Education in Indiana. An outline of the growth of the common school system, together with statements relating to the condition of secondary and higher education in the state and a brief history of the educational exhibit. Prepared for the Louisiana purchase exposition, held at Saint Louis, May 1 to November 30, 1904, Part 37

Author: Indiana. Department of Public Instruction; Cotton, Fassett Allen, 1862-
Publication date: 1904
Publisher: Indianapolis, Ind., W. B. Burford, contractor for state printing
Number of Pages: 624


USA > Missouri > St Louis County > St Louis City > Education in Indiana. An outline of the growth of the common school system, together with statements relating to the condition of secondary and higher education in the state and a brief history of the educational exhibit. Prepared for the Louisiana purchase exposition, held at Saint Louis, May 1 to November 30, 1904 > Part 37


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On May 5, 1884, there came to a happy termination the series of negotiations that had been in progress for nearly three years, and that resulted in the change from "Indiana Asbury university" to "DePauw university," with the beginnings of all that it has meant in the way of strengthening and of enlargement. For the details of these important transactions reference must be made to the fuller records of the university. Suffice it here to say that impor- tant financial interests were subserved, by which the institution re- ceived $60,000 from Greencastle and Putnam county, $120,000 from the Indiana conferences and friends outside of Putnam county, and from Hon. W. C. DePauw, the liberal bequests, which, notwithstanding the vicissitudes of subsequent years, have netted the institution already about four hundred thousand dollars with settlements yet to be made within the near future that, according to mest conservative estimates, will amount to about an additional one hundred and fifty thousand dollars.


Also, pending these negotiations, arrangements were completed for several other important enterprises prominent among which was the building and equipment of our excellent McKim observ- atory entirely at the expense of him whose name it bears. And this is in the line of advancement which has long been in progress. From the early beginning of the university down to the present time, friends have come forward with generous gifts to meet the pressure of special difficulties or to open the way for important advances that could not otherwise be made. Indeed the institu- tion has never been wanting in friends who have been willing to labor, to plan, and even to sacrifice in its behalf. This has been


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one element of its vitality and its strength. Rooms and corridors, libraries and alcoves are eloquent in their tributes, and the names and generosity of numbers of these earnest and devoted friends and helpers are among the most sacred of the records of these years.


With the new possibilities that opened with the coming in of these larger amounts of money of the past sixteen years the oppor- tunity seemed at hand for realizing in fact the name of "univer- sity," and several new schools were projected and formally opened ; so that by the year 1886 the following schools were in operation, and so continued for several years :


The Asbury college of liberal arts, school of theology, school of law, school of military science, school of music, school of art, normal school, preparatory school.


In 1890 it was deemed wise to elect a professor of pedagogy into the faculty of the Asbury college of liberal arts rather than to maintain a separate normal school-not because of any difficulty in maintaining the latter, but because more in harmony with the educational idea about a university.


In 1894, from lack of funds that could appropriately be used in developing the law school into what it really should be, it was thought best by the board of trustees to suspend it at least for a time, and in 1899 similar action, for reasons partly similar, was taken in regard to the school of theology, and a professorship of biblical literature was added in the liberal arts department.


In 1896 the name "preparatory school" was changed to "acad- emy," in order that the work done there might be more exactly designated. With these changes the several schools continue.


Incident to the enlargement of the institution in these recent years several new buildings have been added. At present the buildings are as follows: East college, west college, science hall, MeKim observatory, woman's hall, music hall, art hall and Flor- ence hall-the last named of which is the most recent one, and was built through the bounty of Mrs. DePauw and Miss Florence DePauw. An additional building devoted to chemistry and physics is just completed; it has cost about $60,000, and was made possible by the generous gift of the late Hon. D. W. Min- shall, of Terre Hante. In addition a handsome residence has re-


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cently been purchased and refitted for the occupancy of the pres- ident.


