Brownlow's Knoxville Whig. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1866-1869, 1867-02-20
East Tennessee university.


The subject of University education IS, at
this time, attracting a large share of friend
ly attention from the people and the Legis-
lators of this country This is wise. In
order to promote popular education, we
must have competent teachers; and it is in
the College or University that young men
are taught and disciplined, SO that they can
instruct others 1t is important too that
the wide and fruitful fields of science should
be industriously and proftably cultivated
by Christian scholars, not merely that man S
desire for the acquisition of knowledge may
be gratifed, but that, gathering knowledge,
he may apply it to noble or useful beautl-
full or praiseworty ends, to the honor and
glory of God, and the comfort and benefit
of mankind And it is in the halls of learn
ing, Colleges and Universities that Chris
tan scholars attain the high mental culture,
and are furnished with the means and ap-
paratus nccdfnl for extensive scientific IN
quiry and progress, to bring to light new
and valuable truths which may be applied
to the practical purposes of life, and to en-
large greatly their power to advance the
cause of Christian civilization We should
not neglect, whilst we provide Common
Schools, to establish and sustain the College
and the University. So think and feel the
people of many States of the Union. They
have in numerous instances created and en-
bowed such institutions. We, in East Ten
nessee, have University. 1t is poorly en-
dowed, to be sure, in comparison with what
it should be, to fulfil its purposes. But still
it exists Now that the war is over, 1T has
resumed its work, with capable and faith
full teachers. 1t has already nearly hun
bred students in course of preparation for
the regular College classes. Its workmen
have had to begin as it were at the founda-
tons of learning, and build from the ground
upward The next winter term will see the
College proper in operation again And
gradually their work will advance; the
house they are constructing will ascend in
all its fair proportions until it is completed,
and once more young men will be gradual
ed from its halls, with the honors Of the in
stitution. Much diligence and fidelity will
be requisite. Some patience will be needed.
But there is reason for encouragement, for
hopeful effort. Only let it be known to the
youth of East Tennessee that there is an
opportunity, than which none could scarce
ly be more favorable, for them to acquire a
good College education. Let the farmers
and men of limited means, who desire that
their sons shall have minds, well trained
and furnished for the duties of life, know
that here they may have that reasonable
and commendable wish gratifed. Bearing
as it does the name Of East Tennessee,
working as it is mainly for the education
of the youth of East Tennessee, the people
of this region of country should realize the
advantages which it affords, almost at their
very doors, and come forward to participate
in them. There is no doubt that they will
do this in considerable numbers They are
already doing So But there should be a
more general movement in this direction
Probably in every county Of East Tennes-
see there are few young men at home who
might attend the University and obtain an
education, which would be more valuable
to them in future life than thousands of dol
lars. By law of the Institution, two
young men from every county will be adj
mitted and taught free of any charge for
tuition, if they will agree to teach after they
leave the University as long as they them
selves have been taught in it.
Having preached this interesting subject,
we shall next week give a historical sketch
of the University.