Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1871-10-13
Vale college aud Its New Precedent

The Inauguration Of the new president OF
Yale college, on Wednesday, was an event Of il
terest not only TO the numerous graduates OF
that institution, but 10 al friends OF sound
learning everywhere. The principal features OF
the day were the addresses of the retiring and
the new presidents. Dr. Woolsey expressed his
gratitude for the prosperity which had attended
the college, and his confidence that it would
continue under the guidance Of one already per-
fectly well acquainted with the affairs of the
college who had been tested by an official eX-
peTience Of twenty-five years, who had honored
it by his writings, aud who commands the re-
spect and confidence of all-of the public, the
trustees, the graduates and the faculties. In
surrendering, according to a formality OF
ancient date, the charter and the seal, he de-
scribed them as a charter which, in its sim
plicity and wise liberality, had long provided an
enlightened and efficient government, and a
seal which has been affixed with
rare moderation to questionable de
grees, and which he trusted would be
the certificate Of tue scholarship as well as OF
high scientific and literary reputation hereafter.
DIR. Woolsey mentioned three points in which
the faculties had been greatly favored. One was
the confidence which the corporation had al
wass reposed in them. With scarcely an excep-
ton nolaw had been passed ,jno officer appointed,
unless after fun consultation and exchange of
views between the boards Of control and instruc-
ton. This he hoped might continue The cor
poration should not be mere organ to carry
into effect the viii of their subordinate officers,
tI,oy- 81,
condition of mere agents. The second favorable
point in the condition of the college officers is
that, while the actual tradition of what col
lege ought to be is toeraby fixed, changes have
been constantly taking place in the enlargement
of the corps Of instructors, the rails
ing the standard of scholarship, and
the increasing demand for higher
education. The third particular is that the
president by tradition and in conformity to the
correct view prevailing here, takes an active
part in the work of instruction. He had always
felt that while the details Of Office were his duty
and burden, the teaching Of willing students
and the pursuit Of some science with them were
his duty and JOY. These advantages he hoped
would always be retained, and he hoped, also
that while the college lasts it will be the abode
of religion, OF teachers who believe in Christ
and lead religious life, and of scholars who
feel that noble character is something infinite
ly more precious than learning.
President Porter announced as his theme the
higher education Of the country. The discus
sion Of this question, never 50 excited and SC
earnest as it is now, shows that the higher insti
tutons of learning are still power in this coun
try, and are not losing their hold on the public
regard. There need be no fear of the popular
agitation Of these questions; the breeze Of pub
lie interest and public criticism, now blowing 81
freely through the balls of ancient learning, cal
only bring health and vigor; it may blow ava!
somewhat of the dust of routine and the col
webs Of tradition; it may awaken instructors t.
quicSened energies and to warmer and wide
sympathies; it may sober and elevate their pu
pills TO a mlnlier and liyelier sense Of their re
sponsibties TO the commonwealth of man
Proceeding with his theme, President POI
ter said the higher education should be con
Yersant with the past, with the products Of it
activities aud with their record; with what MAJ
has been and attempted. 1t is also concerned
with the present; every aye has its own methods
Vi NpHNNi'i"A @Hl "pply lhS truths ana primer
pies, its own difficulties in accepting what i
true aud refuting what is false, its own forms O
scientific inquiry, and Of literary expression
The teacher must be alive to the thinking of tn
present, or he cannot prepare his pupils I
bear their parts IN it, and they will not liste
TO him with respect unless they believe that 1
understands the great world without the colleg
as well as the little world within. In regard
the higher education, two principles must be r
garded as unquestioned 1t should aim at il
telleetual culture and training rather than Il
acquisition OF knowledge, and it should respe
remote rather than immediate result
In all the stages Of education many
the tasks are purely preparatiye and dsciplil
airy, bat all studies are not equally disciplinar
in their influence and effect, and selection
the most quickeniug and useful can be bett
made by teachers than by pupils. At Yale a
open two schools for undergraduate student
one Of which is preyailingly scientific, iookir
more-to modern and active life, the other is {
peeially classical, historical aud speculatiY