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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 019: Correspondence, 1851-1867 and transcripts, p. 30
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: �

Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 014: Annual Report 1871-1872, p. 1
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (406) The President of Wesleyan University submits to the Trustees his Annual Report During the past year the University has been called to mourn the
Show more(406) The President of Wesleyan University submits to the Trustees his Annual Report During the past year the University has been called to mourn the loss of a member of the Corporation, one of its best and most generous friends, Isaac Rich Esq. He died January 13th 1873. The Institution is greatly indebted to Mr. Rich not only for his princely gifts but for his influence manifested in earnest and successful efforts to induce others to give. His death was sudden and without any recognized warning. He had not opportunity to revise as he had purposed his plans, which we are well assured contemplated additional gifts to the University. We will cherish his memory with gratitude for the good he accomplished by his gifts and influence, and wait in confidence for others to come forward and take his place. I respectfully
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 009: Annual Report 1865-1866, p. 19
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (361) We ought to be able to do the full work expected of a University. Now we are only able to attend to that part of the work of a college implied
Show more(361) We ought to be able to do the full work expected of a University. Now we are only able to attend to that part of the work of a college implied in education. We should in addition connect with the college distinguished scholars who by their learning and writings would bring honor to our church and glory to our land. Other colleges derive a great part of their influence from this source. In the present disturbed state of affairs in Europe many learned men would be glad to form a connection with American colleges. I learn from a recent letter from an acquaintance that such is the case with the distinguished Dr. Maker(?) and it would be well if we could invite such scholars to unite with us but under present circumstances this is not practicable.
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 001, Folder 001: 1857-1858, p. 20
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (161) are confident enough to do what our obligations require. Our buildings and arrangements for instruction have too much the aspect of a declining
Show more(161) are confident enough to do what our obligations require. Our buildings and arrangements for instruction have too much the aspect of a declining Institution whose friends are doubtful whether its existence can long be continued. Within a few years a great change has taken place in the arrangement for inspection in Institutions of the highest grade and also in schools of a primary rank and I respectfully submit that those who are familiar with the accommodations furnished by more recent colleges, by many Academies and especially those under the [\page] 1857-1858 5 patronage of our church, with the buildings and the conveniences of public schools on inspecting our buildings with their dilapidated doors worn out floors and broken stairways and the accommodations for recitations will not pronounce them respectable or proper. �
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 015: Annual Report 1872-1873, p. 6
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (436). I am persuaded that the rule that limits the term of office of a Professor to five years is a wise one and calculated to secure much good. Dr.
Show more(436). I am persuaded that the rule that limits the term of office of a Professor to five years is a wise one and calculated to secure much good. Dr. Johnston has given me notice that he will not be able to attend to the work of his Professorship next Term. It is hardly probable that his age and ill health will permit him to do much more work. He has served the College long and faithfully. I commend his case to the kind consideration of the Board and recommend the appointment of a Committee to consider what course shall be Pursued. Under these circumstances it will be necessary to elect a Professor of Chemistry. In this connection and inasmuch as the Board will consider a new code of rules I would suggest that it is an
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 021: Newspaper articles and petition, 1875-1878, p. 7
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: lett HO. OL, 7 woe eke. COT chk. ee a A litAy 9A MO Paces Alor Pox g., eo fie, Bh (bees ; an Vb.chad oe a bee : hele jo, — es L Att , (Bi fvaper oF
Show morelett HO. OL, 7 woe eke. COT chk. ee a A litAy 9A MO Paces Alor Pox g., eo fie, Bh (bees ; an Vb.chad oe a bee : hele jo, — es L Att , (Bi fvaper oF CUBA 2 ie Oi HfL ae La 4 oss a loos 2b oe ff feoriee BAtrtl ee MEL Bort. “LEEK oe ) = iter oa Yer Cy Kat Bf” J eigen B55 HE bicerte-a2€, Ca GB 7a Meg: Crone ad reeds) Fareed ee | ms ve o oe, Lhasa �
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 007: Annual Report 1863-1864, p. 15
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (323) Christopher Page H(?) Benjamin Sherwood Gurnee Willbur Fisk Jonston Kelsey Frank Currier Morn Wilbur Fisk Osborne Hubbard Burton ? Aaron
