The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1870-12-08
Maine Classical schooI.

The columns of the Christian Mirror for
the past several weeks have been largely de-
voted to communications from the friends of
the Classical School. 1t is evident that there
isa deep-seated disappointment in regard to
the action of the locating committee, which
augurs an unfavorable prospect for such an
adjustment, as will secure the full and early
enjoyment of so desirable an institution.
Professor lothian B. Sewall, of Brunswick, in
this weeks issue of the Mirror has given his
views on the subject. he favors school for
both sexes, of equal advantages, and opposes
separate Institutions. He is of the opinion
that the time has not come when it is neces-
sary for large outlay in buildings for the
present demands of the Classical School; but
recommends as salutary, and advises that the
pupils of both sexes find rooms and board in
the houses and families where the school NAV
be located. He is opposed to the dormitory
system, and questions the propriety of it al
fngether.i -
He does not read Gorham out as summarily
as the committee on location did, on the
ground of its not being central, but admits,
with other recommendations, "thar it is east
ly accessible, and not SO far on one side as TO
be out of the question ON that account"
The Professor states that he does not know
the particulars of the offer which the friends
of that Institution made, but objects to the
locality on account of the buildings being en-
tirely inadequate for the wants of the Institu-
ton, and considers clean lot as better and
less expensive gift.
He says that. the Conference must be free
and untrammeed to establish Just such an
institution as it wants, and farther considers
that the conditions attached to the offer from
Yarmouth as fatal to its claims, and al
though the buildings there might answer for
commencement, they would in time have to
give place to the one building which is want
ed. AS Auburn has been selected as the eligi-
bic locality for the Classical School, and as the
school was expressly intended as feeder for
Bowdoin College. The opinion of distin-
guished Professor of that institution is desery-
ing of consideration:
Auburn is pleasant, sufficiently central and
accessible, and its own building perhaps
could be more easily made what is wanted
than in the other cases, but for the following
reasons agree with those who think decd-
eddy that it is not the place. First.-Large
and thriving manufacturing towns are not
most favorable Tor schools of this kind. They
present too many temptations-are places of
too many evening shows, haunts of idle and
vicious resort, dazzling shop windows,
and too much street walking. The at
mosphere is not that of study. It seems
to me parents would prefer to send their
sons and daughters some where else; and this
would be constant fact operating against
the size and best interests of the school,
Second. 1t is too near Bates College. This
is nothing to the disparagement of Bates
This is good institution doubtless, and 10
become better. But the better it becomes, SO
much the worse for school in so close prox-
unity which we are establishing expressly in
tho interests OF our own college, Its infu-
ence naturally would always be felt, and the
TACT would be, that every year more or less of
Inc young men who would otherwise 20 to
Bowdoid would find some inducement which
would carry them to Bates. What policy for
our Free Will Baptist friends would it be, to
establish their fitting school in Topsham
The mere acquaintance with BowdOin and
its students, which the position would
effect, would occasion considerable draft
every year from the number of its pupils.
And if Bowdoin,. by Increased facilities
for study, increased endowment, enlarged
corps of instructors, and elevated standard of
attainment, shall increase her reputation and
influence, it would prove quite fatal to the
success OF such school in their interests.
Shall we try similar experiment by estab-
fishing our Classical School directly across the
river from Bates? Might not possible re.
suit be fitting school as much to the advant-
age of Bates as of Bowdoin? Bates would
no doubt thank us, but we are not yet In a
condition to do SO generous deed. And if
beside, there is any appe arance OF competition
or rivalry in the act, we certainly do not wish
to do it. For one, then, would say, by no
means let the school be at Auburn"
He closes his communication in favor of
iocatlnns the school in the city of HalloweD,
proVideo substantial aid is furnished, and ex-
presses surprise that the committee did not
consider It's geographical position desirable.
1t is understood that the several localities
which were induced TO make an effort 70
secure the school were led to believe, bv en-.
couragement from the locating committee
that the pecuniary offer would largely govern
the committee in deciding the question Of
locality. Whether right or wrong, this had
the effect of creating rivalry, which served
to increase the sums which were severally
offered:
a5I6am offers, $1,000 ssos7o ' s5o o;T;
Yarmouth 1877 900 3s,737
Auburn, (" 10000 10000 10000