Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1883-02-08
HIGHER EDUCATION.
The Aims, Purposes. Standing and Success
of the State University of California.

6lGHES EDUCATION.
The Aims, Purposes, Standing and Success
of the State University of California.
EDS. RECORD UNION: Having twice re-
Gently noticed with pleasure, in your editorial
columns, brief discussions upon matters per-
tanning to the University Of California. de.
noting an encouraging animus. and as said
institution is at this time sui act to Legislative
assistance, or indifference, a few general
statements upon the question of universities,
or the State University in particular, may
not be out of place or assuming.
10 the first place, what is university :?
and what distinguishes q university from
college?
The Latin uairerSitaS signifies, " the whole
system of created things" the universe, en-
'bracing mind, substance and space, concap.
ton not designed for the human minds en-
joyment, being coiBcident with the Infinite.
From it is derived our word university, and
defined to be " o corporation, consisting of
the teachers or students, or teachers and
students, of an educational institution, en-
powered to confer degrees on one or more
faculties" Therefore, more practically speak
ing, it is can assemblags of colleges, estab-
lished in any place, with professors for IL
structing students in the sciences and other
branches Of learning, and where degrees are
conferred" In other words,
UNIVERSAL SCHOOL,
II. which are taught all branches of learning,
or the four faculties of theology, medicine,
law, and the sciences and arts. Hence its
distinction from college, in which ia given
instruction ia the ordinary course OF general
culture and academic education, or ins:ruc-
ton in any one special branch of learning.
A university is calculated to do great good
when properly encouraged and patronised,
serving its purpose with most excellent re-
suits, disseminating information, distributing
knowledge, tending TO enlighten and improve
the average intellectually Of the messes-if
this is conceded desirable or practical benefit.
Fer every graduate is averaged as mentally
improving ten Others, either by direct instruc-
ton or otherwise. That university does
good in its mental land physicsD training
nobody will deny, except those who disap-
prove of higher education. IL is designed for
the maturer student, rather than the careless
youth, and its courses call forth actual, re-
Elective labor. No student under 16
years Of age is elieible to our State Uni
versity's halls, owing to ths comparatively
advanced requirements and impartial rigor in
all exactions and departments.
Ohio, at one time regarded far western
State, was populated By hardy pioneerF.
Their sons, enjoying educational facilities,
have developed many Of the nations most
prominent men. Illinois similerly, snd the
same possibilities. at least, are open to this
State, provided it patronizss
HIGHER EDUCATION
In at least one university, finishing sons
literary men and impisnting the rudiments of
science in many. In the State Of Michigan
q university is successful. AS an institution
it is lofty, comm snding vsneration and re.
spect, and ranks second in i'm portance with the
Capitol. TIE legislator who can secure a
liberal appropriation is the popular man
heretofore the contrary 10 this State. The
Office and appointment OF Regent is consid-
cred par to that OF Governor. Libraries, labor
storiee collections, statistics and fine art
all within reach of communication Of the
humblest citizen of the Statc-makes the
university at Ann Arb5r justly popular. Not
long since there were ], 200 regular and special
students in its attendance. Cornell Uni
versity is similarly regarded in It's community
The University of the State of Virginia.
though not so literally attended, ranks very
prominently in point Of efficiency and thor.
oughness.
In March, 1868. ths College of California
was chartered by the State as the University
of California, and moved shortly thereafter
from Oakland to Berkeley. At the time of
its Incorporation. by establishing in connec-
ton with its other departments, a
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE,
It availed itself of national endowment.
awarded by Congress TO the respective State
universities promulgating this department
of usefulness. At the same time it was en-
powered by the State to confer regular
academical degrees in classical and literary
course, as also in agriculture, civil engineer
ing. mechanical engineering, mining engi-
neering and chemistry, and special courses in
medicine, law, and recently dentistry
through the Toland Medical School. Hastings
College of the Law and Cogswell College of
Dentistry, respectively, at San Francisco
The institution being non.sectsrisu, its orga-
nization does not admit of theological SEM
quent from clergYmen of all denominations
irrespective, and religious societies exist
among the students, bible societies, etc. TIE
departments of mathematics and civil engi-
neeripg are conducted upon the West Point
regime and system, the former department
heretofore under Professor VIM. r. Welcker,
incumbent Superintendent Of Public Instruc-
tiou, a valuable acquisition TO the State edu-
cational departments. ThoroughIess has al
ways attended the coarses and its work.
Berkeley, the University seat. near Oak.
land, is On accessible center, aud the build
ings occupy a picturesque and appropriate
site for grand educational monument. It is
within fifty minutes rapid transit from the
metropolis, where collections could be easily
consulted. visited or referred to by practical
mining men, engineers or scientists from
abroad, with mineralogists, chemists, natural.
lists, curators, engineers, librarians and pro-
fessors always ready to furnish correct and
exhaustive Information upon the theoret.
cal or
PRACTICAL DISCUSSION
Of any question or substance OF these facts
any ore Interested can be satisfied by p de-
hbsrate visit to the institution, where, if ca
pablo OF judging, they are quite sure to be
pleased.
There are five buildings at present in ser
vice, all of which command full view OF
San Franeisco Bay, Golden Gate, etc, which
may 6e enumerated, viz The north hall
college of Letters, contsiuing, besides lect-
ure and Neutrality-suspicious., reading-roon,
armory, studants' printing office. and colec-
tions OF civil engineering and physical sppa-
ratus the south hall college of Agriculture
and Chemistry, containipg hesides lecture
and recitation-rooEs, chemical and agricult-
urai lsnorstoriss, mineral collections Hanks,
way, fioche, etc., and museum the Mining
and Mechanic Arts building, containing, be-
sides lecture and recitation-rooms, assaying
laboratories and collections of mining and
general machinery the Bacon Hall of Art
and Sculpture, containing the library go, 600
volumes). and collection of painting and stat
usry; ard the Harmon gymnasium. The
Univeraity Cadets, local battalion of the
National Guard of Californis, commanded by
Colonel George G. Edwards, is very eff
Gent corps and productive of much good.
The University is attended alike by the
sons OF rich aud poor men, with preponder-
anoe of students in humble circumstances.
Many wealthy California parents send their
sons to Ysle, Harvard and other Eastern
Universities, not because the instruction is
better or the course more rigorous, but be.
cause of increased facilities for society;
THE FACULTIES
Larger and available, eminent lecturers more
numerous. Not that the Eastern collegian
gets more useful or thorough education, for
the credentials of the degree of the Uniyersi-
ty of California are already most gratifying.
The thorougbness Of its instruction has placed
il prominent among American universities,
as may be very readily proven. It's student
journals exchange with some los different coll