Circular Address IN BEHALF OF THE . UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI G 0 0 1893 CIRCULAR ADDRESS IN BEHALF • OF THE • University of Cincinnati. O 1893 ACTION TAKEN BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI. At a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Univer- sity of Cincinnati, held March 13, 1893, a committee was appointed “to prepare a circular to be addressed to promi- nent citizens.” The committee consists of Messrs. Ramsey, Comegys and Prof. Sproull, Dean. The committee selected the Dean to prepare the circular, which, after having been approved, was ordered to be printed, and is contained in this pamphlet. On March 20, 1893, a committee of five was appointed, “with power to act, to take charge of the matter of raising money, with which to erect an Academy Building in Burnet Woods Park.” The members of this committee are Messrs. Hinkle, Ramsey, Strunk, McAlpin and Stallo. On June 16, 1893, it was resolved by the Board of Direc- tors, that “ the Dean of the University be authorized to proceed in any manner he may deem advisable to secure contributions for the purpose of erecting buildings for the University in Burnet Woods Park, to act concurrently with, but independently of the committee appointed by the Board, for the same purpose.” It is the desire of the University authorities that the public shall have full knowledge concerning the institution. Any one wishing information not contained in this pam- phlet, can obtain it by communicating with the Clerk of the Board, any member of the Directorate, or the Dean. The Appendix contains the names and donations of the benefactors of the University; also the names of tUe Directors and of the Faculty. Those desiring to make contributions to the University, of any amount whatsoever, are requested to hav/e them made payable to Joseph F. Wright, Clerk. p 6610 4 Circular Address. / FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI. According to the report of Joseph F. Wright, Clerk, the financial condition of the University of Cincinnati, Dec. 31, 1892, was as follows: receipts. Cash balance in the treasury, General Fund, Dec. 31, 1891. .$6,198 99 Cash balance in the treasury, Observatory Fund, Dec. 31, ’91, 6,852 73 From Julius Dexter, endowment of Observatory 73 00 From Charles McMicken estate 27,187 33 From Matthew Thoms estate 7, 712 20 From the Browne estate 1,309 60 From Treasurer of Hamilton Co., support of University. .18,229 38 From Treasurer of Hamilton Co., support of Observatory, 5,468 81 From tuition fees and other small items 2,449 32 $75,481 36 EXPENDITURES. For the McMicken College of the University For annuities to heirs of Charles McMicken For maintenance of the Observatory of the University . . For office expenses, salaries, etc For repairs and insurance of McMicken estate For repairs of the buildings of the Thoms estate For legal expenses of the Thoms estate . jFor amount paid Sinking Fund Trustees, interest on city 'bonds Cast> balance in treasury, in General Fund Cash {balance in treasury, in Observatory Fund $36,917 98 3.000 00 8,367 14 2,773 03 5,M4 86 693 30 538 3i 5,3 2 o 00 8,687 34 4,039 40 University of Cincinnati. 5 ENDOWMENTS. Real estate devised by the will of Chas. McMicken, with improvements built out of the income, estimated. . .$600,000 00 University building, apparatus, and furniture paid for by the city 78,411 25 The Observatory, instruments, and furniture presented by the Astronomical Society, estimated $8,000 00 Real estate given by Mr. John Kilgour io,ouo 00 Cash given by Mr. John Kilgour for the building, 10,000 00 Additional cost of the Observatory, paid by the city 19,658 40 Endowment by Mr. Julius Dexter 1,000 00 48,658 40 Amount of the Browne endowment 18,192 67 Devise of Matthew Thoms, estimated 130,000 00 Annual tax levy of one tenth of one mill, net 13.680 00 Annual tax levy for support of Observatory 5,138 00 $894,080 32 In this connection the following statements should be made: 'Up to the year 1888 and inclusive, the University paid four per cent into the Sinking Fund, in order to meet at maturity $50,000 in bonds, which were issued Dec. 6, 1875, dated August 1, 1872, and $26,000 in bonds issued in 1877, for the erection of the present buildings. On April 5, 1889, by an act of the General Assembly, the four per- cent was reduced to 07 ie per cent. A question as to the constitutionality of this reduction has arisen, which will be decided by a friendly suit. The only other litigation, in which the University is interested, is in connection with the transfer of the Cincinnati College property. The suit brought by the heirs of Matthew Thoms has been com- promised; the particulars are given in the Appendix. In July, 1893, the Board of Legislation authorized the