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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 003: Annual Report 1859-1860, p. 13
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: �(221) Finances As a subject of special importance I call your attention to the state of the Finances. A general statement will be found in the
Show more�(221) Finances As a subject of special importance I call your attention to the state of the Finances. A general statement will be found in the Financial Exhibit, copies of which have been placed in your hands. It should be understood that nearly all the funds under the control of the Corporation had been expended before the effort to secure the $100,000 was made. 1859-1860 22 Had all the funds given at different times been bestowed at one time, a large fund would have been secured as an endowment. But for many years the Institution was under the necessity of using these funds to meet current expenses or the operations of the college must have been suspended. No complaint so far as I know has ever been made of any perversion of funds. Should it be asked what has become of them, the answer is they have been expended and the result
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 003: Annual Report 1859-1860, p. 14
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (222) is to be found in the good accomplished, and in the fact that nearly 700 young men have been here educated and have gone forth to do a noble
Show more(222) is to be found in the good accomplished, and in the fact that nearly 700 young men have been here educated and have gone forth to do a noble work for God and humanity. In justice to the present Trustees of the Permanent Fund it should be stated that the reports they have submitted are made in accordance with the plan they found in use. When no change in the value of property has taken place they have continued to report it as in former reports. The whole amount of property reported is $209,919.06 - Funds 136999.45. At the time of the transfer of the funds no legal evidence was presented in relation to $22555 of this sum and relative to the greater part of it there is no evidence of ownership on the part of the University. Inquiry has been made for such evidence but it has not as yet been found. The sum named as the value of the property must be regarded as nominal.
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 003: Annual Report 1859-1860, p. 15
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (223) About 11,245 must be regarded as worthless. No present income is received from about $21647. In this amount is included the sum stated as
Show more(223) About 11,245 must be regarded as worthless. No present income is received from about $21647. In this amount is included the sum stated as worthless. Not more than $6000 (sic) is good. Of this property $14657.77 consists of obligations of the University due to itself. The funds have been used and the Treasurer's note has been given in their place. This may be regarded as worthless inasmuch as there is no prospect of payment. A large part of the debt reported as existing against the University is of this character. That a record should be kept of the amount due the permanent Funds of the Institution it would be better to reduce the statement of property to its real value. No special change has occurred during the past two years as all the losses had occurred before. �
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 003: Annual Report 1859-1860, p. 16
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (224) I deem it important to call attention again to another point of importance. For a large part of this property notes are held which by their
Show more(224) I deem it important to call attention again to another point of importance. For a large part of this property notes are held which by their conditions are payable after 60 days' notice. I have endeavored to collect a part of these notes and have proposed that the requisite notice should be given but have been informed that the promise was given that payment should not be demanded but the notes should be regarded as an investment. An attempt to collect these notes would probably be regarded as offensive. This kind of property cannot be regarded as the safest kind of investment. In the vicissitudes of business should various and embarrassing losses occur it is not probable that these notes would be among the first obligations to be met.
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 003: Annual Report 1859-1860, p. 17
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (225) It will be observed that the income during the past year has not met the expenses. This has resulted in part from the repairs that have been
Show more(225) It will be observed that the income during the past year has not met the expenses. This has resulted in part from the repairs that have been made. With reference to this it should in this connection be stated, that the additional means from the increased charge for room rent and incidentals pay a large per cent on these expenditures so that in a most important [\page] 1859-1860 23 sense these expenditures, in addition to all other advantages secures a pecuniary advantage that could not otherwise be obtained. A part of the deficiency is owing to the payment of the amount due the Missionary Society. The debt has been a serious drain on the resources of the Institution. One note which with the interest will amount to $1628.90 still remains due. The only means . of payment as in the case of previous notes of the same kind will be to use the invested funds of the Institution.
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 003: Annual Report 1859-1860, p. 18
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (226) The new issue of Scholarships has for the present reduced the income. This effect can only be regarded as a temporary one inasmuch as from the
Show more(226) The new issue of Scholarships has for the present reduced the income. This effect can only be regarded as a temporary one inasmuch as from the nature of arrangements already existing at the time of this issue and from the force of circumstances and the nature of the competition that must be met the charge for tuition would soon have been abandoned. The amount of funds not including conference funds no~ craMing interest and considered good is about $96000. The income considering all the probable contingencies will not be sufficient to meet current expenses under the present arrangement. It will not be deemed
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 003: Annual Report 1859-1860, p. 19
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (227) proper or safe to use invested funds to meet ordinary expenses. I would therefore distinctly recommend that the funds either be increased or
Show more(227) proper or safe to use invested funds to meet ordinary expenses. I would therefore distinctly recommend that the funds either be increased or that the expenses of the Board of Instruction should be diminished. The measure that would occur to some, a reduction of salaries, I cannot think would for a moment for various considerations be contemplated. For myself and I presume I speak the sentiments of others in the Faculty - I would much rather perform much extra labor than allow a diminution of the facilities of instruction or inattention to the neatness and good order of the buildings and all other means that should contribute to the comfort of the students and the cultivation of good habits and a refined taste, which must be regarded as an indispensable part of a good education.
