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Title: Joseph Cummings Papers, 1851-1899
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Date: 1851

Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 002: Annual Report 1858-1859, p. 1
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (175) 1858-1859 9 Report of the President of the Wesleyan University to the Joint Board for this year ending June 22, 1859 to the . .mm. In presenting
Show more(175) 1858-1859 9 Report of the President of the Wesleyan University to the Joint Board for this year ending June 22, 1859 to the . .mm. In presenting this Annual Report it is proper that grateful acknowledgement should be made to God for the tokens of his favor and the many blessings received. The past year has been one of prosperity. There has been harmony among the officers and good order and diligence manifested by the students. The general health of the members of the University has been good. One young man Mr. Powell died soon after entering the Freshman class. The changes authorized by the Joint Board have been adopted and much good has resulted from them. A greater degree of system and thoroughness in study have been secured and the interests of the Institution generally promoted.
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 002: Annual Report 1858-1859, p. 10
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (184) for a (sic) college but there is a demand for a more extended course of study in various departments and an increase in the number of the
Show more(184) for a (sic) college but there is a demand for a more extended course of study in various departments and an increase in the number of the departments of instruction. In this respect the Wesleyan University does not compare favorably with other colleges in N.E. Its friends and patrons demand that in no means so far as the facilities for an extended course of instruction shall it [\page] 1858-1859 12 be inferior to other Institutions. Other Institutions are now promising to furnish to the Church what the means of this our oldest Institution will not permit. Much sympathy is secured for them by this means. It is evident that the same amount of funds will accomplish more if given to this Institution than can be secured by founding a new one. Its Alumni have a powerful influence in the church and in the land. They will generally give their Alma Mater their influence and
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 002: Annual Report 1858-1859, p. 11
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (185) that it should hold a high rank and not be inferior to others in its endowment and its facilities for instruction. The North East and the N.Y.
Show more(185) that it should hold a high rank and not be inferior to others in its endowment and its facilities for instruction. The North East and the N.Y. Conferences at their last sessions appointed committees to devise the means for increasing its endowment it (sic) is believed that other conferences will respond cordially to any effort they may make and engage in their plans so far as they mmY require cooperation. It is evident that an endowment that would once have well sustained a college is now insufficient. Salaries and other expenses are nearly double what they were years ago. This increased expense has resulted from changes that have been going on in the commercial world chiefly from the marked decline in the relative value of money. Political economists assure us that this decline may be expected to continue for several years to come.
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 002: Annual Report 1858-1859, p. 12
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (186) It is evident that it will seriously affect all Institutions sustained by invested funds drawing simple interest and to give them the required
Show more(186) It is evident that it will seriously affect all Institutions sustained by invested funds drawing simple interest and to give them the required efficiency their funds must be largely increased. In 1834 the supply of gold from all parts of the world was estimated at $30,000,000 and in 1852 at $119,596,000. Since 1858 gold has declined in value from 15 to 21 per cent and it is estimated that within a quarter of century money will be depreciated to one half of what was its value before 1858. Allusion is made to this subject the full discussion of which in this connection would be inappropriate as one reason and a most important one why measures should be adopted to secure a larger endowment than we have secured. It has been the misfortune of the University that it has been compelled to use the gifts of its friends to meet its current expenses.
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 002: Annual Report 1858-1859, p. 13
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (187) Had the whole amount bestowed been given at one time and funded it would now have a large endowment. Not till the $100,000 fund was secured did
Show more(187) Had the whole amount bestowed been given at one time and funded it would now have a large endowment. Not till the $100,000 fund was secured did the income meet current expense. At least $100,000 are needed now for the erection of new buildings the endowment of new professorships the increase of the Library and the increase in various other ways of the facilities of instruction. It may be questioned whether $100,000 devoted to any other object can secure so ample a return to the church or community at large. It is greatly to be desired that those brethren who with a noble generosity have hitherto aided the Church in sustaining the Institution with large donations might be induced to confer with each other and devise means whereby the demands of the church and the wants of our young men might be met.
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 002: Annual Report 1858-1859, p. 14
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (188) Funds - Endowment [\page] 1858-1859 13 Nearly all the funds of the University under the control of the Corporation had been expended before the
Show more(188) Funds - Endowment [\page] 1858-1859 13 Nearly all the funds of the University under the control of the Corporation had been expended before the last increase of $100,000 was secured. Debts still remain as a serious embarrassment which were previously incurred. Two notes of $1500 each due the Missionary Society still remain. There is also a large debt due the endowment funds. A large part of the $100,000 fund is still in an unsettled condition. A part is in the form of notes payable after a notice of 60 days. I would recommend that the required notice should be given and that collection should be made so far as practicable. A part of the funds is in the form of subscriptions and the evidences of this property have not been formally transferred to the present Trustees of the fund.
