The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1856-07-27
publ,c Education In New York.

Public Educ si0n In New York.
coLraBIA COLLEGE, TIE UNIVERSITY, AND THE
fBxg AcADEMY-ADMssIoss TO TIE LArTEx
-CoJRsE OF STUDIES PURSUED IN ALL THE WARD
sCHooLs-DAILY NORMAL SCHOOL.
During the past week the majority Of the different
institutions Of learning throughout the city have
teen celebrating their commandments previous to
the summer vacation. We have published the pro-
oeedings Of several and among these were the Free
Academy and Columbia College, but the ward
schools were so numerous that it was impossible
to give them even passing notice. From the name
which is given 10 these closing exercises it would
appear that they but the beginning of a new
year instead OF being the summing up of the results
Of the past term. Whv they should be called COM
mencements" it would be difficult to say, and we
doubt if the learned faculties themselves can give
q satisfactory reason. II would be well for them
however to practise the rule Of calling things by
their right names SO that when they speak OF a
commencement they may be understood to mea
what they say.
The commencem ent Of Columbia College, which
took place on Wednesday last, in Niblos Garden,
was so far as the audience and general appearance
Of the whole was concerned, quite brilliant affair
II was fine scene; but in intellectual entertainment
!. did not differ lrom the display on such occa
eions.
The exercises at all these commandments that
of the University included, generally consist OF so
called oratons and essays, which are remarkable for
nothing in particular but want of thought and
not unfrequently for bad spelling and wretched
grammar. Yet in every instance, we are told these
compositions submitted to the inspection of the
Professor, and they must receive his sanction be-
fore they can be delivered in public. When they
have received his approval they are then
committed to memory, and on the cay OF
their delivery a prompter is ready, with
tie copied Grafton ia band, to assist the treach-
e-cus memory Of the orator. Sometimes ne fails,
and Il Is impossible to conceal his failure from the
auaence, despite the arts Of the prompter but as
general thing, the Grafton is well committed and,
though il may be poorly recited. the speaker il al
WAYS rewarded with a " shower Of bouquets. As
none but the members Of the graduating class are
allowed the privilege Of speaking privilege which,
by the way, is paid for-the public expect that what
they have to say will lie worth listening to- and that
after course OF FIVE years the graduate will at least
be master Of English grammar, even should the ora
ton be marked by paucty Of ideas. And il is
but natural that they should expect this after
such q probation but the public is not aware,
perhaps, that the student can era iuate at the
end OF five years, no matter how deficient
he may have proved in his various studies.
This il is to be regretted, is the with many OF
what are called the higher institutions of learning
but We are pleased to learn that the Free Academy
il en- exception, and that if any OF the pupils are
found wanting at tie annual examination, the Pro-
fesso- writes a note TO their parents OF guardians
requesting their withdrawal.
The course Of education in the University. Co
lumbia College, and the Free Academy il very CON-
prehensiye, embracing the following more advanced
studies, in addition to the ordinary branches
COLUMBIA COLLEGE.
Latin. Greek, German, geometry, elementary
Chemistry, rhetoric and oratory. practical astro-
nomy mineralogy, geology, rational aud practical
mechanics, moral and intellectual philosophy. poll
tcal economy, uigonometry. In addition TO all
this, the English compositions, are told 10 be
read IN the lecture room, and criticized by the Pro
fessor in the presence Of the class.
NEW YosK UNIVERSITY.
Latin, Greek, German Spanish, Italian, French,
arts Of design, civil engineering practical cnems-
ry moral science and revealed religion, chemistry,
natural history, natural philosophy ASTRONOMY ma.
thena,cs intellectual philosophy, history aud bellies
Iettres With some difference, the study pursued in
FREE ACADEMY.
Latin, Greek. French, Spanish. German moral, in.
telectGal, natural and political philosophy: chemis-
try physics, mathematics, civil engineering history
bellies lettres and fine arts, natural history anatomy
physiology, hygiene, descriptive geometry. As we
have already stated those pupils in the Free Acade
my who are found deficient in their studies are re-
oaeste6 70 withdraw. and letter sent to their pa
reats stating the reason. Two chances are allowed
to the student to redeem his character: ano II be
SHOULD fail on the second examination. be
ia set down incorrgibly idle or naturally
stupid and in either unworthy Of enjoying the
privileges and advantages which should be given to
tue more capable and deserving. The number q
applicants for admission to this institution Is In
creasing every year, and at the last examination,
which closed some days ago, three hundred and
seventy were admitted, which makes the whole
number at present about seven hundred. The FOL.
lowing are the names OF the successful applicants at