Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1857-05-02

A SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY.

This age is emphatically one Of progress and the
enc in which all former ages centre. Books and
knowledge are not now confined to the PRIVILEGED
few, but are the property Of the many-of the
masses-whO may be plainly seen in the foreground
of the future, on the great stage Of human action ;
bringing about an equilibrium Of privileges
blessing not so fully enjoyed in any country as IN
the United States. The time was when a title con-
ferred by what was called the learned professions
was badge comforting peculiar distinction, often
without merit; but in this age worth and merit are
taking an apr priate place in the management Of
State and Church. The poor unlettered boy may
become learned; may, by his merit, be promoted to
the highest honor.
have been lead to these remarks by the sublime
idea of Bishop Polk, who proposes, by the co-Ope-
ration Of his brother Bishops, the establishment of
a Southern University Of ten States. I say the
sublime idea, for what could be more than the
thought Of having the rich treasures Of ages past
in science and literature opened, where the learner
may learn more, and the unlearned may become
learned and at home, comparatively speaking, with
out going abroad as strangers in a strange land
What we need most of all in the South is scientific
and literary colleges with those our progress will be
irresistible Our native mind is capable, under
careful culture, Of Improvement that win give US
men and women who will compare favOrably with
auv in the most favored lands. We need Southern
literature: why not have it? If it were necessary
for the establishment Of such an institutiOnlas the
Rev Bishop proposes, every citizen in the South
should feel bound to contribute Of his substance
freely for its establishment; and particularly
should the citizens of Tennessee feel this obligation,
as he has indicated preference for its location in
this State. twill confer benefits nestnable on the
present generation, and reach down increasing in
magnitude to future ages.
Nature has lavished on Tennessee her choicest
blessings. Situated in a temperate region with
rich soil, producing every necessary of life in the
greatest abundance with her rich deposites of min
erals and stone coal her lofty forests and valuable
timber: her gushing rivulets and naygable rivers
all combine to invite the location of the Southern
University. on her elevated table lands which are
now accessible by railroads from all points of the
South. Surely every citizen of Tennessee feels
deep interest in having it located and firmly estab
ished on her soil 1t would, to my mind, be rich,
choice blessing Then, if I am correct, let each,
if we should be called upon for means, feel the i'm
portance of aiding and feel that it will be happy
reflection in after life know that have aided in
some degree in the establishment of a Southern
University Aid in raising the funds, and then in
vite the learned and Rev Bishops to prospect
and locate where they in their wisdom may feel
is the most suitable spot. Without petty local
contention, nature and circumstances will readily
indicate. after a careful examination, the favored
Mace I shall rejoice to know that Tennessee isfa-
vOred by the location the mountain top or in the
vale. ILNNASsEAN'