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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 003: Annual Report 1859-1860, p. 31
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (239) manner. His colleagues and other friends of the University deeply regret that he has deemed it his duty to leave his post. It will be necessary
Show more(239) manner. His colleagues and other friends of the University deeply regret that he has deemed it his duty to leave his post. It will be necessary at the present meeting of the Board to make a new election. Profound change relative to the Term of membership in the Joint Board I again urge the importance of making a change in the organization of the Joint Board. The subject has attracted the attention of the friends of the college and two conferences at different times have recommended a change. The Trustees now hold office for life and the Visitors are appointed annually. The evils of the extremes of two principles of appointment are thus combined without any corresponding benefits. I trust that it is the general sentiment that term of membership of the Trustees should be
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 003: Annual Report 1859-1860, p. 32
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (240) limited to five years with opportunity for reelection as often as may be deemed desirable and also that the Visitors should hold office the same
Show more(240) limited to five years with opportunity for reelection as often as may be deemed desirable and also that the Visitors should hold office the same term. [\page] 1859-1860 28 It would be desirable to secure a single board one half of whom should be appointed by the Patronizing Conferences and the other half by the Board. This board should be divided into five classes whose term of membership should end on different years. The reorganization would require a change in the charter which we think could be readily secured. It may be secured in another way if the Trustees will voluntarily divide themselves into five classes and agree to resign on the expiration of the proposed time of membership. All new members would then be elected for a definite Term. All the advantages of the present arrangement would be secured inasmuch as those who are
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 003: Annual Report 1859-1860, p. 33
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (241) interested in the welfare of the Institution and rendering it essential service would be reelected and the advantages of their council would
Show more(241) interested in the welfare of the Institution and rendering it essential service would be reelected and the advantages of their council would still be secured. It is now difficult to secure the attendance of a quorum of the Trustees to attend to some of the most important items of business. Some members have not attended any meetings of the Board since my connection with the college. Some are disaffected and others have become indifferent. The Board is now nearly full and yet there are several more friends of the Institution whose efforts for it would be greatly increased if they accepted the responsibility of being Trustees. It is natural to expect that liberal men will feel more interest in a cause with which they have a direct connection than they will expend for others over which they have no control. It will be admitted that the church has the right to demand that
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 003: Annual Report 1859-1860, p. 34
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (242) the best available men shall be placed in control of so great and important interests. I therefore recommend this subject to your careful
Show more(242) the best available men shall be placed in control of so great and important interests. I therefore recommend this subject to your careful consideration a one that deserves careful consideration. I have full confidence that these suggestions will be kindly received and that it will be believed that only a strong desire for the best interests of a cause in which we are all interested has led to their presentation.
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 003: Annual Report 1859-1860, p. 35
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (243) New rule relative to the Faculty - Activated by the motive already referred to I would call your special attention to the measure proposed for
Show more(243) New rule relative to the Faculty - Activated by the motive already referred to I would call your special attention to the measure proposed for consideration last year relative to time for which Officers of Instruction should be elected. As has been already stated it is only a matter of right as well as propriety that in these important positions the best men should be placed. It is often the case that after such positions are filled men of superior qualifications and talents will arise and it is desirable that opportunity should be given to secure to our higher Institutions of learning the benefit of their services. If college officers who have held a position five years cannot render their reelection desirable it is probable as a general rule that others should be chosen. It is often the case that the routine and detail of teaching after years of [\page] 1859-1860 29 experience become distasteful, enthousiasm, the essen
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 003: Annual Report 1859-1860, p. 36
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (244)tial qualification of a good teacher, declines & a cold formality only is exhibited. The duties of the office are performed with reluctance
Show more(244)tial qualification of a good teacher, declines & a cold formality only is exhibited. The duties of the office are performed with reluctance and a general inefficiency marks the course of an officer who at the time of election gave promise of great usefulness. A successful teacher must be an earnest man whose whole energies are given to his work, one who does not consider how much he is obliged by the contract to perform but one who labors freely and feels it a duty to do so far as lies in his power whatever the best interests of the Institution require. I recommend both these measures relating to the Joint Board and the Faculty to your special attention. Should the rule relative to the Faculty be adopted some special arrangements (that) will be needed to give it efficiency then will readily be suggested.
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 003: Annual Report 1859-1860, p. 37
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (245) Want of Interest in the Institution It is made my duty to present such suggestions as I may deem the interests of the Institution to require.
