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called to the chair of the first meeting and a frank interchange of opinion took place with regard to the government of the Theological College which would be constituted by the separation of the Faculty of Theology from the University, its local habitation, name, and endowment: and with regard to the justice of the claim which the University had upon the government for financial assistance in doing its work, now that - with the consent of all parties concerned - it would be undenominational. All present were agreed that the claim for Provincial aid was explicit and that the objections urged against such Governmental action could not be sustained by a national consideration of the present condition of higher education in the Province. The meeting broke up at 10.30 PM., after the chairman of Trustees, the Chancellor and the Principal had thanked the Committee, and especially the Convener, for their sympathetic attitude and the assistance they had given to a settlement of the question.
On the following day, the Principal had an interview with the Premier, to ascertain his views regarding the question and the probable policy of the Government.
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In view of the opposition which would be evoked by a grant to a second University and the probability of sectarian, or ill-equipped institutions making such a grant the ground for appeals that it would be difficult politically to resist, the Premier asked if aid could not be given to Queen's through a measure broadening the basis of the School of Mining and attaching to that School scientific departments at present connected with Queen's.
The Principal assenting, with the understanding that he and all were to be as free as before in pressing the claims of Queen's to direct recognition as a second Provincial University Centre, and in educating the public towards recognition of such a measure as just and beneficial to the higher interests of the Province, the Premier promised that he would consult his colleagues on the whole matter, and that he hoped that some such measure as he has suggested could be passed at the approaching session of the Legislature. The Principal also pointed out that instead of a building costing about $35,000 which had been thought needed by the School of Mining nine months before, the new policy suggested would call for a building costing from $80,000 to $100,000 and that as the Government could borrow money more cheaply than
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the University, it would be better to ask the Legislature for the capital sum needed than to ask it to provide a rental.
After this interview, the Principal laid the alternative measure suggested by the Premier before the Chairman of Trustees, the Chancellor and Principal Caven, and all agreed that the Government had to decide as to the particular measure which public opinion would warrant at the time, and that the measure should be accepted, though without waiver of the claims of Queen's. The Principal thereupon decided to write an article for Queen's Quarterly, setting forth these claims formally and stating the grounds for them, and also answering the objections which has been urged against them by various parties, professing to represent the University of Toronto. It was resolved to issue reprints of this article, and send a copy to every member of the Legislature, and to the Press generally, and to persons supposed to be specially interested in University Education in the Province.
The article was accordingly written and appeared in the Quarterly issued on 1st January 1901, and the action resolved on with regard to it was taken (See article in Queen's Quarterly for January 1901: also article in the previous
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number October, 1900, dealing with the question as it was to be presented to the Conference which met on November 1st and 2nd.)
In addition was made to the Libary, during the summer by the erection of a gallery across the Eastern wall, with provision for 5000 books: and it was suggested in view of the increased accommodation in the proposed new buildings, to appropriate the adjouning classroom for the use of the Library and to turn the Students reading room into a 'consulting Room.'
On the evening of November 1st the formal opening of the Theological classes took place, accompanied by two events of special interest. The first was the installation of the Rev Samuel McComb, M.A. (Oxon) to the chair of Ecclesiastical History and History of Doctrine and the delivery by him of a brilliant inaugural lecture. The second was the present to the University of the portrait of Dr Watson by his honor graduates in Philosophy, as a token of affectionate appreciation of his services. The presentation was made by the Rev. John Hay on behalf of the donors and was followed by an address in which Dr. Watson reviewed the work he had done at Queen's and the objects of Philosophy. (See Q.C. J. Nov 9 pp. 38.)
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et seq.
The University during the summer saw one of its oldest and most valued members removed by death. Dr Mowat, the fiftieth anniversary of whose entering the ministry had been commemorated by the Presbytery of Kingston at the Spring Convocation passed away on the 15th of July. Dr Mowat was one of Queen's earliest students, and since 1857 had been a professor in the University and through all struggles and vicissitudes had been one of her staunchest friends. His great learning, his unwearied patience and energy and his unobtrusive and constant kindness had always been felt and appreciated by those who were brought into contact with him. On his death, Dr Jordan, who had for the last year been acting as coadjutor professor in Old Testament Criticism and Hebrew, succeeded to the Chair. Three other appointments must be mentioned. Hon L. H. Gill, BA of Sc. (McGill) ws appointed to the Chair of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering in the School of Mining. Mr C.R. McInnes, a graduate of Queen's who had taken a post-graduate course at Johns Hopkins, was appointed for the session to a lectureship in Applied Mathematics and Dr. Waddell to a lectureship of Industrial Chemistry.
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