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 003: Annual Report 1859-1860, p. 2
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: Church, demand that this Institution should be made equal in all respects to those under the patronage of other Churches. An increase of the funds of
Show moreChurch, demand that this Institution should be made equal in all respects to those under the patronage of other Churches. An increase of the funds of the University is greatly needed, in order that new pro- fessorships may be established and an increase of the facilities for instruction may be secured. Attention is called to the terms on which Scholarships are now offered for sale. A transferable Scholarship securing fifteen years tuition, is sold for - - - $ 50 00 A Scholarship securing similar privileges for fifty years, for . 100 00 The highest advantages of education are thus brought within the reach of all. It is important that due influence should be used to induce young men of our Church, who desire a collegiate education, to become members of our own institutions. Many advantages that will result from this course, and considerations intimately connected with their present and future success will readily occur to any one who will give attention to this subject. The Education Societies connected with the Conferences, having for their object to aid young men who propose to devote themselves to the work of the ministry, are especially recommended to your cordial and earnest support. A large proportion of our Students are dependant on their own exertions for the means of securing an education. To this class the New England Education Society has rendered essential aid and has accomplished a noble work. It is greatly to be desired that a large fund should be placed at the disposal of this and similar societies. The Conference is requested to appoint the usual number of Visitors and to continue their favor and support for an Institution which has for its object the promotion of true learning and piety. Copies of the last financial Exhibit are submitted with this statement. In behalf of the Wesleyan University, respectfully submitted. JOSEPH CUMMINGS. MIDDLETOWN, Marcu 1860. �
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 003: Annual Report 1859-1860, p. 20
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (228) The number of the Faculty has not for years been less than now and has at different periods been larger. It would be hazardous to the best
Show more(228) The number of the Faculty has not for years been less than now and has at different periods been larger. It would be hazardous to the best interest of the Institution and of the cause to reduce its ( ) rather than abuse a trust by a wrong use of funds. I regard the measure as not only desirable but imperative. I empress the hope that the liberal friends of the cause of education connected with this honored Institution would forget past disappointment and give to it additional aid.
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 003: Annual Report 1859-1860, p. 21
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: �(229) Preparatory Department The importance of establishing a Preparatory Department was urged on the attention of this Board at its last meeting.
Show more�(229) Preparatory Department The importance of establishing a Preparatory Department was urged on the attention of this Board at its last meeting. The subject was referred for consideration to the Prudential Committee. It was not judged best to take action on this subject during the past year as it is important that the question relative to new buildings first be settled. Should the new building which is needed for public rooms be erected [\page] 1859-1860 24-25 sufficient accomodations for such a Department would be found in the present college buildings including the Boarding Hall. The reasons urged in behalf of this measure exist with greater urgency. The influence and usefulness of the University would be greatly increased. It is not the chief object of our Seminaries and Academies to prepare students for college. It is probable that in on one of them is there as a (sic) large a
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 003: Annual Report 1859-1860, p. 22
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (230) a number having a collegiate education in view as would soon be gathered here. Peculiar advantages would here be furnished and a greater
Show more(230) a number having a collegiate education in view as would soon be gathered here. Peculiar advantages would here be furnished and a greater stimulus to seek the highest advantages of an extended education. The Institutions under the care of the patronizing conferences of the University are accomplishing a noble work. They are friendly to us yet but few students are received from them. During the past year fifty-one students were admitted to this University and they came from thirty different places of preparation. Such a department would receive considerable local patronage and being in the bounds of the New York East Conference would receive much aid from the Conference's patronage. At the last session of the Conference this measure was considered and formally a resolution approved. Instruction in the usual preparatory courses and in other
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 003: Annual Report 1859-1860, p. 23
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (231) branches of an Academic education can be furnished at less expense for building and teachers than elsewhere. The interests of the University
Show more(231) branches of an Academic education can be furnished at less expense for building and teachers than elsewhere. The interests of the University demand this accomodation. Many of our students come to us poorly prepared. We do not feel at liberty to reject them as many of them are earnest worthy men to whom much injury and a serious disappointment would result from such a rejection. It would be of great advantage to such students to give several months' study to preparatory studies. In many cases they would still be able to complete the college course in the four years and do this with greater satisfaction and profit to themselves. Many other benefits would result from this measure which I will not now urge on your attention. As a general rule those colleges that have such Departments are greatly
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 003: Annual Report 1859-1860, p. 24
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (232) benefited, receiving more students from them than all other patronizing Institutions - As I think it evident that great good would result from
Show more(232) benefited, receiving more students from them than all other patronizing Institutions - As I think it evident that great good would result from the measure I recommend it for your approval. It is no part of the design to place it in competion (sic) with other Institutions having in part the same object. Inasmuch as special attention must for awhile be directed to other subjects I would recommend that the Prudential Committee should be authorized to open the Department as soon as in their judgement it may be expedient. Of course the Department must be made to support itself as I should not deem it proper to use any part of the income of the college fund to sustain it.
