32 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE 



we have much to do ourselves. Let us ask ourselves, each one of 

 us, how much do we owe to society, and especially to the great class 

 that forms its basis. Let there be no adverse feelings founded on 

 local preference. What motive could there be to induce those who 

 examined and determined the locality of this school to do else than 

 right ? With the approval of my associates, I could gladly have 

 taken it into my own dear valley of Cumberland, but in the exercise 

 of a sound and clear judgment (I speak for all as an inconsiderable 

 one only) the Board having looked over all proposed lands and con- 

 sidered all circumstances, believed the one chosen to be the best. 

 It is possible that we were in fault, yet I have ever believed the 

 selection made combined more advantages than any other offered, 

 and I ask for myself and associates the credit at least of honest mo- 

 tives, and of all to consider how many of the most essential advan-^ 

 tages of soil, surface, exposure, healthfulness, and centrality, are 

 combined in the ground we have met upon. 



For a great common good, and in a spirit of mutual confidence, 

 let personal feelings not enter into our consideration; but let us all 

 agree to the conclusion that what is done is best. I must only 

 detain you with a brief detail of our financial strength. We have 

 received from our State Society $10,000, from citizens of Centre 

 County $10,000, from the State $25,000. From the estate of the 

 late Elliot Cresson $5,000, making in all $50,000. To complete 

 the buildings and open the institution we must have $50,000, and 

 this is provided for, if one half of the amount be raised by indi- 

 viduals. "We shall then have $100,000 wit hi which we can then 

 start this institution into active and useful operation at a rate 

 of charge to each student of not over $100 per annum. All 

 the influence and industry we can exercise will go into the ac- 

 count, and if our judgment and management be approved, we 

 shall not be allowed in this great Commonwealth to fail of such 

 an object. The community understanding our aims, will not let 

 us fail. We must obtain the $25,000 by individual contribu- 

 tion, and I say for myself only because I am urged to say it, that 

 I will be one of ten to give $1,000 each towards making up that 

 amount." 



The speaker took his seat amidst the approbation of his 

 auditors. Gen. James Irvin offered to be one of ten to sub- 

 scribe $1,000. 



Hon. James Miles pledged $1,000 for Erie and Craw- 

 ford Counties. Hon. James Burnside thought Clinton 

 County would be good enough for $1,000, and Cambria for 

 $500. Hon. George Boal pledged Centre County for $1,000 

 in addition to the $10,000 already subscribed. General 



