Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1857-09-09


through his parent or guardian. And if his in
dignation and resentment grow too great to be
suppressed, let him indulge his heroics after the
example of ACHILLES, and, in solitary grandeur,
withdraw from an institution unworthy OF his
great aid.
1t has been we'll said that the principles Of
democracy anu free government apply no more
to college than to an army or navy. The
coegians have only this advantage, that they
are not punished for desertion. Excuse the
presumption, which, if were not writing anony-
mously should scarcely be guilty Of, but un-
der this protection, make bold to say, that
you should burn your book Of laus and, after
ordaining sort Of constitution" for College,
leave it to the Faculty, who are in daily con.
TACT with the governed, to enact such Lat1s'
as their experience and observation might sug-
gcst and let them, will add, execute these
laws without appeal. Take care to prescribe,
however, the amount of holyday. That is one
of the tev things in regard to which, think,
the Trustees should act directly. Nine months
of term time is not too much, whether in prac-
tice or theory.
There is one other matter to which think
the Trustees cannot too promptly direct their
attention. 1t is, know, from my own cbser-
vation, serious objection to the College that
the FRENCH language is not taught there.
Other omissions may be supplied in after life,
but spoken language can only be learned well
in youth.
have spoken what intended when began,
but while on this subject will, trust, be par
doned for adding word or two, which, if the
College were managed according to the ideas
thrown out, would be better addressed to the
Faculty. They, trust, will profit by expert
ence, and not attempt hereafter to sgovern too
much" Half the rebelons have originated in
matters which had better have been let alone.f
What great harm is done BY a foray OF the
Black Riders of the Congaree?" (providei
they do not steal the horses.) A College
smile" breaks no bones. A bonfire, if the
tar-barrel is paid for, is rather pleasant sight.
The firing of few bundles of crackers, or even
a much louder powder explosion, might be
borne with, without putting boys on their uotr
dire There is, fear, too frequently much
ado about nothing"
Appeals to parents would rectify great deal
of that which essentially and really, apart from
college conventionality, is most Objectionable.
Call freely on the parent to take away young
man who is doing no good to himself and an
injury to others. The occasions, in my opinion,
are rare. when an issue need he made; but
when it is made, the motto should be, like Gen.
Taylor's-the Faculty "nerer surrenders." My
advice would be, in the spirit Of Polonius to
Laertes--
"Beware
Of entrance to a quarrel; but being In,
Bear it. that the opposcr may be beware Of thee"
The government, from the necessity OF tho
case, must be despotism, but it should be
mild kind-considerate and sympathizing des-
potissa. Caprice ans. .despotisM sra apt. knoHss
to 90 together. When this happens, aud is per-
sisted in, there is no remedy but the interposi-
ton of higher despot. The Trustees under
stand how to force abdication when they please.
An idea has been thrown out that the Presl-
dent alone should be invested with the sovera
eisn power. fear that this "one man po,oer"
would not be patiently borne either By the STU
dents or their parents 1t is opposed to the
habits of our people and the spirit Of our insti-
tutions. But the President, 1 think, besides
his vote as one of the Faculty, should have
veto power, so that lie would never be called
on to execute what he did not approve.
One other suggestion and have done. The
salary of the President restricts the choice so
much as to render any effort to get good one
exceedingly uncertain. The place requires
man who is energetic and practical, with all the
clements of worldly success about him, in ad-
diton to fair talent and full education, with
something OF the prestige Of reputation. Such
man it is hard to command in these times, for
three thousand dollars a year.
have been prompted to say this much BY
my feelings as a South Carollnian, friend OF
tile Cy:lege, and father, and leave the sugges-
tions made to the better judgment of those
charged with the responsibility Of action.
MAXCY.