In recent years the university has passed out of its period of financial crisis, though the problem of larger endowments still abides. The Rev. W. H. Hickman, under the title of chancellor, served the institution for several years. He brought to his task unbounded enthusiasm and tireless energy, and has been a large factor in rescuing the university from its embarrassments. In 1903 Dr. Gobin and Dr. Hickman both resigned their positions, the former remaining as vice-president, the latter accepting the presidency of the Chautauqua institution. After much canvass- ing of the situation the trustees and visitors centered the headship of the university in one person and rearranged the work accord- ingly. In June, 1903, the Rev. Edwin Holt Hughes, S. T. D., then pastor of the Centre Methodist Episcopal church, Malden, Mass., was unanimously elected as president of DePauw univer- sity. Ile began his administration at the opening of the fall term in 1903. There is now a remarkable turning of confidence and enthusiasm toward the university from all its natural con- stitueney. The prophecy is everywhere heard that DePauw uni- versity is entering upon an era of unexampled prosperity and usefulness.


And now this sketch has reached one of the most important factors of university life and university connection-the alumni and other former students of all these years from the beginnings even unto this present time; these men and, in more recent years, these women, too, whose lives have been to so large an extent molded and directed under its influence. After all this is one of the true tests of the value of an institution of learning-its permanent influence on the lives and character under its influence, and under this test there are no words or sentences that can ade- qnately express what. Asbury and DePauw have meant and are still meaning in Indiana and more distant parts of our own conn- try and even of other lands. There is already a graduate list of near two thousand and that still longer list of those who have pursued longer or shorter courses of study under these same influ- ences, but who for various reasons stopped short of their com- pletion. Among these graduates and others whose lives have been largely molded and directed here, are many conspicnous and able


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EDUCATION IN INDIANA.


leaders-divines, lawyers, doctors, anditors and editors, diplomats, statesmen and men of affairs-men and women, whose lives enrich the communities in which they live and help to establish and maintain noble ideals in life and to press toward them.


DePauw university enters upon the new century with sixty- one years of noble and honorable life back of it, with a record that contains the accounts of some serious struggles, but all of them leading to ultimate victories, with vigorous energy in its present life and firm in faith for the coming years. It is rich in its traditions and in the sacrifices that have been made for it; rich in its alumni and non-graduate students, and its noble and many friends within its own church and outside of it; rich in its students and in the spirit within its halls and walls; and rich in the prospects toward which it is moving.


CLASSIFICATION OF GRADUATES DEPAUW UNIVERSITY.


EDUCATIONAL POSITIONS.


GENERAL OCCUPATIONS.


PUBLIC OFFICES.


College presidents.


51


Teachers


654


Governors


College professors, etc. . 129


Lawyers


.510


Lieutenant-governors


2


City and county


Ministers and missionaries .389


Cabinet officers.


2


superintendents


104


General business


163


Foreign ministers


5


Other teachers 370


Physicians


147


Attaches and consnls


5


Editors and journalists .102


United States senators


7


Anthors


52


(2 non-graduates)


10


Farmers


52


Other state officers


10


Bankers


35


State senators


21


Manufacturers


22


Federal and state su-


Engineers


21


preme judges 23


State representatives 59


Army and navy 77


NOTE .- In estimating these figures bear in mind (1) That some names are on more than one list. (2) That since 390 of the graduates are women, the public offices have been distributed among 1,741 of the graduates. (3) That the classes from 1900 on are not yet listed.


Where can the above record be surpassed ?


b. NOTRE DAME UNIVERSITY-SOUTH BEND.


A drive of twenty minutes from South Bend, Ind., brings the visitor to a broad and beautiful avenue of maples, which more than a mile in length, is the entrance to Notre Dame. While being carried between the neatly trimmed hedges he sees far up that shady arcade the glittering dome of the university and the


Congressmen


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EDUCATION IN INDIANA.


lofty spire of the church of the Sacred Heart. As he draws nearer he passes on either hand the quaint old postoffice and the keeper's lodge. These are the points of the large crescent which traces the plan of the buildings of the university. Directly before him, a quarter of a mile away, is the main building, on either side of which is the church and the conservatory of music-Washing- ton hall. Beyond the church is the large resident hall, Corby ; and beside Washington hall is the new gymnasium. To the vis- itor's right as he enters the grounds is the institute of technology ; and to his left is the site of Walsh hall, the library building soon to be erected. Midway between the institute of technology and the conservatory of music is science hall; and opposite to it is the senior dwelling hall, Sorin. To the rear of Walsh hall is St. JJeseph dwelling hall; and near the institute of technology is the astronomical observatory.


