The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1883-06-14
A Real University.
SAN ANTONIO, June 4. 1883.

DAN ANTONlO, Ju16 4, 1000.
To the Editor Of the Statesman:
DEAR SIR: = The friends of educa-
ton are watching closely the action
of the regents in regard to the uni
versity.
There is so substantial reason why
our university should not be estab-
lished on as high a grade as any
other college in the United States.
One of the reasons of the permanent
success of the university of Virginia
was because in the beginning, under
the influence of Thomas Jefferson,
none but the best professors were
selected.
1t may be true that the state of pri-
mary education in Texas has not far
enough advanced to fit many boys or
young men to enter a high grade uni
Versity, but in the course of time the
people will be educated up to the
proper standard, For the permanent
success of the institution it is better
to disappoint the pride of anxious and
proud parents, to pass but few grad
yates than to begin with a low
standard and to let in consequence
the first graduates be treated with
contempt justly so on account of their
ignorance.
When university of high standard
is established, there will spring up
preparatory schools all over the state,
which will endeayor to fit boys for
college. But few of such scholars
will probably ever reach the height of
their ambition, yet such process
will tend to educate the general
masses. "a
Again many deserving young men
will cramp their means to finish a
course at the university. They will
on leaving college seek that employ
ment which will give them the quick
est return for the labor, SO the end of
each session will turn out a set of
thoroughly qualified teachers Uni
versitieS are intended, it is true, only
for the few, though open to all, yet
when the students separate and min
gle with their friends at home, each
one becomes an assistant to impart
his knowledge to the children of his
neighborhood. OF necessity large
will seek positions as teach
ers in public or private schools; some
permanently, others until a better
OPP, ming is made for them. aia
The certificate of graduation ought
to be worth having and receiving,
even at the risk that the people may
at first be impatient under the strict
and efficient training their children
may be receiving at the hands of the
Texas professors. s4
Above all things there should be no
honorary degrees. A diploma issued
from the Texas university ought to
mean that the recipient has earned it
by hard labor in, and through knowl-
edge of the department in which it is
granted. If such course be pursued,
our graduates will then say with
pride when they leave our university:
Il am a graduate of the University of
Texas" A little experience in teach
ing here and contact with Texas boys
in the colleges of other states shows
me that we have the native talent |
here equal to that of the proudest
state in the union and superior to |
that of many states. 1t is our duty
to Csevelope this talent here at home
and not, as in the past, to become
tributary to any foreign state. All
well wishers OF education hope there
will be laid the foundation of an in
stitution that VIII reflect glory and
credit on the Lone Star state. M.