issuing of four per cent bonds to the amount of $100,000, payable in twenty-five years , for the purpose of erecting 6 Circular Address. and equipping buildings on the new site, in Burnet Woods Park. In order to pay these bonds at maturity, and likewise the $76,000 in bonds mentioned above, and also to help meet the incidental expenses, the Board of Education, duly empowered, has fixed the levy at two-tenths of one mill. DEPARTMENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY. The University of Cincinnati embraces the Academic Department and affiliated institutions ; namely, Miami Medical College, Medical College of Ohio, Clinical and Pathological School of the Cincinnati Hospital, College of Dental Surgery, College of Pharmacy. Each one of these affiliated institutions is self-governed. The attendance, according to the catalogue, in all depart- ments during the year 1892-3, was as follows : Academic Department 208 University Extension Courses 199 Miami Medical College 86 Medical College of Ohio 225 Clinical and Pathological School of the Cincinnati Hospital. . . 233 College of Dental Surgery 120 College of Pharmacy. 67 Total \ 1,138 Deduct Students counted in more than one department of the University 103 Total 1,035 DIRECTORS AND FACULTY. The governing body of the institution, as restricted to the A^demie Department, consists of a Board of nineteen directors, eighteen of whom are appointed for a period of six ye^rs by the Superior Court of Hamilton County. The Mayor \f the city is a Director ex-officio. The Faculty is composed of twelve professors, four instructors and three University of Cincinnati. / assistants. Courses of instruction are offered to males and females alike in the Classics, Literature and the Sciences, (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Civil Engineer- ing and Astronomy). Tuition is free to residents; to non- residents, sixty dollars a year. GROWTH OF THE UNIVERSITY. The rapid growth of the Academic Department may be seen by comparing the records of the past few years. The whole number of students enrolled, was in — 1884- 85 69 1885- 86 : 89 1886- 87 1 18 1887- 88 118 1888- 89 125 1889- 90 121 1890- 91 - 133 1891- 92 151 Extension Classes 80 231 1892- 93 208 Extension Classes 199 407 1 893- 94 250 Extension classes for 1893-94 are not yet organized. AIM OF THE UNIVERSITY. Charles McMicken’s object was to found an institution where instruction should be imparted in the higher branches of knowledge, to the extent the same are taught in any of/ the secular colleges or universities of the highest grade the country. This is the aim the University has in v ;jtew > although much must be done before it can be att aln ed. Even in under-graduate work not all has been accom- plished. Some of the present chairs must be dW 1( ted, and 8 Circular Address. new ones established, that there may be a wider range of studies, and that classes may not be so large that students receive but little individual attention. Provision has never been made either for instruction in elocution or systematic athletic training. Moreover, there can be no real university work, unless facilities be offered for graduate students. At present no candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philoso- phy is accepted, because the Faculty is not large enough and the departments are not well enough equipped to do this work in a proper manner. UNIVERSITY EXTENSION. The new movement, University Extension, has made it plain that there are large numbers of persons eager to acquire an education, or to continue their studies under proper guidance. It may be that they can not comply with the present conditions of entrance requirements, of time or of place. The attendance upon extension classes throughout the country has exceeded the number of stu- dents yearly enrolled in colleges and universities. This movement has developed two phases, the lecture study and the class work . In the former, lecturers are sent to certain places, in different localities, who deliver a course of six or twelve correlated lectures, such as would be given in the class-room. In connection with the University of Chicago, fifty per cent of the course leading to a Bachelor’s degree can be done in this way. The class-work phase of the movement was begun in the University of Cincinnati, ^September, 1891. Classes were held on Saturday mornings, w^th an attendance of eighty. In the second year, begin- nings October, 1892, there was an enrollment in all the classed of two hundred a?id fifty-eight . Colleges and universities do not yet meet even the reasonable demands of all seeking a higher education. University of Cincinnati. 