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CHAPTER IX.
THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY.
Liberal Patronage in Western States-Activity of Competition-
Threatened Bankruptcy-Necessity of Consolidation—Organiza-
tion of Western Union Telegraph Company— Remarkable Success
-Good Resulting from Evil-Railway Co-operation-Growth of
the Western Union System-Reduction of Tariffs-Russian Ex-
tension Project-Success of Atlantic Cables-Mr. Cornell's Ser-
vices-Profitable Investment.....
PAGE
108
CHAPTER X.
AGRICULTURAL TASTES.
Rural Tendencies-Resuming Agricultural Pursuits-Improved Breeds
of Animals-The Forest Park Herd-Farmers' Club-Agricultural
Societies-President of State Society-Delegate to London Ex-
position—European Travel—State Fair—Embarrassments of the
Agricultural College-Proposition to Endow an Institution for
Agricultural Education-Donating a Farm-Neglected Facilities. 120
CHAPTER XI.
PUBLIC LIFE.
Duty of Citizens-Activity in Public Affairs-Political Management—
Delegate to First National Republican Convention-Fremont-
Seward-Lincoln-Elected to State Assembly-Re-elected-
State Senator-Second Term-Declines Farther Service-Legis-
lative Labors-Measures Supported-Official Fidelity....
132
CHAPTER XII.
THE CIVIL WAR.
Anti-Slavery Agitation-Personal Observations-Opposition to Slavery
Extension-Repeal of Missouri Compromise-Free Territories-
Republican Success-Treasonable Teachings-The Great Re-
bellion-Call for Troops-Sustaining the Government-Encour-
aging Enlistments-Care of Volunteers' Families-Comfort of the
Soldiers-Visiting Battle-fields and Hospitals-Aiding the Sick
and Wounded-Care of Orphans-Restoration of the Union-Sus-
taining the Veterans.
144
CHAPTER XIII.
THE CORNELL LIBRARY.
Generous Inspirations—Projecting a Free Public Library-Conference
with Citizens-Founding the Cornell Library-Erecting the Edi-
fice-Its Cost-Germs of the Library-Income for its Support-
Inauguration Ceremonies-The Founder's Address-Formal Pre-
sentation-Acceptance of Trustees by Hon. Benjamin G. Ferris
-Address of Hon. William H. Bogart-Contribution of Books
-Subsequent Management-Conclusion....
155
CHAPTER XIV.
ADDRESS OF DEDICATION, CORNELL LIBRARY.
Appreciative Co-operation—Address of Dedication by Hon. Francis
Miles Finch-An Eloquent and Impressive Discourse-Educa-
tional Influence of Libraries-Duty of Grateful Appreciation-
Useful Lessons-Neglected Opportunities-Unhealthy Excite-
ment
172
CHAPTER XV.
THE CORNELL UNIVERSITY-CHARTER AND ORGANIZATION.
Demand for Scientific Education-The Agricultural College-Its Fail-
ure-Congressional Appropriation of Public Lands for Agricultural
and Mechanical Education-Acceptance by the State-Appropria-
tion to People's College—Inadequate Vitality and Withdrawal of
Appropriation-Mr. Cornell's Offer of $500,000-Animated Con-
test-Charter of Cornell University-Offensive Proviso-Location
of the University-Additional Contributions by the Founder-
Erection of College Edifices-President White-University Fac-
ulty and Equipment-Liberal Attendance of Students......
184
CHAPTER XVI.
THE CORNELL UNIVERSITY-INAUGURAL CEREMONIES.
Opening of the University-Inaugural Exercises-Notable Occasion—
Founder's Address-President White's Inaugural-Subsequent
Benefactions-The McGraw Building—Sibley College of Mechanic
Arts-Female Education-The Sage College-Sage Chapel-
University Sermons-Jennie McGraw's Generous Efforts-New
Buildings--Grand Development-Increased Equipment and En-
larged Facilities-The Founder's Aims and Hopes....
