%%MV 3)[JI>XI^ LIBRARY OF THE University of California. RECEIVED BY EXCHANGE Class Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2007 with funding from IVIicrosoft Corporation http://www.archive.org/details/chartersactsoffiOOcolurich in tht Cit^ of ftjewr Wioxh CHARTERS ACTS AND OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS TOGETHER WITH THE LEASE AND RE-LEASE BY TRINITY CHURCH OF A PORTION OF THE KING'S FARM COMPILED BY JOHN B. PINE Clerk of the Trustees PRINTED FOR THE COLLEGE JUNE, 1895 ,0 MA> 13 J9J1 EXCHANGE Sable of (Jlontcnta- PAGE An act for raising the sum of £21^0, etc, towards the founding of a College (L. 1746, C. 840) 3 An act for raising the sum of ;^i8oo, etc., towards the founding of a College (L. 1748, C. 860) ,, 4 An act to revive Laws 1748, Chapter 860 (L. 1748, C. 870) 4 An act for vesting in Trustees the sum of ;^3443 i8sh., etc., for erecting a College (L, 1751, C. 909) 5 An act further to continue the duty of Excise, etc. (L, 1753, C. 12) 5 An act for raising the sum of ;^ii25, etc., towards founding a College (L. 1753, C. 17) 6 Petition for a Charter, May 20, 1754 7 Warrant to prepare a Charter, June 4, 1754 9 Charter of the Governors of the College of the Province of New York, Oct. 31, 1754 10 Petition for additional Charter, May 13, 1755 25 Additional Charter of the Governors of the College of the Province of New York, May 30, 1755 26 An act for appropriating moneys raised by divers lotteries, etc. (L. 1756, C. 116) 29 An act for granting certain privileges to the College heretofore called Kings College, etc. (Charter of 1784), and erecting an University within this State (L. 1784, C. 51) 29 An act to amend the Charter of 1784 (L. 1785, C. 15) 35 An act to institute an University within this State, etc. (Charter of 1787) (L. 1787, C. 82) 36 An act to encourage literature, etc. (L. 1792, C. 69) 40 An act for the payment of certain officers of the Government, etc. (L. 1796, C. 57) 41 An act respecting Union College, etc. (L. 1797, C. 65) 41 An act to amend the Laws of 1792, Chap. 69 (L. 1802, C. 105) 41 An act relative to Columbia College, etc. (Charter of 18 10) (L. 18 10, C. 85). 42 An act to render the Provoost eligible as a Trustee (L. 1812, C. 6) 46 Petition to the Legislature, March 7, 1814 47 An act instituting a lottery for the promotion of Literature, etc. (Grant of Hosack Botanical Garden) (L. 1814, C. 120) 49 An act relative to Columbia College, etc., amending L. 18 14, C. 120 (L. 1819, C. 19) 50 An act to amend the Charter of 181Q (L. 1852, C. 310) 52 An act to authorize the Trustees to take and hold certain real estate (L. 1857, C. 132) 52 217936 li CONTENTS. PAGE An act to authorize the Trustees to take and hold certain real estate (L. i860, C. 51) 53 An act relative to the Law School (L. i860, C. 202) 53 An act in relation to Columbia College, authorizing the Trustees to take and hold certain real estate (L. 1872, C. 96) 54 An act in relation to Columbia College, authorizing the Trustees to take and hold certain real estate (L. 1884, C. 65) 55 An act to provide for the establishment of a Botanic Garden (L. 1891, C. 285) 56 An act in relation to certain avenues and streets, etc. (L. 1892, C. 230). ... 60 An act to permit the union of the College of Physicians and Surgeons with Columbia College (L. 1891, C. loi) 62 An act to ratify the union of the College of Physicians and Surgeons with Columbia College (L. 1894, C. 97) 63 Lease by Trinity Church of a portion of the Kings Farm, May 12, 1755. . . 64 Release by Trinity Church of a portion of the Kings Farm, May 13, 1755. . . 66 Prospectus of the College, May 31, 1754 69 Letters Patent of the Township of Kingsland, March 14, 1770 72 Lease of Land in the Township of Norbury, April 6, 1774 82 Release of Land in the Township of Norbury, April 7, 1774 84 Charter of the Association of the Alumni of Columbia College (L. 1874, C. 520) 88 Certificate of incorporation of the Alumni of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, May 5, 1873 91 Certificate of incorporation of the Alumni of the School of Mines, May 20, 1886 93 (E[)arter0, C^cts ani Official JDocumcnts. ACTS RELATING TO THE COLLEGE. An Act for Raising the Sum of Two Thousand Two Hun- dred AND Fifty Pounds by a Publick Lottery for this Colony for the Advancement of Learning and towards the Founding of a College within the same. Passed December 6, 1746. Laws of 1746, Chap. 840. Bmteg tljat " Inasmuch as it will greatly tend to the welfare and reputation of the colony that a proper and ample founda- tion be laid for the regular education of youth, and as so good and laudable a design must readily excite the inhabitants of this colony to become adventurers in a lottery of which the profits shall be employed for the founding of a colledge for that pur- pose;" and provides for erecting a lottery, appointing Peter Vallete and Peter Van Brugh Livingston as managers. The Act specifies in detail the manner in which the lottery shall be man- aged and impowers the Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen and Com- monalty of the City of New York to inspect the same, and after authorizing the managers to retain fifteen per cent, for their fees and expenses, directs that the balance of the moneys arising from the lottery be paid "into the hands of the Treasurer, to be and remain in the Treasury, to and for the purpose of found- ing a colledge, for the education of youth, and to and for no other purpose whatsoever, in such manner as shall be here- after directed by act or acts of the Governor, Council and General Assembly." The act further provides ** that the pur- pose of founding the said colledge may not be obstructed by 4 LOTTERY LAWS. any other application of the moneys to arise from the profits of the said lottery, be it enacted by the authority aforesaid, that each and every representative in General Assembly for the time being, who shall hereafter in General Assembly, move or consent to the applying or appropriating the said moneys to any other purpose whatever, than the founding the colledge afore- said, shall be and hereby is declared and made forever incapable of sitting and voting in this or any future General Assembly, and new writs shall issue accordingly." An Act for Raising the Sum of One thousand Eight Hun- dred Pounds by a Publick Lottery for a further Provision TOWARDS founding A COLLEGE FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF LEARN- ING within this Colony. Passed April 8, 1748. Laws of 1748, Chap. 860. Cir0ntain0 recitals and provisions similar to the foregoing act passed December 6, 1746, and directs that the balance of the moneys arising from the lottery, after deducting fifteen per cent, for expenses, be paid to the Treasurer **to and for the purpose of founding a college for the education of youths and to and for no other purpose whatever." An Act to Revive an Act entituled An Act for raising the Sum of Eighteen hundred Pounds by a Publick Lottery for A further Provision towards founding a College for the Advancement of Learning within this Colony, with an Addition thereto. Passed October 28, 1748. Laws of 1748, Chap. 870. SElje time for raising the sum specified in the foregoing act, passed April 9, 1748, having expired in September, for want of a sufficient number of contributions, the said act was revived, and the time for the drawing of the lottery as therein provided was extended to November 14. LOTTERY LAWS. 5 An Act for Vesting in Trustees the sum of Three Thou- sand Four Hundred and Forty-three Pounds, Eighteen Shillings, raised by way of a Lottery for Erecting a Col- lege within this Colony. Passed November 25, 1751. Laws of 1751, Chap. 909. HeciUs tljat " Whereas the sum of three thousand four hun- dred and forty-three pounds, eighteen shillings, has been raised within this colony, by way of lottery, for erecting a College for the education of youths within the same ; which sum being not conceived sufficient, without further addition, to answer the said end of erecting, compleating & establishing a college for the advancement of useful learning, it is conceived necessary that Trustees be appointed, as well for the setting at interest the said sum of three thousand four hundred and forty-three pounds, eighteen shillings, already raised for the said pur- pose, as for receiving the contributions and donations of such persons as may be charitably disposed to be benefactors and encouragers of so laudable an undertaking," and appoints as Trustees **the eldest Councellor residing in this Colony, the Speaker of the General Assembly, and the Judges of the Supreme Court, the Mayor of the City of New York, the Treasurer of this Colony for the time being, together with James Livingston, Esq., Mr. Benjamin NicoU and Mr. William Livingston," with power to manage the said sum and additional contributions, and to receive proposals from any of the cities or counties within this colony, desirous of having the said college erected therein. An Act further to continue the Duty of Excise, and the Currency of the Bills of Credit emitted thereon, for the purposes in the former Act, and herein mentioned. Passed July 4, 1753. Laws of 1753, Chap. 12. Wc^t ^ct provides for various duties and authorizes the payment by the Treasurer of the Colony to the Trustees mentioned and 6 LOTTERY LAWS. appointed in and by the foregoing Act passed November 25, 1 75 1, the annual sum of five hundred pounds, for the term of seven years, for the payment of salaries and for such other ''uses and purposes concerning the establishment of the said Seminary " as the Trustees think needful. An Act for Raising the Sum of One Thousand one Hun- dred AND Twenty-five Pounds, by a Publick Lottery for THIS Colony for a further provision towards founding a College within the same. Passed December 12, 1753. Laws of 1753, Chap. 17. (fTontains tecitala and provisions similar to those contained in the Acts passed December 6, 1746, and April 9, 1748, and appoints as managers, Abraham Van Wyck and Abraham Leynsen, Es- quires. The Act also provides that the proceeds of the lottery, after the payment of expenses, shall be paid to the Trustees appointed in and by the Act passed November 25, 1751, ** and by them put out at Interest according to the directions of the said Act untill the same shall be employed by some Future Act for and towards founding a College for the advancement of learning within this Colony." PETITION FOR A CHARTER. To THE Honourable James DeLancey Esqr. Lieutenant Governor and Commander in Chief of the Province OF New York, and Territories-thereon depending in America. In Council JJetition of the Trustees mentioned and appointed in by An Act, passed in the twenty fifth year of his present Majesty's Reign, Entituled An Act for vesting in Trustees the Sum of Three Thousand four hundred and forty-three pounds eighteen shillings, raised by way of Lottery for erecting a Col- ledge within this Colony. Humbly Sheweth. That divers Sums of money having been raised by several Acts of the Governor, Council, and General Assembly of this of New York, for the establishing a Colledge in the said province Your petitioners by Acts afterwards made, were appointed Trus- tees for putting the said Moneys at Interest, and to receive pro- posals, accept Donations, and procure Masters and Tutors, in order to make a Beginning of the said Seminary according to the trust reposed in them. ^Otir petitioners further shew unto your Honour, That in pur- suance of the said Trust, they have endeavoured to get a proper Master and Tutor for the said intended Seminary, But find that as your Petitioners, are enabled to give Salarys for seven years only, that they are under great difficulty to procure a fit and proper person to undertake the office of master or head of the said Seminary: Your petitioners further shew unto your Hon- our, that the Rector and Inhabitants of the City of New York in Communion of the Church of England as by Law established, being willing to encourage the said Good design of establishing a Seminary or College for the education of Youth, in the Liberal Arts or Sciences, have offered unto your Petitioners, a very val- uable parcel of Ground on the west side of the Broadway, in the west ward of the City of New York, for the use of the said intended