Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1860-08-10
Education in Virginia.

SOnic"u dI llulleQ III virginia, 10 ouoh io-
proach can be brought against the old State
at the present period 1t needs but glance
at the advertising columns of the public jour
mails to see that the provisions now made for
the education of youth in this Commonwealth,
are as ample as in any other State of the
Uaion. There are as many schools in pro-
portion to population as can be found any
where, and probably the number of female
schools is larger than in most States. Whilst
Virginia can claim at least an equality in
the extent of the means which now exist for
the instruction of youth. there are some par
ticulars--and those of great importance-in
which we think she can claim without ar
rogance, decided pre-eminence.
One of these is the dignity, influence and
respect which attach to the vocation of teach
er in Virginia. In former times this voca-
ton was frequently adopted as stepping
stone to some other profession, and, conse-
auently, the heart Of the teacher was not in
his work, and his ambition and energies were
reserved for Il future sphere of action. This
has ceased to be the case. The instruction
of youth has now become a distinct and per-
manent profession, and one which has hon
ors and recommendations of it's own that will
not suffer by comparison with those OF other
vocations. 1t has enlisted in its ranks la
dies and gentlemen Of the highest social po-
sition and intellectual qualifications, persons
who would adorn and dignity any occupa-
ton, AMI who are not only qualified to con-
vry knowledge to the mind, but the inf1u-
ence Of whose personal bearing and example
upon the pupil is as valuable as any treasures
Of knowledge which he can acquire. In this
respect it seems to us Virginia may bear the
palm from all competition either in this
country or in England. In some portions
Of the country which affect to m0nopolize all
the learning, it is very much the fashion to
treat the teacher us IL mere educational and
disciplinary drudge: kind of overseer for
the Juvenile gang committed to his charge.
The situation Of governe>s III families OF the
aspiring Upper Ten is III some portions OF
America and England converted into the
most ranking and offensive servit,lde. We
eau scarcely mag inc position OF more ex-
Quisi,e torture to Il lady Of cultivation and
scnsibility. than that Of governess in the
family OF an upstart Snob OF New York or
London. In Virginia, the graduates of our
University, Colleges and Military School,
gentlemen who, III all that constitute gentle
men, have no Supporters in their own or any
other State, are now making the profession
OF teacher one Of as great dignity and re-
slcct rs it is Of unquestnnable usefulness,
whilst ladies, who, in refinement, elegance
and elevation OF character, are the orna-
ments Of their sex, devote their lives to the
education Of the future wives and mothers
oi this noble old Commonwealth. The ines
tinable benefits of having the instruction of
our sons and daughters in such hands, can
not be Overraeu. Nor is it Il slight evidence
Of progress thar whereas it was once great
recommendation, that Il teacher came from
abroad. il Is now Il still greater, and almost
Indispensable, recommendations that he is a
graduate of "A Virginia College or University.
The University of Virginia and the Eir
ginia Military Institute, have rendered in:
valuable services in elevatng the standard
of education, and i'll supplying the State
with competent and thorough instructors.
The hUuors Of the University are not easily
attained, and any one who visits that insti
tuition, and observes men and things there
for himself, will be struck with the marks
of power, vitality, and thoroughness, that
are evident in every department. The ut
most confidence is felt everywhere in the
University. its professors, its system, and its
practical workings. 1t is known that the
man who is able to graduate there, is no
sham, but Il real scholar, 4; master of his
weapons--one who has won his honOrs fair
ly-and everywhere the services of such, in
the duties of instruction, are eagerly vel
coined The Virginia Military Institute, in
addition 10 those branches of science and
learning which it teaches, disciplnes its pu-
pills in the duties Of the soldier, and pays
great attention to the Development of those
habits of punctuality, promptness, energy,
and system, which are 50 imp0rtan: in every
profession and every branch of business. It's
graduates have generally been up to the age
in which they liye-practical, working men,
who have SignaliZed themselves by the sue
ceSSlul conduct OF their own offairs, and by
IL sagacious and indomitabe advocacy of
progress and improvement in all the great
interests 81 the State. 1t sends forth annu-
ally cnrrs of teachers, who mpart to the
youth OF the State the valuable discipline
they have themselves received; while all its
graduates, of whom there is an increasing
number every year render aid in the in
struction aud discipline of the militia and
volunteers. which it would be impossible to
procure from amy other source, and the val
ue Of which we can only fully realize should
Virginia he called upon to defend her soil
from the footsteps Of invasion. The other
colleges of the State have contributed their
quota to the corps Of instructors, of which
the State has such reason to he proud, and
every year are increasing their usefulness
and efficiency in this respect.-Rich. Disp.
Hints As To PuLIriCAL MEETISGs.-As
the tme is approaching when political gath
erngS will be numerous and large, we beg
leave to offer few suggestions on the sub
iect:
|. Do not Tx the day for your meeting and
then look up your sreakcrs-they will al
ready, perhaps. have been engaged elsewhere
for that very day-bnt secure your speakers
first. Letthem Tx the day.
> Two prominent speakers, with the local
aid at your command, are amply sufficient for
any one mass meeting. Let the people I'M
derstund these eau he relied on and do not
load your bills with an array of great"
names only to disappont your audience.
). Have your meeting, if possible, indoors.
One indoor meeting even if packed, is
worth Il dozen outdoor noisy gatherings
The former is paratiyely easy and the
latter difficult for 1t speaker TO control
t. II you must have outdoor gatherings,