The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-08-19
EDUCATION IN TURKEY.
GRAND WORK ACCOMPLISHED by THE ROBERT
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES TURKS AND Bull
GARIANs ACCORDING TO AMERICAN IDEAS.
WASHINGTON August IL. 1879.

GRAND WORK ACCOMPLISHED BY THE ROBERT
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. TURKS AND Bull
GARIANs ACCORDING TO AMERICAN IDEAS.
WASHINGTON, August IL. 1872
The Secretary of the Navy has received an interest
ing letter from Commander Farquhar. of the United
States steamer Quinnebaug. now stationed at Con-
stantinople. describing the commencement exercises
of the American institution of learning. known as
obert College," in that city, and giving the follow
ing with regard to it's Objects condition and
funess:-Th college was founded sixteen years ago
by Mr.. Robert, gentleman of New York recently de-
ceased Since then. however. although it has
cevcd several gifts Mr.. Robert and other Amer
cans, it has been self-sustaining and has rapidly in
creased in popularity and usefulness Its students
number at present about two hundred. with pros
pect of increased attendance next year. The presi
dent. Dr. Washburne is gentleman Of broad cul-
ture and great executive ability, who, in common
with the other members Of the faculty. most of
whom Americans, occupies an envlabie position
among the foreign residents of this community.
No distinction OF religion Is recognized
condition of admission to the college. Mo-
hammedans sharing its benefits equally with
Christians of all creeds. The course of in
struction is principally in English, but the
native languages modern Greek, Armenian, Turkish
and Slavic form an important part OF the curricu-
lum. Much attention is given to mathematics and
the Sciences excellent philosophical laboratory
forming Of the most interesting features of the
institution. The classics. history and the modern
Turks to have been behind their neig hbors and
subjects the Bulgarians Savs and others in avsiling
themselves OF the advantages OF the institution but
it probable that this will not long continue
be the case, the high character OF the col
lege and its officers, and perhaps still more
the positions taken by its graduates can hardly fail
in time to overcome Mohammedan prejudice.
particularly it is avowedly non-sectarian and
makes attempt to convert its students, aiming
rather spread of general intelligence than the
diffusion OF special religious views. The excellent
work already accomplished is shown by the fact
nafac Of fha oIlaDa tho
members o. the recently elected Bulgarian ASSEM-.
BLY, fact which points suggestively to the import
ant part which this institution may play in the
future of the nations which seem likely to arise in
this part OF Europe from the breaking up Of the
Turkish Empire.
The CONNIE ncement exercises were of o nature to
confirm and increase the pride with which, AZ Amer
leans we had already viewed this snglar reproduce
tion Of American institutions upon despotic soil.
The orations of the graduating class. which, with
few exceptions. in English, would have done
dscredit to our colleges at home, which Is
tainly surprising when II is remembered that the
students enter the college unable to speak q
the diplomas comforting the degree of Bach
eor OF Arts upon the graduates made
the occasion of brief address by the president. who
stated that the college had never before been
prosperous at present and that its field OF useful
seemed rapidly widening. The only similar IN
stution in this part of the Turkish Empire is one
the Asiatic side of the Bosphorus for the educa-
ton of native women, which is also American in it's
origin and management. Although somewhat less
pretentious than Robert College. It occupies SINH
lar position in public esteem. and in quiet way is
accomplishing work OF which it woulu be difficult
to overestimate the Importance The qualification
have felt in the sight of these institutions
founded by American philanthropy conducted by
American genius and diiiusing tho knowledge Of
American institutions. with the learning those ins-
tutions represent, III land so Tar removed from
. in position and sentiment, am sure will be
shared by yourself. and am happy to have this OPP
portunity of bringing to your official notice nsttu
tons 80 well deserving OF recognition and encour-
agcfnent.