The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1869-08-05

Il trip Dy canal from Lynchburg tc
Lexington, "a distance ofabout fifty miles,
though slow, is not devoid of interest.
The monotony Of the journey is relieved
by the beauty of the scenery which on
either side meets the eye. The atmos-
phere Is cool and bracing, the cliffs rise
rugged and grand, and away off are
caught glimpses of the Blue Ridge, with
many other objects of interest which car
ry the mind from nature up to natures
God"
Lexington is chiefly attractive by its
famous schools. Here Washington Col
lege IS located, which is presided over by
Gen. Lee. When the federals, under
Hunter made their celebrated raid to this
point, the buildings Of this College were
not injured, and the institution having
sustained no damage except in the sus-
pension of its operations during the war,
was enabled to resume business without
serious inconvenience. 1t is now in a
prosperous condition under the manage
ment of Gen. Lee. 1t was my misfor-
tune not to have seen this great captain,
whose very name is a treasure to his
Southern countrymen. Just before my
arrival in the village, he was called away
by the death of his brother, Commodore
Lee, to whose late home he had fastened
to pay him the last tribute of respect.
An incfitrfior 81 IN
known than Washington College, is also
here, the VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE,
under the able management of Gen.
Francis III. Smith, and other widely
known members of the academic staff,
among them, Commodore NJ. F. MAURY,
Gen. G. w. G. Lee, and Col Thomas
II. Williamson. This institution was es-
tablished, and is partly supported by the
State of Virginia, strictly as military
and scientific school, upon the basis of
the United States Military Academy at
West Point.
Among the Professors of the school
which it gave to the service of the Con-
federacy, may be mentioned 1t Gen.
Stonewall jackson and Major General
Rhodes. To these may be added long
list of historic names representing the
alumni of the institution These names
are appropriately recorded and handed
down in the annually printed registers of
officers and cadets.
NoI1 10 fofi fov
the training of soldiers vindicated in the
great struggle, but it is none the less USE
full since the sword has been beaten into
the ploughshare and the spear into the
pruning hook.
1t is the peculiar merit of this institu-
ton that its course of training is perfectly
adapted to the practical uses of life.
Here are laid broad and deep, if the OPP
portunities presented are not rudely re-
PEELED, the foundations on which may be
built the superstructure of a prosperous
and honorable career.
Many youths commence their college
life without having developed the mental
traits that indicate the occupations for
which they are best adapted. In the
training to which the cadet is here sub
jected, his adaptabaity for the calling best
suited to his habits of thought and men,
tai peculiarities, is developed, and the
current of life receives the direction it
should go. Many promises are disap-
pointed, and anticipations of success are
blighted by reason of error of judgment |
in selecting occupations. As well try to
force a current of water uphill, as to at
tempt to achieve success in pursuits not
harmolizing with the gifts of nature. In
this institution, the farmer, the merchant,
the mechanic, the engineer, the lawyer,
the doctor, the artist, the soldier, will all
receive the primary instruction required
as stepping stone to eminence and sue
cess in their several callings.
The institution is peculiarly Virginian,
and her sons who are educated here in
cur an obligation to place their services
at her command as teachers for given
number of years, after they have finish
ed their course; but it is nevertheless an
institution which is worthy to be cherish
ed by the whole South, to which its bene-
fits are open. Her sons, practically ex-
Guided from West Point, here have an
institution conducted upon precisely the
same principles and offering equal advan-
tages on terms as moderate as can be de-
sired. And this opportunity is not neg
leeted. The number of cadets in attend
ance last session, was nearly three hum
dred. 1t viii be increased the approach
ing session. Indeed, was informed by
Gen. Smith that the number admitted
will be measured by the means which can
be provided for their accommodation.
1t should be stated that unlike Wash
ington College, the buildings of the Mill
tary Institute were not spared by the In
vader. They were all, with the excep-
ton of the residence of the Superinten-
dent, burned. But they have been most
Iy replaced; and additions suited to the
of the Institution, are in
process of construction. The residence
Of the Superintendent was spared by rea-
SON of an accident, or an incident, or a
not necessary to be repeated
here.
A journey of fourteen miles by stage
over a road billy and Astounding in beau
tiful views brought me to what Mr.. JEFF