National Republican., 1877-06-30
ANIrLONAL rNITERSITY.

The city of Washington has hitherto been
almost exclusively q political capital, not
having yet become, like the seats OF Govern
ment in Europe, the centre of the intellec-
tual culture Of the nation.
Quite revolution has recently been going
on in this matter, and with the growth OF
the sentiment of true nationalism in the
country movements have been silently
takiug place which must ultimately render
Washington the intellectual as well as the
political capital of the Republic. The won
dertul growth of the Congressional Library,
the valuable collections illustrative OF
science and art now to be found in the
Smithsonian Institution, in the Army Mcdi-
cal Museum and other museums, the Cor
coran Gallery of Art and other similar at
fractions are beginning to draw the attcn-
tion of men of culture to this city as de-
sirable place Of residence.
The proposed civil service reforms If
carried out, cannot but exercise favorable
influence upon the tone of intellectual life
in the Capital. If the Government adopts
the policy of appointing its servants in the
civil service for life, or during good be-
havior, with promotions for merit, the
whole character Of official life in Washing
ton will be changed for the better. II will
present attractions for quiet men Of letters,
which II did not possess under the wretched
system which has hitherto prevailed. If the
civil service OF the nation is truly reformed
and placed upon footing of integrity and
fidelity, situations in IL will be particularly
desirable for literary men on account of the
fact that they can thereby secure incomes
which will be certain if not large, and at
the same time secure reasonable amount o.
leisure for literary work.
But the encouragement of literature by
the nation should by no means end witt
| opening its civil service 10 scholars. TIL,
duty which the Government owes to learn
| ing in America can never be fully and prop
| crly discharged except by establishing 1
great national university at Washington
Such an institution was considered as NJ
indispensable feature of the scat of Govern
ment by the founders of the Republic. /
is regarded by the most enlightened educa
tors of the present day as an essential par
of complete national educational system
On account Of the popular character o
our Government, il is particularly desirable
that men of the highest culture should b
| brought into the most intimate relation
with public officials at the capital. In IL
way could this object be accomplished -
well as by the establishment here of tn
proposed university. 1t would not onl,
appropriately complete our national educa
tional system, into which il would infus
new life and vigor in every part of tn
country, but it would also bring together a
the capital large body of learned men win
would give to society in Washington schol
arly tone, which would do much to purii.
public life here and counteract the corrup
influences which have hitherto so oftel
brought disgrace upon the nation. The
Washington, instead of being noted abroa'
chiefly for political intrigues and socia
irivoites, would become distinguished n
the city in which the highest intellectual
pleasures could be enjoyed. Learned associa
tons, literary clubs and other attractiv
institutions which make life in great lite
mry capitals so charming would 500
abound.