The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1871-07-05
FoB THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN.
Union Theological Seminary.

1t Is to be hoped that the friends Of this Insti-
tuition, and of those who desire to become students
there, will consider we'll the suggestions which
have already been made to the Trustees aud
through the press, in relation to the expedency Of
adopting system of messing among the students.
This is a practical and important matter. 1t is in
vain to deny, that unless the expense of education
in Virginia is diminished, the doors of our Unver
sites and Colleges and Theological Seminaries will
be closed to some who desire to obtain an educa-
ton. Every year makes u.s. whether we will or
not, accept the situation of poverty. Bat, without
discussing distractions is it not possible for peo
pie, whose sons for four long years lived in camps
and Jared not at all sumptuousy every day, to
devise some plan Of reducing the cost Of board to
our students? 1t is done elsewhere why not at
Union? In conversng with an eminent profes.
sional gentleman On the general subject, he in
formed the writer, that by system Of messing his
expenses we're less than one dollar per week. to
him, while at College. Feeling great interest in
this matter, the writer has had correspondence
with a friend who is a Professor in one Of the
Northern Theological Summaries, where this sys.
tenn is successfully practiced.
In that Theological Seminary, funds were placed
in the hands of the Trustees for the purpose, and
they erected building with commodious mess
hall, and with every convenience of kitchen and
closets, and provided also all the table and other
furniture, of plain and substantial character, free
of rent. The students organize Boarding As
ISOLATION engage matron and pay her SO much
per month to do, and provide for doing the work Of
the establishment She hires what help she needs,
and pays it out of her allowance One of the stu
dents is designated to act as Purveyor who does
the marketing, keeps the accounts taking receipts
for whatever he pays out, and submitting his &C
counts, at stated times, Quarterly semi-annual
ly,) to an auditing committee. The Purveyor OF
Commissary receives his board in compensation fol
his services. Each student pays, at the beginning
of the year, one dollar per week, in advance, fol
the half year, or for the time he expects to board
with the Association. The students keep one
or two cows; these are regarded somewhat as 6
permanent Investment, passed over to successive
classes.
OF course. there are difficulties in the execution
of any system of messing, and, if successful, Their,
are objections to resorting to its adoption. AM
plan, which keeps up the old system of com
mons" is liable to very serious objections. There
are very grave objections to hotel life in ou
country. But it is simply question Of dolar
and cents, and of necessity.
If some live, progressive, earnest, wise, Chris
tan gentleman Of the Alumni of Union Seminary
would take hold of the matter of obtaining, from
the Alumni and the churches, the funds thu
Trustees might cause to be erected suitable
building provide all eonveniences and apperte
nances,-with limited number of lodging Oh
family rooms, but with convenient mess hall ant
kitchen adjoining. The parents or friends Of stu
dents might supply, TO be credited on the account
of the student substantials, groceries, &C., &c
By thoroughly systematic execution of the plan
under written regulations, our Seminary nigh
send out yet more of her sons, to preach the COS
pei to every creature Is it not worth considering
and discussing, and, above all, may we not pra.
for wisdom in the forming and executing the pro
posed plans, if they shall be deemed practicable?
If the experiment should not succeed, there vii
be no great loss in putting up the boarding house
and thus giving our Seminary and College student
an opportunity of trying an experiment, and o
gaining an education which TO some is now simpl
an impossibility. LAYMAN.