The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1871-02-16

schools had once q small and feeble be-
ginning, and that it was during even
these early years that the men whose
fame now sheds lustre upon their teach
ers acquired the begipnir g ofthat edu-
cation which they afterwards turned to
so good account. The West Virginia
University is still in its infancy, but its
present vigor is guarantee of long
life of usefulness, and its graduates now
may be the peers, in point OF academic
culture, Of those of the Oldest collegi-
ate institutions in the United States.
That it will acquire a reputation second
10 none, may be safely predicted if the
course Of study at present pursued be
thoroughly maintained and that degree
of public patronage and State aid to
which it's merits entitle it be
continued Age, that comes to
all human enterprises alike, will
do its work for the University; and
it is 10y no means impossible tina, some
OF the distinguished men OF the future
may be proud to be reckoned among its
early graduates.
The endowment fund OF the institu-
ton should be increased and another
professorship established. Would it
not be well for the Legislature to devote
to building up one tirst-class institution
of high grade, considerable portion Of
the money that has heretofore been irlt-
tered away by distribution TO many less
important claimants? The Normal
Department OF the University affords
facilities for the education OF teachers
Tor our free schools, equal, if not supe-
rior, to any of the smaller Institutions
for that purpose now sustained by State
aid. Would it not be well for the Legisla-
ture to give to the University all that the
State can afford to appropriate for Nor
NAL instruction? Instead Of one-horse
Academies scattered here and there
over the State, let us have one institu-
ton that is worthy OF tull team We
would not disparage the usefulness OF
the various Normal sclools-they may
be all that their friends claim for them
but while the State is unable 10 make
the University what it should be and
at the same time sustain these Acade-
mics OF less eminence. it would certainly
he wise to concentrate upon the Cniver-
stv all the influence and all the aid the
Legislature can afford to give. When
the University is sufficiently endowed
to enable it to maintain its high place
without further appropriation Of money,
it will be time enough to build up half
a dozen or more Colleges, Academies,
or Normal schools, at various points in
the State. Too much money has been
expended for the University already to
justify the State in stopping short
of the completion OF its full design.
Very handsome and commodious
buildings have been erected, and the in
stituton has thus far met with good
success and realized the just expecta-
tons of its founders. But it has Ca
pacity for much more extended useful
ness, and one dollar of State aid
extended now will be likely to accom-
plsh a. much good as five dollars here
tofore. We commend it to the favora-
bic consideration OF the Legislature,
AMI trust that the Importance Of build
ing up within our own borders school
that shall rival the very best in the
land, may be properly appreciated and
command their earnest efforts in its be-
halt