University of Delaware - Blue Hen Yearbook (Newark, DE)

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important committees have for many years devoted a good deal of attention to the affairs of this insti- tution as well as to other subjects of general edu- cation. Mr. Hayes proceeds to tell of other activities in which he has been engaged for the education of the public: I was for sixteen years President of the Dover Library and by a personal visit to the Sec- retary of the United States Treasury, obtained per- mission for the Library to use the fine suite of rooms on the second floor of the Post Ofhce Build- ing at Dover. A few years ago the stockholders of this library transferred their stock gratuitously to the Dover Town Library, which now enjoys the free use of their books and other privileges. I de- clined an election to the Presidency, but was soon afterwards appointed by Governor Hunn a mem- ber of the State Library Commission and accepted the Presidency of the Board. I have taken an active interest in agriculture and was made corresponding secretary of the first State Agricultural Society in 1849, and continued to act in that capacity for more than thirty years, in the meantime making monthly reports on the condition of crops to the U. S. Department of Agri- culture and maintaining a large correspondence with other agricultural institutions and progress- ive farmers. My report of the State Board of Ag- riculture of 1888-89, the iirst published, was es- teemed of general interest and highly valued by the farmers. The volume contains about five hun- 10

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Of the early struggles of the College while it Was suffer ing from the lack of students and resources, he says: At this time the attendance was small and the Trustees found great difficulty, with the small in- come at their command, to pay the necessary ex- penses. The salaries of professors were meager and the utmost economy was used in maintaining the College buildings. The Legislature was ap- pealed to for aid but at first responded very re- luctantly. It seemed to be hard to convince the law makers that the College, as a State institution, ap- pealed strongly to their liberality and of right claimed justly their support, and that State pride should inspire them to deal generously by it in mak- ing appropriations. I took part in every movement of the kind, using my best efforts and all the influ- ence I could bring to bear in its behalf. As the number of students increased it was found abso- lutely necessary to have larger and better accom- modations. By a strenuous effort, including a visit to the College by the Legislature, the Want of a larger building was made so apparent that a bill was passed giving the College an appropriation for the erection of Recitation Hall 41890-925. Since then appropriations have been granted for enlarg- ing and remodeling the old Dormitory building and for workshops and a large gymnasium. In all pro- gressiveumatters in relation to improvements and to educational instruction I have taken an active part and as the chairman of the Committee on In- struction and Discipline and as a member of other 9

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dred pages. The State paid for the printing and binding of this work, but was at no expense in compiling or editing the report. Such is one side of this useful life. No attempt has been made to represent him in his manysidedness, as a suc- cessful man of affairs, as an active citizen, or as a warm friend ever ready with advice and helpfor his neighbors. It is enough to say that to know him is an inspiration to nobler thoughts and better deeds. Bold and fearless against wrong in any of its protean forms, yet, with a gentleness almost Womanly, he has led the Way through many a trying hour, and in victory with equal poise and centering, gave assurance that all the issues are Worthy of the struggle. Safe in leadership, Wise in counsel, and sane in purpose, he is truly and reverently the grand old man of the Board of the Trustees. gfsva, ii 'vm if p 11