location of the University

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Washburne, who asked what he would require in return for giving up the contest to Mr. Corwin. Mr. Griggs replied that he wanted the; chairmanship of the Committee on Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts and the privilege of naming a majority of its members—it being the body before which all bills for the location of the college would come. Mr. Corwin was called into his room, and the bargain struck. The next day Mr. Griggs, upon the floor of the House, withdrew his candidacy and asked his supporters to vote for Mr. Corwin. The bargin was carried out to the letter. Within a few days after this Mr. Eppler, for Jacksonville, introduced a bill locating the institution there; Mr. Smith, for Bloomington, introduced one locating it in that city; a member for Lincoln, and one for Chicago—either Mr. Bond or Mr. Taylor—introduced bills naming those two cities respectively. These bills were all worded alike except in the clauses referring to location. Brought in in rapid succession, they were one by one, without debate, referred to Mr. Griggs's committee. Finally he introduced his own bill for Champaign County, but instead of holding it in committee had it laid upon the table, so that it could be taken up and put upon its passage whenever he deemed that he had sufficient strength. On January, 25,1867, the Legislature passed a resolution authorizing any town, city, or corporation to bid for the new institution. This, however, was merely perfunctory, and no more bills were brought in. A contest of lobbyists for the college now began with the greatest vigor. Prof. Turner, of Jacksonville, though not a member, assisted Mr. Eppler, and by his great influence in all sections proved a tower of strength. Mr. Smith of Bloomington was helped by a fellowmember, General Hurlburt, and needed the assistance, for he was inexperienced in parliamentary manoeuvering, Mr. Bond and Mr. Taylor represented Chicago. Lincoln was felt to stand no chance, and Mr. Griggs does not remember its representative. At this juncture Governor Oglesby and Lieutenant-Governor Bross, came out in favor of Mr. Griggs, though of course rather in a passive than an active way. They were pleased by Mr. Griggs's personality and perhaps moved by his arguments; and they liked the thoroughness of his fighter In his frequent calls at their offices Mr. Griggs met the Attorney-General, Colonel Robert Ingeraoll, later the famous lecturer, and these two became inti-