Louisiana capitolian., 1880-01-10
LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY

Mr.. EDlroR-Next to getting the cap.
ital brought back to Baton Rouge, there
is nothing that w much concerns the
people Of Baton Rouge rs the success Of
the Louisiana State University. The
question then arises, has this community
done all III its power to asaist in build
ing up such an educational institution
as the whole State may be proud OF, and
if this can he answered iu the Affirma-
tive, tho next question is, has the Uni
versity itself worked in harmony with
Baton Rouge, taking the lead in educa-
tional matters and giving them tone
and rank Of which Baton Rouge has felt
and appreciated the elcvating effect'
The first question needs no answer
for those who have observed the conduct
and action Of the people Of Baton Rouge.
They have over been willing to cncour-
age association with the University, and
to second all its efforts towards foster
ing in the community an appreciation
of and taste for literary and moral cul-
ture. If the people of Baton Rouge have
become convinced that the University
has not only shut off such we'll meaning
goodwill o,, the part Of her citizens, but
pursues q policy which is detrimental
to the educational interests not only OF
Baton Rouge but of the whole State, it
is the duty Of her citizens to speak, in no
uncertain tones, their mind on tho sub
jcct, and compel. by thorough pubic
ventilation, change Of policy and per-
haps change of organic structure. 1t
is safe to assume that when the commu.
nifty in which an educational institution
is situated cannot point to it as nothing
of which to be proud, there is misman-
agement on the part of such institution.
Again, it il safe to assume that when
an educational institution has not the
sympathy and moral support Of the vir-
tue and intelligence of the community
in which it is placed, there is misman-
agement. This mismanagemont may
not arise from any criminal purposes,
but from lack Of Judgment. In the lat
ter case it is not the fault but tho MS
fortune of him who does the managing.
have no doubt that the majority of
our citizens are satisfied that the pres
ent organization of the University is
wrong. 1t is certainly mistake to un-
dertake to establish, West Point in
Louisiana. There is no objection to
having military science taught just rs
other subjects are there taught, and to
have company organizations, uniforms,
and enough of tho military drill and
exercises to promote physical develop
mcnt and secure discipline. Further
than this it is an imposition upon the
people of Louisiana, who desire to sec
their SONS rather advanced in, studies
promotiyc of Peace, and tending to elc-
vate the agriculture and arts of the
State in peace. The most serious Objec.
ton, huwever, ~ the present structure
of the University is, that it is perhaps
the most absolute autocracy now in ex
istcncc. All authority is vested in ;
}single individual. Such government ha'
been found wholly obnoxious, even il
monarchial countries. 1t is in its cs
sencc incompatible with Rcpublica,
form Of government. The Professors il
this institution have no more authOrit,
in shaping the educational tone ant
spirit of the institution than Gov. Mich
oils has in regulating the affairs o
France. Can any one doubt that this i
wrong Is it not rather ridiculOuss l
can he said, think, that the Professor
have not been in sympathy with tn
late management of the institution. Ha
their want Of approval changed thi
policyi However intelligent, able an
well-meaning the head of school ma,
be, it is evident that his individual cor
troll will not accomplish as much good q
the united authority Of body of Pro
fessors, learned, enthusiastic and expt
rienced.
shall not enter, Mr.. Editor, on col
sideration of all tho points which l ma
think need amending. The people {
Baton Rouge are familiar with then
. What desire to urge is that VIC tax
some steps towards u reformation an
reorganization. 1t would be folly
: wait until the University has lost II
good will of the entire State. Th
change is in progress. Let ns check
before it has gone 80 far that the instit
, tion may and will be crippled for year
There is no one more fitted TO move
> the matter than the intelligent peOp
of Baton Rouge. The State will have
serious complaint to make against thel
if they quietly allow the interests of Il
, State to suffer by their want Of action.
In conclusion will ennmeratc chan
es which think all the intelligent pc
, pie of Baton Rouge desire to see mad
. and which, if made, would in my jud
:, ment start the University on the road
: efficiency and success, in which t
whole State would take just pride.
l. Those military features which Gu
hict with advancement in II literary a
\, social point of view should be abolisht
NI,,,,, L., ln al In, 1,ri