These are the changes which Dr. Burrage,[1] characterizes as "trifling amendments !" They were in fact all-important and stripped the proposed institution completely of collegiate powers. Merrill and his colleagues were now convinced apparently, of the futility of pressing further at that juncture their request for a college charter, and signified their willingness to accept the amended bill. On the twenty-fifth of February the Senate concurred in the amendments, and on the twenty-seventh the bill was approved by the Governor.[2] The petitioners had secured a charter for a "Literary and Theological Institution" only, but that they had not given up the idea of establishing a college the sequel shows. For the present, however, they allowed that matter to rest. As Dr. Hall remarks:[3] "The name 'Literary and Theological Institution' was at that time a favorite designation attached to many schools of a higher order in which collegiate and theological classes were united," and there was nothing to prevent the giving of collegiate courses under the charter granted, although no degrees could be conferred. In fact, such collegiate courses were given by the institution, beginning in 1819.
