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Title: Joseph Cummings Papers, 1851-1899
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Date: 1851
Notes: This collection is primarily comprised of Joseph Cummings' annual reports on Wesleyan University for the years 1857-1874, excepting the 1866-1867 school year. These reports contain censuses of Wesleyan's student body, including lists of students that have died or taken seriously ill during the school year. They also include Cummings' recommendation that women be admitted into Wesleyan and his suggestions for allocation of funds, most prominently with regards to building and maintaining a library. The collection also contains Cummings' correspondence, including with Julia Olin and W.O. Atwater (primarily regarding securing Atwater's employment), as well as Cummings' official acceptance of the position as president at Wesleyan University. Also included are several articles by Cummings, a petition against his resignation from the professorship, and his wife D.S. Cummings' correspondence. For more information, refer to the finding aid for the collection: http://wesleyan.edu/libr/schome/FAs/cu1000-89.xml.

Title: Box 001, Folder 001: Annual report of Wesleyan University, 1857-1858
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (143) 1857-1858 Report of the President of the Wesleyan University to the Joint Board Aug 2nd 1858 It affords me great pleasure to meet for the first
Show more(143) 1857-1858 Report of the President of the Wesleyan University to the Joint Board Aug 2nd 1858 It affords me great pleasure to meet for the first time in an official relation the Joint Board of the University and in accordance with established usage to present reports relative to the institution. Circumstances rendered it impracticable for me to enter on my duties here before the middle of the Spring Term. As soon as released from existing engagements I came to Middletown although I should hive greatly preferred to enter on my duties at the beginning of a year or at least at the commencement of a term The thoughtfulness and kindness of my associates and the cordiality and good will manifested by the students removed in a great degree the embarrassment and difficulty that otherwise would have existed in this connection. I (144) would also acknowledge my obligations to resident officers of the Joint Boards and of the Trustees and especially to Dr. Laban Clark and Wm.J. Trench, esq. for attention and cooperation in securing such changes as I deemed absolutely essential. The past year has been one of harmony among the officers and students and one of great prosperity. The Graduating Class numbers 28 and the Junior, Sophomore, and Freshman class number 116. The demeanor of the students has been characterized by great propriety and there has been diligence in study and carefulness in attention to all required duties. It is believed that no institution in the land has a better class of students or those more generally governed by high moral and religious principles. It may not be improper for me to allude to the labors of the faculty. They were placed under peculiarly embarrassing circumstances at the commencement of this year which they (145) met with commendable zeal for the interests of the University. The distinguished ability with which my worthy and highly esteemed colleague Dr. Johnston discharged the duties of the President would indicate that it was not necessary to call any other one to that office. Especial commendation is due to Professor Lane for assuming the responsibility of sustaining two departments and performing a large amount of extra labors. I here introduce with pleasure an extract from records of the Faculty as expression of their views relative to this I extra service. (146) The Committee appointed by the Faculty to report to the Prudential Committee the arrangements of the Faculty for supplying the necessary instruction at the beginning of the year beg leave to report the following preamble and resolutions which they recommend for adoption. Whereas the Professorship of Mathematics became vacant by the resignation of Dr. Smith and Adjunct Professor Van Vleck only two days before the beginning of the present college year, and [\page] 1857-1858 2 students appear before the Examining Committees who have not recited in the regular classes and many others who have recited only a part of the time during which they have been engaged in extra labor in making up the deficiencies resulting from their absences. Under such circumstances it is impracticable to secure the highest grade of scholarship. The present arrangement with its long winter vacation holds out strong inducements to irregular attendance. Of those who are irregular more than one third (150) are unnecessarily absent. It has become the custom to go out and teach. It is a pleasant way in which to spend the Winter months. Under these circumstances the following arrangement of Terms is proposed The Fall Term shall commence on the Third Thursday of August " " close Nov. 17 Its length will be 13 weeks Fall Vacation 3 weeks Winter Term will commence Dec. 9th " " close March 5 Length 12 weeks Spring Vacation 2 weeks Spring Term will commence March 17th " " close June 22 Commencement Third Wednesday of June Summer Vacation 8 weeks This arrangement will make the college year 39 weeks, one week longer than heretofore. (151) It is recommended that the next year should
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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. 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. 3
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (177) I am satisfied that no funds have been expended that have made a better return or proved a better investment. The favorable effect on the
Show more(177) I am satisfied that no funds have been expended that have made a better return or proved a better investment. The favorable effect on the students in care for the rooms and in the neatness and order observed has been moat marked. A recent official inspection of the rooms exhibited these results in a most gratifying manner. The amount expended has proved a good investment in another and more liberal sense - In consequence of these repairs the room rent has been raised so that from the same building an additional income will be received of $214 (?) The Incidental Charge has been increased so as to yield from 150 students an additional income of $388 $514 (?) [\page] 1858-1859 10 The cost of repairs is - 2888.32 This investment will yield - per cent 17 cent (?) This sum might be considered as the income from the investment so that financially the Institution is in a better
