91 
some disagreement ns t<» bow it should be met. I may be permitted to Bay that 
in the Institution which I serve the entrance requirements are rigidly enforced. 
I do not want the Impression to be lefl In this meeting tii.it any Institution in 
this circle <»i" colleges h;is fallen to the low depth <>f its privileges under the law, 
but that all are trying to rise to the highest of their privileges under the statute 
1 think no one of ns would ever regard it as possible for ns to be content 
with the perpetual condition <>f doing what we do not desire to do but what we 
think ought to be done as a temporary measure. It may be that for five years 
or it may be that for live hundred years there will ho a large class of young men 
who may be interested in aL r rienlture by one method that never WOUld he inter- 
ested in it by another method however perfect theoretically. So far as peda- 
gogical theory of instruction in agriculture is concerned, I think these colleges 
must meet the conditions, but I think none of them should make an apology for 
a low standard of entrance. 
On motion, the section adjourned until 2 p. m. next day. 
Afternoon Session, Wednesday, November 2, 1004. 
The section was called to order at 2 p. m. by Chairman W. E. Stone. 
Military I nstbuction. 
The following paper by M. II. Buckham, of Vermont, on "The intent and 
purpose of the Morrill Act with regard to military instruction," was read by 
G. E. Fellows, of Maine, in the absence of the author: 
The bill for the endowment of colleges of agriculture and the mechanic arts, 
which passed both Houses in April, 185S, and was vetoed by President Buch- 
anan, did not contain the provision for instruction in military tactics incorpo- 
rated into the later bill. In a speech by Mr. Morrill on April 20, 1858, setting 
forth at great length the objects and provisions of this first bill, no allusion was 
made to military instruction, nor was there any reference to it in the course of 
the debate. The bill to which the present colleges owe their existence was 
introduced, debated, and passed in the summer of 1802, and bears the significant 
date July 2, 18G2, The day following the last of the seven days of McClellan's 
Peninsular campaign. In the course of a speech in the House explaining and 
advocating the measure. Mr, Morrill put considerable emphasis on the military 
feature of the education provided for. I quote passages from different parts 
of his speech : 
" If this measure had been instituted a quarter of a century ago, the absence 
of all military schooling at the outset of the present rehellion would have been 
less deplorable in the Northern States. The young men might have had more of 
fitness for their sphere of duties, whether on the farm, in the workshop, or on 
the battlefield. * * * 
"Something of military instruction has been incorporated in the bill in cou- 
sequence of the new conviction of its necessity forced upon the attention of the 
loyal States by the history of the past year. A total unpreparedness presents 
too many temptations, even to a foe otherwise weak. The national school at 
West Point may suffice for the Regular Army in ordinary years of peace, but it 
is wholly inadequate when a large army' is to be suddenly put into service. If 
we ever expect to reduce the Army to its old dimension and again rely on the 
volunteer system for defense, each State must have the means within itself to 
organize and officer its own force. With such a system as that here offered — 
nurseries in every State — a sufficient force would at all times be ready to support 
the cause of the nation and secure that wholesome respect which belongs to a. 
people whose power is always equal to its pretensions. In a free government 
we have proved, notwithstanding some ' in time of temptation fall away.' that 
patriotism is spontaneous, but doubtless many valuable lives would have been 
saved in the progress of this plague-spotted rebellion had we not so long 
assumed that military discipline was also spontaneous. If ever again our 
legions are summoned to the field, let us show that we are not wholly unpre- 
pared. These colleges founded in every State will * * ::: to some extent 
