The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1859-10-26
The University of the South.

4.
tits pleasant to divert ones glance from
the lurid glare and fiery light Of political
controversy, says the Mobile Register to
the peaceful conquests Of pa
triotism in other and purer spheres. Of
vastly more practical Importance to the
best interests Of the South than the cleo
ton ofatAis man or that man, is an enter
magnificent in conception, bold
and vigorous ip execution-which has
been quietly but steadily progressing for
several years. It is designed to give to
the South aaseat Of learning, which shall
compete in its appliances and facilities
with the world-renowned Universities of
Europe, and far surpassed any rival on
the western continent This is no mere
dream Of benevolent enthusiasts events
SO far have shown that the project rests
on the broadcast and safest basis, and that
its feasibility is beyond a doubt When
! it first assumed tangible form, offers, of
liberal grants Of lands and magnificent
pecuniary donations by cities and rural
communities poured in upon the Com
mittee Of Location to influence it's decis-
ions. The committee wisely resisted the
most seductive temptations, and in the
selection of tie site determined to keep in
view the permanent veal and ultimate
prospects of the institution, therefore
avoiding large city on the one hand and
wilderness on the other. The maxim
that guided their deliberations was, that
national University must build up
town and net be built by one tits thus
that Oxford and Cambridge have gradu-
ally grown into existence In other
words, national seats Of learning, like the
national seat of government, should be
on neutral ground Sewanee in Grundy
county, Tennessee seemed to possess
every desirable qualification, in reference
to health, accessibility, and yet the desir-
able isolation. The tract acquired for
university purposes amounts to nearly
10000 acres of land, has been thoroughly
surveyed, and its capacities carefully de-
termined; the grounds are already placed
under the direction Of landscape gard
ner to be laid off with due regard to taste,
comfort and convenience. To ensure
against unforeseen Interruptions and en-
barrassments, the building will not be
Icommenced until a half million dollars are
Eclearly dispcsble. Of tits sum, $685.
$3.50 have been received in cash. bonds
and notes, payable in available periods !;
and an additional amount of $ll5,0O0 is
pledged from responsible persons. The
collections for all purposes, special pro-
fessorsbips, fellowships, etc, etc, will,
there is every reason to believe, fallsnot
short of one and half millions of dollars.
The University Of the South will be no
slavish imitation of any model however
llustrious. In it's organization it will be
guided by a generous election and take
for its rule Of conduct the advice of St.
Paul: Prove all things, hold fast that
which is good Those inyeterate defects
which past age has engratted ON older
institutions and which have become vital
portions Of them will be carefully avoided,
and asystem adopted which shall be pro-
per to our age, our necessities, our genius,
thriving plant ofsour own soil, and not
an artifcially transplanted exotic. Hav-s
ing wider and higher range than our
State Colleges, the University will not
trench on their interests, but will be their
most valuable friend and they it's most
valuable tributabaries. It's faculties will
be complete and extending beyond a ste.
rile academic education. The living LAM
gnages, the natural sciences, agriculture,
all the practical requirements Of modern
times will be entitled to equal rank and
equal honor with the classic lore Of anti.
putty. The most liberal compensation
will be awarded to scrupulously selected
talent and there is every prospect that
some of the best minds from every cline
will cluster together on the mountain pIa.
teau OF Sewanee. A few years ago, when
the project was yet in its incipient stage,
one of the most distinguished Northern
professors spoke oft to theipresent writer
as one OF the greatest conceptions of the
age, and intimated thathe would feel him
self honored by call, and that many of
his confreres would. We can conceive
how attractive to vigorous original mind
a national effort like that at Sewanee
must be, what q fnaenifccut field IL offers