Show more(323) Christopher Page H(?) Benjamin Sherwood Gurnee Willbur Fisk Jonston Kelsey Frank Currier Morn Wilbur Fisk Osborne Hubbard Burton ? Aaron Rittenhouse T George Whitaker Nathan Willis Wilder Richard Harmon Williams William Henry lee of the class of 1860 It is recommended that the Degree of Master of Arts also be conferred on Frederick William C? a graduate of Union College and on George Lansing Taylor a graduate of Columbia College. (324)
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 016: Annual Report 1873-1874, p. 14
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (464) of the year about $10 000 was derived from temporary sources one of which ended this year and the other next year. By a recent arrangement $2000
Show more(464) of the year about $10 000 was derived from temporary sources one of which ended this year and the other next year. By a recent arrangement $2000 of the ten is secured and it is [\page] 1873-1874 92 hoped that arrangements may be made to secure a part of the balance. The plans contemplated and promises made contemplate an expenditure of several thousand more. It is safe to say that the plans entertained contemplate an expenditure of $15 000 beyond reliable income. It is said that if the expense is incurred the necessity will be soon felt and noticed and gifts will be given. Under certain circumstances such as have existed in the history of this institution such a course would be wise but it is doubtful whether a demand exists that will justify an expense many judicious persons will regard
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 021: Newspaper articles and petition, 1875-1878, p. 3
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: THE COLLEGE. ARGUS. and in whom this culture is attempted; and. what he is to be and to do? In other words, what is man? and what is the true
Show moreTHE COLLEGE. ARGUS. and in whom this culture is attempted; and. what he is to be and to do? In other words, what is man? and what is the true philosophy of human life? First, then, man is an animal. eats, sleeps and dies. As such he is born, grows, Yet he differs from all others, and is, as Shakespeare told you long ago, “the paragon of animals.” He needs physical culture, he needs frame as well as brain. Let him eat beef and mutton in generous slices. Let him leap into every day as into a new paradise, over the wall of eight hours solid sleep. Let him hurl the ball, or pitch the quoit or tug at the oar, or poise the rifle; only let all these things be done with the distinct recognition that we have a higher nature, and in such manner and measure as to do no harm to what is best and noblest in this loftier realm. Of this higher nature the physical powers are only the scaffolding. To man this earth is something more than a dormitory and a larder, and a gymnasium. It is a school- house and a workshop, and a gallery af art. One of the great problems which has been long and earnestly pondered by many of the ablest minds in the world is, how best to secure that culture on which the progress of science and civilization depends. The courses of study prescribed in the college and university are the answer to this grave question. However these courses may vary in different institutions, they unite in this most emphatic testimony, that the great need is culture; the training of the mind to be all it can be, rather than to know all it can know “ Esse quam videri,’” is a lesson taught us from our childhood. ‘“ Esse quam habere,” is a lesson only less important and demanding more courage in the teacher and greater faith in the learner. The good thing for the student is not to seem, nor to get, but to become. It is some times objected to the college course that many things laboriously learned in it are quickly forgotten. For- gotten! What matter is it if the tourist forget some of the steps by which he ascended the Righi? He is there none the less, and the mountain air thrills him, and the sublime scene spreads around him and what matters it if some of the les- sons are forgotten by which the student becomes a scholar, and enter into lasting communion with the loftiest thought? While thus the real worth of a thorough educational course can be justly estimated only in view of these highest con- siderations, it is well to remember that in every lower region of haman endeavor its superior value is abundantly demon- strated. All but ten of the signers of the Declaration of In- dependence were trained in universities and colleges. More than one-fourth of the members of the National Congress, from the beginning to this day, have been graduates of col- leges. And will any one say that Cicero and Pitt and Sumner were less effective in their oratory because of the affluence of their culture? In passing to my final topic I must call attention once more to the vital question underlying all sound education— W hat is man? Some narrow specialists say that he is an improved ape. But where are the palaces apes have reared, the poems they have written, the Atlantic cables they have laid, the temples in which they worship, and the hymns of faith in a coming glory which they sing? Oh! when I consider the history of man, and see that his course is a perpetual progress of ideas while all the lower orders of creation are forever running the same unprogressive round of existence, that a barbarous country becomes in a few generations the arena of highest civilization; above all, when I consider the spiritual