VIII.

CONCLUSION.

This present labor may now be concluded. It has been shown— That the offices of a true university, although of the most important character, are not all of them now duly fulfilled in this country;

That these offices could be best fulfilled by a great national university, and that such university would be most conveniently, suitably, and advantageously established and maintained at the seat of the National Government; where the chief elements of a university exist already, needing but their organization, suitable halls for instructional purposes, and means for the support of a large and superior working force; That certain functions, vital in their character, that would be performed by a national institution, to wit, the completement of an American system of public education, the coördination and highest development of the schools of the States, and the most effectual cultivation of the patriotic sentiment in the minds of those certain to be potential in the direction of our national affairs, can be performed by none other than a truly National University;

That this conception, originating in the mind of General Washington during the stormy days of the Revolution, and cherished by him through life with a fondness and constancy only matched by his love of country, has also engaged the thoughts of many other statesmen, as well of leading citizens in every walk of life; that Congressional committees have favorably considered it, and that national organizations founded in the interest of learning and of human progress have made earnest appeals for its realization;

That the need of a central American university, thus recognized and thus urged, not only remains, notwithstanding the development of existing institutions, but for important national reasons increases with the years;

That such institution could be established and endowed without heavy drafts upon the National Treasury; and

That this present is in all respects a favorable time for the final fulfillment of a solemn duty so long delayed.

It can not be doubted that a nation of such vast resources in every realm, of such superior intelligence, and of such aspirations and aims, has already come to realize what is due in this high regard; due to its own members craving the opportunities such a university would offer, due to the sacred cause of learning, due to the honor and welfare of a Republic rightfully ambitious to lead all the nations in the grand march of civilization.

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