198
CHAPTER XVII.
THE CORNELL UNIVERSITY-THE LAND GRANT FUND.
Conditions of the Appropriation--Depreciation in Value of Land
Scrip-Prospects of Meagre Endowment-Mr. Cornell Volunteers
to Locate Public Lands for Benefit of the University-Contract
with the Comptroller-Immense Labors-Large Advances-Gra-
tuitous Services-Serious Illness-Contract Transferred to Univer-
sity Authorities-Successful Realization-Traducers - Vilification
-Cruel Misrepresentations-Official Investigation-Complete Vin-
dication.....
215
CHAPTER XVIII.
RAILROADS.
Geographical Location of Ithaca-Early Prosperity—Injured by Rail-
way Development-Declining Importance-Inaccessible--Neces-
sity for Additional Facilities of Travel-Ithaca & Athens Rail-
road-Ithaca & Cortland-Geneva & Ithaca-Utica, Ithaca, &
Elmira-Bonding Towns-Inability to Complete Roads-Mr. Cor-
nell Undertakes the Work-Financial Crisis, 1873-Embarrass-
ments-Fatal Illness and Death-Sale of Interests-Great Losses
-Superb Facilities for Travel provided.....
CHAPTER XIX.
PUBLIC ENTERPRISE-LOCAL IMPROVEMENTS.
227
Local Interests-Loyal Citizenship-Public Enterprise-Manufacturing
Interests—Ontario Ship Canal-Telegraph Connections—Glass-
Works-Proposed Iron-Works-Ithaca Savings Bank-First Na-
tional Bank-Local Prosperity-Increased Population-Extent of
University Patronage-Romantic Scenery-Other Enterprises.... 239
Reserved
CHAPTER XX.
FAMILY AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS.
Manners-Filial Affection-Self-Reliance-Devotion to
Parents-Great Bereavement-Fraternal Generosity-Domestic
Relations-Family Discipline-Education of Children-Interest
in Distant Relations-Genealogical Labors-Loyalty to Old
Friends-New Family Residence-" Villa Cornell "-Elegance of
Construction-" True and Firm".
CHAPTER XXI.
PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS-RELIGIOUS CHARACTER.
251
Individuality—Truth and Frankness-Nervous Energy—Untiring In-
dustry-Manual Labor-Pedestrianism—Perseverance—Patience
-Mental Equipment-Courage-Independence-Integrity-Per-
fect Development-Personal Appearance-Unassuming Manners
-Private Benefactions-Religious Character-Friends' Discipline. 264
CHAPTER XXII.
LAST ILLNESS.
Vigorous Constitution-General Good Health-Promised Longevity—
Fatal Exposure-Sudden Attack of Pneumonia-Extreme Prostra-
tion-Languishing Weakness-Financial
Burdens-Physicians
Plead for Exemption from Business Cares-Attempted Relief—
Menaced by Rigorous Weather-Relapse-Final Rest.
277
CHAPTER XXIII.
PUBLIC TRIBUTES.
General Sympathy - Ithaca "Daily Journal "- Froude's Tribute-
Formal Expressions-Cornell University-Cornell Library-West-
ern Union Telegraph Company-Village Trustees-Students-Ith-
aca Savings Bank-Board of Education-Geneva, Ithaca, & Athens
Railroad—Agricultural Society-Presbyterian Church-Proclama-
tion of Village President-Founder's Hymn..
287
CHAPTER XXIV.
FUNERAL OBSEQUIES.
Manifestations of Grief-Suspension of Business-Lying in State in
Library Hall-Funeral Ceremonies-Vast Concourse in Attend-
ance—Services Conducted by Dr. Wilson and Dr. Stebbins-Pall-
bearers-The Procession-Remains Deposited in Family Vault—
Observances at Syracuse, Auburn, Aurora, Cayuga, Towanda,
Syracuse University—Dr. Stebbins' Address—“ Our Founder "..
308