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Caption: Book - History of the University (Powell)
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58 History University of Illinois CHAPTER I I I ACTIVITY OP T H E INDUSTRIAL LEAGUE The need of an industrial league was realized or of course it would not have been deliberately organized. But the full significance of its work both in Illinois and in other states even its founders could not have anticipated. I t gave the leaders a standing before the public that they could not have acquired otherwise. I t brought together in an organized body many people throughout the state who believed in, and were willing to do something for the education of the industrial classes* I n the very process of organizing it was possible to carry these ideas of industrial education to the various communities and to educate many as to their own needs and their opportunities. The first public proposal for the organization of the Illinois | industrial league was made at the third industrial convention in Chicago, November 24, 1852. The author of the idea, as has been noted, was Bronson Murray of Ottawa. In a letter to Turner, dated "Ottawa, Nov. 18, 1852.'' he stated his purpose: " I have concluded to start the league at the Convention I propose the object of that league to be, the dissemination of knowledge or information upon the subject of the University and the securing of its creation by the legislature by means of publications for gratuitous circulation, lecturers to visit all parts of the state, and the defraying of expenses incident thereto "x Immediately following the chartering of the league by the legislature in February, 1853, Turner, as principal director, entered into a contract with Dr. R. C. Rutherford to lecture throughout the state in the interests of the league. He did this only after careful consideration. He says of Rutherford in a letter of January, 1853, to Bronson Murray: " H e is an experienced, apt and popular lecturer—a gentleman who can adapt himself to all classes, the most learned and refined as well as the least." Then after stating the terms on which Rutherford would take the lecture field for the league Turner continues: " I canMurray to Turner, November 18, 1852, Turner manuscripts.
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