Daily evening star. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1852-1854, 1854-01-03

Smihsonian Lnstitutisn-Last night, Professor
Hackey gave his third lecture upon Constitutions of
Learning and Science" Al the above named place
The greater part Of the lecture consisted of extracts
from the Edinburgh and North British Reviews, in
which the English University system was con-
denned, and Mandatory of the German Universities
The lecture was, however, very meagre upon the
subject Of American Colleges, one upon which We
would have preferred the lecturer have descan,ed
rather than upon foreign Universities with the faults
and mi>gov eminent of which We can have but little
concern. The abuses ofthe EngIisa Universities are
30 garing that their warmest friends are compelled
to speak against them, end that old Tory Maya
Zine, Backwood's, came Out last November with
Singing article upon the system, entitled a few
more words on University Reform" The lecturer
shjected TO education in England, that it contained
toe much materialisIn, and c. nuasted with it The
Gelpan metaphysics. If this Is a defect, it might
be argued more strongly against educ alton in Amer
ea where the practical is deemed of paramount I'M
portaHer and education only esteemed as it is useful
n after life. In this respect materalism, as it is
called in education, is far useful than all the
German metaphysics in the world, and if English
NuoSaiiou gave ulis, VIC Sibuu HOt De
inclined To quarrel with it, but the contrary il noto-
nouly the case.
The lecturer afterwards gave his own beau ideal
Ola National University, which was to be composed
OF the three different systems mentioned in former
lecture, combining the advantages Of each without
liz eounisrbaldncins evils. Al the head of this Uni
'ersti, he would have placed the most celebrated
sciehiihe men belonging TO each particular de art
h'eht OF knowledse men who, by their acknowledged
reputation, would be entitled take the chief posts
ONCE as their right Aiter these there were to be
professors, semi-ptofessOrs tutors and a regular
Graduation Of teachers of every caiibre. Such I
university, the lecturer explained, would comprise
every at, that students would 60 forth into the
"'''d accomplished in their own particular profess
'''n' and prepared for its duties. Such a scheme
may look very well upon paper, but we doubt much
!" p'aeiicabi!ity, and. although well enough for
'"a II would hardly be suited for the stern reali
"es " He Moot OF the professions and occupations
" INC" are acquired by long experience in the world
"4 S''hough liberal education may prepare them
wv ''eif adoption, II would hardly be sufficient to
give thrm the requisite knowledge. This can only
acquired by experience, and to the practical man
"o'id l. one vast University, in which he ac-
-frs Ms own peculiar knowledge, as well IL much
~ NE rest that he knows
lac eslDn'tia Fire Company paid their respects
uA! TO MIA Pendleton, upon whom they called
"' Vie customary compliments Of the season.
"ea were received in the most hospitable manner
'Na' lady, the msmbers of the Company being
ai'y introduced by their President, and were
seo With the usual New Year cheer. The fol-
oa'' was gwen, and responded to in an EN-
manner by the members of the COMPANY !:
L. II. Pendleton; the Star of the East. that
s'''es NE Columbia" Speeches were made and
Whole affair was of very interesting description,
-'"e ereditabe to all concerned.
-'er fedr's Dcy Reeeptions.-Yes,erdav was a
,ha .a holiday, and kept very generally, most Of
F'"i'c iunchonaries holding open house to re-
al visitors that might wish to offer the compli-
'' oi the New Year. The following are few
principal officials and others thai held levees
"'e ao"Se day; The heads OF Departments, with
eepton Of the Secretary of State and Aftorney
ai-Jonah ID. Hoover, Marshal OF the District
30 =, y, berrett, City Postmaster; General Camp
o., W. oreoran, esq, James c. Mcguire, ESQ.
oeh'on' Hon. Linn Boyd, Hon. Mr.. Aichison
"c'ondi Theatre opened last night with q
- company Of comedians, there was a full
-. ana 'he pieces which had been very Judi
IT, selected, were received with much applause
,,. here viii be played the comedy of "Ex
and the arss &C, Of "Rober Maeaire.p