Seminary or College, and are ready and desirous to convey the said Lands for the said use, on Condition that the 7 8 PETITION FOR A CHARTER. head or Master of the said Seminary or Colledge, be a Member of and in Communion with the Church of England as by Law Established, and that the Liturgy of the said Church or a Col- lection of prayers out of the said Liturgy, be the constant morn- ing and evening service, used in the said College forever, which said parcel of Land so offered by the said Rector and Inhabit- ants, your Petitioners considering as the most proper place for erecting of the said Seminary or College upon, and that their obtaining his Majesty's Charter to them or such others as your Honour shall think proper for the said Trust, will the better enable your petitioners in conjunction with those your Honour shall incorporate by his Majesty's Charter, to provide a proper Master, or head of the said Seminary, and Tutors for the Edu- cation of Youth, and thereby greatly tend to promote and fur- ther the intent and design of establishing a Seminary or College for the Education of Youth among us. ^onr JPetitioners therefore humbly pray, that in order to pro- mote so good a design, and the more effectual obtaining a grant of the said parcel of Land for the use and benefit of the said Seminary or College, that your Honour would be pleased to grant to your Petitioners, or to such other persons as your Hon- our shall think proper, his Majesty's Charter of Incorporation, with such privileges as to your Honour shall seem meet, the better to enable them to prosecute the said design of Establish- ing a Seminary or College for the Instruction of Youth. And your Petitioners shall ever pray. New York, May 20th, 1754. Wm. Livingston by order of the Trustees. WARRANT TO PREPARE A CHARTER. By the Hon. James DeLancey Esq., his Majesties Lieut. Gov. & Com. in Chief in & over the province of New York and the territories depending thereon in America To William Kempe Esq his Majesties Attorney General for the province of New York toljereas tl)e ^Trustees mentioned & appointed in and by an act passed in the twenty-fifth of his Majesties Reign for vesting in the said Trustees Sum ;^3443 :i8 raised by way of a lottery for erecting a College within this Colony hath by their humble Petition presented unto me and had in Council on the 28th day of May last humby prayed I would grant to them the petitioners or to such persons as should be thought proper his Majesties Charter of Incorporation with such privileges as should be thought meet Which Petition was then referred to a Committee of the Gentlemen of the Council or any five of them. The Chairman whereof afterwards reported that the Committee was humbly of the Opinion that I should grant to proper persons his Majesties Letters Patent for incorporating the said College according to the purport and prayer of the petition and direct the attorney General to prepare a draft of the said Letters Patent or Charter Which report was agreed to and approved of as by the said petition and the proceedings in council thereupon copies of which are hereunto annexed may more fully and at large appear. I have theretofore thought it Good with the advice of his Majes- ties Council to direct & you are hereby directed & required to prepare a draft of the said Letters Patent or Charter according to the purport and prayer of the said petition and to lay the same before me in Council And for so doing this shall be your sufft warrant. (^ben tmirer mjj ^anb and Seal of Arms at Fort George in the City of New York this fourth day of June one thousand seven hundred & fifty-four. THE CHARTER OF ^1)0 (BovctttotB of tl)e College of tl)e JJrotJince of Nero gork in t\)c Cits of Neto @ork in ^^m^nca. (George tl)e Seconlr, by the grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, &c. To all whom these presents shall come, Greeting: toljereas, by several acts of the Governour, Council, and Gen- eral assembly of our Province of New York, divers sums of money have been Raised by Publick Lotteries, and appropriated for the founding, erecting, and establishing a College in our said Government, for the Education and Instruction of Youth in the Liberal Arts and Sciences : %X^ tol)erea0, the Rector and inhabitants of the City of New- York in Communion of the Church of England as by Law Established, for the encouraging and promoting the same good design, have sett apart a parcel of ground for that purpose, of upwards of Three Thousand Pounds value, belonging to the said Corporation, on the west side of the broadway, in the west ward of our City of New York, fronting easterly to Church street, between Barclay street and Murray street, four hundred and forty foot; And from thence runing westerly, between and along the said Barclay street and Murray street, to the North River; And also^ a street, from the middle of the said Land, Easterly to the Broadway, of ninety Foot, to be called Robin- son street. And have declared that they are ready and desirous to Convey the said Land in Fee, to and for the use of a College, intended and proposed to be Erected and Established in our said Province, upon the terms in their said declaration men- tioned : ^nb tDi)erea0 our Loving Subjects, the Trustees, appointed in and by an act of the Governor, Council, and General Assembly of our said Province of New York, Intitled an Act for Vesting in Trustees the sum of three Thousand four Hundred and forty three Pounds eighteen shillings, by way of Lottery, for erecting a College within this Colony, esteeming the said Lands offered and sett apart by the said Rector and Inhabitants of the City of 10 ORIGINAL CHARTER. 11 New York, in Communion of the Church of England, as by Law Established, the most convenient place for the Building, Erect- ing, and Establishing, a College, in our said Province, have, by their humble petition, presented to our trusty and well Beloved James De Lancey^ Esq., our Lieutenant Governor and Com- mander in Chief of our said Province of New York, In Council, prayed our Letters patent of Incorporation for the Better Estab- lishing, Erecting, and Building a College, on the said Lands, and the more Effectually Governing, Carrying on, and Promot- ing the same, and Instructing of Youth in the Liberal Arts and Sciences: toljerefore tOee, being willing to Grant the Reasonable re- quest and desire of our said Loving Subjects, and to Encourage the said good design of promoting a Liberal Education among them, and to make the same as Beneficial as may be, not only to the Inhabitants of our said Province of New York, But to all our Colonies and Territories in America. HnotD ^e, that Wee, considering the premisses, do of our especial Grace, Certain Knowledge, and meer motion, by these presents, will, Grant, Constitute, and ordain, that when and as soon as the said Rector and Inhabitants of the City of New York in Communion of the Church of England as by Law established, shall legally convey and assure the said herein before mentioned Lands to the Corporation, or body politick, Erected and made by these our Letters patent, That there be erected and made on the said Lands, a College, and other Buildings and Improvements, for the use and conveniency of the same, which shall be called and Known by the name of Kings College, for the Instruction and Education of Youth in the Learned Languages, and Liberal Arts and Sciences; And that in Consideration of such Grant, to be made by the Rector and Inhabitants of the City of New York, in Communion of the Church of England, as by Law Established, the President of the said College, for the time being, shall for ever hereafter be a member of, and in Communion with the Church of England, as by Law established; And that the Governors of the said College, and their successors, for ever, shall be one body Cor- porate and politick, in deed, fact, and name, and shall be called, named, and distinguished, by the name of the Governors of the 13 ORIGINAL CHARTER. College of the Province of New York, in the City of New York, in America, and them and their successors, by the name of the Governors of the College of the Province of New York, in the City of New York, in America, one Body Corporate and politick, in deed, fact, and name, really and fully, we do for us, our heirs and Successors, Erect, Ordain, make, Constitute, de- clare, and Create by these presents, and that by that name, they shall and may have perpetual succession: ^x(^ tXJC bo for us, our heirs, and successors, for the Continu- ance and Better Establishment of the said College, Will, Give, Grant, Ordain, Constitute, and appoint, that in the said Col- lege, to be Erected and Built upon the Lands aforesaid, there shall from henceforth forever be a Body Corporate and poli- tick. Consisting of the Governors of the College of the Prov- ince of New York, in the City of New York, in America; And for the more full and perfect Erection of the said Corporation and Body politick, consisting of the Governors of the College of the Province of New York, in the City of New York in America, we do will, Grant, ordain, Constitute, assign, Limitt, and appoint, by these presents, the most Reverend Father in God, our Trusty, and well beloved Thomas, Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, and the most Reverend the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury for the time being; The Right Honorable Dunk, Earl of Halifax, first Lord Commissioner for Trade and Planta- tions, and the first Lord Commissioner for Trade and planta- tions for the time being; Our now Lieutenant Governor and Commander in chief of our said Province of New York, and the Governor or Commander in chief of our said Province for the time being; the eldest Councilor of our said Province now and for the time being; the Judges of our Supreme Court of Judicature of our said Province now and for the time being; the Secretary of our said Province now and for the time being; the Attorney General of our said Province now and for the time being; the Speaker of the General Assembly of our said Province now and for the time being; the Treasurer of our said Province now and for the time being; the Mayor of our City of New York in our said Province now and for the time being; the Rector of Trinity Church in our said City of New York now and for the time being; the Senior Minister of the Re- ORIGINAL CHARTER. 13 formed Protestant Dutch Church in our said City now and for the time being; the Minister of the ancient Lutheran Church in our said City now and for the time being; the Minister of the French Church in our said City now and for the time being; the Minister of the Presbeterian Congregation in our said City for the time being; the President of the said College, appointed by these Presents, and the President of the said College for the time being, to be chosen as herein after is directed, and twenty four other Persons, Who shall be called and named, and are hereby called and named, the Governors of the College of the Province of New York, in the City of New York, in America; ^nb fur tiiat purpose, We have elected, nominated, ordained, constituted, limited, and appointed, and by these Presents do, for us, our Heirs, and Successors, elect, nominate, ordain, con- stitute, limit, and appoint, the said most Reverend Father in God, Thomas, Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury for the time being; The Right Hon- ourable Dunk, Earl of Halifax, first Lord Commissioner for Trade and Plantations, and the first Lord Commissioner for Trade and Plantations for the time being; our now Lieutenant Governor and Commander in Chief of our Province of New York, and the Governor or Commander in chief of our said Province for the time being; the eldest Councilor of our said Province now and for the time being; the Judges of our Supreme Court of Judicature of our said Province now and for the time being; the Secretary of our said Province now and for the time being; the Attorney General of our said Province now and for the time being; the Speaker of the General Assembly of our said Province now and for the time being; the Treasurer of our said Province now and for the time being; the Mayor of our said City of New York now and for the time being; the Rector of Trinity Church in