A hundred other buildings surround this group which occupies the main campus. Half a mile to the west, on the shore of St. Mary's lake, stands the seminary of Holy Cross, where all stu- dents aspiring to clerical orders live apart. Nearly a mile to the north, across St. Joseph lake, is the novitiate of the order. Midway between them is the community house, where the brothers and priests of the congregation of the Holy Cross live.


This is Notre Dame today. Situated on an eminence in the midst of the charming modulations of the valley of the St. Joseph, a lovely landscape stretches away before it as far as the eye can see. To the west are the picturesque windings of the hardy stream, and beyond the broken horizon. Northward lie the green hills and lake-dotted fields of Michigan. To the east are the rich farm lands and untouched woods of Indiana. Two miles to the south in the valley stretching in a beautiful panorama lies the third city of the state-South Bend.


What the poet has well called "the sense of beauty inspired by fair surroundings" has had much to do with the success of Notre Dame as an educational institution. She was founded on the shore of twin crystal lakes, that are still embraced by their native groves. The site of Notre Dame is such as the poet would wish for. Long rows of maples line the walks. Evergreens and ornamental trees are planted in profusion through the parks and grounds of the university. The soft slopes and inviting lanes


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EDUCATION IN INDIANA.


by the placid waters of the crystal lakes, the quadrangle with its sparkling fountain and flowers of radiant hues, the beautiful avenue of approach-all these were planned with an eye to beauty, and can not fail to appeal to all. Few who have never visited Notre Dame can realize the symmetry and the grandeur of its architectural structures or the charm and beauty of its environs.


Here long ago came the missionaries with the light of the truth to the Indians. Long ago this place was hallowed by the voice of prayer and the deeds of saintly men. Through here more than two centuries ago crossed Marquette on his last voyage, just before his death. Nearby, La Salle wandered about lost in the woods during that night which Parkman mentions. Here likewise came the noted missionaries Frs. Allonez, De Seille, and Petit. On the shore of St. Mary's lake the proto-priest of the United, Father Badin, built his log chapel on the land he had purchased from the government. But they had all come in suc- cession and passed away, though still the faithful red man repeated the prayers that the "black robes" had taught his grandfathers.


Such was the condition of the Indian mission of St. Mary's of the Lakes when Fr. Sorin laid the foundation of Notre Dame in 1842. With him came six brothers of the Holy Cross from France. They were young, and they spoke a strange tongue; they were poor, but the inspiration for their work filled their whole being. They had devoted their lives to God and the cause of Christian education. They sought the patronage of His blessed mother; and today in all this broad land is no greater monu- ment reared as a tribute to the queen of heaven than the insti- tution of Notre Dame.


In 1844 the college was opened. The first student was the boy who two years before had led Fr. Sorin through the woods to the shore of the lakes. He became the famous wagon maker of South Bend-Alexis Coquillard. The first graduate of the institution was Neil Gillespie, afterward the well-known Fr. Gil- lespie, first cousin of the HIon. James G. Blaine.


Three college buildings have occupied the present site. The original was soon found to be too small and was replaced by a larger one. In '79 the entire community was destroyed by fire, the church alone remaining. Yet through the years Notre Dame has prospered, and now as one looks back over her history he


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EDUCATION IN INDIANA.


wonders at the strangeness, completeness and rapidity of the change from the log chapel in the wilderness, with its single priest and half dozen brothers, to the massive pile of architecture which is known as the leading Catholic college of the west.


In '44 the general assembly of Indiana had chartered the institution under the name of the university of Notre Dame du Lac. To the founders and their perpetual succession was con- ferred the full power and authority to grant such degrees and diplomas in liberal arts and sciences, in law and medicine as are usually conferred by the other universities of America. Ac- cordingly today the thousand students of Notre Dame, under the direction of seventy-five instructors and professors, are pur- suing courses in (1) school of arts and letters, (2) school of science, (3) school of engineering, (4) school of law, (5) school of pharmacy. In the school of arts and letters there are three four-year courses leading to three degrees. The purely clas- sical, which includes eight years of Greek and Latin, and the modern languages, leading to the degree of A. B. The English course, which differs from the classical principally in the sub- stitution of English and American history for the Greek, leads to the degree Litt. B. The course in history and economics leads to Ph. B. Closely allied to these courses is the course in jour- nalism.


