The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-11-03
For THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN.
THE PRESBYTERIAN UNIVERSITY.

THE PRESBYTERIAN UNIVERSITY.
Mr.. Editor,-We have read and re-read
the article in the April number of the
Southern Presbyterian Revie1o, by DR..
Lyon, on "The Southern Presbyterian
University" 1t seems to us eloquent, con
vineing conclusive. Though some might
differ as to the best means to the proposed
end, few, we should think, can follow the
writer through and conclude otherwise than
that the work is the legitimate work of the
Church; that it is necessary; that it is fea
sible.
For our own part, we are ready to second
warmly the enterprise, and with the clearest
convictions; and do commend to every
Presbyterian, the rousing words of Dr. Pal
mer on the subject, in late issue of the
South Western Presbyterian, in which he
cordially and enthusiastically supports the
suggestion. He says; eff Presbyterians
do not mean to prove faithless to their an
cient educational renOwn, and still more
dreadfully faithless to their children, their
country, and their GOd-they must rise to
the solemnity of the issue, and anxiOusly
ask what is to be done
Many and great are the names of those
who have hope and faith in this grand move
ment for the establishment, by the Presby
terians of the South, under the direct auspi-
ces of the Church, of san institution of
learning which shall take rank with the first
Universities of the world" We cannot but
believe that an enterprise so great in con-
ception, and so transcendently great to the
Church and the world in the realization of
its benefcent ends, is born of God; and that
God will be with it. Aud, it is a matter of
encouragement aud congratulation to the
friends of the enterprise, that, already, it
seems to be assuming such proportions and
aspect. as to Justify the anticipation that at
no distant day they will see it an accom-
plished fact. Perhaps it may not be extray-
agaut to hope that our next Assembly even,
may see the way clear to put the idea into
practical operation and effect.
So far, Mr. Editor, we trust we are in ac-
cord with Prof Charles Martin, of Hamp-
den Sidney College, Va, whose letter upon
this subject, and "Dr Lyons plan, we
read with interest in the columns of the
Central Presbyterian. Aud, before we take
any sort of issue on that letter, We must
give him a cordial hand upon those strong
words OF encouragement Such Univer-
sity is, on every account desirable and must
be established. The sooner it is done the
better" ''He needs no other defense gainst
the imputation that he is a brakesmau upon
the wheels of a noble enterprise -
But, to his first objection Co DIR, Lyons
plan, to wit; that with the proposed "free
tuition" the million dollar fund is not
half large enough for University if all the
property of all the colleges could be concen-
trateI, we must beg him to bear in mind,
firstly, that his 'nOt less than two millions
suggestion just now, is calculated in its large
statement, to discourage the idea in the be-
ginning. DR.. Lyon was wiser, in proposing
to raise "a half million dollars, as the MIN
iaum Nth which to begin, and thinking
that the same could be easily increased to
"double the amount" still, however, 'with
which to begin He doubtless did not wish
to give a show of reason to the words of that
class which he describes in his article, as
Opposing any enterprise that costs money.
And, secondly, million dollars is no
despicable amount in connection with any
educational enterprise. 1t would not only
make 'a useful beginning but grand be-
ginning, and that without the help of sin
gle colleges funds. DR.. Lyon does not
make the consolidation of the Colleges a
condition precedent to the University; but
simply, as an encouraging and fastening
contribution to the grand accomplishment; !;
warranted, in his opinion, by their present
depressed condition, and the belief that
their aggregated endowments could be more
efficiently used in the interests of Presbyte-
rian education, than as at present situated
scattered, impoverished, struggling suspend
ed, and the great number almost hopeless.
The aim is to unite the means and concen
trate the action of the entire Church upon
Il i
terest, to encourage the hope, and inspire
the zeal, which with us is under God, the
sole condition to a triumphant success
success which will redeem, restore, advance,
the educational name of Presbyterianism,
and food the land with its moral power.
But, in the second place, Professor Mar
tin objects, ''that this consolidation is what