9 The University of Cincinnati should be in a condition to conduct regular classes, to carry on extension classes on Saturdays and at centers within a radius of fifty miles, also courses during the Summer vacation. Evening instruction, leading to degrees both in under-graduate and graduate studies, should be offered. Graduation, in this case, must depend not upon a time limit, but upon the amount and quality of the work done. To summarize, the progressive institution of the future will offer curricula the whole year round, day and evening, meeting the wants of a large number of persons, of whom colleges and universities now take no cognizance. PROFESSIONAL SCHOOLS. The professional schools, those affiliated as well as others, ought to be brought into nearer relations with the Univer- sity. Professional schools and the college can be made to produce better results and at less expense, when they are more closely united and when unification has in view the greater efficiency of the whole. RESEARCH WORK. In America we are beginning to recognize the fact that the whole work of the university does not consist in teach- ing. It must stimulate research, and be a home and pro- vide the means for those who will enlarge or rectify the knowledge of mankind. The activity of such men can not be judged by the number of hours they spend in the class-room. They would often accomplish the greatest good by devoting their time, strength, and energy to- research work exclusively. Superior teaching gives an institution a local reputatio^ 1 > research work spreads its name throughout the civi i:iZec ^ world. No institution has a right to the name of v niver " sity unless it has acquired a reputation for origins 1 mves “ tigation. IO Circular Address. PRESENT NEEDS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CIN- CINNATI. The University of Cincinnati is in urgent need at the present time of $200,000 for the purpose of erecting and equipping, in Burnet Woods, the following buildings: 1. A main building, containing lecture and recitation rooms, library and hall. 2. A building for the Chemical and Civil Engineering Departments. 3. A building for the Physical and Biological Depart- ments. It is estimated that it will cost $100,000 to construct and equip the main building; $35,000 to construct and $15,000 to equip each of the other two buildings. Authorization has been given to issue $100,000 four per cent bonds, payable in twenty-five years. One hundred thousand ($100,000) dollars must be raised by subscription. The foundations should be laid this Fall, so that the buildings may be occupied September, 1894, and the condi- tions of the gift be complied with, one of which is that $100,000 must be expended in this way by October 21, 1894, otherwise the grant will lapse. This amount of money will not, however, put the Uni- versity on a broad and sound financial basis, so that it may be in reality what it is in name. For this purpose an income of at least $300,000 a year is necessary, and this sum would fall far below what some other institutions possess. WEALTH OF OTHER INSTITUTIONS. The wealth of six prominent institutions has been given s follows : Joh\ns Hopkins $3,000,000 University of Chicago 7,000,000 University of California 7,000,000 Yale Un diversity 10000,000 Harvard '^University 11,000,000 Columbia Ci£oll e g e 13,000,000 \ University of Cincinnati. i i Leland Stanford, Jr., University, it is thought, will far surpass any of these in resources. These figures do not include tuition. In 1891, the term- bills in the Academic Department of Yale amounted to $161,135.18, and the College Department alone of Harvard received, as tuition, $230,899.35. THE UNIVERSITY AND THE COMMUNITY. A university is one of the best safeguards of democratic institutions; that is, when it is carried on so as to enlighten the public, and not in the interests of a class. It enables those who have neither wealth, nor birth, nor preferment to commend them, to rise by their own merits. It helps to lay the foundation of the only true aristocracy, which must rest upon character, education, and refinement. Higher education helps to narrow the gap between the rich and the poor. Nothing would be more dangerous to the stability of our government than to withhold higher education from the great mass of the poor, and to have it enjoyed only by the small number of the rich. In another way such an institution benefits a commu- nity. As the center of learning, art, science, and practi- cal skill, of broadening and humanizing culture, it can radi- ate a most potent influence in every direction. From it go forth men and women who have learned to think, weigh, decide, and who can act. Such men and women are wanted now, when the country is full of sciolists and charlatans who, with the utmost assurance and dogmatisn^i, and without any regard to the teachings of experience / or of