In the school of science two courses are given-one in general scientific training granting the degree of B. S., the other special- izing in biology and gaining the same degree. In the school of engineering there are three four-year courses. The first leads to the degree of civil engineer, the second to that of mechanical engineer, the third to that of electrical engineer. In connection with the department of electrical engineering a short course in practical electricity has recently been instituted.


In the law school there is a three-years course leading to the degree of LL. B. For an additional year of post-graduate work in law the degree of LL. M. is granted. In the school of phar- macy there are two courses-one of three years, leading to the degree of pharmaceutical chemist (Ph. C.), and the other a course of two years, gaining graduate of pharmacy (Ph. G.). There is also a four years course in music and architecture.


539


EDUCATION IN INDIANA.


The Very Rev. Andrew Morrissey is president of the insti- tution, which distinguished position he has held with honor since 1893. He is truly a son of Notre Dame. As a boy of twelve years he came to the institution already well advanced in his preparatory studies ; during the years he was a student he became thoroughly imbued with the spirit of the place. He distinguished himself for his ability in mastering the classics and as a math- ematician. He has held many prominent places in the faculty. To the fulfillment of his office he brings the resources of a mind well trained in all the requirements of his high position. Fr. Morrissey is widely known as an orator and as an educator.


Col. William Hoynes, dean of the law school, has a wide ac- quaintance in the middle west in the legal profession. He was a very successful lawyer in Chicago before being called to fill his present position at the head of the law department in 1883. He is a thorough organizer and a man possessing a most com- prehensive knowledge of law.


Professor John G. Ewing, of the department of history and economies, is one of the ablest Catholic historians in America. He is widely known as a public speaker, principally in connec- tion with the Knights of Columbus, of which organization he is a state deputy.


The main building of the university is of neogothic architec- ture. Its dimensions are 320 by 155 feet. It is five stories high, and is built with two wings, and surmounted by a mag- nificent dome gilded with gold leaf. This dome itself is crowned with an heroic statue of the blessed virgin-the statue of Notre Dame. This beautiful figure is more than two hundred feet above the ground; and with its electric crown and crescent at night, and by day the rays of the sun reflected from the sheen of gold beneath, it shines forth an inspiring sight to all for miles around. On passing through the main entrance the visitor is attracted by the beautiful mural paintings, which illustrate in eight panels the life story of Columbus. They are the work of the famous Italian, Luigi Gregori, who spent eighteen years at Notre Dame. In the center of the main building is an open rotunda. In the floor at one's feet is worked the seal of the university ; two hundred feet above his head in the concavity


510


EDUCATION IN INDIANA.


of the dome are seen the allegorical figures exquisitely wrought by Gregori-religion, philosophy, poetry, science, law.


On the second floor is the memorial hall of bishops, a unique and complete collection of the likenesses of all the prelates who have ruled over American diocese. Marble busts, fine old en- gravings and rich oil paintings line the walls. Here also are many old manuscripts and autograph letters. From the earliest Spanish mission to the present day the reliques of breivary, missal, and cross tell the story of the progress of the faith. In the words of the noted writer John Gilmary Shea, "in this collec- tion is more material for a real history of the church in America than elsewhere is ever dreamed of." It is the first attempt in any land to represent and illustrate a nation's whole episcopacy in such a monument. On the third floor is the library of 55,000 vohunes, composed of classical and modern works and books of reference. Perhaps no library in the country has a more extensive collection of Latin works, of the old Roman writers and the fathers of the church. With them are thousands of Greek, Span- ish, French and German works. The rest of the main building is taken up with the executive offices, the offices of the members of the faculty and recitation rooms. The wings are the study halls and the dormitories of Brownson and Carrol halls.


To the east of the main building is the conservatory of music and Washington hall-the assembly hall and place of amusement of Notre Dame-with its commodious and perfectly appointed stage, and a seating capacity of 1,200. Here all the debates and oratorical contests are held, as well as the five plays that are presented during the year by the students, and the lecture and concert course which brings about twenty-five attractions, comprising the prominent lecturers and leading concert and oper- atie companies.


