University of Arizona - Desert Yearbook (Tucson, AZ)

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Superintendent of Public Instruction for Arizona made a selection of these lands and in 1883 we read in the message of Governor Tritle to the twelfth assembly: The question of the establishment of a Territorial University has been agitated somewhat through the Territory. There being no money in any fund out of which the expen- -------------------------- ses of such an establishment could be paid and properly officered. I would consider any action on the premises as unwise at this time.” Accordingly nothing was done till 1885 when the thirteenth Legislature passed a bill appropriating $25,000 to found a University at or a miKTCM «»r CA»rr , catalix near Tucson. It is an interesting historical fact that the people of Tucson did not set out to get a University. They wanted the capitol located at Tucson and failing in this. Mr. C. C. Stevens, a member of the Council from Pima county, introduced the aforementioned bill. The measure passed the council without trouble but met with violent opposition in the House. Fortunately for Tucson, however. Mr. S. M. Franklin, now one of our most prominent lawyers, and at that time recently graduated from the University of California, appreciated the opportunity, immediately championed the cause and after heroic efforts culminating in a magnificent speech before the crowded House suc--------------------?------------------ceeded in effect- ing the passage of the bill. On March 12. 1885. the Governor sent to the Council for confirmation the names of the first Boardof Regents. Of this number, however. Mr. J. $. Mansfeld of Tucson was the only one who took interest enough in the matter to qualify and it was only through the efforts of Mr. Mansfeld and Chas. M. Strauss that others were appointed who did qualify. On November 27th. 1886. J. S. Mansfeld. M. G. Sam-aniego. J. S. Wood and Chas. M. Strauss met in Tucson. organized as a Board and elected John C. Hanby Chancellor and ex-officio president. After various delays the Board succeeded in letting a contract for the

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rcction o then dcs.gnatcd 3 October S thi. 1 propriate acconnpanyi building progressed s-1 of funds. O n J ci 1 y 1 st. 1 889. M r. S. M . ¥= rank lin w a s a. p-pointed F»rofessor of Agriculture arid perintendont of Experiment 3ta.tio n s. thus ena.b)in c the ncw institution t0 ««. s t, Nation 0 f 1 S.OOO per „ » « 'at. ren M or- °°° r «P - 'ncreaL I W1th 000 1 which were from outside towns. Six professors and two instructors constituted the faculty. Professor Gulley was in charge of the institution as a whole and the work of instruction was conducted mainly along the lines of an agricultural collego. A one-year preparatory course was instituted with Professor Hall as principal. Aboutthe first of the year the two cottages designed for professors' residences were completed and occupied by Professors Gulley and Colling-wood while other members of the faculty roomed and boarded in University Hall. Later the the mill annex was