The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1869-08-26
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| ~>Nb Wv AO'h OIL suilOiial ohOtOu Va sh>
plan of organization and mode of in
struction observed in Washington Col
iege, Lexington, Virginia, of which in
stitution General r. E. LEE is President
From it we learn that the first and most
distinctive feature of the College is the
organization of its schools, which, while
permitting the utmost freedom OF elec-
tion to. the student, yet so groups the
different schools that thorough attain
ments in special directions are recog-
nized by appropriate degrees. No rigid
order of studies is prescribed, ne COM
pulsory attendance on pet branches
made condition of matriculation no
arbitrary classification attempted OF in
dividuals whose attainments, capacities
and aims are different; no curriculum
laid down as a panacea for all intellec-
tual defects. If the student, limited in
time or means, has traversed only a
small range of studies, he receives
certificate stating fully, exactly, and
truly what he has accOmdlished but
he does not 20 forth upon the world
with smattering of some sciences and
diploma attesting him most learned
in all. If he wishes the diploma for
scientific attainment, for classical pro
fciency, or for literary and philosophi-
cal excellence, he must complete the
regular courses prescribed for those de-
grees; while to secure the highest
honor which the College bestows the
student must exhibit distinguished pro-
fciency in all the academic studies in
its course.
But tho College residence and gradu-
uation of the student do not, as in most
European Universities, consist in a
mere matrlculation and examination;
OF even in the additional requirement
of au attendance on lectures. Frequent
and rigid examinations for the verifi-
cation of the students diligence and
progress, the encouragement and stir
ring up of his powers, and the final and
trying test of his requirements in the
pRblic. oral and written examination,
keep him steady in the onward career,
and at its close measure his work fairly
and give him his proper reward. Manly
4
aroused and developed, not by simu-
lated confidence and secret espionage,
but by that trust which engenders trust,
and that honest dealing which begets
its counterpart.
Not only has the College not sought
to abolish or even to abridge Classical
culture, but it has added to the scope
and thoroughness of the instruction in
Latin and Greek. Determined to neg
lect no form of linguistic training, it
has added to these the modern Ian
guages, which are taught both prac
tieaIly and with reference to their rela
tions to general grammar. The study
of the English language and literature
is pursued with the same ends, and a
development and logical con siStency
havebeeu given to it, fuller and more
advanced than in any other College
on the continent. Metaphysics and
Moral Science receive due attentions;
and History and Political Economy are
advanced to the dignity ola full Chair.
While thus far only four Professors
have been employed in the Scientific
Department, the range and thorough
ness of requirement exacted have fixed
a high standard of excellence there;
and General LEES own attainments
and varied experience, both practical
and theoretical, in these branches have
stamped themselves in permanent and
valuable form on these Schools.
The start given in the direction of
practical education by the muni6cencc
of Mr. MCCORMICK has extended itself
to plan, embracing courses of Agri-
culture, Commerce, Applied Chemistry
and Mechanical Engineering; and in
fact including in its scope a complete
and systematic, yet flexible develop
ment of education in the chief, practical
pursuits of life. While it is not posi-
BILE to put these into full and successful
operation without large increase of
the endowment of the College, it is con-
fdently believed that the appeal which
has been made to the public will be
fruitful of results and that this cher
ished design Of the eminent President OF
the College will be ultimately realized.
As evidence of the boldness with
which Washington College has met and
even anticipated the demands of the age,
by studying its wants, the proposed De-
partment Of Commerce may be cited.
The College offers by an arrangement OF
the subjects already fully taught within
its walls, with the addition of few
necessary branches, to educate young
men as Merchants, just as the Military
Schools aim to make their pupils
soldiers; the scientific schools, Engi-
neersi the mercantile schools, clerks;
and the various professional schools,
lawyers, doctors, preachers, and other
specialists. OF course in these efforts
at securing special fitness for mercan-
tile life or other pursuits, it is not in
tended to deter young men from gcing
further and ashieving the largest need
of knowledge for which their time and
tastes tit them. On the contrary it is
hoped that many who engage in these
partial courses may perceive how alto.
gether lovely is knowledge, and carry
their search for it beyond their first in
tention. But if young man fits him.
self for the duties of a merchant, con-
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