5 



win contends, but were rather the creations of the All-Wise Ruler 

 ofthe Universe, and in his express similitude. 



But it is not my purpose to essay an extended description of all 

 the powers and possibilities with which a complete mastery of all the 

 studies and exercises included in the prescribed course of this in- 

 stitution would clothe the student. Nor do I anticipate that the 

 picture which 1 have already hastily sketched will be tilled up in all 

 its details, or be fully completed, even in its general outlines, by 

 every youth whose name may be entered upon your rolls; but I do 

 anticipate an approximation to it. I have a right to anticipate, and 

 I have full faith that m} anticipations will be fully realized, that 

 this institution will fulfill the noble objects of its creation and equal 

 the full measure of its great opportunities. It will neither supersede 

 our Primary Schools nor supplant our Colleges, but will rather build 

 upon the former and add sustenance to the latter. The course of 

 instruction in our primary schools constitutes the very foundation 

 whereon must be reared the whole educational superstructure of 

 every individual, and this foundation should be well and carefully 

 laid before he attempts to build thereon with materials furnished 

 here or elsewhere. Beginning, then, where the primary school 

 leaves off, the student will here be prepared to practically exemplify 

 the peculiar benefits derived from the technical course of instruction 

 here imparted, either in mechanical or agricultural pursuits; or if 

 his nature and acquisitions incite him to a higher and wider range 

 of culture, the doors of the college and university are open to him, 

 wherein he may enter and revel in the boundless fields of thought 

 and knowledge. With antagonism towards none, but profound 

 sympathy for all systems and means of education, this College will 

 move on in its own distinctive and appropriate sphere of perfecting, 

 elevating and ennobling those great industrial interests which to- 

 day engross the intellect and energy of a large portion of the human 

 race, and upon which the progress and development of the whole 

 very largely depend. 



These are some of the distinctive characteristics of this College, 

 as well as some of the reasons which called it into being. But how 

 is it sustained, and what are its means of support, both present and 

 prospective ? 



One of the wisest acts ever passed by Congress one which shines 

 out from the gloom and turmoil and bloody carnage of 1862, with a 

 radiance as calm and pure and peaceful as the morning star was 

 that which appropriated to each State a portion of the public domain 

 for the endowment and maintenance of Colleges "to teach such 



