Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1883-08-20

into such sheer intolerance as that
which criticized Maj. Hotchkiss' ad-
dress at the late Commencement.
Equally inexcusable has been the
aspersion thrown upon the personal
character of the Faculty, and the AZ
tempt to beget, by indirection and in
situation, the belief that they are
morally Unfit to educate young men.
The spirit of Pharisaism itself could not
90 further. To the unintelligent an ap-
pgobious epithet IL better than an argu-
ment, but to the intelligent snd
Thoughtful, il indicates the lack of
argument and the ebullition Of
mere malice. A State school
must steer clear Of the breakers
IL sectarianism. Whether religious exer-
cises should be compulsory orvoluntary
is q question on which the most dis
Greet and truly pious men diter. The
absence of all compulsion, the rule
adopted in many State institutions,
may relax restraints that are whole
some and necessary. Too much COM
pulsion is equally dangerous, in that
1t may produce a rooted aversion to Ie-
ligioD, or what is far more corrupttng
and hopeless, may blight the character
with the worst of all cOrrosives, insin-
cerity and cant. 1t is unreasonable and
unjust to make difference of opinion,
on this question, a proof of immortality
or of lack of reverence for general re-
ligiOn.
lido not say that many improvements
should not be made in the University,
or that it is as good as it ought to be.
Whether the particular elective system
adopted will be most advantageous, Is a
matter to be determined by fair trial
only. Some ofits critics, learning that
it was similar to the system at the Vir-
gjnia University, have allowed their
prejudice to outstrip their information
and candor, and have decried it as be-
hind the times. No well informed edu-
Gator would make this suggestion. The
ONLY question is whether il be not too
far in advance for the young men who
gather at Morgantown. But nothing is
more certain than that it will present no
obtacle to any student earnestly bent on
getting an education, and to many such
it will prove beneficial. Degrees and
diplomas, hereafter, will not be so easy
TO get, but as certificates of faithful
work and good attachments they will
mean more. Instead of attacking those
who are trying to accomplish this, we
should encourage and support their eff.
forts. The present resources of the
University are ample to make and sus-
tain it as an excellent college, or if it be
possible, to draw the line of distinction
rs no insignificant university. 1t is time
it were passing out of the "era of prespec-
lry,n into thut of vigorous, useful exist
10.
less. A hearty recognition of this fact
that it belongs To the entire State IS still
he first and most necessary condition
of its success. This reached, and many
narrowing influences will of them
selves fall away. 1t is no disparagement
IF its past to say that it oilers greater
advantages to young men than ever b.
ore. Its faculty is larger; its equip
ment is better; its courses are more Elk
lensive; its standards are higher. Inc
expenses of attendance are kept much
lower than in other institutions OF like
trade. Its halls should be filled with
students, reaching to hundreds rather
than to scores. Its professional schools
continue through the session. The
course in law is full and thorough,
and the degree is conferred upon thOs"
who complete it and pass the requisite
examinations.
There is no medical department, but
a Chair of Anatomy, Physiology and
Hygiene is filled by DR.. b. w. Allen,
an experienced teacher and distin-
cuished surgeon. The chemical labora-
tory has recently been equipped by an
appropriation of 8, 500 from the State
Treasury, and young men have an OPP
pOrtuuity, under an able and competent
professor, to study, not only general,
but analytical chemistry. In geology
and natural history they come into con.
tact with one of the rising scientists OF
our country, whose contagious en-
thusiasm compensates for deficient
equipments in his department. In the
schools of pure and applied mathe-
MATES they meet two other graduates
Of the University, one of whom, Prof.
ID. b. PurintOn, has filled the
office Of President al interim, with
great success, and stands deserved
" high with the friends of
the University. Modern languages are
taught by q gentleman educated in the
best German universities; ancient
languages by the chairman of the
facully, Oh WHOM nave SlDOheu' 1uo
school Of English is in charge of a
teacher of lifelong experience, and
history will be taught by the professor
elect, Mr.. w. p. Wiley. Prof. Borent2
reappears at the head Of the preparatory
department, with Major Lee, the etfi-
cient commander of the cadet corps, as
assistant. With such advantages prof
fered to them, it is evident that for
very many of our young men no better
counsel can be given than to attend our
State University, and upon the friends
of education in the State rests the duty
of uniting to make the institution
blessing and ornament to our entire
commonwealth, constantly urging and
helping it to higher rank aud wider
usefulness. WIN. l.. WILSON.