Delaware Township (part 2 of 6)

The religious zeal of the students led to the establishment in the University, and the successful working, for a long time, of a Missionary Lyceum. This organization was afterwards merged into the Young Men's Christian Association ; but the missionary zeal continues to burn here, as of yore. From this association, and largely through influences there begotten, a goodly number of the graduates have been led to devote themselves to the foreign missionary work. For some years the students of the University have supported one of our graduate missionaries in India. Of the young men preparing for the ministry, those who are licentiates are faithful and useful in evangelical work in the churches of the city and of the neighboring cities and country. Many have regular pastoral charges, and are able thus to support themselves in college, and at the same time accomplish a great deal of good in the communities where they preach.

in 1880. The Young Woman's Christian Association was organized in 1889. These associations have displayed large zeal and enterprise in their work ; and their meetings are well attended. The Young Men's Hall is in the new University building, has a capacity for five hundred sittings, is finely carpeted and well furnished. This association is thoroughly organized for Christian effort. Its committees cover all forms of religious work among their fellows ; and no student, especially no new student, is left unapproached and unhelped. The association publishes hand-books of information and advice, and meets every new student with offers of aid and encouragement. The marked religious trend of the University is greatly promoted and sustained by their faithful effort. - - - '.""^^^-iWifcfc

Among the religious students there are constantly many scores of young persons who are looking to the Christian ministry, or some other field of Christian activity ; and the ranks of this special class receive constant accessions from among those who have been converted or quickened here, and have changed the purposes of their lives. Of these, the young preachers, and others who expect to become such, have an active and enthusiastic Homiletic Club, for their personal or professional profit. Before this club, many admirable and suggestive addresses and lectures have been delivered by invited speakers, either local or from abroad.

The young ladies at Monnett Hall have long been organized into "Tens," for some form of benevolent work. These groups, under the conscientious training and wise guidance of the teachers at Monnett, have accomplished a large amount of silent but effective work within the institution, or for needy interests outside.

Discipline

The aim of the University has been to secure thoroughness. Its demands upon the students are quite as great as in other colleges ; and no one graduates who has not faithfully tried to acquire both knowledge and discipline. The result is that its graduates take high rank in the professions and business employments. The graduates now count almost twenty-two hundred. They are found in nearly all the States of the Union and in all quarters of the globe. Professor Nelson, in a paper following this, gives some statistics of the alumni, and a study of the results of fifty years' history of their lives, and of their work in the world. It is a record of which the University, and its thousands of friends, may well be proud.

The discipline here exercised has, at all times, appealed to the confidence and the moral sense of the students. It has aim.ed to foster sentiments of manliness and honor, to work out the highest types of character, to make the students habitually self-respectful, and, therefore, respectful to authority. The general results have been satisfactory, and the relations of the Faculty and the students have been of the most pleasant kind. Of course, in so large a body of young persons, promiscuously gathered, it must needs be that offenses come. Some are disposed to evil ; others are incapable of reflection. These are the small minority, but they furnish nearly all the cases for special discipline. Accordingly, there has been no instance, in the history of the institution, of a general insubordination, and only few and limited instances of combinations to resist authority.

Most of the Faculty keep a daily record of the work of the students that recite to them. This marking is on a scale ranging from zero to ten, 6.5 being a minimum for " pass- ing." The daily record enters as a factor in the term grade. Others of the Faculty, from the peculiarity of their work, rely mainly on the general impression made by the student, and upon special examinations, at intervals, or at the end of the term. The term grades are reported to the registrar, and entered in the University record book. It is from the aggregate of these marks that the final standing of the student is ascertained, and his title determined to a place on the Commencement programme.

The method of regulating the Commencement exercises has, from time to time, been a matter of solicitude and experiment with the Faculty. At first, and for many years, all the members of the graduating class were assigned to places on the programme. After a while the programme became long enough to occupy two sessions, morning and afternoon, or even two successive days. But, at last, the senior class grew too large for this arrangement ; and some years ago it was decided that the number of participants in the Commencement exercises should be limited to fifteen. The selection is determined by the Faculty upon the equitable basis of the students' grades for the entire college course. The programme for Commencement exercises is arranged in alphabetic order, and in reverse order, on alternate years.

Much importance has always been placed on our system of term and annual examinations. These were once largely oral ; and the Faculty gave special invitations to literary and professional gentlemen to witness and participate in the examinations. To this end, they early invited the Conferences to send special committees of examiners ; but since 1856, the committees of visitors from the Conferences provided for by the University charter have been charged with the function of examination as well as of visitation. The presence of the visitors and their participation in the examinations has always been a wholesome stimulus, and renders the examinations much more interesting, as well as a better test of the qualifications of the students.

Courses Of Study

At the organization of the University, there was but one course of study adopted, substantially the same as had obtained for generations in the usages of colleges. Its basis was the classic languages. The study of Greek and Latin occupied most of the time in the preparatory classes, half of the time in the freshman and sophomore years, and onethird of the time for the last two years of the course. And this general arrangement continued with gradual modifications, till the year 1868. This, which was called the " classical course," or the " regular course," was the only one for which a degree was conferred. Two or three briefer courses, covering about three years' study, had, for a while, been instituted, and commended to such students as could not liope to complete the regular course. These were called the Scientific, the Biblical, and the Normal courses ; but to those who completed them, only a certificate of proficiency was given, and their names do not appear in the alumni catalogue as " graduates."

But new ideas have effected some changes in the old policy of the colleges. The literary world will be slow to admit that the broadest culture can be attained without an acquaintance with the classics. The classic tongues of Greece and Rome must ever continue the basis of all liberal learning ; yet, in the presence of other important, though not more " practical," studies, the classics have ceased to be the sole condition of college honors. The marvellous advance in the methods of investigating the facts of the physical world has given birth to new experimental sciences which were utterly unknown a century, or even a generation, ago. These new sciences have taken their recognized and equal place beside the old ; and have opened up new, attractive, and profitable lines of study siiitable for collegiate work. The old educational form and direction are changed ; but the educational result is the same. The new ways are good, but they are not better than the old ; they are simply different, and offer a choice in studies. With them, the college can offer more subjects of knowledge, more and various avenues to learning, and culture, and practical fitting for life's occupations ; but it can train no better than before. The old methods and the old subjects of study made as good scholars, and as able men, as any of the later day. The claim of the later education is, that it offers a variety adapted to different tastes or inclinations, that it fits men for immediate entrance upon the several employments of life, and that by this wider range it makes men more versatile and capable, " with armor on the right hand and on the left." Accordingly in most institutions of the country, while the classics still maintain their foremost place for the "regular" course of study, a parallel course of equal or nearly equal extent has been established, with a preponderant amount of modern languages, mathematics, and especially of scientific work. For this "scientific" course, distinctive degrees have been provided. In 1868, such a course was first established in this University. It threw out the Greek language entirely, but required three years of Latin, and the study of one modern language. In addition to this concession to the hew views, there was also allowed a certain amount of election in the studies of the classical course, in the sophomore and the junior years, in favor of modern languages, or additional scientific studies. This was a safe compromise ; and allowed a sufficient latitude, without, at the same time, prescribing a course which can be called partial, or one-sided. The degrees given in the classical course are Bachelor of Arts, and Master of Arts ; in the scientific course. Bachelor and Master of Science. Both the above courses are now open to ladies ; and some ladies are found in each of them ; but, since the union of the schools, another course, for ladies especially, has been established, to meet the taste and wants of such as seek a thorough and liberal culture, yet do not desire to take the classical or the scientific course. It covers the same time as these, but differs from them mainly in substituting for the Greek of the classical course, and the more extended mathematics and sciences of the scientific course, a thorough course in music, painting, drawing, and art criticism. Upon the graduates in this course is conferred the degree of Bachelor of Literature.

The limited endowment of the University has hitherto prevented the establishment of the presumptive University schools of Theology, Law, Medicine, and Technology. These will come in the course of time, and the charter of the University was specifically amended years ago (185 1), so as to permit the location of our professional schools at any desirable point in the State, if not in Delaware. Yet something pointing in these directions has already been accomplished. The regular sub-graduate courses of study in the University have been so constructed as to offer a fair introduction to the work in the Biblical seminaries, and in the Medical and Law colleges. This work done here on the basis of academical study, amounts to at least one year's work in these several professional courses. For example : though the Holy Scriptures have a leading place in all the instruction in the University, yet the Hebrew Bible and the Greek Testament, and some other Biblical studies, are either prescribed for graduation, or made elective for any who are looking to the ministry. Our graduates who have taken this course here can- readily enter the second year in the leading Theological seminaries. The establishment of a Theological department especially has always been contemplated as an integral part of a University organization ; and the matter has often been agitated in the councils of the University, or the wishes of its friends. The way to it has not yet opened ; but in 1894, the Board of Trustees voted that when four full professorships in Theology shall be endowed, the Board will establish these chairs, and organize the University School of Theology. Similar facilities are furnished students preparing for Medicine or Law. The college courses in Chemistry, Physiology, Histology and Hygiene, are equal to at least one year's study in these subjects in medical colleges ; and the course in Law, though not very extended, is an excellent preparation for the work in the Law schools. In the way of Technological instruction, the University has now well organized courses, and thoroughly equipped laboratories in Analytical, Biological, Histological, and Physical investigation and experimentation.

