The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1870-06-25

CHEsTERTowN, June IA, 1870.
Mr.. EDIToR:-Tt seems, of late, that the
knowledge of the existence of College
upon the Eastern Shore of Maryland has
entirely passed from the minds Of the peo-
pie of Cecil. With the view of restoring
this lost knowledge, I derire portion of
your columns.
On a beautiful eminence, about half a
mile from Chestertown, Md, stands the
time-honored institution known by the
name of Washington College. The view
which it commands of the town. the mean
dering river and the beautiful landscape
spread out as far as the eye can reach, has
been subject of admiration for all those
who have any idea of the beautiful. The
healthful situation of the College is ap-
parent at a glance. All the facilities for
travelling which modern ingenuity has
devised, are enjoyed by the students. Not
withstanding all these benefits, this insti-
tuition has not receivedits merited support.
Those persons who are aware of its exist
ence seem to prefer to send their sons to
colleges not situated on Maryland SELL
Now, Mr. Editor, is this right9 Does not
this action, on the part of parents and
guardians, speak plainly to other States
that the institutions fostered on our soil
are unworthy of support If it does not,
my answer is we'll reserved. A nation can
only be prosperous and happy when the
eight of knowledge" penetrates every
portion Of it, and when its sons have re-
ceived at least limited education. The
success of ancient Greece and Rome, and of
all the other nations which have succeeded
them, was due to those mighty intellects
which guided them. The cultivated genius
of Demesthenes, for season, directed
Greece, and the lofty ambition of Cicero
presided over the destinies of Rome and
pointed out TO the Western Empire the
course which it should pursue. 1t was al
ways their desire to show the advantages
of institutions of learning. With the con-
currence of these men and of those mighty
minds which came after them, it should be
the aim of all persons to support we'll
deserving colleges. Why will not the people
of the Eastern Shore send their sons to
Washington College, and thereby build up,
as it were, an institution which will do
credit to our State? A glance at other
States, less favored than Maryland, will
show that colleges will succeed if the peo-
pie take an interest in them. Upon the
soil of the Old Dominion stands a Uni
versity, from which, yearly, go forth men
who are determined to make themselves
worthy of their Alma Mater. If Virginia,
her people worn out by the turmoils
and fortunes of war, can foster a Univer-
sity, certainly Maryland is able to do So
If New Jersey, with its marshes and its
sandy plains, can keep alive that noble old
institution known as Princeton, surely
Maryland, with its fertile fields and noble
streams can do, at least, as much.
1t has been urged as a reason for the
small number of students now in atten-
dance at the College that the citizens of the
several counties believe it to be demeral-
lied and demoralizing institution. 1t is
unnecessary to say that this report, which
has gained so much credence, is entirely
untrue. This impression, however, will be
ettectually eradicated, if the present faculty
continues to exercise power. Then let the
people rouse up, and lend helping hand
to struggling institution, and permit not
Washington College to sink, and to have
written upon its ruins the inscription:
at was, but it is mott
PBncpESc