our said City now and for the time being; the Senior Minister of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church in our said City now and for the time being; the Minister of the ancient Lutheran Church in our said City now and for the time being ; the minister of the French Church in our said City now and for the time being; the minister of the Presbeterian Congregation in our said City for the time being; the President of the said College, appointed by these Presents, and the Pres- 14 ORIGINAL CHARTER. ident of the said College for the time being; and Archibald Kennedy, Joseph Murray, Josiah Martin, Paul Richard, Henry Cruger, William Walton, John Watts, Henry Beekman, Philip Ver Planck, Frederick Philipse, Joseph Robinson, John Cruger, Oliver De Lancey, James Livingston, Esquires, Benjamin Nicoll, William Livingston, Joseph Read, Nathaniel Marston, Joseph Haynes, John Livingston, Abraham Lodge, David Clarkson, Leonard Lispenard, and James De Lancey the Younger, Gentlemen, to be the present Governors of the said College; and we do by these Presents ordain and appoint our well beloved Samuel Johnson, Doctor of Divinity, to be the first and present President of the said College, for and during his Good Behaviour; and do will that he and the President for the time being after him, who shall also hold his office during Good behaviour, shall have the Immediate care of the Educa- tion and Government of the students that shall be sent to and admitted into the said College for Instruction and Education, according to such Rules and orders as shall be made by the Governors of the said College ; And they are by these presents made and constituted a Body Corporate and politick, by the said name of the Governors of the College of the province of New York, in the City of New York, in America ; and they and their successors, by the said name of the Governors of the Col- lege of the province of New York, in the City of New York, in America, be, and for ever hereafter shall be, a Body politick and Corporate, in deed, fact, and name, and shall be Capable and able in Law to sue and be sued. Implead and be Impleaded, answer and be Answered unto. Defend and be Defended, In all Courts and places, before Us, our Heirs and Successors, and be- fore all and any the Judges, Justices, Officers, and Ministers of Us, our Heirs and Successors, in any Court or Courts, place and places Whatsoever, in all and all manner of actions, suits. Complaints, Pleas, causes, matters, and demands whatsoever, and of what kind or nature soever, in as full, ample manner and form as any of our other Liege Subjects of our said Province of New York can or may sue and be sued. Implead and be Im- pleaded, defend and be Defended, by any Lawfull ways and means whatsoever. ^nl>, ttleo, that they and their successors, by the said name of ORIGINAL CHARTER. 16 the Governors of the College of the Province of New York, in the City of New York, in America, be, and for ever hereafter, shall be a Body Corporate, Capable and able in Law to purchase, take, hold, receive, Enjoy, and have any messuages, houses. Lands, Tenements, and Hereditaments, and real Estate what- soever, in Fee simple, or for Term of Life, or Lives, or Years, or in any other manner howsoever, for the use of the said Col- lege; Provided ahvays^ the clear yearly value thereof do not exceed the sum of Two Thousand pounds Stirling; and also Goods, Chattells, Books, moneys, annuities, and all other things of what nature and kind soever. And^ also, that they and their Successors, by the same name of the Governours of the Col- lege of the Province of New York, in the City of New York, in America, to and for the use of the said College, shall and may have full power and authority to Erect and build any house or houses, or other Buildings, as they shall think necessary or con- venient; and also to Give, Grant, Bargain, sell, demise, assign, or otherwise dispose of all or any messuages, Lands, Tenements, Rents, and other Hereditaments, and real Estate, and all Goods, Chattells, money, and other things whatsover, as to them shall seem fitt, either in the payment of the Salary or Salaries of the President, Fellows, and Professors of the said College, or any other officers or ministers of the same, at their will and pleasure; excepting always, and it is, Nevertheless, our True Intent and meaning that the said Governors of the said College for the time being, and their Successors, or any of them, shall not do or suffer to be done, at any time hereafter, any act or thing whereby or by means whereof the Lands set apart and offered to be Conveyed by the Rector and Inhabitants of the City of New York, In Communion of the Church of England as by Law Established, for the use of the College, or any part thereof, shall be Vested, Conveyed, or Transferred, to any other person, contrary to the true meaning hereof, other than by such Leases as are hereafter mentioned : our will and pleasure is, therefore, and we do for us our heirs and Successors will and ordain, that no Grant or Lease of the said Land, or any part thereof, shall be made by the said Governors of the said College which shall exceed the number of Twenty one Years, and That either in possession or not above three years before the End and 16 ORIGINAL CHARTER. Expiration or Determination of the Estate or Estates in posses- sion. ^nir roe bo by these presents will, ordain and direct, that the said Governors of the said College (Except always the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury for the time being, and our first Lord Commissioner for Trade and Plantations) do, at their first meet- ing, after the receipt of these our Letters patents, and before they proceed to any business of and concerning the said College, take the oaths appointed to be taken by an act passed in the first year of our Late Royal Father's Reign, Entituled, [an Act for the further security of his Majesty's Person and Government, and the Succession of the Crown, in the Heirs of the late Prin- cess Sophia, being protestants, and for extinguishing the Hopes of the pretended Prince of wales, and his open and Secret abet- tors,] and make and subscribe the declaration mentioned in An Act of Parliament made in the twenty fifth year of the Reign of King Charles the second, Entituled, [an act for preventing Dan- gers which may happen from popish Recusants;] as also^ an oath, faithfully to execute the trust Reposed in them, as mem- bers of the said Corporation, which Oaths we authorize and Impower the Justices of our Supreme Court of Judicature, for our said Province of New York for the time being, any or either of them to administer; and that when, and as often as any per- son or persons, either by his office or place in our said Govern- ment, or Elsewhere, (Except always the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury for the time being, and our first Lord Commis- sioner for Trade and Plantations for the time being,) or by Choice of the said Governors of the said College, shall become, or be Chosen a Member or members of the said Corporation, they shall, before they are admitted, or enter into the said office or Trust, take the said Oaths, and subscribe the said Declaration to be administered to them in the manner above directed. ^nb toe bo further will, ordain, and direct, that the Governors of the said College shall yearly, and every year hereafter, for- ever, on the Second Tuesday in the Month of May, in every year, meet together in our said City of New York, for the Bet- ter taking care of, and Promoting the Interest of the said Col- lege; and that the said Governors of the said College, or any fifteen or more of them being met, shall be a Legal meeting of ORIGINAL CHARTER. IT the said Corporation, and they, or the major part of them so met, shall have full power and authority to adjourn from day to day, as the Business of the said College may require, and to do, execute, and perform, all and every act and acts, thing and things whatsoever, which the said Governors of the said College are, or shall by these, our Letters patent, be authorized and Impowered to do, act, or Transact, in as full and ample manner, as if all and every of the members of the said Corporation were present. ^nb tDC bo will, ordain, and direct, that as our Right Trusty and well beloved Thomas, Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury for the time being; and our said first Lord Commissioner for Trade and Plantations, and the First Lord Commissioner for Trade and plantations for the time being, cannot attend the meetings of the said Corporation, they and each of them shall, from time to time, have full power and authority to appoint a Proxy, in writing, under their hand and seal, which person or persons so appointed by them, and each of them shall and may Represent them, and each of them. Respectively, according to such appointment, and shall have full power to vote and act as a Governor or Governors of the said Corporation, at any and every meeting of the said Corpo- ration, as fully and amply as if they, the Constituents, and each of them were present at every such meeting or meetings ; And^ in Case any other meeting or meetings of the said Governors of the said College shall, at any other time or times, be Judged and deemed Necessary for the Carrying on and promoting of the Business and Interest of the said College, or the Government thereof, by any five members of the said Corporation, we do, by these presents, authorize and Impower such five members, by writing, under their hands, to direct the Clerk of the said Cor- poration to Give notice of the day appointed by them, for such meeting, at the said City of New York, by advertising the same in one or more of the public news papers, at Least, seven Days before such meeting; and, that at such meeting, the said Clerk, before entering on any Business, shall Certify such Notification, under his hand, to the Board then met ; Provided.^ always^ Fifteen or more of the said members shall be then met together, which said fifteen or more members, so met. In pursuance oi such Noti- 18 ORIGINAL CHARTER. fication, shall be a Legal meeting of the said Governors of the said College ; and they, or the major part of them so mett, shall have full power and authority to adjourn from day to day, as the Business of the said College may require, and to do, Trans- act, and perform, all matters and things whatsoever, that the said Governors of the said College are, or shall be authorized and Impowered to do, by these presents. ^nt, of onr fttrtl)er Grace, Certain Knowledge, and meer motion, to the Intent that the said Corporation and Body poli- tick, may answer the end of their erection and Constitution, and may have perpetual succession and Continue forever. Wee do for us, our heirs and Successors, Give and Grant unto the said Governors of the said College of the Province of New York, in the City of New York in America, and to their Successors for ever, that when and as often as they or any fifteen or more of the said members of the said Corporation or of their Successors shall be mett together at their said Yearly meeting herein before appointed, or at any other meeting upon Notification, as afore- said, for the Service of the said College, that the Governor or Commander in chief of our said Province of New York, and, in his absence, the First person in Rank in our said Government, who holds his place as a Governor of the said Corporation by his office, place, or Dignity, and, in the absence of such, the Eldest Governor or member of the said Corporation then present, such Seniority to be taken according as they are named in this our Charter, during the lives of the present Governors, and after their death, the Seniority to be taken and accounted as they have been a Longer or shorter time Governors of the said Corporation, shall preside at such meeting from time to time, and that at such meeting or meetings from time to time, they or the major part of them so met, shall have full power and authority to Elect, nominate, and appoint any person to be pres- ident of the said College in a Vacancy of the said Presidentship for and during his Good Behaviour; provided, always, such President Elect or to be elected by them, be a member of, and in Communion with the Church of England, as by Law Estab- lished ; and, also, to Elect one or more Fellow or Fellows, Pro- fessor or Professors, Tutor or Tutors, to assist the President of the said College in the Education and Government of the Stu- ORTGTNAL CHARTER. 