Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1878-04-23

ing the rebellion, the college buildings
we're destroyed on the 9th day Of Sep
tember. 1862. The buildings had been
occupied 10y United States troops, and
about the time of their destruction, were
captured by a party OF rsiding rebels,
who occupied them but short time, IS
the nature OF the raid made necessary.
As the Union troops returned TO the terri
tory from which they had been driven,
the buildings were burned. Generals
Dix and Meade and Col. David Camp
bell, the officers in command at that time,
declare the buildings were not burned by
official orders; but that their destruction
was the work OF "stragglers,' "disor-
deTly persons and was one OF those
deplorable acts OF useless destruction
which occur ia all wars There is now
bill before the National House to con-
tribute the sum OF Sos, 900 toward meet
lag the loss sustained by this fire. 1t is
claimed that the property OF educational
Institutions is not subject TO the common
casualties OF war; and that all nations
unite in condemning the destruction of
colleges. libraries. valuable scientific in
sruments. etc. During the Revolution
these buildings were destroyed by French
troops, and Louis XVI caused them 10 be
rebuilt at his own expense. Now our
government is asked to be alike generous.
When TIE bill came up for consideration
on the 18th inst, Messrs. Reed OF Maine
and Townsend OF New York, opposed
the grant. Mr. Reed made his maiden
speech. and II was A good one. He op-
posed the Dill on the ground that its ten
deacy WAS TO open the doors to other
southern claims. tie is correct in taking
position against granting claims for the
compensation of persons and corpor
atoms engaged in rebellion. The raid
upon our National Treasury made by
such claimants. is one OF the greatest
dangers We have 10 appreheni from
Democratic ascendancy. But this is u
peculiar and isolated case, entitled TO
different consideration. The college
could not engage il rebellion; Il WAS no,
destroyed IS punishment for misconduct.
nor was IL destruction accomplished in
battle; IL was = wanton snd unwarranted
act. Buildings destroyed in New York,
- rioters, in 1868, were made good 5y
The looa, authorities, sGd why should not
the general gcvernmen, restore this
"aucieuJ landmark, destroyed by dis
orderly persons, when IL was in territory
occupied by Union troops
The lack o.. interest in educational
matters among the Southern States has
long been subject tor discussion and ieer.
Now Nusinis asks for aid TO re-es,ablish
an institution of learning Tor which her
people have the iondest ieelings-and the
mention OF which should cause every
Americans pulse 20 beat with pride
TDi, question i not Southern queS-
,ioD." 1, is one of interest to The whole
nation. Nugiuia Is now part OF the
united country. Il i not TO be asked
rIs she Ia rebellion? She asks aid in re-
establishing oar university located in her
territory. Have we national interest
enough 10 our historic monuments to
respond o. shs. We allow bias and
prejudice 10 overcome patriotic emotion ?
/. is useless Tor Mr.. Townsend TO talk
A3ou. the sentiment in this question
PATRIOTISM Is but sentiment; love OF
education Is but a sentiment; respect for
honored names and Institutions i q seuti-
~ -at; aud so Is all that serves 10 unite
people sentiment. But how can We get
along without this very sentiment? II is
the life blood Of nationality. Among 81
the institutions of America worthy of eN-
c.,iug THIS sentiment, the college Of
William and MAry,-second in age 10
Harvard, frs. in lis associations OF great
aud patriotic nAmes-is entitled to stand
in tue front rank. II Congress cannot
pass he present bill because j; opens the
door tor Southern claims. LEI bill. grant
ing donation to the college be passed,
and ,et Us have he old institution again
adoruing the State of Washington.