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 002: Annual Report 1858-1859, p. 15
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (189) There is reason to believe that no legal title exists to a portion of the property and that a portion is worthless. I would advise that a
Show more(189) There is reason to believe that no legal title exists to a portion of the property and that a portion is worthless. I would advise that a committee should be appointed to be composed of gentlemen residing in different sections of the territory who may devise a plan for the increase of the endowment. It is important that early and promt action should be secured.
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 002: Annual Report 1858-1859, p. 16
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (190) It may not be improper to allude to some of the embarrassments of the Institution. Difficulties that have existed have alienated some friends
Show more(190) It may not be improper to allude to some of the embarrassments of the Institution. Difficulties that have existed have alienated some friends and dimmed the ardor of others. It is hoped that kindness and conciliation manifested towards them and prudence and faithfulness in the management of affairs may win back their favor. The course indicated has produced some degree of local enmity which is believed to be chiefly owing to the course of some who might have been expected from their relation to the University to sustain its influence instead of using their power to destroy it. Their adverse influences we are confident are diminishing and will soon cease. The want of a very strong local influence has always been an embarrassment. The strongest friends of the Institution have resided at a distance from it and it may not be improper to state
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 002: Annual Report 1858-1859, p. 17
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (191) that being in opposite directions in rival cities they have been somewhat jealous and distrustful of each other. From a natural law men will
Show more(191) that being in opposite directions in rival cities they have been somewhat jealous and distrustful of each other. From a natural law men will more readily aid enterprises near them for the success of which they ( ) will be held responsible. The reasons that originally led to the selection of this location peculiarly fitted for the establishment and success of a first class literary Institution still have force. The facilities for travelling now render distances that once would have been objectionable a matter of little importance. All that is now needed to realize the hopes and secure the object of this University is an increase of the endowment. No new institution even with a larger endowment can gain an influence equal to that here gained in less than a quarter of a century. The great error of the church as almost universally confessed
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 002: Annual Report 1858-1859, p. 18
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (192) has been a yielding to local influences in establishing Institutions not demanded by the wants of the [\page] 1858-1859 14 church, to which only
Show more(192) has been a yielding to local influences in establishing Institutions not demanded by the wants of the [\page] 1858-1859 14 church, to which only a partial endowment has been secured. ( ) the ( ) practicable it is probable that one large richly endowed University would exert a greater and more beneficial influence than all the colleges under the patronage of the M.E. church in the Eastern and Middle states. The greater economy in the expenses of education and the influence on the minds of the young derived from the large number of teachers and men devoted to literary pursuits are strong arguments in favor of such an arrangement. To the Wesleyan University in years past have been given the influence of the character and the best efforts of men whose memory will ever be sacred to the church. For it these good and wise
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 002: Annual Report 1858-1859, p. 19
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (193) men toiled and prayed and in connection with it some of them have died. Their graves are near to us and are yearly visited by a throng of
Show more(193) men toiled and prayed and in connection with it some of them have died. Their graves are near to us and are yearly visited by a throng of earnest men whose characters they helped to form and who come here to renew the cherished associations of other days.
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 002: Annual Report 1858-1859, p. 2
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (176) Repairs The repairs authorized by the trustees have in part been made and the appearance of the buildings and the comfort derived much increased
Show more(176) Repairs The repairs authorized by the trustees have in part been made and the appearance of the buildings and the comfort derived much increased. It is only just to state considering the extensive repairs made and the expenses incurred that the buildings had been greatly neglected and that in some respects they were in a ruinous condition. The repairs have been conducted with economy. In the attempt to measure this if anywhere has been the error as some repairs might have been more thorough. Nothing has been done that can be pronounced extravagant or unnecessary. Your attention is invited to this subject, to the inspection of the buildings and to a consideration of the repairs yet needed. As a part of the work authorized could be deferred it was judged better to divide the expenses between two years.