19 dents belonging to the said College, which Fellow or Fellows, Professor or Professors, Tutor or Tutors, and every of them, shall hold and Enjoy their said office or place, either at the will and pleasure of the Governors of the said Corporation, or during his or their Good Behaviour, according as shall be agreed upon Between such Fellow or Fellows, Professor or Professors, Tutor or Tutors, and the said Governors of the said College, Provided., always., such Fellow or Fellows, Professor or Profes- sors, Tutor or Tutors, before they or either of them enter into or take upon themselves such office, do take the Oaths and sub- scribe the declaration hereinbefore directed, to be Taken and subscribed by the Governors of the said College before they enter upon their said Respective offices ; and that when and as often as any or either of the said offices shall become Vacant by death or otherwise, the said Governors or the major part of any Fifteen or more of them so met as aforesaid, shall have full power to Elect, Nominate, and appoint, other or others in their places, upon the same proviso or Condition as aforesaid ; and, Also., to Elect, Nominate, and appoint, upon the Death, Remo- val, Refusal to Qualify, or other vacancy of the place or places, of any Governor or Governors of the said Corporation not hold- ing his office or place as a member of the same, by virtue of any other station, office, place, or dignity, from time to time, other or others in their places or stead as often as such vacancy shall happen, which Governor or Governors so from time to time elected and appointed, shall, by virtue of these presents, and of such Election and appointment be vested with all the powers, authoritys, and priviledges, which any Governor of the said Cor- poration is hereby Invested with. ^n&, toe bo ftirtl)ert of our especial Grace, certain Knowledge, and meer motion, for us, our heirs, and Successors, Grant and ordain that when and as often as the president of the said College, or any Fellow, Professor or Tutor holding his place during Good behaviour shall misdemean himself in his or their said offices, and thereupon a Complaint or Charge in writing of such misdemeanour shall be exhibited against him or them by any member of the said Corporation, at any meeting or meetings of the said Corporation met and convened as aforesaid, That it shall be Lawful for the said members of the said Corporation 20 ORIGINAL CHARTER. then met, or the major part of them from time to time, upon Examination and due proof, to suspend or discharge such President, Fellow, Professor, or Tutor, from his said office, and other or others in his or their place or places to appoint; and we do further for us, our heirs, and Successors, will and Grant that the said Governors of the said College, or the major part of any fifteen or more of them Convened and mett as aforesaid, shall and may, from time to time, as occasion may require. Elect, Constitute, and appoint, a Treasurer, Clerk, and Steward, for the said College, and to appoint them and each of them their respective Business and Trusts, and to displace and dis- charge from the Service of the said College such Treasurer, Clerk, or steward, and to elect other or others in their places and stead ; and such Treasurer, Clerk, and steward, so Elected and appointed, we do for us, our heirs, and Successors, by these presents Constitute and Establish in their several offices, and do Give them full power and authority to Exercise the same in the said College, according to the direction and during the pleasure of the said Governors of the said College, or the major part of any fifteen or more of them Convened as aforesaid, as fully and freely as any other the like officers in any of our universities or any of our Colleges in that part of our Kingdom of Great Britain called England, Lawfully may and ought to do : and we do further, of our Especial Grace, Certain Knowledge, and meer motion, Give and Grant unto the said Governors of the said College, that they and their Successors, or the major part of any fifteen or more of them Convened and mett Together in manner aforesaid, shall and may direct and appoint what Books shall be publickly read and taught in the said College, by the Presi- dent, Fellows, Professors, and Tutors; and shall and may, under their Common seal, make and set down, and they are hereby fully Impowered, from time to time, to make and set down in writing, such Laws, ordinances, and orders, for the Better Government of the said College, and Students, and Ministers thereof, as they shall think best for the General Good of the same, so that they are not Repugnant to the Laws and statutes of that part of our Kingdom of Great Britain called England, or of our said Province of New York, and do not extend to exclude any person of any Religious Denomination whatever ORIGINAL CHARTER. 21 from Equal Liberty and advantage of Education, or from any of the Degrees, Liberties, Priviledges, Benefits, or Immunities of the said College, on account of his particular Tenets in matters of Religion; And such laws, Ordinances, and orders, which shall be so made as aforesaid, we do by these Presents, for us, our heirs, and Successors, Ratify, Confirm, and allow, as Good and Effectual to bind and oblige all and every the Students and Officers and Ministers of the said College; and we do hereby authorize and Impower the said Governors of the said College, or the major part of any fifteen or more of them, at any of their meetings Convened as aforesaid, and the President, Fellows, and Professors for the time being, to put such Laws, ordinances, and orders, in execution, that is to say, such as Inflict upon any Student the Greater Punishments of Expulsion, Suspension, Degradation, and public Confession, by the Governors of the said College, or the major part of any fifteen or more of them, convened and met Together as aforesaid only; and such as Inflict the Lesser Punishments, by the President, Fellows, and Professors, or any of them, according to the true Intent of such Laws, ordinances, and orders, as shall be made In Pursuance of these presents for that purpose. ^nb txje bo furtljer will, ordain, and direct, that there shall be forever hereafter Publick morning and evening service Con- stantly performed in the said College, morning and evening for ever, by the President, Fellows, Professors, or Tutors, of the said College, or one of them, according to the Liturgy of the Church of England as by Law Established, or such a Col- lection of prayers out of the said Liturgy, with a Collect peculiar for the said College, as shall be approved of from time to time by the Governors of the said College, or the major part of any fifteen or more of them Convened as aforesaid : and we do fur- ther will and Grant, that the said Governors of the said College for the time being, or the major part of any fifteen or more of them Convened as aforesaid, shall have full power and Lawful authority to visit, order, punish, place, and displace. The Treasurer, Clerk, Steward, students, and other officers and min- isters of the said College, and to order, Reform, and Redress, all and any the disorders, misdemeanors and abuses in the persons aforesaid, or any of them, and to Censure, suspend or 23 ORIGINAL CHARTER. deprive them, or any or either of them, So always^ that no visi- tation, act, or thing, in or Concerning the said College, be made or done by any other person or persons whatsoever but as is herein before Directed and Declared. ^n& toe iro ftirtl)er, of our Especial Grace, Certain Knowledge, and meer motion, will, Give, and Grant, unto the said Gov- ernors of the said College, that for the Encouragement of the Students of the said College to Diligence and Industry in their Studies, that they and their Successors, and the major part of any fifteen or more of them Convened and mett together as aforesaid, do, by the President of the said College, or any other person or persons by them authorized and appointed, Give and Grant any such degree and degrees to any the students of the said College, or any other person or persons by them thought worthy thereof, as are usually Granted by any or either of our universities or Colleges in that part of our Kingdom of Great Britain called England, and that the President, or such other persons to be appointed for that purpose as aforesaid, do sign and seal Diplomas or Certificates of such Degree or Degrees, to be kept by the Graduates as a Testimonial thereof. ^n& fttrtl)er, of our Especial Grace, Certain Knowledge, and meer motion, we do for us, our heirs, and Successors, will. Give, and Grant, unto the said Governors of the said College, and to their Successors, that they shall and may have one Com- mon Seal, under which they shall and may pass all Grants, Diplomas, and all other writings whatsoever, requisite, neces- sary, or Convenient to pass under the seal of the said Corpora- tion ; which seal shall be Engraven in such form and with such Devices and Inscriptions as shall be agreed upon by the said Governors of the said College, or the major part of any fifteen or more of them that shall be Convened for the service of the said College, in the manner above directed ; and by these our Letters patent it shall and may be Lawful for them and their Successors, at any of their meetings Convened as aforesaid, as they shall see cause, to Break, Change, alter, and new make the same, or any other common Seal, when and as often as to them shall seem convenient. ^nb txje, fttrtl)er, for us, our heirs, and Successors, Give and Grant unto the said Governors of the said College, and their ORIGINAL CHARTER. 33 Successors, or the major part of any fifteen or more of them Convened as aforesaid, full power and authority, from time to time, and at all times hereafter, to nominate and appoint all other Inferior officers or Ministers which they shall think conve- nient and necessary for the use of the College, not herein par- ticularly named or mentioned, which Officers and Ministers we do hereby Impower to execute their Respective offices or Trusts, during the will and pleasure only of the Governors of the said College, or the major part of any fifteen or more of them Convened as aforesaid, as fully and freely as any other the like Officers or ministers in and of our Universities or any other College in that part of our Kingdom of Great Britain Called England may or ought to do. ^nlr, Castlg* of our Express will and pleasure, and meer motion, we do, for us, our heirs, and Successors, Give and Grant unto the said Governors of the said College, and to their Successors for ever, that these our Letters patent, being entered of Record, as is herein after particularly Expressed, or the Enrollment thereof, shall be Good and Effectual in the Law, to all Intents and purposes, against us, our heirs, and Successors, without any other Lycense, Grant, or Confirmation, from us^ our heirs, or Successors, hereafter by the said Governors of the said College to be had or obtained. Notwithstanding the not reciting or misrecital, or not naming or misnaming, of the aforesaid offices. Franchises, Priviledges, Immunities, or other the premisses, or any of them ; and notwithstanding a writt ad Quod Damnum hath not issued forth to inquire of or concerning the Premisses, or any of them, before the ensealing hereof, any Statute, act. Ordinance, or provision, or any other matter or thing to the Contrary thereof in any wise Notwithstanding; To have, hold, and Enjoy, all and singular the Priviledges, Liberties, advantages, and Immunities, and all and singular other the Premisses herein or hereby Granted, or meant, mentioned, or Intended to be herein and hereby Given and Granted unto them, the said Governors of the said College of the Province of New York, in the City of New York, in America, and to their Successors for ever. 3fn QTestitnong whereof, we have caused these our Letters to be made patent, and the Great seal of our Province of New 24 ORIGINAL CHARTER. York to