The University has always wished to keep its educational hold and influence over the students who have won its first honors, and promote them to the higher academic honors on the basis of further and proper studies. In accord with the standing usage of American colleges, it long gave the degree of Master of Arts, in ciirsu^ to all Bachelors of Arts of three years' standing. Then, with more conservative action, it gave the second degree to those graduates only who made application for it, accompanied with evidence of continued literary or professional work of any kind. But for some years, now, it has ceased to give this degree, in cursii^ or pro honore^ and confers it only for specific work accomplished.

In this intent, the University has established courses of postgraduate work, with large elective latitude, leading to the degrees of Master, and of Doctor of Philosophy. For the former degree is required one year of continuous study, or its equivalent for a longer time ; and for the latter, three years of continuous study. These courses, and the examinations and theses required, are such as best test the candidate's powers of application, and acquisition, and mastery of the subjects.

In the line of this action, both the trustees and the Faculty are considering the policy of abandoning all honorary degrees ; and of conferring even the degree of Doctor of Divinity, and of Doctor of Laws (unless in very exceptional instances), only for prescribed work done, or its substantial equivalent.

The Normal Department has been revived, and a fair course of study, extending through three years, has been prescribed, adapted especially to those who would fit themselves for teaching in the common schools. It is the hope of the University to make this course both attractive and useful to this large class of youth. A professional certificate, but no degree, is given to those who complete this course.

In 1875, Professor Grove, with the approval of the Faculty, organized a battalion for elementary instruction in military science. This organization was kept up for a number of years as a voluntary work on the part of instructor and students, but received no credit in the ranking of the students. The arms and other equipments were furnished by the State. But in 1890, on the application of the Board of Trustees, the Secretary of War detailed an officer of the Army as Professor of Military Science and Tactics in the University. The work in this department is now elective for three hours a week, and is open to all students, and it receives credit in the books of the University. The instruction given is that of the United States Infantry and Artillery and Signal Corps ; and the arms and accoutrements are furnished free by the War Department. The cadets wear a uniform of gray cloth, and present a very becoming appearance. The Faculty of the University recognize the value of military drill in its beneficial effects upon the general health of the students and in their improved bearing, in inculcating habits of neatness, obedience, and promptness, and in stimulating a spirit of patriotism.

Much attention has always been given in the University to the study and practice of elocution ; and the results are seen in the successes which have marked the elocutionary exercises of the students, their oratorical contests at home, and in competition with other colleges; and in the reputation of our graduates in public professional life. From time to time different methods have been followed and excellent instructors engaged for imparting instruction in this necessary art. As early as 1880, definite arrangements were made with Professors Trueblood and Fulton for one term's instruction each year. This was foimd profitable; but owing to the brevity of the work, it was not fully satisfactory. In 1890, the Board of Trustees established the Chair of Elocution and Oratory, and filled it by the election of Professor Robert I. Fulton, securing his services much of the year. In 1894, with the approval of the Board, the School of Oratory was separately incorporated, more thoroughly organized, and a fuller course of instruction marked out. This course prescribes continuous instruction for several years ; and the degree of Graduate in Oratory is given to candidates who complete it, if they have also attained at least senior rank in one of the college courses.

arisen, departments in Music, Art, and Commercial Training. The first of them has developed into large proportions ; and the Conservatory of Music is well organized and successful. It is under the direction of an experienced and skillful director, assisted by a competent corps of instructors. There are facilities for training in all the lines of music, vocal and instrumental. In furtherance of this art, the instructors and students have organized the Euterpean Musical Union, with a hundred and thirty members, singers and performers. This society has been remarkably enthusiastic, and has supplied itself with various instruments and a good library of music ; and has held some concerts of the highest order, both in Delaware and elsewhere. By these efforts it has contributed more than two thousand dollars towards the cost of the great organ in Gray Chapel. Besides the large Euterpean Society, there is a very successful and popular Glee Club, and a Mandolin Club.

The Department of Art is well organized, and instruction is given by skilled teachers in all the lines of drawing, painting, carving and decorative art.

No degrees are conferred in these departments, but to students who have completed the course, certificates of proficiency are given on Commencement day, with the graduating classes.

A well-regulated course of physical culture has been marked out for the ladies, especially those at Monnett Hall, and placed in the charge of an intelligent and skillful instructor.

The University has always maintained a Preparatory Department, and will probably need to maintain one for another fifty years to come. When the University began its work, there were almost no classical academies in Ohio, and few high schools in the cities, in which the classics, and German and French were taught. The University was compelled to organize a Preparatory Department for instruction in the elements of the Latin and Greek languages. We should otherwise have had no students in the " college classes." The urgency is not so great now ; but the necessity of maintaining a Preparatory Department still remains. There are some classic academies in Ohio, that serve partly as feeders to the University ; and most of the high schools in the cities and large towns teach Latin, and some of them Greek ; but while they furnish us some good scholars for advanced standing, most of our college students are still made in our own school. The proportion of college students in our annual attendance has gradually increased, from about twenty per cent, of the whole, until now, for some years past, it has been about fifty per cent, of the whole number. The preparatory course embraces three years of study, and is the same in substance and in thoroughness as that adopted as a condition of entrance in the best colleges of the country.

The table given further on shows that the catalogue enrollment of students of the University for the first year was but I lo ; from which number the attendance gradually increased to 257 in 1850. The next year showed 506 names, nearly double the previous number on the University books. This sudden increase was due to the system of cheap scholarships that year put into successful operation by the Board of Trustees. Of these, as we have seen, nearly four thousand were sold, and thus both the endowment of the University was largely increased and the circle of its patronage and usefulness greatly widened. The movement at once called attention to the University. Many hundred parents were led to seek a higher education for their sons than they had be- fore deemed within their means ; and the thought of such a possibility was exciting the generous ambition of many young men, who had else remained content with the little education given in the common schools of their own neighborhood. These scholarships and others of later date are still held by thousands of families ; and have always been an incentive to large numbers to seek an education in the University. The result is, that the attendance since 1851 has always been large. At no time, not even during the dark days of the Rebellion, or of the financial collapse afterward, has the enrollment gone as low as before the inauguration of the scholarship system. Only once, in 1863, the dark year of the war, has the aggregate fallen as low as 300 ; and up to the union of the two schools it usually exceeded 400. After that event, the enrollment sprang at once to more than 600 ; and in two years went up to a thousand. For the last six years it has averaged about 1,150. The iDooks of the University, including partly a conservative estimate of the attendance, show that it has matriculated, from first to last, more than fifteen thousand students, not including the ladies enrolled in the Female College, 1853-77.

Of these, nearly 2,200, a little more than one-seventh, have remained to graduation. In these Western States, the channels of business are so wide and inviting that it is difficult to induce students to stay for a degree. To this must be added the consideration that a very large number of the matriculants are poor, and are under the necessity of earning the means of support in college by manual labor or by teaching. It demands an extraordinary strength of character and zeal for learning, for persons, already competent to the active duties of life, to remain in school from four to seven years. Yet, of those who have gone out under graduation, a large number took advanced courses of considerable extent. The latitude of choice offered by the wide range in the several courses of study enables a student to shape his work in school with reference to his anticipated professional or business needs ; and many acquire a respectable education without taking a degree.

It has already been stated that, while the tuition fees were fixed at the low rate of thirty dollars a year, yet, after the first few years, all the students have been on scholarships, and have paid no tuition fees for the required academic studies. But small fees have been charged for the elective Art studies (Music and Painting), Elocution, Laboratory work, and Commercial instruction. For these extra studies, the total receipts in 1893-94 were just $12,000, which barely paid the expenditures for the several departments named. Charges for tuition such as are customary in the great Eastern schools, ranging from $100 a year to $150, would wholly exclude a majority of our students from the privileges of the University. It is a matter of just pride to the University that it puts an education within the reach of every worthy person ; and the Ohio Wesleyan has never turned any student from her doors because he was unable to pay for the instruction that he desired. The only charge to the students is a small fee towards meeting the incidental expenses of the institution, for repair and care of buildings, fuel, light, water, janitors, insurance, printing, etc. Even this fee was for many years only nominal, and has never met the expenditures. It is now ten dollars a term ; but a great many beneficiaries, students preparing for the ministry, sons and daughters of ministers, and special cases, have a reduction of one-half of this amount. The actual receipts on this account last year were almost $15,000; but the actual cost to the University was nearly $18,000.

expenses decides the question of a coUeo^e education. Fortunately the condition of things here favors young people who need to practice economy. The cost of living was at first very moderate ; and competition has kept the cost of boarding in private families within reasonable limits. Besides, a large number of the students, for economy's sake, have boarded themselves, or imited in students' clubs. Fortunately, the moral and intellectual surroundings here have prevented any social ostracism. Wealth and extravagance do not give position in this school. Here, as well as elsewhere, it has been found that cheap living and high thinking may go together. It has not been the policy of the school to have a system of "College Commons." A few students were, at first, allowed to room in the college building; but finally all found rooms and boarding in the town. This scattering of the students, apart from one another, is in the interest of order and studious habits ; it keeps the students under family influences, and brings the citizens into kind relations with the institution.

