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.
(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. Show less
(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. Show less
(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. Show less
(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 Show less
OLIN LIBRARY WESLEYAN COLLECTION TO THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE M. E. CHURCH. The usual Annual Statement relative to the condition of the Wesleyan Show moreOLIN LIBRARY WESLEYAN COLLECTION TO THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE M. E. CHURCH. The usual Annual Statement relative to the condition of the Wesleyan University, is respectfully submitted. The number of Students as enrolled in the last Catalogue is 138. Of these, 116 are professors of religion. Forty-seven are licensed preachers, and several others intend to devote themselves to the work the ministry. a No special change has occurred during the year in the management of the Institution, or m any of its important interests. Extensive repairs and improvements have been made on the buildings and grounds, rendering thei more inviting and pleasant. The Joint Board of Trustees and Visitors at the last meeting, resolved that an effort should be made to raise a fund of Fifty Thousand Dollars for the erection of new buildings, for additional improvements on the present buildings, and for an increase in the facilities of instruction. The proposition has been received with favor and several generous subscriptions have been secured. The favor and aid of the pat- ronizing Conferences for the completion of this enterprise are earnestly desired. While we are not en- couraged to believe that the whole fund will be immediately secured, it is expected that one building, which will add greatly to the advantages of the University, will be commenced this year. There is a general conviction that the time has come, when there should be a Literary Institution of the highest grade, under the patronage and control of our Church, and this movement is In response to this demand. Should the present effort be successful, there is reason to believe that other and greater results will follow, and that, through the generosity of its friends, the WesLEyAN University will be placed in circumstances to realize all that its founders in procuring its Charter as a University hoped to secure. In view of its present position, the advantages of its relative age, the number and influence of its Alumni, it is evident, that the interests of the Church will be best promoted by furnishing the means re. -quisite to enable it to present the advantages it is authorized to confer. While within a few years Colleges generally have made great improvements in their buildings, in their means for illustrating the sciences and in other sources of attraction, no important addition has been made to the buildings of the University since it was founded. Our educational interests and the honor of our � Show less
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. � Show less
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