Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 7.pdf/152

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146
J. J. Walton.

county judge. In the conversation at this little meeting Mr. J. C. Arnold suggested the propriety of asking the legislature of the State to aid in some way in erecting a high school building. This suggestion of Mr. Arnold brought to the mind of Judge Thompson the fact that at the near approaching session of the legislature the State University of Oregon would be located, as that was the time limited by the State constitution. Judge Thompson immediately told the gentlemen present about the location of the State University, and then asked those present why not make an effort to secure the location of that institution in Eugene. This idea sent an electric thrill through that little meeting and by their prompt action in a short time through the entire community. Mr. Dorris responded to the question asked by Judge Thompson with his usual vigor and enthusiasm, said that we must go to work immediately, and that a public meeting must be called for the next evening. Mr. Dorris further urged the little meeting to take prompt action in the matter, for the reason that but a short time before at the State Teachers' Institute held in Eugene in the old Baptist church, Prof. T. F. Campbell (father of P. L. Campbell, now president of the State University) made special and minute inquiry as to the extent and condition of the university lands in this county. This inquiry made by Professor Campbell was answered by Hon. T. G. Hendricks, who was then school superintendent of Lane County, as fully and completely as possible with the facts at hand. Mr. Dorris again suggested that Professor Campbell had in his mind the location of the university possibly at Monmouth, Oregon.

A public meeting was, accordingly, called for the next evening at the court house. A few responded to the call, and among the number was Hon. T. G. Hendricks and myself. The meeting heard the object of the call stated by the little company who had met the night before at the