In addition to the routine of college life and work, the students have shown much interest in voluntary organizations for literary, forensic, social, or physical culture. The gentlemen have organized eight literary societies. Of these, four are confined to the college classes : the Zetagathean, founded in 1845 ; the Chrestomathean, in 1846; the Athenian, in 1851 ; the Amphictyonian, in 1886; and four are made up of members from the Preparatory classes : the Meleterian, founded in 1866; the Philomathean, in 1873; the Calagonian, in 1887 ; and the University Lyceum, in 1889. The ladies of Monnett Hall have three literary societies, in which membership is not restricted to any particular college classes: the Clionian, organized in 1857; the Athenaeum, in 1861; and the Castalian, in 1889. These literary societies are sustained with spirit and generous rivalry, and are of much vahie in the literary and forensic culture of their members. They have fine, tastefully furnished halls ; and the older societies were for a long time, also engaged in accumulating libraries, but have recently abandoned these, in view of the unrestricted privileges of the University library.

The Greek-letter societies, or inter-collegiate fraternities, are represented in this institution by nine chapters. These associations are held in great esteem by the members ; but it has long been a mooted point among educators, whether they are not, on the whole, injurious to the students, prejudicial to the literary societies, and an obstacle to college discipline. Some years since, the Board of Trustees, under this conviction, ordered their discontinuance after a certain time, but subsequently rescinded its action. It is but just, however, to say that, with some probable exceptions, the fraternity members have exercised over each other a salutary and helpful influence.

The following fraternities have chapters in Delaware : the Beta Theta Pi, established in 1853 ; the Sigma Chi, in 1855 ; the Phi Delta Theta, in i860; the Phi Kappa Psi, in 1861 ; the Delta Tau Delta, in 1866; the Phi Gamma Delta, in 1869 ; the Chi Phi, in 1873 ; the Alpha Tau Omega, in 1887, and the Sigma Alpha Epsilon, in 1888. *

The Oratorial Association of the University was established in 1880, and has done much towards quickening and maintaining an ambition for excellence in public speaking. The association has had annual contests, participated in by select representatives from the several literary societies ; and the speakers winning the first honors here have represented the University in the State inter-collegiate contests. In five instances our representatives have won the State honors.

the students, that maintained an annual course of lectures, varied with musical entertainments. In these lists were included many of the most distinguished lecturers of this country and of Great Britain. The profits arising from these courses were usually devoted by the Association to some general University interest. For some years past, the management of the lecture course has been remitted to the senior class for each year, and the profits go to the class expenses at Commencement.

Political clubs representing the great national parties and policies have been organized among the students, and have been sustained with enthusiasm during the seasons for political campaigns. State or National. The contending organizations are zealous, but carry on their work without partisan rancor or estrangement towards their fellows.

In 1888, the students took up among themselves a subscription of about $800, for a gymnasium. The Hon. Charles W. Fairbanks, of the class of 1872, added $2,000 to this amount. The total cost of the building was $5,000, the balance being paid from the general fund of the University. The gymnasium was equipped with the needful apparatus, but has not been as successful or useful as was hoped, for the want of a competent trainer, who could devote his time to this much-needed work.

The Athletic Association of the students was formed in 1890, and has been carried on with characteristic interest in the games that are played, if not in the exercise that is obtained. The University has appropriated two acres for this purpose, and the Association has fenced the grounds, and graded the surface, and erected a grand stand, for spectators. The cost of these improvements, borne by the Association, is about $2,000. The " teams " for base-ball and football are diligent in drill, and have played many successful.

and some unsuccessful games, on our own grounds, and elsewhere. These grounds are used, also, as parade grounds for the University Battalion.

The first students' college paper was started in 1866 by Joseph B. Battelle, of the class of 1868. It was called by him The Western Collegian^ under which name it was published for seven years. Its form was then changed, and it was called The College Transcript. The editors, members of the senior class for the current year, are elected by their fellows, and have the financial responsibility for the paper. In 1874, the ladies of the senior class at Monnett were admitted to a representation in the editorial corps. The Practical Student was started in 1888 by Wilbur F. Copeland, of the class of 1889. Both papers are now issued weekly, and have a good circulation among the alumni and students.

Alumni

The Association of Alumni was formed in 1849. The number of Alumni was then but twenty- two ; it has now reached as many hundred. All graduates in cursn are eligible to membership, and all students who have studied in the University three years and have afterward received an honorary degree. In 1872, the Association, with the cordial consent of the Board of Trustees, was admitted, under a general law of the State, enacted in their interest, to a representation in the Board equal to that of each patronizing annual Conference. The Alumni are destined here, as in the older colleges of the country, to become eventually the great controlling power in the institution. Fifteen of the number already hold seats in the Board ; most of the positions in the Faculty are held by graduates ; two of their number, Mr. Wright and Dr. Hartupee, have endowed chairs in their Alma Mater ; another, Mr. Mast, has given almost an equal amount for general purposes, and still others have together partly endowed another chair - the Alumni Chair of Natural History. These are evidently but the beginnings of things in this direction. Most of the graduates are yet young men, and have not risen to wealth or to commanding place ; but, before another half a century shall have passed, they will have both wealth and place, and will use them in the interests of the University.

Regard for the Alma Mater has in all colleges been a family tradition ; it strengthens with successive generations. This is the source of growth and power in the older colleges. The sons of the family, the benefactions of the family, are the inheritance of the college where the father graduated. It will be so here. Already many sons of the older graduates have been enrolled among the Ahmmi beside their fathers. Besides these, many families have each had several children as students who have not become graduates.

The Alumni have an " Alumni Day," Wednesday of Commencement week, set apart for their formal sessions, and for public exercises ; and they are represented on this day by an oration from one of their number, chosen by themselves.

The local Alumnae of the Ohio Wesleyan Female College early organized an association for social culture, mutual help, and for aid to the College. These ladies, and such of the more recent graduates of the University as have joined them, still keep up their organization, with interest and profit to themselves, and with great benefit to their Alma Mater. We have seen that before the union they raised two thousand dollars for the library of the Female College. Their special effort now is to raise five thousand dollars to meet their subscription for the great University organ.

formed University clubs in several of the prominent localities of the State, and elsewhere, for the cultivation of the social amenities, for mutual professional support, and for the promotion of the interests of the University. The clubs at Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Zanesville, in Ohio, and at St. Paul, in Minnesota, and some others, may be named among the most enterprising and successful. Some of these clubs have begun to contribute to the material help, as well as the reputation of the University.

The Alumni have made their mark in the professions, in political life, and in literature. In the last direction, the University Alcove at the Columbian Exposition in Chicago had a very gratifying collection, though not complete, of the books written by the Alumni of the Ohio Wesleyan. The catalogue is not large yet, but it is annually growing, and it already covers a good list of titles in almost all the departments of thought, art, and science.

Convocation

In the year 1847, the Faculty, with a view to greater deliberation and circumspectness in conferring the honors of the University, and the better to accredit these honors to the public, invited the counsel and co-suffrage of all the University Alumni of the second degree and of all who had received honorary degrees from the University. This body, sitting in conjunction with the Faculty, was called the University Convocation ; and with it rested the responsibility of passing upon all nominations proposed by the Faculty for literary degrees. The system worked well for a few years ; but when the number entitled to seats in the Convocation became large, it was found impossible to convene them, or to secure their suffrages, and the Convocation was discontinued.

Faculty

The number of teachers was from the first too small for the work imposed on them ; and the increase in the number of students and the multiplication of classes necessarily brought increase in the Faculty. In the academic course of study, a few generations ago, attention was devoted entirely to the Languages and Mathematics. These, with their subdivisions, constituting the trivium and the quadrivium of the old universities, embraced about all the matters of human knowledge that could then be made subsidiary to the end of school discipline. But, in our own century, the marvelous development of the Physical Sciences has opened a wide and profitable field of study, both for knowledge and discipline ; and the modern colleges have recognized the rightful place of these subjects as a part of the academic curriculum. The first appointments to the Faculty were to the two first-named chairs, Languages and Mathematics; but, at the opening of the second year, the claims of the other large class of sciences were recognized by the establishment of a chair of Natural Science. This was filled by the appointment of the Rev. Frederick Merrick as its incumbent. Before the end of the year, Dr. Thomson assumed his place as President and Professor of Philosophy. These six men were not a large force for a college Faculty, but they were able to give instruction in each of the great departments of study ; and no class has been graduated from the University without, at least, some instruction in all the subjects which go to make a complete and symmetric culture. The first graduating classes were, of course, small ; and by the time the classes had grown to a respectable size, the number of departments of instruction had also been increased, either by the subdivision of the former chairs, or by the addition of new ones.

The University has been fortunate in the selection of its Presidents. There have been four Presidents. We give a brief sketch of each of the distinguished men who have filled this office : i. The Rev. Edward Thomson, M.D., D. D., IvL. D. He was born in 1810, at Portsea, England ; but by growth and education he was an American. His home from early youth was at Wooster, Ohio. He received a good classical training, and afterward graduated in medicine at Philadelphia. In 1832, he entered the ministry, in the Ohio Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and at once became noted for his ability as a preacher and a writer. In 1838, he was chosen principal of the Norwalk Seminary, the first Methodist school in the State of Ohio. His success here established his reputation as an educator, and pointed him out as the fittest man for the presidency of the University, to which position he was elected first in 1842, and again in 1844. I^ ^^^^ Spring of the last-named year, he was elected editor of the Ladies' Repository^ in Cincinnati, but resigned this office after two years' service, to assume the active duties of his position at Delaware. For fourteen years he filled and graced this office. No college president in the Church has shown larger administrative abilities, or won a more enviable place in the affections and admiration of college and Church alike. In i860, he was called by the General Conference to edit the Christian Advocate^ in New York ; and again, in 1864, to the higher office of bishop in the Church. He died suddenly in Wheeling, W. Va., March 22nd, 1870.