Show more(245) Want of Interest in the Institution It is made my duty to present such suggestions as I may deem the interests of the Institution to require. With some reluctance and embarrassment I therefor call attention to indications of a want of interest in the University such as its importance and its position require. This is owing in part to the fact that many to whom we might look for support have not correct ideas of the real character of a literary Institution. They expect all the stir and bustle the excitement and all the arts to gain public favor that are common in business and other departments of effort. An efficient and eminently useful institution may seem to them to give indications of a want of energy and tact in its management and as wanting success in its results. A second cause may be found in the effect of past difficulties
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 003: Annual Report 1859-1860, p. 38
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (246) a degree o alienation of interest and bittern unkindness was caused & not yet removed though it is hoped that conciliation and kindness will
Show more(246) a degree o alienation of interest and bittern unkindness was caused & not yet removed though it is hoped that conciliation and kindness will counteract its effect. Another reason will be found in the fact that the requisite funds have not been furnished to enable the institution to present the advantages it is authorized to bestow and which can elsewhere be gained. Still further new colleges have sprung up resorting to unusual means to gain favor and making great promises relative to the advantages that may be secured by a connection with them. Whether these promises will be fulfilled time only can determine. The effect has been to draw away attention from those institutions that for years have been pursuing their appropriate work. One other cause I mention with reluctance and pain. Complaints have been made
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 003: Annual Report 1859-1860, p. 39
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (247) relative to the wants of efficiency and success in [\page] 1859-1860 30 maintaining some of the Departments. Such a complaint is far too general
Show more(247) relative to the wants of efficiency and success in [\page] 1859-1860 30 maintaining some of the Departments. Such a complaint is far too general for the interests of the Institution and constitutes a serious embarrassment to its influence. It is believed that many students are deterred from coming here by this cause. It is of course a proper subject for inquiry whether these complaints are well founded. All the Departments should be filled by men who deserve the favor and confidence of the community. It is the duty of the Join Board to make all proper investigations and to remedy the evil so far as lies in their power. It may be proper to state this subject was referred to in my last report but that a late hour the passage was stricken out and omitted in its presentation . In all questions relating to the church
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 003: Annual Report 1859-1860, p. 4
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: �(212) A less number than usual was absent during the Winter Term. A more systematic and thorough arrangement for special examinations has been
Show more�(212) A less number than usual was absent during the Winter Term. A more systematic and thorough arrangement for special examinations has been introduced and the standard of scholarship has been raised. We have continued evidence of the benefits resulting from the changes in the Terms. Vacations were recently introduced by the Joint Board. Repairs The repairs authorized by the Trustees have in part been made. Such was the condition of the buildings and grounds that extensive repairs were absolutely necessary. They have been conducted with economy. Nothing has been done that was unnecessary. The work should still be carried on but a much less sum will be required the coming year than was expended during the past year. The efforts made to put the buildings in a neat and
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 003: Annual Report 1859-1860, p. 40
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (248) and official trust I feel that consideration of duty must be superior to private feeling which would lead me to still suppress the above
Show more(248) and official trust I feel that consideration of duty must be superior to private feeling which would lead me to still suppress the above statement. As an additional difficulty with which the Institution is called to contend I might mention its name. The impression is widespread that the college is a kind of Theological Institution and the friends of other Institutions use this as an argument to induce young men under their influence to connect themselves with other colleges.
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 003: Annual Report 1859-1860, p. 41
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (249) The gentlemen whose names follow constituting the largest class that has ever gradated from the University are recommended for the degree of A.
