Repository: UIHistories Project: Book - History of the University (Powell) [PAGE 643]

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Petition to the Legislature

608

in which the studies of agriculture and mechanics can be jointly prosecuted, will be the result of years. Buildings would have to be erected, repaired, new modeled or fashioned, to meet the wants of such an institution. Model farms would have to be bought, and all the appliances for conducting them, nor will it probably be deemed judicious by your Honorable Body to proceed with too great haste in this matter, lest the State should become heavily involved, and at a time when she can least afford it, in an enterprise which is yet mainly experimental in its character, and the results of which, therefore, can neither be foreseen nor foretold. Now, it will not be denied, that it would be advisable to establish an institution in which agriculture and the mechanic arts, or either, may be taught. The sooner such an institution can be provided, and the work of instruction be commenced, the better. If it be either certain or probable, that much time is likely to elapse before a single institution, in which both agriculture and the mechanic arts shall be taught, can be established, and it can be shown that by separating these branches, an institution can be at once easily and economically organized, for affording instruction in the mechanic arts, it would, as it seems to the undersigned, be an argument of no little weight with your Honorable Body in favor of such a separation. Does such a condition of things exist? The undersigned answer confidently in the affirmative. In Chicago are buildings already erected, which may be easily and cheaply converted into suitable temporary accommodations for affording instruction in mechanical science. Here, also, are an abundance of pupils, needing and wishing to be taught. Here are competent instructors, and here, also, are shops for practical instruction. Not three months need elapse after the expiration of the present session of the legislature, before a school of instruction in the mechanic arts could be established in Chicago, and put fairly in the way of a successful career. Nor must it be forgotten that at this time the State is staggering under the burden of heavy taxation; that in all probability the burden is not to grow lighter, but is to increase in magnitude in time to come. It therefore becomes those who have her interest in charge to avoid, by all reasonable means, the increase of additional ex-