ate realization. And it is worthy of note that one of the most extensive of the Public Lands (or new) states, proposes a magnificent donation of Public Lands to each of the states, old as well as new, in furtherance of this idea. Whether that precise form of aid to the project is most judicious and likely to be effective, we will not here consider. Suffice it that the legislature of Illinois has taken a noble step forward, in a most liberal and patriotic spirit, for which its members will be heartily thanked by thousands throughout the union. We feel that this step has materially hastened the coming of Scientific and Practical Education for all who desire and are willing to work for it. It cannot come too soon.'

1755

The press of the day wherever these resolutions were discussed gave credit to Illinois for initiating this particular movement. More than twelve years later after success had been won Turner made the statement "that the legislature of Illinois was the first political body that ever petitioned congress, or any power, for such a grant.

156

Another important event of January, 1853, and in a large measure a result of the two recent industrial conventions was the formation of the Illinois state agricultural society. It was organized on January 5, 1853, in Springfield. Among the organizers and leading spirits were Bronson Murray, John Kennicott, J. B. Turner, L. L. Bullock and others who were leaders in the movement for industrial education. The latter cause won undoubtedly an accession of valuable friends by this new organization which for many years was a strong supporter of an industrial university. The society was incorporated on February 8, 1853, and on February 11 following it was granted the sum of $1000 per annum for two years by the legislature.5

57

The first state fair of the society was held the following autumn at Springfield. On invitation of the executive committee J. B. Turner delivered the first annual address on that oc

Illinois Journal, March 12, 1853.

"Illinois State Agricultural Society, Transactions, 5:37. In his statement the words "for such a grant" are to be interpreted carefully.

"For account of the organization and acts referred to see Illinois State Agricultural Society, Transactions, 1:38-42.

A few

casion at the fair grounds on the subject of "The millennium of labor." It was a masterful and convincing address. significant paragraphs will indicate the trend of his thought.

"And shall it not always be said that it was reserved for the laborers in this great valley of the far west to take under their charge the last great social and moral interest and necessity of man-THE CAUSE OF LIBERAL INDUSTRIAL EDUCATION-and thus prepare the way fully for the great triumph and millennium of labor;......

"I would covet for myself and for my children no higher earthly distinction than the capacity, the knowledge and science requisite to cultivate in the best possible manner 160 acres of our prairie land, and discharge thereon all the necessary duties of an American free laborer. And if I had it I should know more at this moment than all the professors and teachers and scholars, statesmen, lawyers and divines that have ever trod this continent since Columbus first bowed his knee upon its eastern sands.

"But I have it not-and I see no certain causes in actual operation adequate to secure it to me or to you or to our children after us; and to urge you to create the means of ushering in this era of intelligence and power for your professions and for the world is the object of my present theme....

"But to work this transformation or rather to complete it we need more practical science and skill, and to get these we must apply the means and resources for creating them.

"Doubtless you are aware that several conventions of farmers and mechanics have been held in our own state and in other states to secure this great end. You are also aware that the legislature of our own state had the high honor to be the first in this great confederation of republics to invoke our sister states to unite in a petition to the general government for an appropriation of $500,000 worth of our vacant lands for the endowment in each state in the Union of an Industrial University suited to their wants.

"You are also aware that the same legislature chartered an Industrial League in this state, with a capital of $20,000, de

signed to secure the concentrated and organized action of all our industrial classes for these same ends.

"But while our representatives and senators have thus with almost unparalleled unanimity manifested a disposition to do all in their power to aid us, we must bear in mind that they cannot help us unless we help ourselves. You must be first to move, first to resolve, petition and to act, talk-talk at home-talk abroad-and above all, talk at the ballot-box and then and not till then will your representatives in congress stand ready to execute your will.''58

Another important result of the convention was the organization of the Industrial league of the state of Illinois. It was incorporated by the legislature on February 8, 1853, the same day that the Illinois state agricultural society was incorporated. Its purpose was to combine the friends of industrial education in an organization to secure the adoption of the plan for a university in Illinois and in each state in the union and to obtain the liberal endowment of the new institutions by federal grants of land and by state funds. The league grew into a powerful instrument during the next year and a half for the accomplishment of the purposes for which it was established.

Besides adopting memorials, passing joint resolutions, incorporating an agricultural society and an industrial league, the legislature did still other things along educational lines in the early days of February, 1853. A bill to incorporate the "Industrial university of the state of Illinois" was introduced, but finally tabled. A bill for an act to incorporate the "Northern Illinois Agricultural college" was passed and became a law February 12, 1853. On February 3, 1853, the legislature amended. an act it had passed on June 21, 1852, establishing an institution by the name of "Illinois state university."

Illinois State Agricultural Society, Transactions, 1:60.

CHAPTER III

ACTIVITY OF THE 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. It gave the leaders a standing before the public that they could not have acquired otherwise. It 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. In 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......."1

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: "He 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 can

'Murray to Turner, November 18, 1852, Turner manuscripts.

not but regard this as

sort of a God-send to us, but it may strike you differently. I have never known a man in the state so successful as a popular lecturer as Dr. Rutherford has been or so acceptable to all classes."

Two paragraphs from the contract with Rutherford show very definitely the purposes of the league as set forth by its principal director and the arduous duties imposed upon the lecturer who was soon to take the field:

"1. He shall devote his whole time and energy to the service of the League by lectures and otherwise as hereafter specified. Using his best endeavor to make known the principles and the objects of the league, and especially its aim as respects the endowment of an Industrial University in all the States for the benefit of the industrial classes particularly, as well as for all others-He shall use his best endeavors to appoint in each neighborhood a sufficient number of competent agents of the League, whose duty it shall be to solicit the names, subscriptions and donations of members and of others and remit moneys collected and report the names of members monthly to the Chief Director of the League.

"It is proposed that the principal towns in the north of the State shall be visited, and as soon and as fast as practicable, the lectures and discussions shall be carried into all the smaller towns and school districts of the State-and all practicable means used to diffuse information, excite interest, obtain members and subscriptions as above indicated among all ranks and classes of Society in the State."2

The contract specified that the lecturer should have his expenses paid and receive six hundred dollars salary and twentyfive per cent of monies remaining after expenses of the league were paid. On account of pressing family needs it was several months after the above agreement was made before Rutherford was able to enter on his work for the league.3

Meantime Turner and Murray were exerting themselves to

"Memorandum of agreement between Rutherford and Turner, February 19, 1853, Turner manuscripts.

Rutherford to Turner, April 1, 1853, Turner manuscripts. The exact date for Rutherford to begin work was not set in the contract.