President Thomson taught but little during his connection with the University. He usually had the senior class in one study, but he found his happiest field of instruction and influence in the Sunday lectures before the University. It was here that he made his wonderful power felt, and left the lasting impress of his thought and spirit on his rapt listeners. His lectures, whether written or extemporized, were models of sacred eloqiience, worthy of any audience for their depth, beauty and fervor. Bishop Thomson's publications are numerous, and his literary remains yet in manuscript are very extensive.

2. The Rev. Frederick Merrick, M. A. He was born January 29th, 1810, a native of Massachusetts, and was educated in the Wesleyan University, Connecticut. In 1836, he became principal of Amenia Seminary, New York, and in 1838, professor of Natural Science in Ohio University, Athens, and member of the Ohio Conference. For one year, 1842-43, he was pastor of the Methodist Church in Marietta. In 1843, the Conference appointed him financial agent of the Ohio Wesleyan University, to which institution he thereafter devoted his life for fifty-one years.

In 1845, he was elected professor of Natural Sciences, and was made acting President for the year, until Dr. Thomson entered upon duty. In 1 851, he was transferred to the chair of Moral Philosophy; and, on the resignation of President Thomson, in i860, he was chosen as his successor. He held this office for thirteen years; and then, in 1873, in view of failing strength, he resigned the presidency, and was appointed lecturer on Natural and Revealed Religion. This relation to the college he sustained for twenty-one years, until his death. In addition to his other duties. President Merrick was Auditor of the University for nearly forty years, and often acted as its agent in raising the endowment, or in getting funds for improvements upon the buildings and grounds. He died March 5th, 1894.

President Merrick's life as an educator was one of marked excellence and influence. His interest in young people and his sympathy with them in their work were unbounded. As a teacher, his enthusiasm and devotion knew no limit. As a man of affairs, he possessed rare foresight, wisdom, and efficiency. His consecration, self-sacrifice, and generosity to the institution, of which he was so great a part, were complete. By his Christian zeal, earnest appeals, spiritual leadership, and saintly character, he moved multitudes to a Christian life and by the cultivation of a missionary spirit among the students, his influence has been felt to the ends of the earth, through those whom he inspired to go thither. Among all who knew him his presence was felt as a benediction, and the example of his daily life as an inspiration to a stronger Christian manhood. And the wise provision which he made in the " Merrick Lectures before the University," for the stated inculcation of religious principles and practice, will perpetuate his influence in the University, the Church, and the world.

After President Merrick's resignation, the Rev. Fales H. Newhall, D, D., of Boston, was elected to the presidency ; but, from prostration induced by intense and continued literary work, he was unable to enter upon duty, and resigned his office the following year. Dr. Newhall died April 6th, 1883. The University meanwhile, and until the accession of his successor, was for three years successfully administered by Professor McCabe, the senior professor and Vice-President of the University.

3. The Rev. Charles H. Payne, D. D., LL. D. President Payne was born at Taunton, Massachusetts, and graduated in 1856 at the Wesleyan University, Connecticut. He taught several terms in his early years, and was tutor for six months after graduation, but spent most of his life in the ministry. A vigorous thinker, an accomplished speaker and writer, and a devoted pastor, he served some of the leading Methodist Churches in Brooklyn, Philadelphia, and Cincin- nati. It was from this last city that he was called to the presidency of the University in 1875. He took his seat the following year. His administration began in the gloomiest days of financial depression ; but the growth of the University during his administration was rapid and great. A quickened interest for the University was felt throughout the Church ; the patronizing Conferences were stimulated to renewed efforts for the endowment ; the school was advertised on a much more liberal scale than before ; the area of its patronage greatly enlarged ; and, not least, the University and the Female College were united. This measure, which had long been advocated and promoted by many friends of both schools, was at length accomplished in 1877. As the result of all these influences, both the enrollment and the income of the University were doubled in a few years, and the endowment largely increased. Dr. Payne was always alert for the interests of the University. It was during his administration that the beautiful President's house was built, in 1885, (on a lot given by Mr. Mast), at a cost of ten thousand dollars. Dr. Payne remained President for thirteen years, until his election by the General Conference to the oJEfice of Corresponding Secretary of the Board of Education.

4. The Rev. James W. Bashford, Ph. D., D. D., was born in Wisconsin. He graduated at the University of Wisconsin in 1873, and was elected Tutor in Greek. He took postgraduate courses in the Boston University, in Theology, Oratory, and Philosophy, completing these courses in 1879. In 1880, and again in 1887, Dr. and Mrs. Bashford spent many months abroad, traveling and visiting the German universities. His pastoral work began while he was a student in the School of Theology ; and he here revealed the characteristics that were to make his ministry so marked a success. He subsequently filled leading pastorates in Portland and Buffalo. He declined repeated invitations to professorships and to the presidency of colleges, but in 1889 accepted his election to the presidency of the Ohio Wesleyan University as a call from God.

President Bash ford's genial personal qualities, and his remarkable ability and versatility in the class-room, in the religious culture of the students, and in the management of affairs, give him a strong hold on the University. During the six years since his administration began, the growth of the school has been rapid, constant, and gratifying. Its scholastic, religious, and material interests were never more promising. The courses of study have been reconstructed, the work better digested and distributed, the Faculty strengthened, the number of students greatly enlarged, the buildings doubled in extent and convenience, the endowment increased one-third, and much more promised, and the religious tone of the school intensified.

The Rev. Herman M. Johnson, D. D., was born in Otsego county, N. Y., November 25th, 1815. He graduated at the Wesleyan University, Connecticut, in 1839 ; and before coming to Delaware had held the chair of Ancient Languages in St. Charles College, Missouri, and in Augusta College, Kentucky. In 1844, he was elected Professor of Ancient Languages and Literature in the Ohio Wesleyan L^niversity. Prof. Johnson had abilities as an instructor of the first order. His mind was analytic ; he had remarkable talent to explain and illustrate the subjects that he taught, and his scholarship was broad and thorough. Yet, perhaps, his greatest service here was in planning our system of cheap scholarships. After six years' tenure here, he accepted the Pro- fessorship of Philosophy in Dickinson College, Pennsylvania, and, in i860, was raised to the Presidency. In this office he died April 5th, 1868.

The Rev. Solomon Howard, D. D., LL. D., was born in Cincinnati, November nth, 181 1, and graduated at Augusta College, Kentucky. He was a pastor for some years in the Ohio Conference ; and in 1842, was app®inted to the charge of a preparatory school in Delaware, before the opening of the University. He was here two years, and at the organization of the Faculty, in 1844, he was elected Professor of Mathematics, but held the office for only one year. He was subsequently Principal of the Springfield Female College ; and, in 1852, became President of the Ohio University at Athens. He resigned in 1872, and died at San Jose, Cal., June 9th, 1873.

The Rev. Lorenzo D. McCabe, D. D., LL. D., was born in Marietta, O., and graduated at the Ohio University in 1843. He then became a member of the Ohio Conference, and preached one year; but, in the year 1844,- was recalled to the chair of Mathematics in his Alma Mater. This place he held one year. In 1845, he was elected to the chair of Mathematics and Mechanical Philosophy in the Ohio Wesleyan University, and, in i860, was transferred to the chair of Biblical Literature and Moral Philosophy. In 1864, by a re-arrangement of the college work, his chair was limited to the Department of Philosophy. To this department he has since given his entire services, except in the years 1873 to 1876, and again in 1888, during which he was also Acting President.

Dr. McCabe is the author of several works which have yet a future before them in the history of theological and philosophical thought. Among them are "The Foreknowledge of God," and "The Divine Nescience."

The Rev. William G. Williams, LL. D., was born at Chillicothe, Ohio. He graduated at Woodward College, in Cincinnati, in 1844, and the same year was appointed to a place in the first Faculty of the University, as Principal of the Preparatory Department. In 1847, he was promoted to the adjunct Professorship of Ancient Languages, and, in 1850, to the full chair of the Greek and Latin Languages. This appointment he held until 1864, when his chair was divided, and he became Professor of the Greek Language and Literature. This chair was endowed in 1867, by Professor Williams' life-long friend, John R. Wright, Esq., of Cincinnati, and, in honor of his father, the venerable Dr. John F. Wright, was named the Wright Professorship. In 1872, Professor Williams was appointed also the acting Chrisman Professor of Biblical Literature. In 1856, he became a member of the Central Ohio Conference, of which body he was for twenty-eight years the Secretary, until he declined further appointment. He was Chaplain of the 145th Regiment, O. V. I., in the Summer of 1864. He is now the only survivor of the original Faculty, and has served fifty consecutive years, without a furlough or any extended interruption from sickness.