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 002: Annual Report 1858-1859, p. 20
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (194) Other Conferences to be invited to send Visitors to the Joint Board I would recommend that the Newark Conference should be invited to become a
Show more(194) Other Conferences to be invited to send Visitors to the Joint Board I would recommend that the Newark Conference should be invited to become a Patronizing Conference and be authorized to appoint two Visitors having the same powers and privileges as other Visitors. I attended the last session of this conference and presented the claims and objects of the University. The representation was favorably received and the conference unanimously adopted the following resolution "Resolved: That we rejoice to learn from the President of the Wesleyan University that prosperity still attends this the oldest of the colleges of our denomination and in view of its deep religious character, as well as its educational advantages we cordially recommend it to the patronage of our people." Several of our graduates are influential members of that conference and many of our students reside within its bounds. We have reason to believe that the sympathies of the
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 002: Annual Report 1858-1859, p. 21
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (195) conference are with us. The Wyoming Conference is not now officially connected with any college. I would recommend that the same proposition
Show more(195) conference are with us. The Wyoming Conference is not now officially connected with any college. I would recommend that the same proposition should also be made to this conference. The Board of Visitors is not full and two conferences for(merly)? the Genessee and the East Genessee are not now connected with it. [\page] 1858-1859 15 (in margin) Preparatory Department There is reason to believe that the influence and advantages of the University would be increased by connecting with it a Preparatory Department. The forty five students who were admitted during the past year came from twenty eight different prepar Institutions. our Conference Seminaries are in a prosperous condition and their officers are friendly to the University - The preparation of students for college is not one of the chief objects for which they are sustained. Of the students they prepare for college many are induced by various
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 002: Annual Report 1858-1859, p. 22
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (196) considerations to connect themselves with other colleges. The most of these students complete their education under the care of their teachers
Show more(196) considerations to connect themselves with other colleges. The most of these students complete their education under the care of their teachers many pursuing a part of a college course. Many more students would attend college if the advantages of a higher education were brought more distinctly to their attention. This is illustrated in those colleges that have preparatory departments. While we received so few from any one Seminary Genessee College having associated with it a large and flourishing Seminary received forty five students from that Seminary alone. Many (of) our students from a variety of reasons but chiefly from a desire to complete their education as speedily as possible come to us not prepared to enter college. It is hard to reject them as much injury and a severe disappointment would be caused to them. If we had a preparatory department they could finish their preparatory
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 002: Annual Report 1858-1859, p. 23
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (197) studies and still graduate in four years from the time they entered. It is believed that such a department could be sustained more economically
Show more(197) studies and still graduate in four years from the time they entered. It is believed that such a department could be sustained more economically than elsewhere and that it might be made to meet its expenses. Should the new building already referred to be erected in the present buildings including the Boarding Hall sufficient accomodations might be provided. It is not desirable that any part m of the present funds of the University should be used to sustain such a Department. Change in the Charter. It being my duty to make such suggestions as I may deem the interests of the University to require after a careful consideration of the subject I would call your attention to the importance
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 002: Annual Report 1858-1859, p. 24
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (198) of providing for an important change in the constitution of the Board itself. The Board is now composed of two bodies the Trustees holding
Show more(198) of providing for an important change in the constitution of the Board itself. The Board is now composed of two bodies the Trustees holding office as a general rule during life and the Visitors who hold office for a single year. By this Board thus constituted the most important interests of the University are managed. As the meetings of the Board are held but a single day the Visitors have not opportunity to become sufficiently acquainted with the condition of the Institution to act understandingly on questions affecting its vital interests hence the full benefit of their comments and knowledge is not generally received. Their action with reference to [\page] 1858-1859 16 important measures must often necessarily be contrary to their wishes. They must act in haste or not (at) all. I think it is the general sentiment of those who have held this office that their term of service should be longer.
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 002: Annual Report 1858-1859, p. 25
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (199) On the other hand some of the Trustees from a variety of reasons have lost their interest in the Institution and from disaffection or hostility
Show more(199) On the other hand some of the Trustees from a variety of reasons have lost their interest in the Institution and from disaffection or hostility to officers of the University have exerted a very unfavorable influence. It is often the case that men cease to be the best representation of the church and the best calculated to conduct important enterprises. It is often very desirable to strengthen the influence of the Institution in certain localities, but as the Board of Trustees is nearly full the accomplishment of this object is impracticable. While it is desirable that some men on account of the services they have rendered or the generous donations they have made should continue during life members of the Board of Control yet it is generally thought that an opportunity for change should at certain period be given. It is probable that the original views of the relative influence of the two Boards have not been realized.
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 002: Annual Report 1858-1859, p. 26
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (200) There is a want of simplicity in the present constitution of the Board and some difference of opinion relative to its powers as conferred by the
Show more(200) There is a want of simplicity in the present constitution of the Board and some difference of opinion relative to its powers as conferred by the Charter. The Board is unnecessarily large. It is difficult to obtain the attendance of a Quorum as as (sic) the number required is unreasonable for much of the business. I would therefore recommend that a change should be sought in the Charter from the Legislature of the State and that a single Board of Trustees should be appointed to whom the management of all the interests of the University should be committed, one half of this Board to be appointed by ballot by the Patronizing Conferences and one half by the Corporation, the term of office to be five years. I would further recommend that after the appointment of the first Board under the new Charter that it should be divided into four classes, one class to go out of office each year and new elections to be made by the
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