Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1828-09-27
EOH THE CADET.

when an appeal mado to the public ,
through the medium Of the press, il il at least
expected that the subjcc, under consideration
will meet with free and impartial discussion
But if The reverse be the fact--if publicity be
given to communications which carry with
them the stamp Of narrow minded prejudice -
and TO such alone, then it is that the freedom
of the press is prostituted,' and the good
sense of the community insued.
Whether " AIumnus," in making comments
upon the President of Brown University, and
tho course Of conduct pursued by him relative
to tho government Of this institution, is actua-
ted by regard for the welfare Of the rising
generation, or by splenetic motives, l shall not
take it upon myself to determine but merely
| observe, that he either knows nothing Of the
matter, or views it with jaundiced eye.
Aiumnus' seems TO insinuate, that the
person who presides over this seminary is de-
void Of merit, and has been elevated 10 the Of
fico he enjoys. without any claim 10 il, either
as an individual possessing alents, or learning.
now ask Alumnus' TO show Jy what means
he obtained ihis situation. if he possessed nci-
, thcr Of the above qualifications Was it by
The influence Of his family, or his wealth
Since it is not rational to suppose that man,
! without power, or influence, should be entrust-
ed with the care Of an institution like this,
had not his abilities previously made him
| known 10 tho world. He is therefore reduced
to the alternative, Of either admitting his in
sinuation TO be unjustiiilble, or declaring the
| Corporation to consist of men who do not de-
serve public confidence. But enough of this
We will now endeavor TO ascertain IN what re-
spect measures hintcd at by Alumnus' have
SO "de2lorably miscarried," and brought
Brown University to its present low condition
pisp bo fn he
sures pursued under the existing administration
have been so firm and vigorous, that the rebel
lion Of few malconients was not sufficient 10
crush them--or that they have succeeded, con.
! trary TO the wishes Of certain individuals, who
! have no connexon or concern with the Col
} lege-,hen have they miscarried, and that
A" most doplorably."
| And as to the low condition Of our Alma
( Mater, (since he has been pleased 10 tern il
such) and which, to prove the fallacy Of his
argument, We grant for the present, | wouI1
! ask Of Alumnus" tha, he would look some
! two years farther back than he has seen Fl,
and inform the public Of the state Of the gov.
ernment at tha, time, " hen the institution wa.
notorious only for the licentiousncss which pre-
J vailed among It's s,ude MS, and say If it wa,
not a government in its most attenuated form
"A government which. unless speedily chang.
ell, Wonlu nave or0ugnt 10 run an INSTITUTION
once deservedly the PRIDE and boast Of Rhode.
Island, and which, notwithstanding the sau
tary reform Of its nature, has eniailed upon it
for short period. semo Of those evils, which
would have been fororunners Of its then fast
appros ching dissolution.
Thus much has been said, to show that the
present " unfsvorabIe' condition of Brown
( University is not to be attributed TO the con.
ducf Of President Wayland but TO causes eI
isting previous to his connexon with il.
We now beg Of the gentleman who is sc
F" reluctant 10 speak Of q" discoura cement.
and failures" to compare the present prospect,
Of the College with what they were-'bnkinG
that he by doing i, /, may, perchance. be relIsv
ed from painful duty.
| In the FsIl Of 1926, . year memorable fol
the downfal Of what is called the old system
nine only presented themselves for admission
to the Freshman Class the year ensuing
there were nineteen I and the present. tweni,
four. This 10 the distressing ratio in which
our numbers have so alarn,Ingly diminished
| Let {" Alumaus' read this, and lull TO res
his fearful spprchensions that Brown Univer
sity will soon become extinct, and reserve hi
pity fer seme more needy object.