Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1881-01-21
THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA.

The recent interesting communications
of Hon. A. II. II. Stuart, the Rector of
the University of Virginia. to the local
press and to the PLANTER and Farmer in
regard to the new school of mineralogy
aad geology in that institution have at
has conclusively demonstrated the future
growth and wealth of Virginia and more
especially of the mountainous section Of
Virginia are to result from the develop
ment of it's mineral deposits. The loca-
tions of iron, coal, manganese, kaolin and
marble, are to be first ascertained by
skilled biologists, then shafts are to be
sunk, quarries opened, furnaces kindled,
and rolling mills and factories established
and set in operation. Capital is certain to
| come where it is certain of increasing it.
self; and if the location, character and
amount of mineral deposits can be accn-
rately ascertained their development will
follow as matter of unavoidable necessi-
| ty.
| The most casual observer can scarcely
fail to note what opportunities for the
young men of Virginia, and what posi-
| bilities for the State itself this new school
of mineralogy and geology at the Universe
| ty of Virginia offers. 1t is amply endowed,
possessed of collection of specimens un-
surpassed perhaps by any institution Of
learning in the country, and presided over
| by gentleman. who in his department OF
science, is well and favorably known not
only in America but in Europe.
The culture demanded by our modern
| life is not solely and exclusively that of
ante bellum times and of the Ole slave
South. Life presses on us in thousand
phases the old world never knew" The
professions of law and medicine are crowd
ed beyond their capacity; and this new
field of investigation promises to be far
more lucrative and no less honorable. The
South needs, as never before in her histo-
ry, the services of men skilled in a knowl-
edge of the physical sciences and the me-
chanic arts. The University of Virginia
is prepared now as she has never been pre-
pared before to educate men in these spec
ialities. Her schools of chemistry and ap-
piled chemistry are presided over by men
Of wide reputation and splendid ability.
her school Of physics is no less fine one;
she has a chair of civil and mining en-
cheering capably filled; scopl of practi-
cal and experimental agriculture is among
the number of her many advantages, and
last hut mt least ic this now school of
mineralogy annd geology.
1t will happen as a matter of course that
graduates in this new school will have that
reputation which follows the diploma of
the University wherever exhibited. The
institution grants no honorary degrees.
To be its master of arts is to have labored
for years laboriously and earnestly, and to
hold at last the key to the most lucrative
positions as teacher. 10 be it's doctor of
medicine or bachelor of law is proof posi-
tive to those who know the place and Its
high standard that the wearer of either of
these titles has thorough and competent
knowledge of at least the rudiments of his
profession. We are certain that the diplo-
ma of mineralogy and geology will not be
given to those who fail to deserve it; and
that as those in literature, law and medi-
cine command station and place for those,
who wear them, so the diploma of this
school will win at once for its owners
ready positions in the great field of mineral
: ogical industry that is opening up for the
new Virginia.