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 002: Annual Report 1858-1859, p. 4
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (178) condition in consequence of the repairs. President's duties extra labors etc. The pressure of duties connected with my Department of
Show more(178) condition in consequence of the repairs. President's duties extra labors etc. The pressure of duties connected with my Department of Instruction, with extra labor in other classes, with the general oversight of the Institution internal and external and in the superintendence of repair in term time and during vacations has not allowed me to attend to many things I deem important. I have devoted as much time to visiting the Patronizing Conferences as appeared to be proper under the circumstances but I am persuaded that the interests of the University demand that more attention should be given to this work. Several of the Patronising Conferences have not been visited for several years. It is important that
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 002: Annual Report 1858-1859, p. 5
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (179) the circumstances and the claims of the University should be more fully represented than can be done in any other way than by the presence of an
Show more(179) the circumstances and the claims of the University should be more fully represented than can be done in any other way than by the presence of an officer at their sessions - I therefore invite an expression of opinion on this subject. It would be impracticable to make these visits and attend to the duties of instruction during the Third Term in which all the Patronizing Conferences hold their sessions. Theological Instruction A very interesting class in Theology has been maintained during the greater part of the year - Some misapprehensions relative to our views and purposes has led to some unfriendly remarks by some whom we regard as earnest friends of the University - We trust the subject is now better understood and our course better appreciated. No part of the college funds is used to secure Theological Instruction as the labor is purely voluntary and gratuitous.
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 002: Annual Report 1858-1859, p. 6
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (188) It should however be understood that many friends of the University wish a Theological Department to be established and have made some efforts
Show more(188) It should however be understood that many friends of the University wish a Theological Department to be established and have made some efforts to secure it. Scholarships In compliance with the direction of the Joint Board, cheap scholarships on the terms authorized were offered for sale during the year. Circulars were issued to all the members of the Patronizing Conferences and to many others. There have been but few responses and but few scholarships have been sold. No authority was given to employ agents on salaries and those who engaged as agents receiving a commission on the amount of sales soon abandoned the business. I am still of the opinion that circumstances rendered this measure not any wise but necessary. It might be well to give [\page] 1858-1859 11 authority to hire a judicious agent who should devote his whole time to this
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 002: Annual Report 1858-1859, p. 7
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (181) work. It is probable that this would succeed. Should it be the purpose of the Joint Board to press this matter to the attention of the public it
Show more(181) work. It is probable that this would succeed. Should it be the purpose of the Joint Board to press this matter to the attention of the public it ought to be done soon. Present State of the University Wants &c The present condition of the University may be regarded as highly prosperous. A comparatively large number of students is in attendance and we are confident that in all the qualities that would be deemed desirable in young men preparing for usefulness they are not excelled. There is a strong religious influence in the college. Of 148 students 107 are profoundly pious and 50 are ministers. The present indications are that an unusually large class will enter at the commencement of the next year.
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 002: Annual Report 1858-1859, p. 8
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (182) An unusually large class will graduate this year and we are pleased to m represent them as young men of far more than usual promise. It is
Show more(182) An unusually large class will graduate this year and we are pleased to m represent them as young men of far more than usual promise. It is necessary to call the attention of the Joint Board to the subject of repairs. The same considerations urged last year will have more weight this in causing authority to be given to continue repairs until the buildings and the grounds have been brought to a proper state. It will be necessary to put a new covering to the roof of the main building and also of the laboratory. Much of the old plastering in the recitation rooms and in many of the students rooms must be replaced. New fences are needed and various repairs to outbuildings connected with the Institution. It i suggested therefore that the Joint Board should
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 1, Folder 002: Annual Report 1858-1859, p. 9
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (183) recommend to the Trustees to direct the Committee on repairs to cause such repairs to be made as the interests of the Institution demand. I
Show more(183) recommend to the Trustees to direct the Committee on repairs to cause such repairs to be made as the interests of the Institution demand. I again urge on your attention the importance of providing speedily for the erection of new buildings. The new building that shall contain a chapel and other public rooms is most imperatively demanded. A committee was appointed last year to consider this subject but it was deemed inexpedient after conversation with different members to call a meeting. Of course the great difficulty in the way of securing this object is the want of funds. It is necessary to secure the means of enlargement before plans are matured. There are indications of a general feeling that the time has come when the original plans and purposes of the Founders of the University should be more fully carried out. Thus far arrangements have been made simply for a
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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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