Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1832-08-23
coNMvSIcArED.
UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA.

UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA.
The Ninth Session Of this Institution will com.
mence on the 10th September next Tine pros.
pect at present, is, that the ensuing session will
add no little to the reputation it has already de.
servedly acquired. Some information as to the
manner in which its affairs are conducted, asa
means of exhibiting its claims to public favor,
may not be unacceptable.
The last important effort OF his long and USE
full life, Mr.. Jefferson considered the establish.
ment of collegiate institution for his native
State as worthy object to call forth the energies
! of his great mind, and to employ his wonted and
unwearied industry. Aud was hot without a
necessity for all the resources at his command
that his favorite object was effected. The ar.
chitectural designs, the suggestions OF his own
taste aud judgment, were executed under his
| immediate eye; while the method OF instruction,
and the internal police of the new institution.
were by him carefully digested and matured. a
Library, comprising works in all languages and
! in every department Of learning and science
was selected in Europe by gentleman dePuted
for the purpose; and the unqualified recommen.
dations Of the literai Of England and the Con-
tinent were ample testimonials that the Profess
ors, who also accompanied him from thence 10
Virginia, were not unified to accomplish the
important duties they had undertaken. Va
liable chemical and philosophical apparatus were
procured; and with every prospect OF success
and with every requisite to command and de-
serve success, the University Of Virginia went
in:o operation.
From partial failure of Mr.. Jefersons views
in regulating the internal matters Of the COLLEGE.
and too great laxty Of scholastic discipline, the
University became, for some sessions alter Its
foundation. rather unpopular. To perceive the
existence of an abuse is the first step towards Its
correction. Accordingly, 10 this case, the Board
of Visitors employed themselves earnestly IN SO
amending the code of College regulations that
the institution might, in every respect, answer
the expectations Of its most sangulne friends
Every successive session has seen the addition
of such improvements, and the removal OF such
excrescences from the enactnents OF the Board,
as we're prompted BY the sound lntellects and
ripe judgments of the gentlemen who compose IT.
the rsesiJing officer Of which, it is only necessa-
ry to add, is James Madison. 1t Is believed,
that no literary institution in the country IS pos
sessed Of body Of Laws so perfect in themselves
which, while they do no., control the liberty Of
the Students by irksome and paorile restraints,
yet take ample care that it be not wrested from
innocent and advantageous enjoyment, TO be
made conducive to purposes IN conflict with the
obligations of moral, as well as prescribed. du-
ties. While the executive functions Of the Chair.
man of the Faculty (ans~ering to the Presidents
Of other colleges.) are such as to ensure strict
enforcement and prompt obedience Of the laws,
and while these laws are of such nature as to
guaranty the accomplishment Of every end Tor
which literary institution is established, full
and free scope is given the students, in collec-
tive capacity,to express their sense on matters OF
police; and in no case is the exercise OF indivt-
dual opinion controlled or interfered with
II - oil, .rhf oil Ion
datiOn to the reports which, at times, have been
promulged concerning the bias in the important
sub ect Of Religion said to be given to tie minds
of the students. Facts, and the observation Of
manv, have proved a conclusive refutation Of
such ISLANDERS. The assertion Of one who has
had ample opportunity Of judging may be relied
on. that no influence of direct or indirect ma.
ture is exerted to frame opinions for the students,
or to procure the adoption Of those already franz
ed; that he has never heard sentiments uttered,
from any quarter, which could wound the moral
sense OF the most rigdv devout; and, when 1t is
added that the Public Rooms are open on all pro.
per occasions for divine service by the Minister'S
of every denomination of Christians. it il hoped
that charges and in>inuaions Of the character al.
luded to will not be reiterated. In leaving this
subject, let remark, that the moral qualities
of the students, as body, challenge scrutiny
and impeachment.
OF the pretensions of the University to rank
high as school Of literature and the sciences,
we can say much. The plan Of instruction may,
however, call for prior explanation. 1t is no
small recommendation to the system pursued,
that it rests upon the option Of the student what
and how many OF the branches taught he will un-
dertake; but this number must be three or more,
unless the written memorandum Of parent or
guardian to that effect be produced. In the East.
| Cnliouo, tba ,c :: Al
with all; and it has been the case, that resi-
drnce Of four years within the walls has been
deemed sufficient qualification for diploma
The advantages possessed. in this respect, are
too obvious to be dated on. Instead, then, of
granting diplomas for the whole course, incIud-
ing every department of collegiate instruction,
they are granted, in the several classes. the re.
QUESTIONS in each. being a thorough knowledge
of the whole subject pursued in the particular
class: the test Of it being minute examination
corresponding in extent with the acquisitions.
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