The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1869-09-22
Enlightened Educational System,
WASHINGTON COLLEGE.

4 SiT WASHINGTON COLLEGE,.
We print the following extracts from al
article which appeared in the Virginia Ga
zette,. of Aug. Is, relative to the collegs
over which Gen. r, +. Lee presides, as
being interesting to all who would KEEP
peace with the strides that are being made
in the system of education, aud especially
with the advancement of knowledge in the
South 80 .gFleiaa.3 alslra III sra
| Tn the last issue of the Gazette, taking
| Washington College az the ,"Isepresenta
tive Institution of the South" we under
| took to show that the true path of progress
had been clearly marked out and entered
on by this pioneer in the new education of
the South. Let us see how far our view
is sustained by the facts laI ilsAg1
I. The first and most distinctive feature
of the college is the organization of ita
schools, which while permitting the utmost
freedom of elections to the student, yet so
groups the different schools that thorough
attachments in special directions are rec
ognized by appropriate degrees. No
I rigid order Of studies is prescribed, nc COM
Ipulsory attendance on pet branches made q
condition of matriculation; no arbitrary
classification attempted of individuals
whose attainments, capacities and aims are
different; no yokng of the OK and the ass
together; no curriculum laid down, as q
panacca for all intellectual defects. Each
school stands on its own footing, on even
ground; and attempts to satisfy fully the
cravings of the seeker after knowledge who
knows his own wants. His course may be
longer or shorter, broader or narrower, ac-
cordng to his needs and intentions. Yet
this freedom of election does not imply
that the course of studies is a tumble and
farrago without conference or unity Of pur-
pose. If the student, limited ia time or
means, has traversed only small range Of
studies, he receives certificate stating
fully, exactly, and truly what he has accom-
plished; but he does not go forth upon the
world with smattering of some sciences
and diploma attesting him most learned
in all. II he wishes the diploma for scien-
ti6c attainment, for classical proficiency
or for literary and philosophical excellence,
he must complete the regular courses pre-
scribed for those degrees while to secure
slows, the student must exhibit distinguish
ed proficiency in all the academic studies
in its course. ~ fa/f-} itse ~ 81
But it isnot only in using the best
modes of instruction and the most effective
discipline that the college has shown its
wisdom. In the round Of its studies and
the organization OF its chairs, it has had
the good sense to preserve oil valuable
agencies conductive to a generous culture,
without arraying itself against the spirit of
the age. 1t not only has not sought to
ABOLISH Or even to abridge classical culture,
Eat it has added to the scope and thorough
ness of the instruction in Latin and Greek.
Determined to neglect no form, of linguistic
training, it has added to these the modern
languages, which are taught both practi-
cally and with reference to their relations
to general grammer. The study of the En-
glish language and literature is pursued
with the same ends, and o development
and logical consistency have been given to
it, fuller and more advanced than in any
other college on the continest. Metaphys-
les and moral science receive due attention;
and history and political economy are ad-
vanced to the dignity of a full CHAIR
been employed in the scientific department,
the range and thoroughness Of requirement
exacted have fved a high standard of ex.
cellencs there; and Gen. Lees own at
tainments and varied experience, both
practical and theoretical, in these branches
have stamped themselves in q permanent
and valuable form on these schools. Such
are the results accomplished, and the
ground gained by the college in its move
ment for education.ll0 81 as.s.. .i,!lsl..
AS evidence of the boldness with which
Washington College has met and even
anticipated the demands of the age by
studying it's wants, the proposed depart
ment of commerce may be cited. Perceiy-
ing in the mercantile and commercial schools
as ct present managed, q valuable auxiliary
to education, it is, thought that this idea,
developed into.a fuller ,sinifcance and car
ried out upon a, higher plane of thought,
might prove Of incalculable benefit to the
county. This college offers, by an arrange
menttof the subjects already fully taught
within its walls, with the addition of a
few necessary branches. to educate young
men as merchants, Just as the military
schools aim to make their pupils soldiers,
the scientific schools engineers the mer-
camille schools clerks, and the various pro-
fessional schools lawyers, doctors, preach
ers and other specialists. OF course in
these efforts at securing special fitness
for mercantile life or other pursuits, it is
not intended to deter young men from
going further and achieving the largest
need Of acknowledge for which their time
and tastes fit them.
Another proof Of the broad and unset
fish wisdom Of Washington College is
found in the munifcence with which it has
bestowed it's educational advantages
Without State or Federal patronage, with
no rich endowment land in tact, not to
mince words, to poor TO, do what the conn
try expects from its wide reputation, the
college has attempted aud achieved larger
measure Of gratuitous instruction than
many colleges of ten times its wealth.
That featnre Of expansive liberaiity most
attractive and striking to an editor il tie
proposal to appoint to free scholarships
and the advantages ofthe college a certain
namber Of young men who propose to
make Journalism their profession, This is
the first distinct recognition ever made by
tha en1cn1lad. Nopf ROC af 1N;cf1nue of tho