Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1835-05-14
NJ 7 $ G e Z 7. A ~ e.
UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA.


UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA.
We take pleasure in laying before our readers
an extract from letter from young gentleman
at the University, IN which the preiudices that
nave existed against the institution, are ably
combutted, and its ad yantages set forth
We have been among those have beliey cd that
the benefits conferred on the Virginia communi.
~ by the establishment of the University. have
as yet, been far from commensurate with the inn
mense sums which il has cost the State. For,
alter appropriations Of thousands for the erection
OF the buildings and other purposes, and an en-
dowment Of $4,000 which it receives every
year, from the Literary Fund,--the expenses of
education are so great, as TO exclude the chill
dren Of men of moderate circumstances.
The ability of the Professors never has been
questioned, that we are aware nor has any com.
plant against the system of discipline, been
heard, since the change adyerted TO, in the ex
tract
81 IL Is known to you, as well as others, that
there Is strong prejudice against this institution
existing In the minds of many persons in West
ern Virginia, which, il cannot with truth be de-
MED, (and am sorry for it, at the time il was
formed, was grounded on correct impressions. in
relation TO the state of affairs here, but which
Ought no longer 10 exist, snce that which gave
rise to IT, has been entirely changed and correct
ed. GU, OF course, understand me to allndc to
the fact, that when the University was first
opened under an Judged system of too great
Hperalty, students were left almost exclusively
10 their own guidance-subject to no control fro9,
tile faculty, aud too young and inexperienced TO
take Tor themselves proper course, they de-
seconded ey &c a
Gus 10 themselves. and to every person connect
ed with the University But the evil eonse-
qnences OF this soon suggested the proper cor
receive; and now, wise laws are in operation
and pretty rigid system of discipline enforccs
under penalties which few are willing 10 incur
propriety OF department, good order, and studi-
Gus habits among students.
" Under existing circumstances, then, il must
be source OF regret to every liberal mind that
persons will continue dislike aud opposition 10.
wards that which deserves their respect and ad.
mration.
sc know Of no other justifable or even plau.
slble ground Of opposition 10 the University than
the one OF which have just spoken /: and il can
be kept alive now By nothing but inveteratc OBJ
stinacY or gross ignorance
F" 1t has never been and trust will never be a
reproach to this college that its Professors are
incompetent TO the task of instruction they have
never been charged with this. If persons could
only know them and appreciate their talents and
requirements, they would not hesitate TO call
their services into requsition for the benefit of
Themselves or their friends.
"The University offers many advantages that
are not enjoyed by students at other institutions
among which, will mention the following -
Students may attend TO any OF the various bran
ches of education which they prefer, without be-
ing compelled to attend TO others but il is rcqui
site that their engagements shall be such as TO
keep them well employed they NAV take upon
entering, the standing TO which their acquire
ments entitle them them, and they may grddt.-
ate on any or all oil the tickets as soon as they
are qualified they are not required 10 remain
IN the University any stated time, Of two, three,
or four years before they can get their diplomas,
"a man may, il he is equal 10 the task, gradu-
ate in all the schools in the very first session Of
his attendance, and when after any length Of
time, this is done, lie gets the degree Of Master
or @4rts 10 you not at once perceive what an
incentive to industry this must be? But dpo-
n1s is never conferred until the candidates qua
lifcations are tested by rigid examinations
Observe the differences 10 this single particu-
lar between the system here and that at other
places. Al other colleges the student enters
Freshman or Sophomore, and lounges or idles
away his term of four years and at the close of
| that period has his degree conferred, upon a
merely nominal and unmportant examination
do not say that the students at other colleges
always do this, but have been informed, and
believe, correctly, that they are allowed to do
so
ri think, II the citizens of Western Virginia,
will make an impartial examination into the me-
riis OF the University of Virginia, that they will
come TO the conclusion that their sons can be cd
ueated better and more speedily at this institu-
ton, than any where else on this side Of the At
lantic. Far be it from me, 10 advance any thing
like an illiberal or selfish feeling, but would
ask them whether their State University does not
deserve their support; and whether, every
| thing being equal, which do not admit, they
would not prefer having their sons educated
within the bosom Of their own State. 10 sending
| them hundreds Of miles from home, TO the North
| ern and Western colleges