yearnings of man and the religious history of the world, how man hates God and defies God, and wants God, and yields to God and loves God, and communes with God until he re- sembles God; I feel that no account of the origin of this wonderful being at all tallies with the indisputable facts of his career save this, “In the image of God created He him.” Science is bound to take account of all facts. Now among the grandest of facts are the intuitive convictions of the soul about God and a hereafter; its sense of wrongness and its longing for a release; the Bible and Christianity. Any course of education which omits these, however brilliant it may be, is not fit for man as man, but only for man as the most erect and meditative of apes. In America the college is the child of the church. A late report of the Commissioner of Education shows that of the 368 colleges it enumerates, thirty only are known to be secular in their origin and management. In this noble company Wesleyan is proud to march. She has never been, may she never be, the propagator of a narrow sectarianism; she has always been, may she ever be, a defender of “the faith once delivered to the saints.” The methods by which a high moral and religious culture may be secured in a college, I cannot now discuss with any approach to thoroughness. The discipline of the college is among the agencies for the highest good. The influence of the students upon each other is an element of prime import- ance, and the regular instruction of the college course is another. On the daily chapel service and the public Sabbath worship in this place, and on the social religious meetings, we largely rely for the best Christian influence. My chief hope, however, lies in the personal characters of the instructors. If the institution shall stand a thousand years, the time will never come when the name of Fisk shall cease to be a talis- man. Why? Because of the thorough, genial, saintly good- ness of the man. I undertake the heavy responsibilities of the office into which I have this day been publicly induced, not, I confess without very serious reflection and some tripidation. And yet I undertake these responsibilities, not, I also admit, without high hopes and strong courage; for I remember whose co- laborer I am in this great work. I encourage myself, first of all, by considering who the men are at whose side I take my stand. I remember also of what stuff college students are made, and this inspires me. Nor do I forget the noble men on whose fostering care the welfare of this university so directly depends. Nothing could have induced me to accept this office, which I esteem at once the highest honor and greatest responsibility of my life, save the earnest assurance coming from every quarter of co-operation from the friends of this university, and above all the confident expectation of the blessing which I humbly crave from Him, without whose aid nothing is strong or wise or good. �
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 015: Annual Report 1872-1873, p. 22
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: �

Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 012: Annual Report 1869-1870, p. 5
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (398) The generous gift of J. O. Judd Esq. $5000 Fund The Expenses My Mortification Reasons $1000 Mr Winchster 700 A Bill of Inventory(?) properly
Show more(398) The generous gift of J. O. Judd Esq. $5000 Fund The Expenses My Mortification Reasons $1000 Mr Winchster 700 A Bill of Inventory(?) properly would come next year Decline in Gold Some of our securities did not yield the normal amounts Our Increased operations require more money. Care, superintendence 6
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 006: Annual Report 1862-1863, p. 17
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (306) available than heretofore for the purpose of instruction. Repairs It is not probable that so large an expenditure will be needed for repairs
Show more(306) available than heretofore for the purpose of instruction. Repairs It is not probable that so large an expenditure will be needed for repairs during the coming year. Some rooms in the college building, the roof of the chapel, and perhaps the roof of the Boarding Hall will need repairs. It is not probable that so extensive Repairs as have annually been made during a few years past will be needed for many years to come. [\page] 1862-1863 48
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 001, Folder 001: 1857-1858, p. 29
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (170) Arrangements for next year Vacant Professorships It is well known that the department of Mathematics and Astronomy has been vacant during the
Show more(170) Arrangements for next year Vacant Professorships It is well known that the department of Mathematics and Astronomy has been vacant during the year. The resignation of the highly distinguished scholar and able professor who had held that position so long and so well was received with regret by the friends of the University. The faculty have given the subject of selecting a successor to one whose success has been so great a careful consideration and are prepared to nominate a candidate for the vacant department whenever it will suit the convenience of the Joint Board to receive the nomination. Unless the freshman class should be unusually large we hope to be able to conduct this college this coming year without the assistance of a tutor.
