The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1880-12-16
A New Depa rture.

We transfer to our columns from the No
yember number Of Hotchkiss' Virginias.
a letter from Hon. A H. H Stuart, Rector Of
the University OF Virginia. 1t will be seen
from it that Mr.. Stuart proposes new de-
parture in the studies of that institution and
the introduction of practical education as it
affects the material interests Of Virginia
and the South. We do not remember to have
read, for some time past, more statesman
like paper, and one that has for its object
greater amount of good TO the State OF
Virginia. 1t is true, it is what should have
been done long ago. but we accept it now
as a timely awakening to the new demands
which press upon the people. and which
must shape the destiny of the State. By
liberal donations from Mr.. Brooks, OF
Rochester. n. Y, and Mr.. Corcoran, Of
Washington, the Board of Visitors of the
the chair of geology and mineralogy and
have called to it Prof. VIM. NJ. Fontaine. a
gentleman of ample requirements and ca
pacities. The pdrpose is to turn out from
the University useful, practical men, in
stead OF political theorists, and 10 give TO
the State the advantage of their acquire
ments In ascertalning the physical resources
of Virginia and the South-to have orr own
people trained to an understanding OF the
methods and the means to utilize that which
nature has given us, and to build up the
States Of the south in their material rela-
tions.
The manner in which Mr.. Stuart has
communicated this purpose to the public is
even more striking and encouraging than
the fact itself. He grasps the situation,
and recognizes the changed condition of
things which confronts us. and the duty TO
deal with it as becomes patriotic citizens,
seeking the practical good of our section.
No more important and impressive paper
has emanated from any source. bearing
upon Southern interests. 1t cannot fail to
have an effect in drawing the popular mind
away from the ''old ruts," and directing
into new channels OF thought and endeav-
or the young men of Virginia and the
South. who must soon come to the front TO
| take a controlling part in the management
of State and National interests. The Uni
versity has been the nursery OF some very
pernicious political dOgmas. which, in at
| tempting to reduce them to practice, have
| worked incalculable harm to the cOuntrv.-
By assiduously encouraging the new chair
that has been created land intoxicating prac-
| tical views of life in preparing the youth
entrusted to its care for an active. intelli-
gent participancy In the material advance
ment of the country. there may be an am
pie compensation for the fGllies OF the past.
We aust address ourselves to the oppOrtu-
mites which surround us, and not drag up
the fossils which lie buried with the shat
tered idols that were worshipped under the
old dispensatlon.
The sentences and sentiments OF Mr..
Stuart's letter constitute probably the most
| important lesson he has ever attempted to
impart to his countrymen, and is lifting
invocation to crown busy life OF distinc.
ton and of more than ordinary usefulness.
| Verging upon his three score years and
| ten, the extreme allotment of time for
mans existence, he may search his labors
in vain. we think, for sonnder advice or
more useful and practical utteranees. de-
signed and calculated TO promote the well
fare and elevate and purify the thoughts OF
the people, We have no doubt the paper
will be read at home and abroad, land where
ever read will carry with it an influence for
good, encouraging others to turn their
backs upon the false theories and obsolete
distractions, which have marked the histo-
| ny Of our State and section. and approach
the new order OF things with laudable
purpose to play part on the theatre OF
material advancement and national growth
and grandeur.