Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1873-02-11
WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY,
UNIVERSITY OF WEST VA,
Eehruary 1 1874

Mr.. Editor II have thought that few
lines from this new enterprise of our Youthful
State would be of interest to the people on
your side of the mountains, and have hence
taken the liberty to trouble you with the ac-
companying hasty and imperfect account Of
our present ''status."
We think that young men desiring an ed
ucation in any of the usual lines of study need
not go outside of the State for the same
The University, with the limited means at
her command, has done wonderfully consider
ing her brief career.
She has laid her foundations broadly and
deeply, and if the State continues to support
her with liberality, she need not fear CONS
parlson with many much older and weather.
institutions. on yonr side of the mountains.
Neither political prejmdices, nor sectarian
bias, are allowed any influence in its admins
tration. Since the State has no large system
ct intermediate schools, such as is found in
Virginia, which may act as feeders for her
University, this institution is in need of all
the announcement and support which the
people of the State can give her by causing
their children to look forward to finishing
their education within her walls. That she
is deserving of support, the following state.
ment will show.
Owing to the previous lack Of good gram
mer schools. the University has been COM
PEELED to establish a "Preparstory Departs
ment." in which less advanced pupils may pre-
pare to enter the college classes. A full corps
of excellent teachers have this in charge. and
by the thoroughness of their work aid in no
small degree the easy progress of the pupil
upwards
AS this system of graded schools in the
State expands: this Preparatory feature may
not be retained
given in five different Departments. These
are: "Literary." Scientific" "Ensineering,"
agricultural, "Miitary"
Each of these has full corps of professors
The Literary Department" in extent and
thorouchness, rivals that Of any institution.
The Scientific" is provided with apparatus,
cabinet of minerals, and museum to illus
trate all the subjects taught under this head
Provision is also made for thorough instruc>
ton in Agriculture and Engineering
The granting Of Cadetships in the Military
Department, provides for the assistance Of
such young men as may not be able to pay for
college course without such help.
The Military Department ia provided with
fine complement of small arms, artillery,
and munitions, to illustrate the science of
war; all under the supervision and construc>
ton of an accomplished officer of the army.
This Department is now building commo-
dious Armory for the protection of its props
ertv.
The University is admirably located for
health, and the undisturbed pursuit of study.
The lberality of friends has provided for
the granting of prizes to promote excellence
in Literature
have not. Mr.. Editor, in this hasty re-
sumo, pretended to exhaust the advantages
offered bv our youthful institution, but have
only wished to call the attention of our people
to some of the work done here in the cause of
Education. Respectfully, IF"