Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1879-01-17
THE NEW PROFESSORSHIP IN
THE UNIVERSITY.

THE NEW PROFESSORSHLP IN
THE UNIVERSITY.
Considerable interest is felt in educa-
tional circles in reference to the proposed
chair of Geology and Mineralogy in the
University Of Virginia, recently provided
for by the liberality of Mr.. Corcoran.
Among the many of the friends of that
institution there is some anxiety to know
whether it is to be filled by gentleman Of
conservative or advanced opinions in those
controversial differences to which geology
has given birth.
The healthful tone that prevails at
present among the professors and students
of the University has conciliated to it a
large portion Of thereligious public land any
introduction of different element would
be generally deprecated, and might tend
to weaken the confidence of our people in
this great school of learning, which is sus-
tanned to such an extent by taxation.
Geology is an infant science, the interpre-
tation of which may well be reserved I'M
fanciful theories and reckless speculations
OF some Of it's votaries have led them to
daring assaults upon the inspiration of the
Scriptures, unwarranted as yet by the
facts of observation. Some Of them have.
III different degrees, adopted and propa-
gated among the youth of our country, as
a fashionable philosophy, the evolution
hypothesis of DIR. Darwin. which plainly
contradicts the Mosaic history.
But our expectations rest upon the
known intelligence and conservative spirit
of the Board Of Visitors. They will
doubtless recognize the importance OF
these considerations, and guided, more
over, by traditional devotion to the State,
they will endeavor to fill the just expecta-
tions of the people. Should they go out OF
tho State, without necessity, to find
competent and suitable professor they
would give encouragement to the reproach
that Virginia does not produce men of
literary and scientific merit. This they
will hardly do. Neither will they intro
duce into the University any one not in
accord with it's high character, as the home
of conservative influences in religion and
politics.
1t seems almost superfuous to point out
the many inducements that would lead us
to prefer, the ability being equal, native
Virginian for this position. Not only
sentiment, but policy indicates such q
course. The only question is, have we a
man within our borders who is eminently
fitted by character, talents, attachments,
taste, and habit, for this important post?
It would be deeply notifying to be obliged
to confess that we have not. On the con-
trary, We do not doubt that several gentle
men might be named who would do credit
to the chair. We think, however, that
one name will present itself as pre-emi-
nenely entitled to consideration. We refer
to James G. Southall, a distinguished
alumnus of the University, man of ex-
tensive learning, careful culture. scholastic
habits and acknowledged ability, and ONT
already well known, not only in America.
but in England and on the continent, by
his valuable contributions to scientific
literature. His two important works,
ssThe Recent Origin Of Man,, and ''Ths
Epoch of the MAMMOTH have excited the
attention of some of the most distinguish
ed scientists Of the day, and given pro
mise Of the highest future success IN these
paths of investigation. In these produc-
tions Mr.. Southan displays loyalty to
truth and sound science and a superiority
to bigotry and reckiessness, that furnish
the best Of all guarantees that his position
as instructor in the University would
never be abused. He is soundly Christian
on the controverted points between theo-
logians and skeptical philosophers, and,
at the same, free from the slightest TART
Of mysticism or fanaticism. Mr.. Southall
is a laborious investigator of books and
nature, deep thinker, and an eloquent
writer, and, take him all in all, we doubt
whether any gentleman can be found
combining SO many qualifications ano
claims for this proposed department in
the University.