be hereunto affixed, and the same to be entered of Record in our Secretary's office of our said Province, in one of the Books of Patents there Remaining. toitness our Trusty and well beloved James De Lancey^ Esq., our Lieutenant Governor, and Commander in chief in and over our Province of New York, and the Territories depending thereon, in America, in, by, and with the Advice and Consent of our Council of our said Province, this thirty first day of Octo- ber, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and fifty four, and of our Reign the twenty eighth. The following Erasures and Interlineations appearing in these our Letters Patent. That is to say, in the first skin. Line four, the word [Law], Line nineteen, these words, [by these our Letters Patent, that there be Erected and made] Interlined : line twenty one, [with] wrote on Eraisure: line twenty two, [Law] Inter- lined. In the second skin, line Twelve, [the] interlined, and [Younger] wrote on Eraisure. In the third skin, the First line, [and secret,] and in the sixth Line, [Administered] wrote partly on eraisure. In the twelfth line, [And the first Lord Commis- sioner for Trade and Plantations] Interlined. And in the fourth skin, and first line, the word [And] Interlined. Clarke, Junior. [great seal of the province.] PETITION FOR ADDITIONAL CHARTER. To THE Honourable James De Lancey Esqr., his Majesty's Lieut. Governour and Commander in Chief of the Province of New York and Territories thereon depend- ing, IN COUNCILL. QLilC JJetUion of the Governours of the College of the Province of New York in the City of New York in America. Humbly sheweth. TMt Whereas by his Majesty's Letters Patent of Incorporation bearing date the 31st of October 1754, the sole power of elect- ing Professors in said College is vested in said Governours, and Whereas Your Honour's Petitioners humbly conceive, that it will tend to the Prosperity of the College, and the increase of the number of Students if Provision could be made, for estab- lishing a Professorship in Divinity, for the Instruction of such Youth, as may intend to devote themselves to the sacred Min- istry in those Churches, in this Province, that are in Commun- ion with and conform to the Doctrine discipline and Worship established in the united Provinces by the National Synod of Dort, and any other students that may be desirous to attend his Lectures. ^OUr flononr's Petitioners therefore humbly pray, that an Additional Charter be Granted them for that Purpose, and that the nomination of such Professor from time to time be in the Minister Elders and Deacons of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church in this City and the same established in such manner as shall seem best to your Honour. And Your Peti- tioners as in duty bound shall ever pray. Wm. Kempe, Philip Ver Planck, A. D: Peyster, Fred. Philipse, Hen. Barclay, Jos. Robinson, Joannes Ritzema, John Cruger, John Albert Weygand, James Livingston, Joannes Carle, B. NicoU, Samuel Johnson, Jos. Reade, Josiah Martin, Nathal. Marston, Paul Richard, Joseph Haynes, Hen. Cruger, Jno. Livingston, Jno. Watts, David Clarkson, Henry Beekman, Leonard Lispenard, James De Lancey. New York, May 13th, 1755. 25 ADDITIONAL CHARTER OF QTlje (3ot)txnov5 of tlje aTol- lege of tlie J)rot)ince of Neuj-fork in tl)e (Hitg of Nexxj- gork in America. (George tl)e Quonh, by the Grace of God, of Great-Britain, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith and so forth, TO ALL to whom these presents shall come. Greeting. tol)erea0 Our loving Subjects, The Governors of the College of the Province of New- York, in the City of New- York, in America, by their humble Petition presented to Our Trusty and Well- beloved James De Lancey, Esq; Our Lieutenant Governor and Commander in Chief of Our said Province of New- York, In Council, have set forth, That although by Our Letters Patent of Incorporation, bearing Date the Thirty First Day of October last past, the sole Power of electing Professors in said College, is vested in the said Governors : Yet the said Petitioners humbly con- ceived, that it would tend to the Prosperity of the College, and the Increase of the Number of Students, if Provision could be made for establishing a Professorship in Divinity in the same, for the Instruction of such Youth as may intend to devote them- selves to the sacred Ministry, in those Churches in this Province that are in Communion with, and conform to the Doctrine, Discipline and Worship established in the United Provinces, by the National Synod of Dort; and any other Students that may be desirous to attend his Lectures: And therein did humbly pray, That an additional Charter might be granted them for that Purpose ; and that the Nomination of such Pro- fessor, from Time to Time, be in the Minister, Elders and Deacons of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church in the City of New- York. ^rib toljereas upon the Surrender of this Our Province by the Dutch, in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand Six Hundred and Sixty-four, it is provided by the Eighth Article of Surrender, That the Dutch here shall enjoy the Liberty of their Consciences in Divine Worship and Church Discipline. And We being will- ing and desirous, that all Our Loving Subjects, the Members of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Churches, who are very numerous ADDITIONAL CHARTER. 27 in Our Government of New- York, should always continue as they have hitherto done, to enjoy the Liberty of their Con- sciences in Divine Worship and Church Discipline, and that they may always have learned Pastors and Teachers to instruct and assist them therein ; as also to promote the Prosperity of the aforesaid College, and the Increase of the Number of Students therein. Know Ye, That of Our especial Grace, cer- tain Knowledge, and meer Motion, We have willed, granted, constituted and appointed, and by these Presents, Do will and grant to the Governors of the College of the Province of New- York, in the City of New- York in America, and to their Suc- cessors, that from Time to Time, and at all Times hereafter FOREVER, there may, and shall be in the said College, a Pro- fessor of Divinity of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church, for the Instruction of such Youth as may intend to devote them- selves to the sacred Ministry in those Churches, in this Our Province of New- York, that are in Communion with, and con- form to the Doctrine, Discipline and Worship established in the United Provinces, by the National Synod of Dort; and any other Students that may be desirous to attend his Lectures. ^nb toe bo, by these Presents, will, give, grant and appoint, That such Professor shall be from Time to Time, and at all Times hereafter, nominated, chosen and appointed by the Ministers, Elders and Deacons of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church, in the City of New- York, for the Time being, when they shall see fit to make such Nomination, Choice and Appointment. And they are hereby fully impowered and author- ized to make such Nomination, Choice and Appointment; and are hereby required to certify such Nomination, Choice and Appointment, to the Governors of the said College, under their Corporation Seal: Provided always, such Professor so to be chosen from Time to Time by them, be a Member of, and in Communion with the said Reformed Protestant Dutch Church. And thereupon the Governors of the said College, and the President thereof for the Time being, shall, and are hereby required and commanded to receive and admit him accordingly: Any Thing in Our herein before-mentioned Charter of Incor- poration to the contrary hereof in any wise notwithstanding. Which Professor of Divinity, We will and direct, shall, before 28 ADDITIONAL CHARTER. he enter into or take upon himself such Office, take the Oaths and subscribe the Declaration directed in Our Charter afore- said, for the other Professors and Officers of the said College to take, before one of the Judges of Our Supreme Court of Judica- ture for Our said Province of New- York, who is hereby im- powered and authorized to administer the same. ^nb toe 50 further will, ordain and grant. That the said Pro- fessor of Divinity, shall hold his said Place or Office during his good Behaviour, or during Will and Pleasure, according to such Agreement as shall be made between him and the said Minister, Elders and Deacons of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church, at the Time of his Nomination and Appointment; and be intituled unto, and have, exercise and enjoy the same, and like Powers, Privileges, and Authorities in the said College, as other Professors of and in the same do or may have, hold, exer- cise, or enjoy in the same. And also shall demean and conform himself to such Rules, Laws and Regulations as the other Pro- fessors in the said College are or shall be obliged to conform unto, and regulate themselves by. And in Case he shall mis- demean himself in his said Office, he shall be liable to be sus- pended or discharged from the same, in the same Manner as other Professors of and in the said College are or may be sus- pended or discharged, by Virtue of Our aforesaid Charter of Incorporation. Jn testitnong whereof. We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent, and the Great Seal of Our said Province to be hereunto affixed, and the same to be entered of Record in Our Secretary's Office, in Our City of New-York, in one of the Books of Patents there remaining. toitness Our said Trusty and Well-beloved James De Lancey, Esq ; Our Lieutenant Governor and Commander in Chief, in and over Our Province of New-York, and Territories thereon depending in America; at Our Fort in Our City of New- York in and by the Advice and Consent of Our Council of Our said Province the Thirtieth Day of May, in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Fifty Five, and of Our Reign the Twenty Eighth. Clarke, junior. [great seal of the province.] ACTS RELATING TO THE COLLEGE. An Act for appropriating the monies raised by diverse Lotteries for erecting or founding a College in this Colony. Passed December i, 1756. Laws of 1756, Chap. 116. JprODlbes for the payment of one moiety or half part of the moneys raised by the Lotteries held under the preceding acts to the Governors of the College of the Province of New York, and the other moiety or half part to the Mayor, Aldermen and Com- monalty of the City of New York, and provides for the payment to the Governors of ;£5oo per annum for seven years. Under this act the College received ^^3,282. CHARTER OF 1784. An Act for granting certain privileges to the college heretofore called kings college, for altering the name and charter thereof, and erecting an university within THIS State. Passed May i, 1784. Laws of 1784, Chap. 51. tol)ereas bg Utters patent under the great seal of the late colony of New York, bearing date the thirty-first day of October in the twenty-eighth year of the reign of George the second the king of Great Britain, a certain body politic and corporate, was created by the name of the Governors of the College of the Province of New York in the city of New York in America, with divers privileges, capacities and immunities, as in and by the said patent will more fully appear. And whereas there are many vacancies in the said corporation, occasioned by the death or absence of a great number of the governors of the said college, whereby the succession is so greatly broke in upon as to require the interposition of the Legislature. 