the past, projnounee upon any and every n in politics, morality, or religion. / / / 12 Circular Address. THE FINANCIAL ADVANTAGES OF A UNIVERSITY TO A COMMUNITY. Very few think of the great financial advantages accruing from an educational institution. In reality, no other organi- zation is relatively so great a source of revenue as a college or university, and none distributes its revenue through so many channels. New Haven and Cambridge would receive a serious blow, which would be felt by every householder, if Yale and Harvard were blotted out. Cast year there were in attendance at Yale University 1966 students, and at Harvard 2966. In the College Department of Yale, the average expenses for thirty-six weeks are $591, and at Harvard $622 are a liberal estimate. There is no tuition charged in either Divinity School. On the other hand, the tuition in some of the other schools is much more than in the College x Department. It is safe to say that the average expenses of a student at Yale are $561 a year, and at Har- vard $622. This makes a total of $1,161,906 annually expended by students in New Haven, and of $1,844,852 in Cambridge. The result is that at the end of every few years Yale and Harvard have enriched New Haven and Cambridge to an amount equal to their entire endowments. No railroad or other corporation ever paid a community so well. Thus, from a business point of view, it would seem to be a good thing to endow thoroughly the University of Cincinnati. THE UNIVERSITY AND THE YOUTH OF CINCINNATI. Eighty-four per cent of the students in attendance are dependent upon the University for a higher educatio?i. To ascertain in how far the students are dependent upon thf University for a higher education, and also whether or not tfrey would be able to pay the tuition fee charged by Yale or Har var d> a circular letter was sent to the parents of all the stude mts > living in Cincinnati or the suburbs, contain- ing the following questions : University of Cincinnati. 13 1. If there were no opportunity in Cincinnati of giv- ing your son (or daughter) a college education, do you think that the expenses connected therewith would prevent your sending him (or her) from home for that purpose ? 2. Would a tuition fee of $150 a year prevent your sending your son (or daughter) to the University? Of the answers received seventy per cent were “ Yes” to both questions; fourteen per cent “Yes” to the first and “ No ” to the second ; thirtee 7 i per cent “ No ” to both ques- tions; and three per ceiit “No” to the first and “Yes” to the second. The meaning of this is that eighty-four per cent of our students could not enjoy the advantages of a higher education, if it were not afforded them by the University, and seventy per cent would not be able to pay the University an annual fee of $150. The most of the best students are among this number. If there could be found no other reason for the support of^the University, this one should suffice. CITIES THE SEATS OF GREAT UNIVERSITIES. It is now generally acknowledged that the seats of great universities must be in or near cities. Some departments, such as medical, dental and those devoted to the practical study of social economics, could not prosper amid a rural population. In the cities are museums, various collections and libraries. Here are found the important industries, also works showing the skill of the engineer and architect. Here most frequently meet in their annual assemblies those who are pre-eminent in letters, the arts, or the sciences^'. Hither come in their travels men who have obtaii^d renown in any walk of life. There are some means/con- tributing to culture and refinement, which are deryrendent upon the support of a large population, and vynich can flourish no where else. H Circular Address. CINCINNATI’S FAVORABLE LOCATION. Cincinnati has all the advantages for the development of a university that large cities in general possess. It excels moreover in this one respect. There is a very large dis- trict, extending in every direction, in which there are many colleges, but no institution that is justly entitled to the name of university. From this territory there go forth every year large numbers of students, to the East especially, who would remain nearer home, if they could enjoy the same facilities. A CRITICAL MOMENT FOR THE UNIVERSITY. It is a critical moment for the University of Cincinnati, not only because the time will soon have gone by when the grant of the site in Burnet Woods Park will expire (Oct. 21, 1894), unless the condition be fulfilled, but also because the halls are full to overflowing, and classes are increasing in size, so that the students can not receive the personal attention to which they have a right. If ampler and better accommodations be not