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 003: Annual Report 1859-1860, p. 25
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (233) Newark & Wyoming Conferences The invitation extended to the m Newark and to the Wyoming Conferences to become patronizing conferences was
Show more(233) Newark & Wyoming Conferences The invitation extended to the m Newark and to the Wyoming Conferences to become patronizing conferences was cordially accepted and both are now patronizing conferences having appointed Visitors who are members of this Board. A number of promising young men residing within the bounds of these conferences are now members of the University and we have reason to expect that through their patronage its influence will be [\page] 1859-1860 26 greatly inreased. President's Duties Visiting Conferences My time has been so much engrossed by the duties of an importance to the Board of Instruction, the requirements of the special agency assigned me, and by the oversight of repairs and all the details of the general management of the University that
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 003: Annual Report 1859-1860, p. 26
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: I have not felt at liberty to devote as much time to visiting conferences as the interests of the University require. I can find time for additional
Show moreI have not felt at liberty to devote as much time to visiting conferences as the interests of the University require. I can find time for additional duties here should it be necessary but from the nature of this case cannot attend to the duties that need attention here and spend a large portion of the time abroad. I have felt constrained for the reasons already stated to decline invitations to visit Academies and churches although I regard it as very important that a reasonable number of such calls should be accepted. Many of my duties are very distasteful. I hope the time may come when the care of many details and much of the drudgery now connected with my position may be removed.
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 003: Annual Report 1859-1860, p. 27
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (235) Theological Instruction Since the offer of Theological instruction was made two classes have been formed. One was a large and promising class,
Show more(235) Theological Instruction Since the offer of Theological instruction was made two classes have been formed. One was a large and promising class, giving commendable attention to the subject. A class was continued through only a part of the past year. The offer is still made and I deem it of importance to young men that it should be generally understood. Of the 140 students connected with the college during the past year 51 are preachers. It is very important inasmuch as very few of this number will have any other opportunity for Theological Instruction that the privilege should be offered. If students were well prepared for college and could continue in college during all the course opportunity would be given for an extended course in this Department. But such are the embarrassments of our students rendering it difficult for them to complete their reg-
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 003: Annual Report 1859-1860, p. 28
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (236) ular studies that although they greatly desire it they are not able to avail themselves of the privilege. The Scientific Course affords a good
Show more(236) ular studies that although they greatly desire it they are not able to avail themselves of the privilege. The Scientific Course affords a good opportunity in connection with the privilege of Theological instruction for special preparation for the work of the ministry in those cases in which young men have not the time or the means to secure a full college course. As the usual influences that to a great extent lead a student to careful and earnest study do not affect this Department no great prominence can be given to it nor would it be reasonable to expect any results worthy of special notice in circumstances of so great embarrassment. [\page] 1859-1860 27
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 003: Annual Report 1859-1860, p. 29
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (237) Prizes In many colleges Prizes are now offered as a stimulus to exertion and a reward of particular success in the various Departments of the
Show more(237) Prizes In many colleges Prizes are now offered as a stimulus to exertion and a reward of particular success in the various Departments of the college course. No fund is available for that purpose here. For the past three years an officer of the college has given a prize for excellence in Elocution. A prize for superior excellence in Mathematics has been given the present year to a member of the Sophomore Class by Mr. C.C. Adams one of the Alumni. The influence of these prizes is very salutary. The subject is mentioned here with the hope that some gentlemen of the Board will either establish prizes or induce their friends to do this. �
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 003: Annual Report 1859-1860, p. 3
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: �

Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 003: Annual Report 1859-1860, p. 30
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (238) Repairs yet needed The extent of needed repairs will depend on the decision that may be given relative to the new buildings. Should we be
Show more(238) Repairs yet needed The extent of needed repairs will depend on the decision that may be given relative to the new buildings. Should we be compelled to continue in our present accommodation the recitation rooms must be repaired. Nothing has been done to them during the past year. Should a new building rooms it is to be greatly desired that the building fund should be sufficient to make extensive alterations in the chapel building so that the interests of the college may better be promoted by its use. Resignation of Professor Lindsay It is with regret that I announce that the resignation of Professor Lindsay will be presented at this meeting. He has performed the duties of his department in a very able and satisfactory
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