The Rev. William L. Harris, D. D., LL. D., was born near Mansfield, Ohio, November 4th, 181 7, and was educated at Norwalk Seminary. He joined the Michigan Conference in 1837, but his field of labor was in Ohio; and when the North Ohio Conference was set off", in 1840, he became a member thereof, and, in 1856, of the Central Ohio Conference. He was the pastor at Delaware in 1844-45 ; and in 1845 he first became connected with the University as one of the teachers of the Preparatory Department. He taught, however, but one year. After preaching two years at Toledo, he accepted the Principalship of Baldwin Seminary, at Berea. In 1851^ he was recalled to Delaware, as Principal of the Academical Department, and was the next year appointed Professor of Natural Sciences. In this chair he remained eight years, till i860, when, by the election of the General Conference, he became one of the Secretaries of the Methodist Missionary Society. In 1872, he was elected to the Episcopate. He died September 7th, 1887, when he had just completed fifty years of ministerial service.

The Rev. William D. Godman, D. D., was the first graduate of the University, in 1846. He entered the ministry in the North Ohio Conference, but, in 1849, served the University for one year as Principal of the Academic Department. He was then President of the Worthington Female College for some years, and afterward Professor of Greek for a while in the Northwestern University, at Evanston, 111. From thence he was called to a chair in his Alma Mater. From i860 to 1864, he was Professor of Mathematics and Mechanical Philosophy ; in 1864, he was transferred to the chair of Theology and Biblical Literature, in which he served one year, and then resigned to re-enter the pastorate. After preaching for some years, he became President of Baldwin University, which he served during the years 1870-75. He was for three years President of the New Orleans University ; and since 1878 has been Principal of Gilbert Seminary, at Winsted, St. Mary's Parish, Louisiana.

The Rev. Francis S. Hoyt, D. D., was born in Vermont. He graduated at the Wesleyan University, Connecticut, in 1844, and shortly after became President of the Willamette University, Oregon. In i860, he was called to the chair of Natural Sciences in the Ohio Wesleyan University, and served in this department for five years. In 1865, he was transferred to the Chrisman chair of Biblical Literature, in which he remained for seven years. In 1872, Professor Hoyt was elected editor of the Western Christian Advocate^ at Cincinnati, which office he filled for twelve years. He then reentered the pastorate, in the North Ohio Conference.

The Rev. William F. Whitlock, D, D., was born near Dayton, O. He graduated at the Ohio Wesleyan University in 1859, and was immediately appointed Tutor in Languages. In 1864, he was promoted to an Adjunct Professorship of Latin; and, in 1866, received the appointment to the full professorship of the Latin Language and Literature. In this chair he has since remained. In 1878, it received the name of the Brown Professorship, in honor of Mrs. Rebecca Brown, of Bellefontaine, O., who gave a partial endowment. In 1877, when the Ohio Wesleyan Female College was united with the University, Professor Whitlock was appointed Dean of the Faculty at Monnett Hall (the Ladies' College building), and for six years had charge of that part of the University. He is a member of the North Ohio Conference, and since 1884 has represented that body in the General Conference. In 1884, he became a member of the Book Committee of the Church, and is now Cliairman of the Committee.

The Rev. John P. Lacroix, Ph. D., D. D., was born at Haverhill, O., and graduated from the Ohio Wesleyan University in 1857. After teaching one year in the public schools of New Orleans, he entered the Ohio Conference, and preached until 1863. A descendant of an old Huguenot family, the French was his vernacular language, and he had also privately acquired the German language. In 1863, he was invited to become teacher of these languages in the University. In 1864, he was made Adjunct Professor of the same, and in 1866 was raised to the Professorship of Modern Languages and History. Professor Lacroix was a zealous and laborious student. Oppressed by constant ill health, he nevertheless studied and wrote incessantly, un- til, at length, while on a trip to Europe, whither he had frequently gone to recruit, he broke down completely, and reached home only to die, September 22, 1879. His was the only death in the Faculty for fifty years since the organization of the school, until the death of ex-President [Merrick this year.

The Rev. Hiram M. Perkins, M. A., was born in Madison County, O., and is another graduate of the class of 1857. After graduating, he was appointed Tutor in Natural Sciences, and served in this relation for five years, having entire charge of the department one 3'ear, during the absence of the Professor. In 1865, he was appointed Adjunct Professor in Mathematics; and, in 1867, was promoted to the full chair of Mathematics and Astronomy, which he has since occupied. This chair received the name of the Parrott Professorship, from the bequest of Mr. Thomas Parrott, of Dayton, who left $20,000 toward its endowment. Professor Perkins is a member of the Central Ohio Conference.

William O. Semans, M. A., was born in Defiance, O., and is also a graduate of the class of 1857. After graduating, he served for two years as Tutor in Languages, and then entered into business in the West. In 1862, he was appointed Professor of Natural Sciences in the Ohio Wesleyan Female College. He then spent one year in post-graduate work in the department of Chemistry at Harvard College. In 1865, he was invited to a place in the University as Adjunct Professor of Chemistry, and in 1867 was promoted to the full professorship in the same department. In 1873 he became Professor of Chemistry and Physics. He taught these branches until 1894, when Physics was made an independent department, and he remains in charge of the department of Chemistry. In 1875, he was elected Mayor of the city of Delaware, on the citizens' ticket, and served two

Edward T. Nelson, M. A., Ph. D., M. D., was born in Worthington, O., and graduated from the Ohio Wesleyan University in 1866. He then entered the Sheffield Scientific School of Yale University, and graduated in the year 1869 with the degree of Ph. D. During this time he had acted as assistant to the Professor of Mineralogy. In 1869, he was invited to the chair of Natural Science in Hanover College, Ind., where he remained two years. In 187 1, he was called to the Alumni Chair of Natural History in his Alma Mater. This chair has its name from the fact that it was endowed largely by the contributions of the Alumni. Professor Nelson was unanimously nominated to the Board, by the Association, as their choice for the chair by them endowed. In 1891, the duties of this chair w'ere divided, and Professor Nelson became the Alumni Professor of Physiology and Geology. In 1887, he was appointed by Governor Foraker a member of the State Board of Health, and is now President of the Board. He has also held the appointment of member of the State Board of School Examiners, In 1892, Professor Nelson spent several months in special studies at University College, London, England.

Professor John H. Grove, M. A., was born in Fayette County, Ohio, and graduated at the Ohio Wesleyan University in 1870. He w^as Principal of the High School of Wilmington for four years, and Superintendent of the schools for four years longer. In 1878, he was made Principal of the Preparatory Department of the University, which appointment he still holds. In 1884, he was also elected to a full professorship in Latin. He has published several useful text-books in this department. For some

The Rev. Richard Parsons, M. A., was born in Ireland, and at an early age came with his parents to Zanesville, O. He graduated at the Ohio Wesleyan University in 1868, and engaged in teaching in public schools for seven years. In 1875, he was appointed Tutor in Languages in his Alma Mater. In 1880, he was made Adjunct Professor of History ; and in 1884, he was elected to a full professorship in Greek. In 1893-4, he spent a year abroad in travel and study^ mainly at Athens. He is a member of the Ohio Conference.

The Rev. Cyrus B. Austin, M, A., was born in Clinton County, O., and graduated at the Ohio Wesleyan University in 1879, and was immediately appointed Tutor in Mathematics. In 1882, he was made Adjunct Professor, and in 1884 was elected to a full professorship in Mathematics. In 1883, he was appointed Registrar at Monnett Hall, and has since had charge of this large and growing department of the University. He is a member of the Central Ohio Conference.

The Rev. William W. Davies, M. A., B. D., Ph. D., was born in Wales. He came to this country in 1866, and rapidly acquired a knowledge of the English language. He graduated in the class of 1872, and afterward (1874) in Theology at Drew Theological Seminary ; and then (1877) Ph.D. in the University of Halle, Germany. On his return to America, he joined the Central Ohio Conference, and preached for one year. In 1879, was transferred to the Ohio Conference. In 1878, he was appointed instructor in his Alma Mater in Hebrew and the Modern Languages. In 1883, he was made Adjunct Professor, and in 1884 was elected full professor of German and Hebrew, which position he still holds.

Professor Ellen R. Martin, M. A., graduated at the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary in 1859, and afterwards taught Art and Belles-Lettres for some years in the Conference Seminary in her own State. In 1873, she received the honorary degree of Master of Arts from the Cincinnati Wesleyan College. In 1881, she was elected Preceptress in Monnett Hall of the Ohio Wesleyan University, and teacher of Belles- Lettres. This appointment of Preceptress she still holds ; but in 1885 she was elected full professor of Belles-Lettres in the University.

Professor Clara Conklin, M. A., was born in Sidney, O., and graduated M. L. A. in 1864 from the Ohio Wesleyan Female College. In 1884, the University conferred on her the degree of Master of Arts, pro tneritis. For some years she taught Rhetoric and History in the High School of Detroit, Michigan ; but in 1883, she was invited to become instructor in English in the Ohio Wesleyan University. In 1884, she was made Adjunct Professor of the English Language and Literature, and in 1888 was made a full professor in the University. This chair she held for five years. In 1893, she accepted the position of Preceptress in Cornell College, Iowa.

