Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1828-10-04

write, and one half of each class 10 declaim.
Ample time was thus allowed for every ono
frequently to give his undivided attention to
these useful and indispensable branches of ed
ucation. 1t is unne cessary for me to speak Of
the impossibiIy of much proficiency in these
arts, without long and devoted attention, and
deep sense of their utility and Importance.
How grossly mistaken must that man be, who
expects much proficiency from young and
thoughless students, who are left to steal the
hours Of improvement, from those of diversion.
But az if these privileges were not sufficiently
contemplate, and as if under the direction of
some strange fatality, there must still be add
ed the refusal Of tile invaluable services Of
man, not "of two sermons" but of celebrity
confined to no denomination, and to no sec
tion Of the country. To reject his services,
appears not only very unjust towards those
who expected the benefit of them, and deeply
regretted their loss, but extremely impolitic in
those who are the guardians of an Institution
which noip much needs the attractions OF
aspiring. While on this subject, cannot pass
over in silence the alterations in the Chapel.
and the removal Of the stage. This appears
TO have been doney to increase the number Of
imaginary students. This instance is not the
first in human actions. in which a real has
been sacrificed to an imaginary good. The
old stage was constructed under the direction
of the venerable DR.. Manning but it is 10 be
hoped that he, in his present happy state, is
spared the modification Of seeing the youthful
successors Of Burrill and Burgess, like the an.
cient Scottish criminals on the stool OF repent
ance. declaiming from little block much re-
sembling those used by hattsrs.
Chap. s, Sd sec. the laws read thus" The
merit roll shall be made out according to the
following principles. The highest rank of at
tainment in each study, shall be 100; the
highest grade Of attendance on collegiate ex-
crcises, shall be 100. And the highest grade
Of moral oharacte shall be leo. So that the
maximum of attainment in all the depa rtmenis s
| shall be 500 for each term. Each inferior de
gree of attainment will be arranged accord
ingy" Same chap. 9th sect.-At the COM
mencement Of each term, the merit roll shall
be ma de public, in such manner as the govern
ment shall direct" This merit ROLL though in
fnitely more learned, ingenious and elaborate.
differs IN no other respect from those fancy pa
pers, given by female teachers to their little
girls. The big round numbers present an Jpn
posing appearance, and their application with
mathematical precision, is splendid and mrs-
terious. Il is indeed promising in theory, but
like most other subtilties of human invention
it has totally failed in practice. Our bounti-
ful Father has seen fit to bestow, with the gift
| Of intelligence. an almost infinite diversity OF
talents. Some appear 10 be more and others
less favored by his dispensing hand. But a
feeling heart and discerning sensibility OF
neglect, are denied to few. 1t is true that
many must perceive their o,pn inferiorIty; but
where could we expect to find the unfceling
and unchrislian like spirit that would wish
| to tell them Of it, by often and repeatedly
the worst. Ifa few men were capable of pass
! ing just and impartial decision Oh the
| characters Of others, it would be more iocra-
BILE. But if the decision of one, who alone,
| in his own proper department, can presume TO
decide, is 10 be warped and changed, to meet
the partialites and prcjudices of another, it q
detesta able - IL is insufIera blc
Chap. sth, sect. I'd" The charge for Tu
| ition shall be Sl2 a term; for room rent dol
lars; for the use of the Library dollar; and
for servants hire and contingent expences,
2 dollars per term" making in all 81 dollars
per annum. To these must be added, (and
| they are taken from authentic sources) for
Board rs dolls; Stewards Salary dolls
| fuel and lights 20 dolls. books and siat;ona-
ry 20 dolls; public fuel, repairs, damages, &c
about dolls, furniture, washing, SC. 20 dolls
making for all necessary expences, except
clothing and pocket money, 2O3 dolls. per an
mum. These are tho actual expenccs of our
University. When most Of the present. mem
bers formed their connection with il, heir bills
amounted to less than 100 dolls. per annum
When these were altered, expectations were
r,sed. Of an equivalent in the increased value
Of the instruction.
If Lectures are worse than useless; if pub
lie Exhibitions are unnecessary; in short, il
the uniform practice Of all other Colleges is
absurd then il must be granted that the mode
of instruction has been materially improved. =
Further remarks must be reserved for future
number. In the present, facts have been stat.
ed, in which the pubic are interested, aud ,o
the public they arc submitted. 7ri-.v
| ALUMNUS.
p. S.-Ifa SENIOR" (although his com