The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1872-07-27
virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College.

NlTRtnta NOtIc&t'
The undersigned was requested by the
Visitors of this institution to publish a
condensed statement which would answer
the question, What manner of school wiH be
established at Blacksbuy2
In short time this question will be an
swered fully by the publication in pamph-
let form of the report of the committee on
organization which report was unani-
mously adopted.
The school will be sui generis-a truly
technical school of secondary grade. Its
whole cast will have special reference to
the wants of the " industrial classes )" by
which are meant those who are directly
mot remotely engaged in producing, de-
veloping, or shaping the material products
of the State !; and its ultimate object is not
to educate them out of, but in and for their
vocations; and not only to make them
more capable Of achieving success, but to
give them enthusiasm for their work.
All our heretofore existing literary ma
chinery will remain unaffected in a great
measure by the new creation, which will
not enter into competition with high schools
colleges, or universities nor will it trench
unnecessarily upon the field belonging to
the public school system. OF course, some
of the same studies taught in the colleges
will he taught in this institution, but they
will be taught in eclectic style, and with
special reference to the objects aimed at ;
and owing to the recent establishment of
our primary school system, some of the
higher grades OF elementary studies will be
included in the curriculum. The ancient
languages are not included in the course,
but it is expected that arrangements will be
made by which students desiring instruc-
ton in those languages may be accommo-
dated privately.
The course of instruction, though aim
ing at practical results, will not, as before
intimated, exclude liberal studies. Practice
is to be reached through science, and a de-
gree Of general culture will be impaired to
the student, in order that greater practical
skill may be attained. As means increase,
the temptation ito raise the standard" will
no doubt be yielded to some extent; but the
purpose,even now is to make sure that every
graduate Of the institution shall understand
and know how to use the English language
and at least one other modern language !;
that he shall have general knowledge of
history, literature, government. political
economy, and morals also, a considerable
knowledge of mathematics, chemistry,
natural philosophy, natural history, and de-
scriptive astronomy, besides those special
subjects and applications Of science which
directly pertain to agricultural and mecban-
cal pursuits. Free hand and mechanical
drawing will receive careful attention !;
daily practice in agricultural or mechanical
work will be required; while military tao
tics will receive degree of attention not
yet determined.
A three years. course is sketched by the
committee on organiZation-one year COM
mon to all students, and two parallel
courses of two years each, suited to agri-
cultural and mechanical students respective
ly but the duty of preparing working
programme will deyolye upon the faculty
when appointed.
Such schools as the one here indicated
are not common in this country, but are
common in Europe, and are rapidly multi
plying. and are demonstrating their power
in stimulating production and improving the
quality thereof. The working classes crowd
into them, and exhibit what can be attained
in no other way, an actual association of
science and practice in their subsequent la
bcrs. w. ii. RUFFNER.
Richmond, July 25, 1872.