29 30 CHARTER OF 1784. And whereas the remaining governors of the said college, desireous to render the same extensively useful, have prayed, that the said college may be erected into an university, and that such other alterations may be made in the charter or letters of incorporation above recited, as may render them more con- formable to the liberal principles of the Constitution of this State. Be it therefore enacted by the People of the State of New York represented in Senate and Assembly and it is hereby enacted by the authority of the same^ That all the rights priviledges and immuni- ties heretofore vested in the corporation, heretofore known by the name of the Governors of the College of the Province of New York, in the city of New York in America, so far as they relate to the capacity of holding, or disposing of property either real or personal, of suing or being sued, of making laws or ordi- nances for their own government, or that of their servants, pupils and others, under their care and subject to their direc- tion, of appointing, displacing and paying stewards and other inferior servants, of making, holding and having a common seal, of altering and changing the same at pleasure, be and they hereby are vested in the regents of the university of the State of New York, who are hereby erected into a corporation or body corporate and politic, and enabled to hold possess and enjoy the above mentioned rights, franchises, priviledges and immunities, together with such others as are contained in this act, by the name and stile of the Regents of the University of the State of New York, of whom the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the President of the Senate for the time being, the Speaker of the Assembly, the mayor of the city of New York, and the mayor of the city of Albany, the Attorney General and the Sec- retary of the State respectively for the time being, be and they hereby are severally constituted perpetual regents, in virtue of their several and respective offices, places and stations, and together with other persons herein after named to the number of twenty-four, to wit, Henry Brockholst Livingston and Robert Harpurof the city of New York, Walter Livingston and Christo- pher Yates of the county of Albany, Anthony Hoffman and Cornelius Humfrey of the county of Dutchess, Lewis Morris and Philip Pell Junior of the county of Westchester, Henry CHARTER OF 1784. 31 Wisner and John Haring of the county of Orange, Christopher Tappen and James Clinton of the county of Ulster, Christopher P. Yates and James Livingston of the county of Montgomery, Abraham Bancker and John C. Dongan of the county of Rich- mond, Mathew Clarkson and Rutger Van Brunt of the county of Kings, James Townsend and Thomas Lawrence of the county of Queens, Ezra L'Hommedieu and Caleb Smith of the county of Suffolk, and John Williams and John McCrea of the county of Washington, be and they hereby are appointed regents of the said University and it shall and may be lawful to and for the clergy of the respective religious denominations in this State, to meet at such time and place, as they shall deem proper after the passing of this act, and being so met shall by a majority of voices of those who shall so meet, chuse and appoint one of their body to be a regent in the said university and in case of death or resignation to chose and appoint another in the same manner and the regent so chosen and appointed shall have the like powers as any other regent appointed or to be appointed by virtue of this act. And to the end that a succession of regents be perpetually kept up. Be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid^ That whenever and so often as one or more of the regents of the said university, not being such in virtue of his or their office, place or station, shall remove his or their place of residence from within this State, shall resign or die, that the place or places of such regent or regents, so removing, resigning or dying shall be filled up by the governor or person administering the government of the State for the time being, by and with the advice and consent of the council of appointment, so that such appointments be of persons resident in the counties respectively wherein the former regents did reside, other than where such vacancy may happen of a regent appointed by the clergy as aforesaid. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid^ That as soon as may be after the passing of this act, the regents of the said university, shall by plurality of voices, chuse a chancellor a vice chancellor a treasurer and a secretary, from among the said regents, the said chancellor or in his absence the vice chancellor to preside at all elections and other meetings to be held by the said regents, and to have the casting vote upon every division. 32 CHARTER OF 1784. And for the well ordering and directing of the said corpora- tion. Be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid^ That the regents of the said university, or a majority of them shall be and hereby are vested with full power and authority to ordain and make ordinances and bye laws for the government of the several col- leges, which may or shall compose the said university, and the several presidents, professors, tutors, fellows, pupils and servants thereof and for the management of such estate as they may and shall be invested with; that they shall have full power and authority to determine the salaries of the officers and servants of the said college to remove from office any such president professor tutor fellow or servant, as they conceive, after a full hearing to have abused their trust, or to be incompetent thereto, provided nevertheless, that no fine to be levied by virtue of the said laws or ordinances, shall exceed the value of one bushel of wheat for any one offence, and that no pupil or student shall be suspended for a longer term than twenty days, or be rusticated or expelled, but upon a fair and full hearing of the parties, by the chancellor or vice chancellor of the said university, and at least ten of the regents not being president or professors of the college to which the person accused belongs, or under whose immediate direction the same may be, and the said regents are hereby further impowered and directed as soon as may be, to elect a president and professors for the college heretofore called Kings College, which president shall continue in place during the pleasure of the regents of the university. And that from and after the first election, the said president and all future presidents shall be elected, from out of the professors of the several colleges, that may or shall compose the said university, and that no professor shall in any wise whatsoever be accounted inelligible, for or by reason of an religious tenet or tenets, that he may or shall profess, or be compelled by any bye law or otherwise, to take any religious test-oath whatsoever. And to the end that the intention of the donors and benefactors of the said beforementioned college be not defeated. Be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid^ That all the estate whether real or personal, which the said governor of the corpora- tion of Kings College held by virtue of the said beforementioned CHARTER OF 1784. 88 charter, be held and possessed by the said regents and applied solely to the use of the said college and that the said regents may and there hereby are empowered to receive and hold for the use of the said college, an estate of the annual value of three thousand five hundred pounds, in manner specified in the first above recited charter or letters patent of incorpora- tion. And for the further promotion of learning and the exten- sion of literature. Be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid^ That the said regents may hold, and possess estates, real and personal to the annual amount of forty thousand bushels of wheat, over and above all profits arising from room rent or tuition money, and that whenever any lands tenements or hereditaments, or other estate real or personal, shall be given, granted or conveyed to the regents of the university of the State without expressing any designation thereof, such estate shall be applied in such manner as to the said regents shall seem most advantageous to the said university provided always, that whenever any gift, grant, be- quest, devise or conveyance shall express the particular use to which the same is to be applied if adequate thereto, it shall be so applied and not otherwise. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid^ That the said regents be and they hereby are impowered, to found schools and colleges in any such part of this State as may seem expedient to them, and to endow the same, vesting such colleges so endowed with full and ample powers to confer the degrees of batchelor of arts, and directing the manner in which such colleges are to be governed, always reserving to the chancellor and vice chancellor of the university, and a certain number of the regents, to be ap- pointed by a majority of the said regents, a right to visit and examine into the state of literature in such college, and to report to the regents at large any deficiency in the laws of such college or neglect in the execution thereof, every such school or college being at all times to be deemed a part of the university, and as such, subject to the controul and direction of the said regents ; and if it should so happen, that any person or persons, or any body politic or corporate, should at his or their expense found any college or school, and endow the same with an estate, real or personal of the yearly value of one thousand bushels of wheat, 84 CHARTER OF 1784. that such school or college shall on the application of the founder or founders or their heirs or successors, be considered as com- posing a part of the said university, and the estate thereunto annexed shall be and hereby is vested in the said regents, of the university, to be applied according to the intention of the donor, and that the said founder and founders, and their heirs, or if a body corporate, their successors shall be and hereby are forever hereafter entitled to send a representative for such college or school, who together with the president (if the estate is applied to the use of a college) shall be and they hereby are at all times hereafter to be considered as regents of the said university, and vested with the like powers and authorities in all things, as in and by this act is given to the other regents of the said univer- sity and the said college or school shall in all things, not par- ticularly restricted by the donor, conform to the general laws and regulations of the said university, provided that nothing in this act contained shall be construed to deprive any person or persons of the right to erect such schools and colleges as to him or them may deem proper, independent of the said university. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid^ That whenever any religious body or society of men shall deem it proper to in- stitute a professorship in the said university for the promotion of their particular religious tenets, or for any other purpose not inconsistent with religion, morality and the laws of this State, and shall appropriate a fund for that purpose, not being less than two hundred bushel of wheat per annum, that the regents of the said university shall cause the same to be applied as the donors shall direct, for the purposes above mentioned, the said professors so to be appointed to be subject to the like rules, laws and ordinances, as other the professors of the said university, and entitled to the like immunities and priviledges. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid^ That the said regents and their successors forever, shall and may have full power and authority by the chancellor or vice chancellor of the said university, or any other person or persons by them author- ized or appointed, to give and grant to any of the students of the said university, or to any person or persons thought worthy thereof all such degrees as well in divinity, philosophy, civil and municipal laws, as in every other art, science and faculty what- CHARTER OF 1784. -36 soever as are or may be conferred by all or any of the univer- sities in Europe, and that the chancellor or in his absence the vice chancellor of the said university for the time being, do sign and seal with the seal of the said corporation diplomas or certifi- cates of such degrees having been given, other than the degree of batchelor of arts, which shall and may be granted by the president of the college in which the person taking the same shall have been graduated, and the diploma's shall be signed by the said president. That the persons to be elected fellows pro- fessors or tutors as aforesaid, be also regents of the said univer- sity, ex officiis and capable of voting in every case relative only to the respective colleges to which they shall belong, excepting in such cases wherein they shall respectively be personally con- cerned or interested. