Whereas, by an act of the Congress of the United States, approved the day of 1836, there was deposited with the several States of the Union, the sum of dollars in proportion to their representation in Congress as surplus revenue, dollars of which as her distribution share was deposited with the State of Illinois.

And whereas, it is believed that the sum thus deposited with the State of Illinois, will never be called for or reclaimed by the United States, but left in perpetual deposite, to be disposed of, and appropriated in such manner, and for such objects as the Legislature may adopt.

And whereas, the intellect of the rising generation is the property of the Republic, upon the right cultivation of which the destinies of our free government and liberal institutions, as well as the happiness of themselves and the world depend, and for which each State is, and should act on the conviction morally responsible to the Republic, and to the great family of man.

And whereas, the full development of the human mind cannot be attained in any other manner than by primary instruction to all, where the poor and obscure have an equal chance with those, who from the accident of fortune or family connexion, are able to seek instruction where it may be found; therefore,

Be it resolved by the General Assembly of the State of Illinois, That our Senators in Congress be instructed, and our Representatives be requested to use their best efforts to procure a donation from the United States to the State of Illinois, of the said sum thus deposited, in trust as a permanent fund for the support of primary common schools.

Resolved, That the faith of the State is hereby irrevocably pledged for the faithful application of the above contemplated donation to the object contemplated in the foregoing resolution.

Resolved, That the Governor be requested to transmit a copy of the foregoing preamble and resolutions to each of our Senators and Representatives in Congress[.]