Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1854-08-17
For the Times.
Fayette College.

ton. Opposing principles of State policy,
represented by rival candidates, and urged
with all the vehemence of party spirit, have
again been submitted TO the sovereign peo-
pie, and received a just decision. The bick-
, erings of excited factions, but lately arrayed
with hostile feelings against each other, have
received their quietus from that fiat which
which has gone forth from the rulers Of
the land. The waters, so lately troub-
led, have again outwardly resumed their
tranquil appearance, though underneath, the
elements are perhaps sill smarting under
defeat, or exulting in Temporary victory.
Such periodical seasons for the efferyesence
of public sentiment, though appar ently
fraught with danger, are in reality but safe
ty valves for the motive power Of govern
ment. The superhuous steam of party
opinion usually escapes at the ballot box,
and leaves the "machinery Of the empire"
in better order for the everyday practical
improvements for which as nation we are
striving. During the intervals of quietude
there are numerous objects Of deep interest
TO the nation, which not being directly as
sisted by public legislation, present but
stronger claims to the people, for united and
strenuous efforts in their behalf. Among
these there are none of more moment, of
more undivided interest to one and all of us,
than the cause of education. And at the
same time there is none which has been SO
neglected, SO hampered by illiberality, and
thwarted by the petty views of sectarian
jealousy. We are induced just now, as
friend Of Education, to inquire why the ef-
fort, by the Methodist Church, 10 found a
College Of the first order at Fayette, has
apparently met with SO little encouragement
among us. 1t is cause in which none
need lose but the indifferent--in the bene-
fits of which all may participate who will
contribute to its success-and upon the i'm
portance of which there can be no diversity
of opinion.
The position selected for the College is a
central one-in a populous, healthy and
wealthy county. In addition, it is TO be in
or near small inland town, the most favor
able location possible for the cultivation of
studious habits, and one least exposed to the
inroads of dissipation and extravaganza
among the students. What greater advan-
tages could be asked-what stronger in
ducements required to put the ''ball in mo-
tion?" There seems to be just two prom
inent reasons why the project is of such slow
birth: first, "scarcity Of money!" next, "sec.
tartan jealousy"
Scarcity of money" The desire for
wealth, an unceasing strife for riches, char
acterizes us as people. Il is our besettng
. sin. The tiend Of avarice is ever whisper
ing i'll our ears, get gold get gold while
the phantom Of poverty is goading us on, TO
the neglect of every useful and enrolling
enterprise. Every scheme for public i'm
provement is met upon the threshold by
that sapient inquiry, cei bono (which be-
ing interpreted according to the narrow
comprehension of the day, means "what will
it profit me individually in dollars and
cents ?" Thus viewed through jaundiced
glasses, sentence of condemnation is at once
passed; or it is left 10 swat a more conve-
nient season."
, AS if this crying sin were not enough TO
: lay at our doors, there is yet another still
, more heinous, because found lurking within
: the walls of 'consecrated temples" There
are those among us whose influence is rath
er turned against the College, whose purse
strings seem Theoretically sealed, solely
because'it is to be a Methodist institution =
We might reasonably suspect such an OPP
position to originate in 'the world" con-
sidered as the natural enemy of "the
church," even though it has not generally
been invidious in its likes or dslikes to-
wards any one Christian denomination
1.-THE world" it seems, is above such petty
displays of Jealousy, especially when objects
of general utility happen to be brought for
ward, though nominally fathered by some
one branch of the Church. No, it is left to
sister churches, or rather to some individu-
al members of them, to object and hesitate
about doing good, because, forsooth, their
own denomination cannot have all the gloru
of it. Experience has plainly shown that
for any college, or high school, even, to be
successful and permanent, it must have
well known and responsible supporters
Acting upon the principle that "what is
/. every body's business is apt to be neglect
ed" the different churches in our country,
/ in the high discharge of moral and religious
duty, have reared various institutions Of
| learning throughout the land, and can now
booef IF cnyna thot ,,,o,,lJ 4 l-