Page:The Granite Monthly Volume 6.djvu/270

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page needs to be proofread.

244

��THE GRANITE MONTHLY.

��cation from Hon. Francis B. Hayes, and J. J. Dixwell, Esq., of Boston, announcing a legacy of fifty thousand dollars " for the establishment and support of a permanent department or school of instruction in said college, in the practical and useful arts of life, under the supervision of a board of visitors." Dr. Lord's annoyance did not arise from the fact that the founda- tion was to be under the supervision of visitors, for it does not appear that he had a hankering for arbitrary power ; but that this munificent donation had not been given to carry forward the work of the old college, then greatly in need of funds. Trained as a theolo- gian, exceedingly conservative by na- ture, with very little knowledge of modern science, and with no sympathy with it, this is not to be wondered at. He had, therefore, grave doubts about the advisability of accepting Mr. Chandler's legacy, and these were shared by several members of the board of trustees. After long dis- cussion and careful consideration of the whole subject, at the meeting of the board in July, 1851, it was unani- mously resolved, "that the trustees accept with gratitude the munificent donation of the late Abiel Chandler,

��Esq.

��as a sacred trust

��committed to the charge of the college ■to be administered and executed according to the design and intent of the liberal donor, and that they pledge the best exertions of the board, under the guidance of a wise Providence, faithfully and religiously to fulfill his benevolent purpose."

Dr. Lord had a horror of novelties. With clear and distinct views on all subjects that came under his observa- tion, he accorded the same freedom to all. He never forced his peculiar views on any, and his personal friends often differed widely from him in belief. On the other hand he made no secret of his views on any subject, and never hesitated, on suitable occasions, to give the reasons for the faith that was in him. He never rested in the letter of the law, violating its plain intent, nor

��trod devious and doubtful paths, but always walked in his manhood in the clear light of day. Though regretting the direction which Mr. Chandler's gift had taken, and being by no means clear in regard to the desirability of accept- ing it, when it had been formally ac- cepted by the trustees, he set himself to. work heartily to carry out legally and efficiently Mr. Chandler's ideas. " The trustees," he said, "having accepted Mr. Chandler's trust, are bound to carry it out according to his ideas. But they accepted his ideas first, or they would not have undertaken his proposed work." Mr. Chandler's will had been drawn by Hon. Francis B. Hayes, who was his friend and legal adviser, and thoroughly possessed of his ideas in regard to the department of instruction which he wished to establish, and Mr. Hayes and J. J. Dixwell, Esq., were appointed by Mr. Chandler trustees of the trust. With these gentlemen Dr. Lord had been in frequent and full communication, and thus became familiar with the design of the donor.

This is what he says in regard to it : "The management of Mr. Chandler's trust requires a change in the organiza- tion of the college order. But the change will consist mainly of additions. The regular course is left untouched, no arrangement is made or contem- plated that will diminish the number, quantity, or proportion of the studies or exercises heretofore established as a foundation for the learned professions. These will be liable to be interpenetrat- ed by the spirit and genius of the new department, but the influence will be reciprocal. Nothing will necessarily be lost by either. The system is in- tended to be one of mutual giving and receiving, with a view to the more natu- ral and perfect development of all the branches, and a greater corresponding usefulness of the College.

By this new organization the College receives preparatory students and classes of undergraduates, who con- template, not the professional but the active pursuits of life. It introduces

�� �