Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1828-10-01
FRO BE coNrINuEp.1
FLOR the Literary Cadet.l

To BE Continued
tFor the Literary Cadet.l
Remarks on the Present Condition Of
BROWN UNIVERSITY
In continuation of my remarks, shall ad-
here to the plan already adopted, of examining
the Laws of the University, in connexion with
the course of conduct there pursued. Facts
which deserve public scrutiny, shall be fearless
ly disclosed, and neither personal friendship
nor private interest shall restrain freedom OF
remark, or severity Of censure.
Third chap. 9th sect.-the laws read thus :.
The examinations shall be conducted in the
most thorough and exact manner, go as to
exhibit, as far as possible, to the guardians Of
the institution, the evidence Of the diligence
and requirements of each individual" This
section indeed promises all that can be desr-
ed in an examination but the currency Of
promises should depend altogether upon their
fulilment. If one who attends these exami-
nations should be entirely ignorant of their
previous arrangement and preparation, he
would actually be astonshed at the apparent
proficiency in the students. Two or three
weeks at Feast are passed in reviewing part
of the studies of the term. The Officers def
nitely point out the parts on which the exami-
nation shall be made. In Enfeld's Natural
Philosophy, for instance. as many propositions
and demonstrations are given, as there are
members Of the Class. These are thoroughly
committed TO memory. To render the exami-
nation still more specio,ss, each one draws his
J proposition by number. He draws it, howev-
or, sometimes, previous TO being called on 10
rehearse, and is thus able in a most wonderful
manner, to correct and refresh his trea cherous
memory. It will readily be perceived that this
method is calculated to prevent all just discri-
mination, and to elevate the most ordinary
scholar to the same grade with the most dis
tinguisbod. If tho public arc ready and will
ling to admit these examinations 10 be con-
Quoted in n thorough and impartial manner,
and us fair evidence of tho diligence and &C
quirement of each individual, will submit to
the decision. Much indeed has been said Of
the examinations. A little child can, with as
siduous attention, be taught a few things. and
| if these be taken as a correct standard Of his
general attainment, We must at once allow
him the maturity ofmanhood.
| Having stated the manner in which the ex-
aminations are conducted, must be permit.
ted, in conclusion Of this part Of the subject,
| 10 observe, that if the reputation Of our Uni
versty is to be sustained by them, it is base
! less fabric.
Chap. IL, sect. Ist--"There may be iwo
Exhibitions in zach year, one for the Senior,
and one for the Junior Class" Formerly
three Exhibitions in each year were consider
ed no more than were useful. .No,o there
may be may be two," but there is in fact none.
II is unne cessary for me to speak of the utility
Of Exhibitions, TO exercise the talents and con-
firm the confidence Of the youthful mind.-
Their utility, however, may be doubted by one,
but it is not therefore rendered more doubtful
to all others On the contrary, the Institution
is hereby robbed OF one Of its highest recon
mendations. In this respect, it is inferior to
most of our Academies and private Schools.
| The lessons Of experience are dear, but TO a
| certain class they are pre-eminently useful.
There are some who are unable to avail them
selves of the experience Of others, and to this
| class il seems necessary to try many expert
ments, to prove their futilty The issue Of
events recorded in History, cannot be credited.
They must occasionally be confirmed by q re-
poated trial. When the present generation
have wasted sufficient time and property, to re-
establish the fact, that young men cannot be
accomplished in composition and defamation,
without opportunities Of instruction and prac-
tice in these arts tina, they cannot appear
graceful and easy before public audience,
without repeated trials oftheir confidence (; in
short, that the hest preparation for the active
duties Of life cannot be made in the retirement
Of the closet it will probably be many years
before another shall arise, - whom these sub
iects will appear in any degree doubtful. A
disposition to doubt may be the bsginsing o'
wisdom but certainly he must have made
very little progress, who doubts whether men
are better instructors than chIdren.'
The science Of Chemistry, and many OF the
useful arts, have Of late years been rapidly
| se-. - "a -. a-ho.i fs...,.i,1s.