Repository: UIHistories Project: Book - History of the University (Powell) [PAGE 74]

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48

History University of Illinois

the disposition of the Seminary Fund, and if our mechanics would have a word in the matter, the Springfield Convention may be their last opportunity/ * Other papers of the state announced the coming convention and also printed a call for a meeting to organize a state agricultural society at the same time and place. The Illinois Journal in announcing the convention urged attendance for the following reasons: "The sanction of the people through their representatives is yet to be obtained, money or lands or both are to be appropriated, opposition is to be overcome and prejudices to be removed, and all this must be done by the friends of the Institution, or it will not be done at all. To get all this, there is no better way than to attend the conventions, discuss the various plans proposed, and if possible secure unity of action; this done, and one of the greatest obstacles in the way, will be overcome."39 In answer to the call prominent men from all over the state assembled in Springfield, January 4, 1853, for the sessions of the > fourth industrial convention, which was an adjourned meeting of the third convention.40 Bronson Murray of LaSalle was made president and John W. Gray of Sangamon, secretary pro tern. At the opening of the session, Murray made a brief and pointed address. Among other things he said:—'' The nearest approaches to the present idea of this convention, which has ever been carried into practice, are the Polytechnic School in France and the High Schools of New York. These are intended to afford to the - scholar thorough scientific knowledge in those pursuits he designs following in after life. But the idea of creating perfect mechanics and farmers, by schools fitted for their theoretical and practical education, in every branch, has never yet been carried out in any country in the world; if we except one, which has been started within the past year in the state of New York, by private means. TJtis one has grown up from the movements in this state.

"Editorial in Illinois Journal, J a n u a r y 1, 1853. *°Mrs. Carriel gives the date of the fourth convention as J a n u a r y 8, 1853. Errors copied perhaps from some paper, for the minutes of the meeting in Turner's manuscript and in Springfield papers of the time give the date as J a n u a r y 4, 5, and 6, 1853. TJie same error is copied in one place by James, Origin of the Land Grant Act, 89.