The Massachusetts spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1821-1823, 1823-08-20
AGRICoLA.
No. e.
LEICESTER ACADEMY.

To excite local jealousies, to in
jure the good feelings of those who are
the most sensitive, or even to disturb the
prepossessions of the warmest friends of
the Academy, located as it now is, is not
our intention.
A fair, candid and honest discussion
relative to the expediency of its reno
val, is all we ask, all we wish.
Leicester Academy has been estab-
lished more than forty years. 1t has
received publick and private patronage
enterprizing and intelligent men from
various parts Of the County have used
their utmost exertions TO make it a
fiourisbing and highly literary Ins!itu-
ton. Still, it has been a dropping flow
er. Years have passed away, Though
not in succession) when not solitary
student has gone from that Seminary
prepared TO become member of any
Of our Colleges or Universities. Yet,
there has not been year, for more
than forty, when this County has not sent
its score to receive Collegiate educa-
ton: large proportion Of them having
made the necessary preparations at
foreign Seminarics Let US inquire why
the Academy is not patronized by stu
dents.
'Fwo causes only, urge themselves
with much force upon the mind. lst.
4 want OF good management on the
part Of the Trustees. Cd. Its locality.
With regard to the former cause, we
are aware, that the Trustees have not
been remiss in forwarding the designs
of its benevolent founders which were,
TO make it one of the first and best
regulated Academies in the State. Their
magick influence has not affected the
object, though they have always s!rove
to procure the best Instructors, and to
seek out for them the optimus modus
operenda. The Cd cause then, urges
itself with no uncommon degree of
force upon every contemplative and
rejecting mind. 1t is true, the sun
rises as fair and sets as beautiful
breezes Of heaven are as pure aud sa-
lubrious-the melodies Of the wild birds
are as plaintiye and sweet in Leicester,
as in the village Of Worcester. II is
maxim well established by observation,
that literary institution will not flour
ish where business does not centre, or
where there is not direct communica-
ton with the country aronnd-hence
the sickly state of Williams College.
Ties of affection exist between parent
and offspring, which the vicissitudes Of
time do not affect. When, therefore,
the parent is separated from the pledge
of his love, he rejoices 10 hear from him
frequently, very frequently he delights
by communication to pour into his young
and tender mind, salutary advice. In
short, he wishes to be so situated, as to
administer 10 him the duties Of father
These privileges are not enjoyed by a
! large portion of the County. This may
seem to superficial minds light argu-
ment for the removal of the Academy.
Still it has force, as hundreds eaa testi-
| ty, who have sent their children to for
eign Seminaries. But how can this evil
be remedied? We answer: by re-
noval to Worcester; which place has
direct communications TO and from ev-
cry town in the County, weekly; and
from a great majority Of them, daily
Whereas intercourse with the city Of
Boston is much less difficult for great
part of the County than with Leicester
Other arguments may be adduced in
future, to shew the necessity of Wor-
cester's being the scite Of the Academy.
We, however, consider the one, above
alluded to, of sufficient Importance TO
justify the expectancy Of its removal.
We are sensible that we are advan-
cling nothing new OF uncontemplated-
The removal of Leicester Academy to
Worcester, has long been desired by a
great majority of the most respectable
and intelligent citizens of the County Of
Worcester.
AGRICOLA.