Professor Robert I. Fulton was born in Leesburg, Va. He was educated at the Bethel Military Academy, and took a course in Law at the University of Virginia, and he received the honorary degree of Master of Arts at the Ohio Wesleyan University, in 1887. He was one of the founders in 1878, and co-principal of the School of Oratory in Kansas City. In 1890, he was elected Professor of Elocution and Oratory in the Ohio Wesleyan University. In 1894, the University School of Oratory was incorporated, the course enlarged, and a competent Faculty organized.

emy in 1879, and received the appointment of 2nd Lieutenant. In 1884, he was made ist Lieutenant. In 1890-3, he was detailed by the Secretary of War as Professor of Military Science and Tactics in Ohio Wesleyan University.

Edwin Grant Conklin was born in Waldo, Marion County, Ohio ; and graduated from the Ohio Wesleyan University in 1885. He was Professor of Latin and Greek in Rust University, Holly Springs, Mississippi, 1885-88 ; graduated at Johns Hopkins University, Ph. D., 1891 ; Professor of Biology, Ohio Wesleyan University, 1891-94 ; Professor of Zoology, Northwestern University, 1894.

The Rev. Richard T. Stevenson, M. A., B. D., Ph. D., was born in Taylorsville, Ky. He graduated at the Ohio Wesleyan University in 1873, and finished the course in Theology in Boston University in 1877. He was a member of the Kentucky Conference for five years, and, in 1882, was transferred to the North Ohio Conference, of which he is now a member. In 1893, he was elected Professor of History and English Literature in the Ohio Wesleyan University.

Professor William G. Hormell, M. A., was born in Oakland, Ohio. He graduated at the Ohio Wesleyan University in 1889, and was appointed Tutor in Mathematics and serv^ed for two years. He then pursued postgraduate studies in Harvard Scientific School. In 1893, he was elected Assistant Professor of Physics in his Alma Mater.

Professor Charles D. Rhodes was born in Delaware, O. He graduated at West Point Military Academy in 1889, and received the appointment of 2nd Lieutenant in the Sixth Cavalry, U. S. Army. In 1893, he was detailed by the Secretary of War as Professor of Military Science and Tactics in the Ohio Wesleyan University.

The Rev. Oscar W. Willitts, M. A., B. D., was born at Detroit, Mich. He graduated at the Northwestern University in 1874, and at the Garrett Biblical Institute in 1876. He was a missionary in North China for eight years, from 1880. In 1893, he was appointed Lecturer on Missions and Comparative Religions, in the Ohio Wesleyan University. This lectureship was established through the contributions and eflforts of the Rev. Fletcher L. Wharton, pastor of William Street M. E. Church, Delaware, O.

Lucius V. Tuttle, M. A., graduated in 1870, and was appointed to a Tutorship in Languages. In this position he served for three years, when he was promoted to an adjunct Professorship in Ancient Languages. In 1874, he was called to the Principalship of the Friends' Academy, in connection with the Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, where he died in 1881.

Rev. John T. Short, M. A., B. D., graduated at the Ohio Wesleyan University in 1868, and in 1871, at Drew Theological Seminary, in Divinity. He joined the Cincinnati Conference and preached some years, and then spent a year in Europe in study. In 1877, he was appointed Adjunct Professor of English Language and Literature in the Ohio Wesleyan University. In 1879, he was called to the chair of History and Philosophy in the Ohio State University. He died in 1883.

The work of the professors has not always been restricted to their own departments. Besides the necessity of providing instruction in more subjects than there have been chairs, especially in the earlier years, the professors have often found it convenient to themselves to extend their work to subjects lying outside their several departments. But not even by this additional labor has it ever been possible for them alone to provide for all the classes. In this institution.

as in most Western colleges, it has been necessary not only to furnish instruction to the four "college classes," but also to maintain a preparatory or grammar school, for those not yet ready to enter Freshman. Indeed, the majority of the students enrolled are of this latter description. Coming from rural districts, and sometimes from towns where the high schools do not furnish instruction in the classic languages and mathematics, this class of students must needs begin their preparatory studies after entering the institution. To assist them, a large number of additional teachers has alwa\s been required. These have been variously designated, and not always by the same name for the same work. During the thirteen years of President Merrick's administration, it was the policy of the institution to have but two grades of instructors, "professors" and "tutors." But, before that time, the Preparatory Department had a separate organization under the charge of "principals," and this order has been re-established.

Rev. Thomas D. Crow, M. A., a graduate of Augusta College, was Principal of the Preparatory Department from 1850 to 1852. He was long a member of the Cincinnati Conference, but is now practicing law in Urbana.

John Ogden, M. iV., was appointed Principal of the Normal Department in 1853, and remained for two years, until called by the Ohio State Association to the charge of the McNeely Normal School.

Samuel W. Williams, LL. D., was Tutor in Ancient Languages, 1851-57; was Professor of Ancient Languages in McKendree College, Illinois, 1857-59. ^^ ^^^ been for many years Assistant Book Editor in the Methodist Book Concern, Cincinnati.

Tullius C. O'Kane, M. A., Tutor in Mathematics, 1852-57, was subsequently in the public schools of Cincinnati. He is widely known by his musical publications.

William F. King, D. D., LL. D., was Tutor in Mathematics, 1857-62 ; was called to the chair of Ancient Languages in Cornell College, Iowa, of which he soon after (1863) became, and still remains, President.

Almon S. B. Newton, M. A., Tutor in Ancient Languages, 1866-71, was called to the chair of Natural Science in the Ohio Wesleyan Female College, but soon left on account of failing health. He was subsequently in the ministry for three years, and died in 1875.

Charles J. Gardner, M. A., Tutor in Mathematics, 1872-76, resigned his post to study at Harvard University. He graduated with the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in 1878, and was elected Principal of a high school in New Bedford, Mass., but died before entering on duty, in 1878.

Joseph E. Stubbs, D. D., LL. D., was Tutor of Ancient Languages, 1872-75 ; he resigned to enter the ministry, but ill health led him to engage in secular work for a few years. In 1886, he was elected President of Baldwin University, where he remained for eight years. In 1894, he was elected President of the State University of Nevada.

Enoch G. Dial, M. A., was elected assistant in the Preparatory Department in 1844. He served but part of the year; and is now a lawyer in Springfield, Ohio, has been Probate Judge of Clarke county, and Representative in the State General Assembly.

Edward C. Merrick, M. A., was assistant in this Department, and Teacher of French, in 1846-49, and again in 1855 -57. He resigned to enter the ministry in the Cincinnati Conference. He afterwards held an appointment in the Treasury Department, Washington City; where he died about 1880.

Percival C. Wilson, M. A., was Teacher of Modern Languages, 1861-63. He held the position of Professor in East Tennessee Wesley an University, in 1867-70. He has since spent many years abroad in travel and study ; but is now in business in Chattanooga.

William H. Cole, M. A., was Instructor in English in 1864 -69. He was called to the chair of English Literature in the Missouri State University, in 1875-77. He has since 1877 been Superintendent of Instruction at Marysville, Ohio.

Since the union of the Female College with the University, a number of ladies, besides those already named; have given instruction in the Academic Departments. Among them may be mentioned the following :

Mrs. Lucy Herron Parker, M. A., Teacher in Science, 1877-79. She was afterwards in a Ladies' School in Washington City, but has now an appointment in the Elizabeth Gamble Deaconess Home, Cincinnati.

Samuel H. Blakeslee, 1884 to the present time. Professor Blakeslee was bom at Colebrook, O. He graduated in 1875 from the Oberlin Conservatory of ]\Iusic, and subsequently taught in Oberlin. In 1884, he was elected Director of the Conservatory of Music in the Ohio Wesleyan University. This department is well organized, and has a large and competent corps of instructors, both gentlemen and ladies.

A commercial school was established in the University in 1884. The following gentlemen have had charge of this department, as Principals : Gustavus S. Kimball, 1884-88 ; Harry S. Latham, B. A., 1888-90 ; David C. Meek, B. A.,

In addition to the Faculty, every year a number of the advanced students, usually from the senior class, have been employed to give instruction in the lower grades. Many of them have had considerable experience in teaching before coming to the University. They have given satisfaction in their work here ; and some have taken high rank elsewhere, after leaving the University.

The Board of Trustees, in filling vacancies or new chairs, have recognized the excellence of the work done in the University ; and have not felt the need to go elsewhere for competent teachers. Aside from the members of the first Faculty, and one or two of later appointments, all the professors and tutors elected to positions in the University have been from among our own alumni. This circumstance might seem to indicate a perpetuation of routine methods or persistent types of teaching. But fortunately, thus far, the Presidents of the University, upon whom the policy and methods so largely depend, have been graduates of other schools ; and all the younger professors and almost all the other teachers have taken post-graduate work elsewhere, and bring with them to their duties here the best ideas and methods of other schools as well as of our own.

The University has been notably free from internal troubles. There has rarely been any difference of judgment in regard to policy or measures ; and there has been no alienation of feeling, and never any appeals to the Board from contending parties. Jealousies, factions, quarrels, have been absolutely unknown in the Faculty ; in their place have been mutual regard, co-operation, and a sincere desire to promote one another's personal and professional interests, and the prosperity of the University.