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid^ That the col- lege within the city of New York heretofore called Kings Col- lege, be forever here after called and known by the name of Columbia College. An Act to amend an act entitled ** An act for granting certain privileges to the college, heretofore called kings college: for altering the name and charter THEREOF, AND ERECTING AN UNIVERSITY WITHIN THIS StATE " PASSED THE 1ST DAY OF May, 1784. Passed November 26, 1784. Laws of 1785, Chapter 15. Eecites tijat, ^^IVhereas^ it is represented to the legislature, that the dispersed residences of many of the regents of the uni- versity of this State, and the largeness of the quorum who are made capable of business, the interest and prosperity of the said university, have been greatly obstructed. And it is also repre- sented, that certain doubts have arisen as to the construction of the act entitled ' An act for granting certain privileges to the college heretofore called Kings-college, for altering the name and charter thereof and erecting an university within this State,' passed the ist day of May, 1784. For remedy whereof." The 86 CHARTER OF 1787. act provides: " That in addition to the regents appointed in and by the before mentioned act, the several persons herein after named, shall be and hereby respectively are constituted regents of the said university (that is to say): John Jay, Samuel Pro- vost, John H. Livingston, John Rodgers, John Mason, John Ganoe, John Daniel Gros, Johann Ch. Kunze, Joseph Delaplain, Gershom Seixas, Alexander Hamilton, John Laurance, John Rutherford, Morgan Lewis, Leonard Lispenard, John Cochran, Charles McKnight, Thomas Jones, Malachi Treat and Nicholas Romain of New York, Peter W. Yates, Mathew Vischer, and Heenlock Woodruf of Albany, George I. L. Doll of Ulster, John Vanderbilt of Kings, Thomas Romain of Montgomery, Samuel Buel of Suffolk, Gilbert Livingston of Dutchess, Nathan Kerr of Orange, Ebenezer Lockwood of Westchester, John Lloyd Jun of Queens, Harmanus Garrison of Richmond & Ebenezer Russell of Washington. And that the said respective regents, hereby constituted, shall enjoy the same power and authority, as are granted to, and vested in the other regents appointed by the said act, as fully and effectually, as if they had been therein expressly named." The act also provides for meetings and quorums of the regents, and authorizes the treasurer of the State to advance the sum of ^^2552 to the treasurer of the university for the use of Columbia College. CHARTER OF 1787. An Act to institute an university within this State and for other purposes therein mentioned. Passed April 13, 1787. Laws of 1787, Chapter 82. U^ciUs tl)flt: — ^^ Whereas, by two acts of the legislature of the State of New York, the one passed the first day of May, and the other twenty sixth day of November, one thousand seven hundred and eighty four, an university is instituted within this State, in the manner and with the powers therein specified. And whereas from the representation of the regents of the said uni- versity, it appears there are defects in the constitution of the CHARTER OF 1787. 37 said university which call for alterations and amendments. And whereas a number of acts on the same subject amending cor- recting and altering former ones, tend to render the same less intelligible and easily to be understood. Whereof to the end, that the constitution of the said university may be properly amended and appear entire in one law, it will be expedient, to delineate and establish the same in this, and repeal all former acts relative thereto." The act provides for the establishment of a university to be called and known by the name or style of **The Regents of the University of the State of New York," and creates the regents a corporation, with power to visit and inspect all the colleges, academies or schools which are or may be established in the State, to confer diplomas, and to grant charters. The act further repeals the acts passed May ist and November 26th, 1784, and provides: And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid^ That the charter heretofore granted to the governors of the college of the province of New- York, in the city of New- York, in America, dated the thirty-first day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and fifty-four, shall be, and hereby is fully and absolutely ratified and confirmed, in all respects, except that the college thereby established, shall be henceforth called Columbia College : That the style of the said corporation shall be. The trustees of Columbia College, in the city of New- York; and that no persons shall be trustees of the same, in virtue of any offices, characters, or descriptions whatever; excepting also such clauses thereof as require the taking of oaths, and subscribing the declaration therein mentioned; and which render a person ineligible to the office of president of the college, on account of his religious tenets, and prescribe a form of public prayer to be used in the said college ; and also excepting the clause thereof which provides, that the by-laws and ordinances to be made in pursuance thereof, should not be repugnant to the laws and statutes of that part of the kingdom of Great- Britain, called England; except also, that in all cases where fifteen governors are required to constitute a quorum for the despatch of business, thirteen trustees shall be sufficient. Pro- vided always, That the by-laws and ordinances to be made by the trustees of the said Columbia college, shall not be contrary 38 CHARTER OF 1787. to the constitution and laws of this state. (Repealed by Laws of 1810, Chapter 85.) And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid^ That James Duane, Samuel Provost, John H. Livingston, Richard Varick, Alexander Hamilton, John Mason, James Wilson, John Gano, Brockholst Livingston, Robert Harpur, John Daniel Gross, Johan Christoff Kunze, Walter Livingston, Lewis A. Scott, Joseph Delaplaine, Leonard Lispenard, Abraham Beach, John Lawrance, John Rutherford, Morgan Lewis, John Cochran, Gershom Seixas, Charles McKnight, Thomas Jones, Malachi Treat, Samuel Bard, Nicholas Romein, Benjamin Kissam, and Ebenezer Crossby, shall be, and they are hereby constituted and declared to be the present trustees of Columbia college, in the city of New- York, and that when by the death or resignation, or removal of any of the said trustees, the number of those trustees shall be reduced to twenty-four, then and from thenceforth the said twenty-four trustees shall be, and they hereby are declared and constituted trustees of the said Columbia college, in per- petual succession, according to the true intent and meaning of the said charter; and all vacancies thereafter shall be supplied in the manner thereby directed. (Repealed by Laws of 18 10, Chapter 85.) And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid^ That all and singular the power, authority, rights, privileges, franchises, and immunities, so heretofore granted to, and vested in the said governors of the college of the province of New- York, in the city of New-York, in America, by the said charter, excepting as before excepted, shall be, and the same hereby are granted to and vested in the trustees of Columbia college, in the city of New- York, and their successors forever, as fully and effectually, to all intents and purposes, as if the same were herein particu- larly specified and expressed ; and all and singular the lands, tenements, hereditaments, and real estate, goods, chattels, rents, annuities, moneys, books, and other property, whereof the said governors of the college of the province of New- York, in the city of New-York, in America, were seised, possessed, or entitled, under and in virtue of the said charter, or with which the regents of the said university were invested, under or by virtue of the said acts, for the use or benefit of the said Columbia col- CHARTER OF lySy. 39 lege, shall be, and the same hereby are granted to and vested in the said trustees of Columbia college, in the city of New- York, and their successors forever, for the sole use and benefit of the said college ; and it shall and may be lawful to and for the said trustees, and their successors, to grant, bargain, sell, demise, improve, and dispose of the same, as to them shall seem meet. Provided, always. That the lands given and granted to the governors of the college of the province of New- York, in the city of New-York, in America, by the corporation heretofore styled. The rector and inhabitants of the city of New- York, in communion of the church of England, as by law established, on part whereof the said college is erected, shall not be granted for any greater estate, or in any other manner, than is limited by the said charter. (Repealed by Laws of 1810, Chapter 85.) And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid^ That when any special meeting of the trustees of the said college shall be deemed necessary, it shall and may be lawful to and for the senior trustee of the said college, then in the city of New- York, and taking upon himself the exercise of his office, (which senior- ity shall be determined according to the order in which the said trustees are named in this act, and shall be elected hereafter,) and he is hereby authorized and required, on application for that purpose in writing under the hands of any five or more of the said trustees, to appoint a time for such special meeting, in some convenient place within the said city, and to cause due notice thereof to be given in the manner directed by the said charter. (Repealed by Laws of 1810, Chapter 85.) And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid^ That the act, entitled. An act for granting certain privileges to the college heretofore called King's college, for altering the name and charter thereof, and erecting a university within this state, passed the ist day of May, 1784; and the act, entitled. An act to amend an act, entitled. An act for granting certain privileges to the college heretofore called King's college, for altering the name and charter thereof, and erecting an university within this state, passed the 26th day of November, 1784, be, and they are hereby severally repealed. 40 STA TUTES. An Act to encourage Literature, by Donations to Columbia College, and to the several Academies in the State. Passed April ii, 1792. Laws of 1792, Chapter 69. tX)l)ereas it has been represented to the legislature, that the funds of Columbia college, in this state, have, in consequence of events which took place during the late war, been so far dimin- ished, as to render it impracticable for the trustees to defray certain necessary expenses which have accrued to the college in consequence of the alterations in the streets of the city of New York, and to repair the losses which the college sustained during the late war, with respect to its library, and to incur such fur- ther expenses as would render the seminary more extensively useful, without pecuniary aid from the legislature : For remedy whereof. Be it enacted by the People of the State of New York^ represented in Senate and Assembly^ That there shall be allowed and paid to the trustees of Columbia college, or their order, for the use of the institution, the sum of fifteen hundred pounds, for the pur- pose of enlarging its library, and the sum of two hundred pounds for a chemical apparatus; and the sum of twelve hundred pounds for the purpose of building a wall, necessary to support the grounds of the college, and the further sum of five thousand pounds for the purpose of erecting a hall and an additional wing to the college, pursuant to the original plan of the institution ; and the treasurer is hereby authorized to pay the said respective sums out of such moneys as may be or may come into the treasury, of the annual revenue of the State, and which may not be appropriated for the purpose of supporting government, or satisfying claims against the State, or for compleating the sum of two hundred thousand pounds to be loaned in the several coun- ties of this state, by virtue of the act, entitled, ** An act for loaning moneys belonging to the State." (Clause two, omitted.) And be it further enacted^ That the treasurer shall annually, for five years, unless otherwise directed by the legislature, pay to the trustees of Columbia college, or their order, out of the like moneys as above described, the sum of seven hundred and STA TUTES. 