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 019: Correspondence, 1851-1867 and transcripts, p. 5
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: pth tern Ab 2g te DAW 214s. Se ee a Agile a a. eye po OAK Ai ee (Paseo ba �

Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 006: Annual Report 1862-1863, p. 9
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (298) Salaries The inquiries made in order to be prepared to seek nominations for he vacant Professorships has impressed me with the importance of
Show more(298) Salaries The inquiries made in order to be prepared to seek nominations for he vacant Professorships has impressed me with the importance of increasing the salaries of the Professors. It is probable that most if not all the men who would be selected for these positions would make a pecuniary sacrifice in accepting them. This is certainly the case with the two gentlemen who have been selected. The expenses of faithful Professors are necessarily larger than they would be in other positions. Before the change in the financial conditions of the country, they were inadequate and it must be evident that at present they are not a fair remuneration for their labor. I hope it will be distinctly understood that in pleading for my associates I ask nothing for myself but I respectfully
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 020: Correspondence, 1873-1876 and transcripts, p.15
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: AWeilepan clmiversity, ] Middletown, ae a Le 7) Pe a ers : mee pg OR Fhe perio �

Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 005: Annual Report 1861-1862, p. 14
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (284) review of the Board having confidence that they will not allow improper influences to control their decision. Five years ago this summer I was
Show more(284) review of the Board having confidence that they will not allow improper influences to control their decision. Five years ago this summer I was elected President of the Wesleyan University and four years ago last March I entered on the duties of the office. I accepted the office with great reluctance knowing well the difficulties to be encountered. Very many important changes in the mode of conducting the affairs of the University have been made and their influence has been highly beneficial. It was to be expected that in incurring these changes opposition would be encountered. There is reason for thankfulness it has been no greater.
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 009: Annual Report 1865-1866, p. 9
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: �(353) I have done what I could for this course. I made arrangements to secure visits to an unusually large number of Conferences and secured from
Show more�(353) I have done what I could for this course. I made arrangements to secure visits to an unusually large number of Conferences and secured from them resolutions very favorable to the University. I have written many letters and sent out a large number of circulars and have [made] arrangements to send out thousands of additional circulars. I have received several letters asking what we are doing and intimating it would b well for us to be in earnest and active. I am sorry no more has been done but it has been an unusually severe year. Instead of the relief that was implied in the resolutions of the Board last year my labor has ben much more severe than usual. In addition to the regular duties of my office and Department I have prepared the Annual Catalogue . This is but a small matter but I have also prepared the General Catalogue which has
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 005: Annual Report 1861-1862, p. 10
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (280) It is believed that the objects of the Reading Room can be much better secured should it be placed under the care of the Institution and that
Show more(280) It is believed that the objects of the Reading Room can be much better secured should it be placed under the care of the Institution and that the debt may be discharged by the income from the room. I recommend that the Reading Room should be placed under the care of the President and that a charge for its use should be made in the Term bills of the students.
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 007: Annual Report 1863-1864, p. 4
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (312) and influence of the Faculty. I judge it proper for me to state in this connection with reference to my association with the Faculty that the
Show more(312) and influence of the Faculty. I judge it proper for me to state in this connection with reference to my association with the Faculty that the various Departments are filled by able men who are giving earnest attention to their appropriate works. I am confident that much may be expected from their industry ability and scholarship. In thoroughness of scholarship in the good order and moral character of its students and in all the essentials of a good college so far as relates to instruction the Wesleyan University needs no apology from its friends nor need it suffer in comparison with the best colleges in the country. Our course of study is sufficiently extensive and varied. The prominence given to Modern Languages and to Hebrew offers peculiar advantages to different classes of students. In no college is there more and in few colleges is there as much work accomplished as in this. There are two serious and embarrassing difficulties with which
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