Show more(249) The gentlemen whose names follow constituting the largest class that has ever gradated from the University are recommended for the degree of A. B. [printed list]
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 003: Annual Report 1859-1860, p. 42
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (250) The following gentlemen are recommended for the Degree of AM. in course. [no list] [Joseph Cummings] �

Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 003: Annual Report 1859-1860, p. 43
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: �

Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 003: Annual Report 1859-1860, p. 5
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: �(213) comfortable condition have been appreciated by the students and no malicious or wanton damage has been caused during the year. Scholarships -
Show more�(213) comfortable condition have been appreciated by the students and no malicious or wanton damage has been caused during the year. Scholarships - Special Agents The subject of employing special agents to sell Scholarships was presented to the Prudential Committee and discussed at different meetings but under the circumstances, the Committee did not deem it best to accept any proposition made to them and no agents have been employed. Had cheap scholarships been issued earlier it is probable that a much larger number might have been sold. When the measure was adopted it was regarded as a necessity arising from the course pursued by other colleges. A present diminution in the income has resulted but I am confident that eventually the increase will
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 003: Annual Report 1859-1860, p. 6
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (214) be larger than would otherwise be received. 1859-1860 20 $50,000 Fund I regret to state that the Fund of $50,000 for buildings and an increase
Show more(214) be larger than would otherwise be received. 1859-1860 20 $50,000 Fund I regret to state that the Fund of $50,000 for buildings and an increase in the facilities of instruction ham not been secured. In accordance with the direction of the Joint Board I gave immediate attention to this subject and spent as much time in New York during the summer vacation as the interests of the University demanding my personal attention would allow. I made an earnest effort during the winter to secure subscriptions. After careful inquiry and application to a large majority of those from whom the funds must be expected I came m to the conclusion that during this year the fund could not be secured. After consultation with leading friends of the University I concluded to suspend the �
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 003: Annual Report 1859-1860, p. 7
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (215) the (sic) effort for general subscriptions and give my attention to the immediate duties of my office. Various circumstances combined to render
Show more(215) the (sic) effort for general subscriptions and give my attention to the immediate duties of my office. Various circumstances combined to render the past year unfavorable for such an effort. Businessmen have not yet fully recovered from recent financial losses and reverses. A large number of those from whom we should expect aid have given liberally to the University - which now holds obligations against them on which interest is paid. They state that when these obligations were given they were assured that the University would be in a good condition and would not need further help for many years. The friends of another Literary Institution have sought and are still seeking to divide the interest in favor of education. They have kept at a heavy expense agents employed in collecting funds. They rely chiefly in their applications for aid in our �
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 003: Annual Report 1859-1860, p. 8
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (216) patronizing territory on those who have been the supporters of the University. As the necessity of two such institutions dependent for support
Show more(216) patronizing territory on those who have been the supporters of the University. As the necessity of two such institutions dependent for support on the same community is not clearly apparent to many it is probable that an excuse is readily found for avoiding either. In some cases there is a dislike to the Institution arising from past association and difficult ties. But a still stronger obstacle is a feeling of indifference arising in part from a want of efficiency [efficacy?] and those manifestations of power and efficiency [efficacy?]which the funds we are seeking alone could enable us to manifest. The strongest obstacle of all is found in the excitement of the public mind relative to various important questions of state and church policy and duty. The determination was freely expressed not to aid enterprises of a character similar to that presented for consideration till these questions �
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 003: Annual Report 1859-1860, p. 9
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (217) of grave interest should be decided. Undoubtedly in some cases most unjustly a prejudice arising from these questions has been excited against
Show more(217) of grave interest should be decided. Undoubtedly in some cases most unjustly a prejudice arising from these questions has been excited against the Institution. While I feel willing to serve the University in any way that may be judged best I hope that the Joint Board will not request me to act as an agent for the collection of funds. I feel that I have little adaptation for this work which has become a kind of profession requiring peculiar talents. Being comparatively stranger in the community from which aid must be solicited there is needed the services of a practical businessman acquainted with liberal wealthy men either to assist me or as I deem the better policy to act independently. I shall be pardoned however as I trust for [\page] 1859-1860 21 stating that, considering the cost, my services in this irksome department of labor have become as profitable as those of most agents. It is necessary in various ways to cause the atten-
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 004: Annual Report 1860-1861, p. 1
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (251) 1860-1861 31 Report of the President of the Wesleyan University to the Joint Board of Trustees and Visitors for the year ending June 20th 1861
Show more(251) 1860-1861 31 Report of the President of the Wesleyan University to the Joint Board of Trustees and Visitors for the year ending June 20th 1861 In presenting this Annual Report it is my sad duty to inform the Board that during the year two Trustees, Hon. Elisha Harris and Joseph Tobey, have died. I would suggest that appropriate notice should be taken of this event. They were both well known to the Board, and it may not be fitting for me to anticipate its action by a presentation of their many public and private virtues, the service they have rendered the cause of education and their devotion to the interests of the University. The number of students enrolled during the past year is 137. Of these 106 are professor of religion and 40 are licensed preachers. Several others intend to devote themselves to the work of the ministry. So far as relates to the general management of the institution the past year has been one of good �
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