Petition by Lawrence University for expanding its land to develop further programming in agriculture, water power, and the mechanical arts

M. No 75 S

Petition to the Hon Members of the Senate & Assembly of the State of Wisconsin Madison Madison March 17th 1865

3/18 J Harris [illegible] claims 3/31. Rep without amt and without rec. G.F.

[illustration of Lawrence University buildings]

To the honorable The Senate of the State of Wisconsin. If the lands granted to the State of Wisconsin for Educational purposes by act of Congress approved July 2d 1862. Should be given to any literary institution now organized in said state - The Board of Trustees of Lawrence University of Wisconsin claim that as they have facilities equal to any other institution for giving instruction in Agricultural pursuits and in view of the extraordinary water power at Appleton they possess superior advantages for giving instruction in the mechanical arts and further in view of the fact that said Lawrence University is the "Pioneer" Institution in the cause of Liberal Education in this state - and has the best library in

the North West together with an extensive cabinet and philosophical apparatus they have at least the right to ask this Legislature to defer final action in disposing of said lands until by a judicious & impartial commission appointed by the Governor the Senate concurring - An examination he had as to the ability adaptation and claims of the several literary institutions of college grade now organized in the state to take said lands and apropriate them to the best advantage of the people of said state according to the design of congress.

In behalf of the Trustees of Lawrence University of Wisconsin M. Hinnebaugh Endowment & General Agt

Appleton Wis March 17th 1865