Page:The History of the University of Pennsylvania, Wood.djvu/49

Rh produced by it upon the minds of the members of assembly; for either on this account, or from the press of more important business, an adjournment of the legislature took place, without any decision on the subject But the fate of the institution was only postponed for a few months. At the opening of the next session, in the month of September, its affairs were again brought before the legislature in the message of Mr. Reed, president of the executive council. The obligation of the oath of allegiance to the king of Great Britain exacted by the charter; an indisposition on the part of the trustees to seek the aid of the new government for an establishment consistent with the principles of the revolution; and a general inattention, in the management of the school, to the interests of this government, were alleged in the message as reasonable grounds for legislative interference; and the lawfulness of such interference was maintained upon the principle, that, in the revolution of states, it becomes not only allowable, but necessary, so to modify pre-existing corporations, whether civil, literary, or religious, as to bring them into harmony with the new political arrangements.

Unfortunately for the college, Dr. Franklin, who was one of its most influential trustees, was now absent in Europe; and the activity of its enemies, which might have been restrained by his presence and authority, was allowed full scope to display itself. The assembly seems not to have required the instigation of the president to sharpen its animosity, or to invigorate its proceedings; for with a precipitation unusual in a matter so important and so little requiring haste, a law was enacted, abrogating in fact the former charters granted by the proprietors, and removing from their offices in the institution, the trustees, provost, vice-provost, professors, and all others attached to it by any tie of authority or dependence. It is true that a preparatory committee was appointed; and, when the charges were brought before the