Happily, too, the most cordial relations have always existed between the University and the citizens. No invidions class words are known here, snch as, in the University towns of the old world, mark the antagonisms between the University and the people - " Gown and town ; " " College and Philistines." Living, as most of the stndents do, in the families of the citizens, intermingling in the same circles, attending the same churches, members of the same political or other organizations, many of the students coming from the families of the town, and many of the students from other places finally intermarrying with the families here, there has been no possibility, as there has been no occasion, for antipathy between them. The churches of the city have always welcomed the attendance and membership and contributions of the students. In some of the churches they are a large and influential element ; and provision is regularly made for their presence and union in the public worship, in the Sunday Schools, church leagues, and social entertainments.

Semi-Centennial

In the year 1894, the Ohio Wesleyan University completed its fiftieth year of service. The celebration of this semicentennial anniversary was anticipated with interest, and suitable preparations were made that the commemorative exercises should be appropriate and satisfactory. These exercises were held in conjunction with the exercises of the fiftieth Commencement of the University. There was an unprecedented and gratifying attendance of the friends of the institution. The alumni, especially, were gathered in large numbers, many of them from the extremes of the continent, to do honor to their Alma Mater. Other visitors, many distinguished in Church and State, in professional and business life, came to share in the solemnities and the festivities of the occasion ; and all seemed gratified with the past of the University's history, and enthusiastic with the promising outlook. It was a week of enjoyment which those that participated in it will never forget.

We are glad to avail ourselves of Professor Whitlock's graphic and happy description of the occasion. He says: " The jubilee exercises continued for six days, and consisted of sermons, addresses, historical sketches, reminiscences, concerts, class dinners and reunions, alumni banquet, art and literary society exhibitions, battalion drill, students' athletics, greetings from other colleges, and in conclusion, a general University reception. The programme was elaborate and was carried out with the omission of no essential feature.

During these days the platform was graced by the presence and utterances of governors of States, bishops, doctors, editors, college presidents, professors and students, attorneys, physicians, railroad and bank officials, and merchants ; and the latter were equal to the very best professional speakers with their words of wisdom, thrilling the vast audiences, and inspiring enthusiasm.

The Baccalaureate Sermon, by President Bashford, on Sunday morning, June 17th, in topic, conception, breadth of treatment, and in suggestive and inspiring teachings, was worthy of the occasion, and was a key-note to the great week to follow. Bishop Walden had charge in the afternoon of the semi-centennial love-feast ; and with Faculty, students and visiting clergy shared in the conduct of prayer and revival services at 5:30 each morning. On Sunday evening. Bishop Foster preached the sermon before the Christian Associations. His presence, always a benediction, was especially fitting on this occasion. Fifty years ago he delivered the University's first master's oration. Even before that early date the youthful preacher, the aggressive student, and the eloquent logician, was recognized in the great West as a coming man in the Church and country. The intervening years have brought into international prominence and usefulness the masterly thinker and theologian, the educator and author, and the sagacious and almost omnipresent general superintendent.

On Thursday afternoon. Governor McKinley made the final address of the extended programme. His international reputation, official position and prospects, Napoleonic presence, and clear, penetrating voice, are sufficient to command attention at any time and anywhere. On this occasion, all these were but servants to the inherent merits of his message. Perhaps the presence and possibilities of the thousand cultured and educated youth moved him as congressional halls and political conventions do not. The scholar, the statesman, the administrator of great public trusts, the pure and magnetic personality, the conscientious Christian citizen, all appeared in his rounded periods of practical wisdom and burning eloquence. .

Within the fifty years there have been four presidents, Edward Thomson, Frederick Merrick, Charles H. Payne and James W. Bashford. The first and second of these four chieftains have gone to their reward. But the spell of their influence abides in wonderful richness. The impress of their work, counsels, and life, is seen in all that the institution now is. As the old students, their students, passed again about the campus and through the halls, they seemed to be reaching out for hands once warm to their touch, but now eluding their grasp ; to be listening for voices that once wakened them to a new life, and were music to their ears, now silent in the grave, but whose names they utter only with tenderest love and profoundest reverence.

service of several of its professors. Dr. Robert AUyn, in 1890, remarked to the writer, " You sometimes change presidents, but your professors go on forever." Three men, Drs. Merrick, McCabe, and Williams, have given just one hundred and fifty years of service. Dr. Merrick began his labors as agent one year before the institution was organized, and as professor, president, and lecturer, continued his connection with it until March 5th last, when his death broke the circle.

Dr. McCabe began his professional career here in 1845, and is as deeply devoted to his beloved work as in earlier years. For four years he was acting President, successfully directing affairs in a critical period. His scholarship, earnest and clear convictions, untiring energy, affectionate counsels, magnetic eloquence, and facile pen have strongly impressed many thousands of students passing beneath his molding hand. Dr. Williams was present and helped to organize the first classes, and has never been absent a single term since ; and now, with a step as elastic and a mind as quick and clear as in middle life, he gives promise of much future service. He is widely known for his accuracy in scholarship, breadth of learning, mastery of the classics and of the English language, skill in New Testament exegesis, and his thorough and stimulating methods of instruction.

At the historical meeting. Dr. McCabe gave reminiscences covering his period of services, emphasizing the leading features of the institution; and Dr. Williams read an historical sketch, such as only the maker of history can produce. During the jubilee, these veterans were the observed of all observers, their praises were upon every tongue.

Three other members of the Faculty, Professors Whitlock, Perkins, and Semans, have given one hundred and three years of service to the University ; but this number of years

Historical celebrations naturally bring contrasts. The beginning and the present of the Ohio Wesleyan University are now placed in the more vivid contrast by the continued presence of those who were a part of the beginning. The contrast is to be noted in the seat of the institution, in buildings, equipments, endowments, and in students. In 1844, Delaware was a village of scarcely more than a thousand inhabitants, surrounded by dense forests, accessible by no public conveyances save the tri-weekly stage, which could make but a few miles per day in the Winter and Spring seasons. This date preceded railroads and mostly turnpikes in Ohio. Now the village, through university stimulus, has grown into a beautiful inland city of ten thousand inhabitants, having all modern conveniences and improvements, is in the midst of richly cultivated agricultural and horticultural lands, and is upon leading lines of commerce and travel.

There was at the beginning but one building upon the campus, a frame structure three stories high, and this was made to contain recitation rooms, offices, library, chapel, and literary society halls. Now there are seven buildings of good size and rare adaptation. The new University Hall is the most imposing and the most complete college building in Ohio, and has few equals in the entire country. At the opening in the Autumn of 1844, there were present twentynine students and four instructors ; now, twelve hundred students are annually enrolled, and there are forty members of the Faculty. Professor E. T. Nelson, at the historical meeting, read a paper which was wonderfully suggestive in its striking statistics and in the variety and compactness of the information it contained. Two thousand one hundred and eighty-six students have been graduated. About seven times that number have drunk at the same fountain for a longer or shorter period. In the earlier history of the institution the relative number of those not graduated was much larger than of recent years.

Three hundred and seventy-seven graduates have been ministers of the Gospel, and six thousand five hundred years of service already stand to their credit. Sixty-nine of these graduates have taken their theological course at Boston University, thirty at Drew Seminary, eight at Garrett, and a few at the schools of other denominations. After the war, many of the graduates began to seek professional training in the leading universities of this country and of Europe, and have secured the degrees of ]\I. A. and Ph. D. from them. More than one hundred have taken a full post-graduate course in law and received the degree of LL. B., and are in the van of advocates and jurists in many of the States of the Union. The same is true in the medical profession.

Some sixty of the graduates have become college presidents, about three times this number college professors, and a still greater number have been instructors in academies and the public schools. Dr. Nelson estimates six thousand years of service in the work of teaching. This is a work the Church ought to contemplate with pleasure. He also says that one hundred and forty-six homes have been built up in which both husband and wife are alumni of this institution ; that sixty of the University's grandchildren have been graduated ; and that great-grandchildren have already been enrolled.

The statistics make clear what has long been the pride of trustees, faculty and friends - a prevailing missionary spirit. Sixty-four graduates and fifteen undergraduates have gone to the ends of the earth in the holv and heroic crusade of missionary work. They are in every mission field of the Church, save Africa. Such men as Drs. Nathan Sites and H. H. Lowry, in China ; T. J. Scott and William A. Mansell, in India ; J. F. Thomson and Charles W. Drees, in South America, will indicate the cast and the efficiency of the workers sent forth.

The Ohio Wesleyan University had a small beginning. There have been discouraging chapters in its history. Methodism in Ohio has not always seemed to appreciate its needs and its services, and possibilities of good to the Church. But it has had a steady growth in popular favor, resources, students and influences. It enters upon its second half century with a reputation, equipments and consecration of great promise. The place of a denominational college in the work of the Church is better understood. Wealthy laymen are coming to adopt it as their heir. Loyal alumni are planning to place their Alma Mater above want. People of all faiths and no faiths are learning, as never before, that the Christian college is the best educational center for their sons and daughters. The monument of fifty years of successful history is a prophecy of the greater prosperity that will be realized in the future.

A Brief Description Of The College The Buildings

The material equipments of the University are among the best. The attractive campus, embracing forty acres in the center of the city, affords ample ground for the necessary growth of a great University. Nature has given it some of

Elliott Hall, formerly "The Old Mansion House," was built for visitors, chiefly for those seeking the invigorating climate and the health-giving waters of Delaware. It is fifty feet square and four stories high, and well constructed. It has served excellent educational purposes for half a century.

