National University - Docket Yearbook (Washington, DC)

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THE POCKET National University HE history of National University is unique in the annals of institutions of learning. It falls quite naturally, for purposes of record, into three phases: First, the period from its founding, in 1869, to the time of its reorganiza- tion, in 1896; second, the period from 1896 to 1919, or after the close of the World War; third, the period from 1919 to the present time. FIRST PHASE The boom of cannon and the clash of sword of the Civil War had hardly ceased to reverberate when, as part of the rejuvenation of our great country, National Univer- sity came into being. The University was first incorporated, in 1869, by Professor William B. Wedgewood, Professor Watson J. Newton, and a number of distinguished associates, the fundamental purpose of this group of far-visioned men being to carry out, as far as possible, the wishes of President Washington, as expressed in his message to the Congress of the United States, December 7, 1796: 1 have heretofore proposed to the consideration of Congress, the expediency of establishing a national university, and also a military academy. The desirableness of both these institu- tions has so constantly increased with every new view I have taken of the subject, that 1 cannot omit the opportunity of once for all recalling your attention to them. The assembly to which I address myself, is too enlightened not to be fully sensible how much a flourishing state of the arts and sciences contributes to national prosperity and reputa- tion. True it is, that our country, much to its honor, contains many seminaries of learning highly respectable and useful; but the funds upon which they rest are too narrow to command the ablest professors, in the different departments of liberal knowledge, for the institution contemplated, though they would be excellent auxiliaries. Amongst the motives to such an institution, the assimilation of the principles, opinions, and manners of our countrymen, by the common education of a portion of our youth from every quarter, well deserves attention. The more homogeneous our citizens can be made in these particulars, the greater will be our prospect of permanent union; and a primary object of such a national institution should be, the education of our youth in the science of government. In a republic, what species of knowledge can be equally important, and what duty more pressing on its legislature, than to patronize a plan for communicating it to those who are to be the future guardians of the liberties of the country? To this end, National University came into being, under the General Incorpora- tion Law of the District of Columbia. It was at no time officially connected with the Federal Government, yet it had the honor and unique privilege of having, as Ex-Officio Chancellors, five Presidents of the United States. The pictures of these Presidential Chancellors, if such a term is permissible, hang on the walls of the Univer- sity, and there will shortly be placed under each an actual diploma signed, and in a number of instances delivered by, the President in person. These pictures of the Presidents, together with fac simile reproductions of diplomas signed by each, in turn, follow: 9

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THE POCKET NATIONAL UNIVERSITY 8

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