Repository: UIHistories Project: Book - History of the University (Powell) [PAGE 79]

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Illinois Plan for Land Grant College*

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After discussion of the memorial the legislature unanimously passed the following preamble and resolutions, which were introduced in the house by Mr. Denio on February 5, and in the senate by Mr. Moulton on February 8: "Whereas the spirit and progress of this age and country demand the culture of the highest order of intellectual attainment, in theoretical and industrial science; and whereas it is impossible that our commerce and prosperity will continue to increase, without calling into requisition all the elements of internal thrift arising from the labors of the farmer, the mechanic, and the manufacturer, by every fostering effort within the reach of government; and whereas a system of industrial universities liberally endowed, in each state of the Union, co-operative with each other and with the Smithsonian Institution at Washington, would develop a more liberal and practical education among the people, tend the more truly to intellectualize the rising generation, and eminently conduce to the virtue, intelligence and true glory of our common country; therefore, be it RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, That our senators in congress be instructed and our representatives be requested to use their best exertions to procure the passage of a law of congress donating to each state in the Union an amount , of public lands, not less in value than five hundred thousand dollars, for the liberal endowment of a system of industrial universities, one in each state in the Union, to co-operate with each other, and with the Smithsonian Institution at Washington, for the more liberal and practical education of our industrial classes and their teachers; a liberal and varied education, adapted to the manifold wants of a practical and enterprising people, and a provision for such educational facilities, being in manifest concurrence with the intimations of popular will, it urgently demands the united effort of our national strength. RESOLVED, That the governor is hereby authorized to forward a copy of the foregoing resolution to our senators and representatives in congress, and also to the executive and the legis-