The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1873-12-17

self unable 60 see why EreSOyGerlanS SnOuIu
object Co ecclesiastical control of their col
leyes while the Methodists and Baptists ca
gerly seek such control. No one but Meth
Odist, he saws, viii ever become President OF
Randolph Macon, no one but a Baptist
could fill that Office in Richmond College
Now I know Mr.. Watkins to be incapable OF
wilful Misrepresentation, but he certainly
misapprehends the case when he speaks OF
Hampden Sidney as being less donOmins-
tionaI than Randolph Macon or Richmond
College. Unless l am greatly misinfOrmed,
the charters Of these three institutions IN re-
spect 20 this matter are identical. According
70 their charters all are governed by boards
of Trustees which exist as close corporations
Indeed in some aspects HamPden sidney Is
more UNCONVENTIONAL than either of her SIS
ter institutions. At Hampden Sidney every
professor and every trustee is Presbyte-
rian. At Randolph Macon at least TWO pro
fessors, when elected belonged TO other de-
nominations than the Methodist AT Rich
mond College there is at least one Trustee
who is not and never has been Baptist.
Permit me to say that in the course Of this
debate, with no unkind intent, / AN sure, DR..
Dabney has spoken in too depreclatlng a
strain of Hampden Sidney. True it is, that
she is not as rich, either in funds or in pu-
pills as we all could wish, but in neither OF
these respects is her condition as deplora-
bic as might be inferred from the remarks
90 which we have listened. Her funds are
this day greater than they have been at any
period of her history previous to the last
twelve months, unless We except short
time during the late civil war, when she &C
CURED, but to lose, very large sum when
reckoued in the currency of the times. The
number Of her students last year was greater
than at any period since the war, and we
hope that number will be exceeded before the
close Of the present session.
LIt was in reply to this that DR.. Dabnsy said that
when he referred to his alma mater ''poor little
College, it was only as q term OF endearment See
bis speech.
In the remarks of Major kirkpatrick,
there was some mention Of the affection with
which be regarded Hampden Sidney, and OF
the efforts he made 10 her behalf. cheer
fully recognize the Justice of this claim. New,
er While live shall forget the earnest and
noble efforts made by that gentleman not
long since to secure for Hampden Sidney
the recognition of her just claims by the Leg
islature of the State.
In response to the very kind terms IN
which DR.. kirkpatrick has spoken of myself
personally, and of the institution with which
am connected, l can only say that be-
Heve he knows full well the feelings l enter
tain towards himself He can scarcely doubt
that they have been ever feelings of respect
and affection.
ITO be read after Mr. Bowmans remarks on Isl
page.l
IL j. KIRKPATRICK, ruling elder from Lynch
burE-S0me things have been SO often asserted II
the Synod Of NTgioia for years past, that feel L
duty 20 reFly. There are some who seem TO 0C
panic stricken about what they apprehend to b'
our condition and prospects. They say that tn'
institutions Of education are passing out or GU
hands, and we are falling far behind. But this Il
not correct. We have displayed within the las
ten years more energy than ever before. IL Is true
that To- earlier times In Virginia We had almost Z
monopoly IN this matter OF Colleges-there were
no other Colleges then OF denomlnatonal cnarae
ter In the State, except William and Mary. But
our example aud our teaching have educated Two
whole denominations, who nave sprung up nObH
90 this work and are providing for themselves.
Six institutions have been organized OF denomt
national character. i would not take away thell
sceptre FROM them. Let US rather rejoice 10 tnell
work aud bid them a god speed.
But the proposal now is to give this Synod &C.
c'esiasticaI control over Hampden Sidney College,
iu swing Us by law q veto over the election OIL
trustees Now neither the Methodist or baptist
colleges, or any other IN the State are put IN such
legal relation 90 the respective denominations tna
founded and that patrOnlse them. The Methodist
Conference has no more legal control over Randolph
Macon. than we have over Hampden Sidney and
vet there Is no fear that they will DRIFT away IRON
their moorings Hampden Sidney has gone on
well for hundred years, aud II Is evident thai
others have approved It's plan by the fact that they
copied it IL Hampden Sidney was once under
ecclesiastical control, those VINO had charge or Il
dissolved IT, No denomination has gone as far as
it is proposed 60 20 TO day. Ii is novelty, an IN
necessary experiment l am IN favor OF gong on
as we are retaining present plan OF giving onI
Young men a thorough education, under thorough
Christian influence, evangelical, but without seeta
Ran prOselyti,m. Let ali good Christian people
feel free 90 send their sous there. Add, as Pres
byterian, I must be excused Tor saying that DC
not believe any other denomination can 90 tha'
quite as vel. as We can.
But / have heard iJ said that the University Of
WASHINGTON and Lee Is passing so Tar out OF our con
troll that Nc is necessary TO warn Presbyterian parent;
against sending their sons there. There Is no need
oil any such warning. Within the last ten years
that institution has done more for the promotion
OF Christian education than at any period OF Its his
tOly.
As to the paper Of the Trustees which has beer
read i win only say here shat regret that any
declaration at all was made on the subject. They
have put themselves to unnecessary trouble as Il
seems 90 me- TO soy simply what Is true, and VIVA
the public knew before that the Institution Is not
D. 80. Il Il. hot H. ann 4
give our students good education under good
evangelical Influences, free from any danger OF IN
6jel or raUonalisrc teachings
The original paper from the committee Is mere
atstr4c,iOn-tbe substitute Is a dangerous, practical
novelty. There is not the least chance that such
change 10 the charter will ever pass through the
Legislature. And even il 1t could it ought not &c
be procured. lie will raise and promote rivalry
between two institutions where none ought to ex
ist They viii be put upon different foundations
and We shall have STRIFE where there has been
peace.
REV. f. ID. JUNKIN said that Christian
parents of our Church wanted an institution
which could give the advantages of q thorough
education and thorough religious influence
In regard 20 the latter be was not satisfied
tina. ID would be safe for him to send a son
Co the University Of Washington and Lee.
And as 10 any such relation to the Pres
byterian people Of Virginia, as it has here
tofore been understood to have had from its
origin and uniform history, that seems to
have been disayowed and practically severed
by the recent action Of its Board of Trustees,
Ar. BLAEEy, ruling elder from Char
lo..esyils. He thought there was practi-
cal agreement in the Synod on the main
roirt-tha Ehnrch had q ripht To undertake