Near Washington hall is the new gymnasium, one of the finest in the west. Its dimensions are 230 by 100 feet, affording ample room for indoor base ball and track meets, as well as an excellent floor for dancing in the part reserved for gymnastics. Beside the gymnasium is Cartier field, one of the largest and best ath- letic fields in the state, comprising gridiron, base ball diamond, a 220-yards straightaway, and a quarter-mile cinder track.


541


EDUCATION IN INDIANA.


The equipment of science hall is most perfect for physical, chemical and biological courses. The institute of technology and the nearby astronomical observatory furnish ample appa- ratus and laboratory facilities for the pharmacy and engineering students. Opposite science hall is Sorin, the large residence hall, affording private rooms to more than a hundred upper classmen. The first floor of Sorin hall is occupied by the law lecture rooms and library. Nearby stands Corby, another residence hall, with private rooms for nearly two hundred students.


But perhaps the most interesting structure at Notre Dame is the church of the Sacred Heart, which was more than twenty years in building and which on its completion was pronounced one of the most magnificent Catholic edifices in America. Its gothic spire rises almost three hundred feet in the air; in the tower are hung the sweet chimes of twenty-three bells that every hour sound the soft strains of "Ave Maris Stella.". Just below them swings the greatest bell but one in America. Its loud, though sweet tones, can be heard for twenty-five miles; within this bell fifteen men can stand erect. The united strength of twelve is required to ring it.


But the church itself is fairest of all to see; with its exquisite frescoes, its stately arches, its wonderful windows, its twelve al- tars, wherein rest the relics of the saints. Few know that in all the world there is but one altar more privileged than the one at Notre Dame, which for three centuries stood in Rome and which has all the indulgences attached to the portuneula of Saint Francis. Here are venerated a section of the garment worn by Jesus, a piece of the veil and girdle worn by His sainted mother, a part of the true cross, which on each Good Friday is elevated in benediction. Above that altar is a statue of the blessed virgin adorned with a costly crown of beaten gold, the gift of the Empress Eugenie. There, too, is the massive ostensorium of purest metal donated by Napoleon III.


Behind the church is a grotto, where three pilgrimages are made each year by the pious people of the neighborhood.


And this is Notre Dame, and under these influences have thou- sands of our young men come to manhood's estate, and were made fit to enter the battle of life. They have builded upon


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EDUCATION IN INDIANA.


the rock foundation. Notre Dame is thoroughly and uncompro- misingly Catholic. Yet hundreds of her students have been non- Catholic, and today many of those most prominent in student activities are Protestant. She is truly Catholic, and all seeking for knowledge are welcome, be they Jew or Gentile.


Today the community more resembles a town than a college campus. For fifty years, through the personal influence of Henry Clay, Notre Dame has had a postoffice ; and today our postmaster and his assistants handle a business that is exceeded by only five offices in the state. It has its own electric light, gas and steam heating plants ; bakeries, shops and general stores, from barber shop to telegraph office. Very few colleges have their own print- ing offices. At Notre Dame the weekly college paper, the Scho- lastic, has been published for twenty-seven years by the students ; and the monthly magazine, the Ave Maria, has attracted a world- wide reputation in Catholic circles by its literary excellence.


To an outsider the social life at Notre Dame is perhaps most misunderstood. This is a boarding school for boys; two miles from South Bend; and from September till June there is not a regular need of any of the thousand students that can not be supplied by the stores and offices within the community. Phy- sicians and specialists are in daily attendance. Ample attrae- tions are furnished in Washington hall. The great intercollegiate athletic contests take place on Cartier field.


The preparatory students and the freshmen live under the dormitory and study hall system; but the three upper classes all have private rooms in Brownson, Corby and Sorin halls. Though there are no chapters of the national college fraternities at Notre Dame, yet there are students from almost every state in the union who have organized state clubs. The capitol key- stone club has sixty members. The empire state organization has fifty-five; the Indiana club forty. The men from Central and South America have a flourishing organization of thirty-five members. Four literary and debating societies are strongly or- ganized and actively carried on. There is a junior musical and dramatie society, a university band and a university orchestra, and the glee and mandolin elub; a boat club holding annual regattas and races: a thriving tennis elub; scores of basketball teams, and a most promising handball organization. A football




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