because it was
desired in the south, but because, from the sparseness of the
population and the existence of plantations instead of farms, it
was difficult to establish a system of public schools. A change
in this respect cannot be brought about suddenly, but it is apparent
that every southern state appreciates the importance of education
of both white and black. It is the bounden duty of the national
government to extend the aid of its large resources. If the action
of the Senate is sanctioned by the House, and fairly and justly
executed by the people of the southern states, there need be no
danger from the ignorance of the next generation. I believe that
these conditions will be the solution of the troubles of the south
and make a great step on the road to prosperity and union in the
south.

"Now, but a few words in conclusion. It is not merely common school
education in the south that is needed, but it is higher education.
It is all the learning of the schools, all that science has taught,
all that religion teaches, all that medicine has found in its alchemy,
all the justice which the law points out and seeks to administer;
the south wants opportunity for that higher education which cannot
be obtained from common schools, but which exists in no country
except where common schools abound. It wants in its midst the
places where the active leading young men of the south can gather
in colleges and universities and there gain that higher education
which prepares them to be leaders among men.

"I congratulate you, my countrymen, here in Washington, that, under
the authority of the Methodist Episcopal church, a Christian
denomination, under the name of the illustrious hero General Grant,
there has been founded in the mountains of Tennessee, away up among
the clouds and in the pure air of Heaven, in the midst of a loyal
and patriotic population, an institution of learning which will be
a blessing to all the people of the south, and I trust to all the
people of the north. Every aid possible should be showered down
from the north and south alike. Let them light their fires at this
modern Athens upon the mountain top and they will shine forth all
over our land. Here the young men of the south will fit themselves
to lead in the march of progress and improvement. They will learn
to vary their production, to develop their resources, to advance
every race and generation in education, intelligence and patriotism,
and w