Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1830-11-03
SUBsCR RIDERS.


THE COLLEGE.
We have read the communications in
the public prints of this town, respect
ing the affairs OF this University, and
have been utterl y surprised with some of
the statements which have been made in
opposition to the Institution. In some
editorial articles we thought we discover
ed not little spleen, and great deal of
unpleasant agitation of mind, totally in
compatible with the character of a wise
man. A person would be liable to sur
mise that in so much bitterness against
the College, there was mingled degree
of private piquc and resentment. The
gentleman who wrote those editorial re-
marks, whether he have "private grieis"
or not, seems to be very hostile to the
present administration; and he would, we
fear, be glad to see the Presidential chair
vacated by its present occupant, even
though the former evils and disgraces
should return. We know not who are
the writer's of the communications refer
red to; but we are apprehcnsive that
there is at least a want of regard to
all the circumstances of the case, if there
be not a want Of candour in the partial
views presented to the public. In the
answers to-, the communications, we
think there is discovcrablc fairness and
frankness which must render them sue
cesslul in removing the false impressions
made on the public mind by these COM
munic atlonS.
1t is not judicious for students to es-
pousc publicly either side of the contro-
versy. But we may be permitted to
speak through our own medium the scnti-
me mt of our hearts. 1t behoves us not to
say much but however little we may say,
that little is surely entitled to rs much
consideration as columns in the public
newspapers, written by disallectod and
prciudiced graduates. We will not as
scr that this College presents advanta-
ges equal to those enjoyed at Harvard or
at Yale; and who cannot perceive diff
ference between the resources of an in
stitution nurturcd, lostercd and caresscd
by the authorizes of the State, by the
public muniiccncc and regard, and those
of an Institution dependent Oh private
liberality for any additional privilege
which its Faculty would offer their pupils :
But We will assert that as much solid
learning, as excellent mental and moral
discipline, may be attained in this Uni
versity, as in any other on the continent.
We do not intend to enter into con-
troversy respecting the institution. All
its affairs, the state of its finances, the
nature of its regulations and its advan-
tages for instruction, are open to public
investigation, and it will stand or fall
by its own merits. All the evidence in
the case has been or probably soon will
be submitted to an impartial jury, an
enlightened public, and in their hands we
chccrfully leave the question, and con-
fidently await their decision.
A few words may be due to the pa
rents and guardians whose sons and
wards are members of this institution,
assailcd and villficd by SO powerful a
host. With full knowledge of all cir
cumstanccs, we say that never before
has such universal satisfaction been felt
by the students respecting the aiialrs oi
the College. All are confident that the
new system originated in the best motives,
and that it does now and will hereafter
promote the best istcrcsts OF the instltu-
ton Such, the patrons and friends ol
the University may be assured, Is The
voice of the STUDENTS.