Two years ago, it was removed to a new site on the campus, and placed in good repair. Its desirable recitation rooms may be in use for at least another half-century. The Physical Laboratory occupies the first floor of this hall, and the other rooms are devoted to class work.

Thomson Hall is doric in style, and measures 55 by 88 feet. The Chemical Laboratory occupies the first floor; the audience room, 23 feet high, covers the entire upper floor, and serves as a lecture room. At Commencement time it is utilized for an Alumni banquet hall.

Merrick Hall is a substantial edifice, three stories high, and built of Delaware blue limestone. It is used as a Hall of Science. The first floor is admirably adapted for the Bio- logical Laboratory, while the second floor is equally as well suited for the Physiological Laboratory. These rooms contain all the modern convenience and appliances for original research. Upon the third floor is located the large and valuable Museum and Cabinets.

University Hall and Gray Chapel, the most stately building on the campus, was completed in 1893. It is a massive building of Romanesque style, and built of buff" Amherst sandstone, and supplied with all modern appliances for light, heat and ventilation. It has a frontage of 150 feet, and a depth of 160 feet. The west and north elevation is four stories high. The building is crowned with a graceful tower, 148 feet high. It unites under one roof the Administrative Offices, Lecture Rooms, Ladies' Parlor, Y. M. C. A. Hall, six literary halls, twelve recitation rooms, and Gray Chapel. All of the material used is of the highest excellence, and the finish and decorations are beautiful and of the most approved patterns. It is one of the most complete college buildings to be found in America. It, and the other buildings on the campus, will enable the University to accommodate two thousand students.

Gray Chapel will seat from twenty-five hundred to three thousand people. It is here that the students meet daily for religious worship and instruction, and in lecture courses and concerts hear some of the most distinguished men and women of the nation. The monthly Sunday afternoon lectures by the President are heard by crowded audiences and with unabated interest. From this rallying center of the University life goes forth an intellectual, social and spiritual power to touch literally every continent on the globe.

trees give charm to this picturesque spot. It contaius a spacious parlor, a well-selected library and a reading room, three elegantly furnished literary halls, and a large dining hall. Beautiful suites of rooms, with all modern improvements, are tastefully furnished. The Hall accommodates two hundred and fifty young women, who have the home protection and supervisory care of experienced and cultivated teachers, with the invaluable advantages of coeducation.

Address

I have been requested to speak to you of the reminiscences of my forty-nine years of labor in your University. It occurred to me that reminiscences are rather to be read in the results of history than in the history itself.

The story of the past reveals itself most truly in the character and in existing facts. Our present satisfactions and aspirations and realizations disclose the trend of life-long efFortst The records of memory may be blemished by infirmity of recollection, but our living enthusiasm, our present hopes and purposes, are the sign manual of past occurrences upon the pages of unmistakable character. So not so much out of past events as out of a heart, fashioned and informed by these events, would we speak to you at this hour ; for when we deal most truly with ourselves, we measure existence as did the Hebrews, by a living, thrilling present, ever moving onward, and by this token surely the great names of clergy and laity, associated in the building up of your University, have weight with us more by what they are than by what they did.

Not the smallest inspiration of this hour is from the real and living communion with the great characters once here, but now who watch the progress of education and learning from seats immortal.

but it is soul forces adjusted, drilled, disciplined and concentrated to do earnest battle, achieving illustrious victories. Happy, then, is the institution that is shielded by the glory of the great characters that have preceded us in the founding and building of the Ohio Wesleyan University ; for honorable worth and ennobling genius never die ; transferred to the unseen, they are not removed from possibilities of service on earth.

Those whose earthly lives were wrought into the permanent welfare of the Ohio Wesleyan University still live to protect her manifold interests, and by their inspiring presence to illumine her paths to future triumphs.

This immortal, unseen side is the powerful side of human advancement, and well for the workers who, in conscious purity of motive, can claim partnership with the forces which move upon us from invisible characters. These characters are this hour swinging in orbits of real and efficient existence and can be relied upon for these attractions and unearthly inspirations which do somehow sway the sincere and the earnest into the paths of unquestioned success. And so, believing that the living present, " compassed about by so great a cloud of witnesses," is more than any past, we address you out of the worthy enthusiasms of a life as truly conceived as to its specific aims and purposes. That we may seem to neglect the record of the disciplines by which these enthusiasms have been attained may be pardoned, as Alpine travellers forget the ice and gloom and perils of the ascent, and joyfully point up to heights illumined by radiant dawns.

This is an auspicious period for the cause of higher education, and particularly for the higher education of Methodism. The age of the destructive shifts into the constructive ; especially is this so in the realm of Theology ; that full, ever-

We pass from the thrall of metaphysical divinity to biblical divinity. Theology more and more conforms to the book, less and less to any traditional systems. Acknowledged leaders in Theology scan no more the musty guess-work of mediaeval charts, but with the compass, the Word of God, in hand, they dare the rising storms.

Methodism as a factor among constructive forces is already well forward, because she has slight work to be undone. She is the freeborn daughter of the eighteenth century. She brings tidings on the mountains of salvation, with no link of ancient fatalistic creeds to hinder her beautiful feet. Her positions, first assumed, have firmly stood the test of all subsequent investigation. Human freedom, and the offer of universal salvation, made in good faith to every child of Adam, have been her broad and lofty vantage-grounds, seen and known of all. Refusing to be embarrassed by the inexplicable metaphysics of the last centuries, she seized upon the obvious truths of the gospel, and the manifest facts and needs of human nature, and in flaming earnestness addressed them to a perishing world, and the whole theological world acknowledges the reasonableness, the efficiency and the magnetism of her doctrines. A more biblical Theology than this of the eighteenth century the world has never seen, and it is not a mistake to infer from the confessions of friends, and from the conformities of foes, an acknowledgment of the high philosophical character of Wesleyan Theology.

Methodist Theology, because centered in deep religious experience, holds, we believe, the key of a more scientific biblical interpretation and furnishes a greater certainty in the realm of Christian Evidences. Methodist thinking has placed intuitive divinity in a focus of light. But enough.

As an educator, I can but admire a Theology which, by the removal of all pressures against native convictions, feeling and logic, opens a more untrammelled and richer development of the intellect, and which, by its fearless advocacy of the divine proffer of perfectibility of human nature, and the possibility of a sinlessness that does not involve guilt, makes plain that paradox of present perfection and boundless soul development in unmistakable voice :

Methodism points definitely to an interminable progression in knowledge, holiness and power, and a life-time of comparative study has but deepened also my respect for Wesleyan Psychology. There is a Wesleyan Psychology, and it is coincident with the dominant Psychology of the day.

Psychology is the science of the whole soul, intellect, sensibility and will. Methodism is applied Psychology. The laws of hermeneutics of the Scriptures are obviously Arminian, and necessitate methodistic exegesis.

John Wesley stepped one night into his experience of justification by faith alone in the blood of Jesus Christ. This wonderful experience was in keeping with that marvelous epoch in the world's history. The air of the age was vibrant with spiritual light and heat. It was followed by a brilliant series of physical discoveries giving unprecedented impulse to

Mr. Wesley saw in a new and clearer light the real nature of the human soul. Then to him was verified, once for all, the truth so well stated by another great Englishman : " Not in the knowledge of things without, but in the perfection of the soul within, lies the empire of a man, aspiring to be more than a man," and this experience taught that real eloquence and gave faith to that strange power of touching the springs of the human spirit, which seem to justify our definition of Methodism as applied Psychology, and I claim for our thinkers remarkable success in the study of the soul.

High religious experience has produced able thinkers. Not as blind, burrowing moles of thought, but as winged observers, looking upon the soul as a world bathed in light, have our psychologists framed their system of Psychology. This could hardly be otherwise to those who entertained the self-genesis of the human will and the possibilities of faith. The names of Fisk, Olin, Edward Thomson, of Bishop Foster, John Miley, Borden P. Bowne, Whedon, B. F. Cocker, H. H. Moore, J. B. Wentworth, and A. Mahan, are sufficient to call the mind to the splendid champions of Wesleyan Psychology ; born in a lucid living experience at the cross of Christ, and confirmed by one hundred and thirty years of incessant revivals, and sitting crowned to-day in the home of mental research ; a mother whose children are the bright solutions of numberless psychological difficulties wholly unsolved by any others.

" Give me a young man in Metaphysics, and I do not care who has him in Theology," said Dr. Nathaniel Taylor, one of the most gifted of all Yale's gifted professors. In this sentence we see the duty of the custodians of your institutions to stand guard over your chair of Philosophy.

Reason with awe enquires what the Bible says. Rationalism enquires, impudently, what the Bible ought to say, and then often puts a finite mind to sit in judgment on the sayings of the infinite intellect. And who has let in clearer light on the vagaries of rationalism than our own Bishop John F. Hurst, who has written, says Dr. James McCosh, the best history and refutation of rationalism that has ever been given the world, and what pen in Christendom has poured more convincing light on the latent, but dangerous, errors of rationalism than our own Dr. J. W. Mendenhall, editor of the Methodist Quarterly Review^ whose sun hastened to its setting "while yet it was day."

Idealism is another form of erroneous philosophy that is now pressing hard upon us, which says that there is no objective world ; that material existence cannot be proved ; nothing has being but ideas.