41 fifty pounds, to be applied to the payment of the salaries of such additional professors in the said college, as the said trustees shall think proper to appoint. An Act for the payment of certain officers of govern- ment AND OTHER CONTINGENT EXPENSES. Passed April ii, 1796. Laws of 1796, Chap. 57. ^fter |)rot)iMn0 for payments to various State officers the act continues the grant of seven hundred and fifty pounds per annum, for two years, to Columbia College for the salaries of professors. An Act respecting Union College, and for the purposes THEREIN mentioned. PaSSED MarCH 30, 1 797. Laws of 1797, Chap. 65. 8ri)e %ti confers certain powers upon the Trustees of Union College, and appropriates seven hundred and fifty dollars there- for, and grants five hundred dollars to Columbia College for the preservation of the anatomical museum, and the care thereof. An Act to amend the Act, entitled, ** An Act for the Encouragement of Literature." Passed April 3, 1802. Laws of 1802, Chapter 105. tX)t)£r^a0 it appears, from a report of the surveyor-general, that the grant of a certain tract of land in the county of Wash- ington, adjoining the south end of Lake George, to the regents of the university, in and by the act, entitled, " An act for the 43 CHARTER OF i8zo. further encouragement of literature," interferes with the bounds of lands previously granted ; and the regents having prayed for a grant of other lands adjoining the same, and in lieu thereof, to enable them the more effectually to fulfil the purposes for which the grant of those lands was intended : Therefore, I. Be it enacted by the People of the State of New- York^ represented in Senate and Assefjibly^ That the said regents of the university, and their successors, shall be and hereby are vested with the seisin and possession of the lands hereafter described, belonging to the people of this state ; that is to say, a certain tract of land in the county of Washington, adjoining the south end of Lake George, beginning on the east shore of the said lake, where the westerly bounds of a tract of two thousand acres, granted by letters patent to William Houghton, strikes the same, and running thence along the said Houghton's tract southerly and westerly to the northwest corner thereof, then with a straight line to the most westerly corner of a tract of two hundred acres granted by letters patent to John Jones, then along the southerly bounds thereof, to Lake George, and then along the same southerly, easterly, and northerly, to the place of beginning, containing one thousand seven hundred and twenty-four acres of land ; and the former grant to the said regents, so far as the same included lands not herein described, shall be void. n. And be it further enacted^ That it shall be lawful for the said regents to grant and convey to the trustees of Columbia and Union colleges, and their successors, the lands above described, together with the lands at Ticonderoga and Crown Point already vested in the said regents, in such proportions as they shall deem just and reasonable, for the use of the said colleges respectively. CHARTER OF 1810. An Act relative to Columbia College in the city of New-York. Passed March 23, 1810. Laws of 1810, Chapter 85. tol)ereas tl)e trustees of Columbia college, in the city of New- York, have represented, that sundry impediments to their trust, CHARTER OF 1810. 48 and to the interest of literature in the college, are found by experience from certain restrictions and defects in their charter, and have prayed relief, and that their charter, when amended, may be comprised in one act : Therefore, I. BE // enacted by the people of the State of New- York^ represented t?i Septate and Assembly^ That John H. Livingston, Richard Varick, Brockholst Livingston, Abraham Beach, John Lawrence, Ger- shom Seixas, Richard Harison, John Watts, William Moor, Cornelius I. Bogart, John M. Mason, Edward Dunscomb, George C. Anthon, John N. Abeel, James Tillary, John H. Hobart, Benjamin Moore, Egbert Benson, Governeur Morris, Jacob Radcliff, Rufus King, Samuel Miller, Oliver Wolcott, and John B. Romeyn, the present trustees of the said college, and their successors, shall be and remain for ever here after, a body politic and corporate, in fact and in name, by the name of " The Trus- tees of Columbia College in the city of New- York," and by that name shall and may have continual succession for ever hereafter, and shall be able in law to sue and be sued, implead and be impleaded, answer and be answered unto, defend and be defended, in all courts and places whatsoever, and may have a common seal, and may change and alter the same at their pleasure, and also, shall be able in law to take by purchase, gift, grant, devise, or in any other manner, and to hold any real and personal estate whatsoever; Provided always, The clear yearly value of the real estate to be so acquired, shall not exceed the sum of twenty thousand dollars; and also that they and their successors shall have power to give, grant, bargain, sell, demise or otherwise dispose of, all or any part of the said real and per- sonal estate, as to them shall seem best for the interest of the said college. (See Amendment, Laws of 1884, Chapter 65.) n. And be it further enacted, That the said trustees, and their successors, shall forever hereafter have full power and authority to direct and prescribe the course of study, and the discipline to be observed in the said college, and also to select and appoint by ballot or otherwise, a president of the said college, who shall hold his office during good behaviour ; and such professor or professors, tutor or tutors to assist the president in the govern- ment and education of the students belonging to the said college, and such other officer or officers, as to the said trustees shall 44 CHARTER OF 1810. seem meet, all of whom shall hold their offices during the pleas- ure of the trustees: Provided always^ That no such professor, tutor, or other assistant officer shall be trustee. III. And be it further enacted^ That if complaint shall be made in writing to the said trustees, or their successors, by any mem- ber of the said corporation of any misbehaviour in office by the president, it shall be lawful for the said trustees, or their succes- sors, from time to time, upon examination, and such due proof of misbehaviour, to suspend or discharge such president, and to appoint another in his place. IV. And be it further enacted^ That eleven of the said trustees, lawfully convened, as is hereinafter directed, shall be a quorum for the despatch of all business, except for the disposal of real estate, or for the choice or removal of a president, for either of which purposes there shall be a meeting of at least thirteen trustees. V. And be it further enacted^ That the said trustees shall have full power and authority to elect by ballot their own chair- man once in every year, or at such other periods as they shall prefer. VI. And be it further enacted^ That the said trustees shall also have power, by a majority of votes of the members present, to elect and appoint, upon the death, removal out of the state, or other vacancy of the place or places of any trustee or trustees, other or others, in his or their places or stead as often as such vacancy shall happen ; and also to make and declare vacant the seat of any trustee who shall absent himself from five successive meetings of the board ; and also to meet upon their own adjourn- ment, and so often as they shall be summoned by their chair- man, or in his absence by the senior trustee; whose seniority shall be accounted according to the order in which the said trus- tees are named in this act, and shall be elected hereafter; Pro- vided always^ That the said chairman or senior trustee shall not summon a meeting of the corporation unless required thereto in writing by three of the members ; And provided also, That he cause notice of the time and place of the said meeting to be given in one or more of the public newspapers printed in the City of New-York, at least three days before such meeting: and that every member of the corporation resident in the city shall CHARTER OF 1810. 46 be previously advertised in writing of the time and place of every such meeting. VII. And be it further enacted^ That the said trustees and their successors, shall have power and authority to grant all such literary honors and degrees, as are usually granted by any uni- versity, college, or seminary of learning in this state, or in the United States ; and in testimony of such grant to give suitable diplomas under their seal, and the signatures of the president and such professors, or tutors of the college, as they shall judge expedient; which diplomas shall entitle the possessors respect- ively to all the immunities and privileges which either by usage or statute are allowed to possessors of similar diplomas from any university, college, or seminary of learning. VIII. And be it further enacted^ That the said trustees, and their successors, shall have full power and authority to make all ordinances and bye-laws which to them shall seem expedient for carrying into effect the designs of their institution ; Provided always^ That such ordinances or bye-laws shall not make the religious tenets of any person a condition of admission to any privilege or office in the said college, nor be inconsistent with the constitution and laws of this state, nor with the constitution and laws of the United States. IX. And be it further enacted^ That all the real and personal estate whatsoever and wheresoever, which were formerly vested in the governors of the college of the province of New- York, in the city of New-York, in America, or in the trustees of Colum- bia college in the city of New- York, be and the same is hereby confirmed to and vested in the said trustees of Columbia college in the city of New- York, and their successors for ever, for the sole use and benefit of the said college; and that it shall and may be lawful to and for the said trustees, and their successors, to grant, bargain, sell, demise, improve and dispose of the same, as to them shall seem meet; Provided always^ That the lands given land granted to the governors of the college of the province of New- York, in the city of New- York, in America, by the corpora- tion heretofore styled, '* The Rector and Inhabitants of the city of New-York, in communion of the Church of England, as by law established," on part whereof the said college is erected. 46 STA TUTES. shall not be granted for any greater term of time than sixty- three years. (See Amendment, Laws of 1852, Chapter 310.) X. And be it further enacted^ That the eighth, ninth, tenth, and eleventh sections of the act, entitled, " an act to institute an university within this state, and for other purposes therein men- tioned," passed the thirteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-seven, be and the same are hereby repealed. An Act to render the Provoost of Columbia College, IN the City of New-York, eligible to be a Trustee thereof: Passed February 14, 18 12. Laws of 1812, Chapter 6. tol)ereas, tlje trtlStees of Columbia college have, by their peti- tion, prayed that the Provoost of the said college may be made eligible as a Trustee of said College : Be it enacted by the People of the State of New- York^ represented in Senate and Assembly^ That it shall and may be lawful for the Provoost of Columbia College, in the city of New- York, for the time being, to be elected and act as a trustee of the said college, any thing contained in the act, entitled, '* an act relative to Columbia College in the city of New- York," or in any other act or charter of the said college, to the contrary notwithstanding. PETITION TO THE LEGISLATURE. To THE Honourable the Legislature of the State of New York in Senate and Assembly convened: ®[)e inemorial and Petition of the Trustees of Columbia College in the City of New York, Respectfully Sheweth: QTIjat 2