provided and classes be not divided (which necessitates additional professors), stu- dents will go elsewhere; and the vantage ground gained after a hard struggle of twenty years will be lost. Now must be answered the questions, Shall the University be a local mstitution ? or Shall it enter into honorable rivalry with other institutions of a national reputation ? As a local institu- tion, it will ere long reach its maximum growth. If broader ideas prevail, if there be an earnest solicitude for our city’s good name and assistance be promptly given, this decade \will not have passed before that the enrollment will exceed a thousand students from far and near — only the beginning, not the end of growth. The decision rests with ^ou, fellow-citizens, to whom we now make our appeal, asking for contributions, that .first of all , buildings may be ejected, and afterward chairs, fellowships and University of Cincinnati. 15 scholarships be endowed. We appeal to you who are wealthy to help us liberally ; we appeal to every citizen to contribute, no matter how small the amount may be. Every one who gives will feel that he or she has thereby a personal interest in the University, a result most desirable. In the Treasurer’s report of Yale University for 1892, the donations to the Building Funds ranged from Jive dollars to one hundred thousa?id. We can not believe that our citizens will much longer remain indifferent to our pressing needs. Can there be a nobler remembrance than to have one’s name linked with an institution that will for ages and ages prove a blessing! Whence can there come a more honorable perpetuity of name! How grandstand forth those universities of the Old World, which have existed for centuries, surviving dynasties, the witnesses of dismembered realms, and yet they are ever taking firmer hold. In the New World, John Harvard and Elihu Yale will never be forgotten. Among us shall always live in more vivid memory Charles McMicken and Matthew Thoms. The older institutions, . long since made rock-fast, we would vie with others in honor- ing — and yet our hearts warm towards, and our admiration is intense for our own University, dwelling in that smoke- begrimed building, which for nearly two score years has clung, as if for life, to the rough and rugged slope of yonder hill. As a tender shoot it was planted, and in spite of the fierce windsand chilling blasts it lived, it grew — it flourishes, soon to be transplanted (may God speed the day) to a more kindly soil, where it will take deeper root, bud, blossom, and yield fruit more abundantly each year. The opportu- nities of the University of Cincinnati are so great >that nothing can shake our faith in its future, nor the/belief that divine Providence will make it clear to men o# wealth, of generous impulse, and public spirit, that this/fs the way He wishes them to minister to the welfare of /dieir fellows. i6 Circular Address. APPENDIX. BENEFACTORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI. CHARLES McMICKEN. Charles McMieken, who died in 1858, bequeathed to the city property worth over $1, coo, coo, to found an institu- tion of learning, in which students should ‘'receive the benefit of a sound, thorough, and practical English educa- tion, and such as might fit them for the active duties of life, as well as instruction in the higher branches of knowledge, except denominational theology, to the extent that the same are now or may hereafter be taught in any of the secular colleges or universities of the highest grade in the country.” A large portion of this bequest, consisting of land, valued at nearly $500,000, and located in Louisiana, was taken possession of by the government of that State, which refused to recognize the validity of bequests of real estate to institutions not situated within its borders. The present value of this endowment is estimated at $600, coo. JOHN KILGOUR. In the year 1872, John Kilgour gave to the city, for the use of the University, four acres of ground on Mt. Look- out, valued at $10,000, and the sum of $1,000, on con- \ dition that the Observatory Building be erected on the ground. Afterwards, Mr. Kilgour gave $10,000 additional for a building. \ ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY. Ths Astronomical Society donated its instruments and books, valued at $8,000, to the city, on condition that an Observatory should be maintained. University of Cincinnati. 17 JUEIUS DEXTER. In the year 1873, Julius Dexter gave $1,000 as an endow- ment for the Observatory, the interest to be used for its support. JOSEPH EONGWORTH. During his life, Joseph Longworth, at different times, gave to the city for the support of the School of Design of the University of Cincinnati the sum of $100,000. In the year 1883, he desired that the School of Design should be surrendered to the management of the Museum Asso- ciation, and proposed, if this were done, to endow it with perpetual ground rents of the market value of $250,000. After mature deliberation, the University Directors accepted his proposition, and in February, 1884, the School of Design passed under the management of the Cincinnati Museum Association. PROFESSOR S. LILIENTHAE. In the year 1875, Prof. S. Lilienthal, of New York City, in memory of his son, a talented mining engineer, donated a valuable collection of minerals, with the inscription, “ Donated by Benjamin Lilienthal.” / MRS. NANCY FECHHEIMER. In the year 1881, Mrs. Nancy Fechheimer, of this city, donated a valuable geological and mineralogical collection, in memory of her husband, Marcus Fechheimer. REV. SAMUEE J. BROWNE. The late Rev. Samuel J. Browne, in his last will, be- queathed $150,000 to establish a university. His wiki was set aside. His heirs, by an agreement, gave $i,ocjo to the Cincinnati Orphan Asylum, and $1,000 to the Widow’s Home. From a certain amount of property donated for Circular Address. i 8 educational purposes, the Lane Theological Seminary re- ceived one third and the University two-thirds for its sup- port, to be known, according to agreement, as the “ Browne Endowment Fund.” At present, the Board holds, invested in bonds, the sum of $18,192.67. The entire proceeds that may be received from the sale of lots are to be kept intact, the interest only to be expended for the support of the University. MATTHEW THOMS. Matthew Thoms, who died in 1890, bequeathed to the University of Cincinnati property, the estimated value of which is $130,000. The heirs proceeded to test the validity of the will. A compromise was agreed upon, by which the heirs are to receive $20,000 in money, of which $2,500 are to be paid in cash and the remainder in three equal annual payments, with five per cent interest semi-annually. A. g. wetherby. In 1891, A. G. Wetherby, formerly Professor of Natural History in the University, gave a collection of specimens, valued from $2,000 to $4,000, in Natural History and Mineralogy. FRANK J. JONES. In 1892, Frank J. Jones founded a prize, consisting of $40.00, to be awarded annually to that member of the Senior Class who shall write and pronounce an English Oration in the best manner. Valuable donations of books have been made by Eugene p Bliss and Judge Moses F. Wilson. The University of Cincinnati BOARD OF DIRECTORS. Appointed by the Superior Court of Hamilton County for a Term of Six Years. Wieeiam McAepin Term expires January i, 1894. Wieeiam H. Morgan “ “ “ “ Isaac M. Wise “ “ “ t “ John B. Peaseee “ “ “ 1895. James Brown “ C. A. L. Reed “ Wieeiam M. Ramsey “ “ “ 1896. Wieeiam Strunk “ BEEEAMY feTORER “ M. B. Hagans “ “ “ 1897. C. G. Comegys, Chairman “ Oscar W. Kuhn “ J. M. Robinson “ “ “ 1898. Brent Arnoed f. A. Howard Hinkee “ John W. Luhn “ “ “ 1899. Frank J. Jones “ Edmund K. Staeeo “ Ex - Officio , John B. Mosby, Mayor of Cincinnati. Clerk of the Board, Joseph F. Wright. Academic Department. FACULTY AND INSTRUCTORS William Oliver Sproull, Ph. D., LL. D., Dean, 29 Mason Street. Professor of Latin Language and Literature , and of Arabic. Wayland Richardson Benedict, M. A., Brookline Ave., Clifton. Professor of Philosophy. Edward Wyllys Hyde, C. E., 16 Lincoln Avenue, Waluut Hills. Professor of Mathematics. Thomas French, Jr., Ph. D., Ridgeway Avenue, Avondale. Professor of Physics. Thomas Herbert Norton, Ph. D., Loraine and Brookline Avenues, Clifton. Professor of Chemistry. Jermain GilderslEEve Porter, Ph. D., Station C. Director of the Observatory and Professor of Astronomy. William Everett Waters, Ph. D., Librarian, Mount Hope Road. Professor of Greek and Comparative Philology. Edward Miles Brown, Ph. D., Ridgeway Avenue, Avondale. Professor of English Language and Literature. Philip Van Ness Myers, LL. D., L. H. D., College Hill. Professor of History and Political Economy. Ward Baldwin, C. E., M. S., Registrar, Auburn Hotel, Mt. Auburn. Professor of Civil Engineenug. James Playfair McMurrich, Ph. D., Auburn Hotel, Mt. Auburn. Professor of Biology. Charles P^rederick Seybold, A. B., LL. B., Secretary, East Ridgeway Avenue, Walnut Hills. Professor of French and German. Everett Irving Yowell, C. E., M. S., Mt. Lookout. Instructor in Mathematics . Paul Francis Walker, LL. B., Forestville, Ohio, Instructor in Spanish. Herman Elijah Newman, Ph. D 261 Central Avenue. Assistant in Chemistry. E'LLiS Guy Kinkead, B. A., LL. B., 57 Gest Street. Instructor in Latin. William Osgood Mussey, M. A., Westwood, O. Instructor in English. Louis Ed\V t ard Bogen, Kerper Avenue. Assistant in Civil Engineering and in Physics. Clara Langen’ b ECK, Ninth and Race. Assistant in Biology. V X. \ \ \ \