Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1886-01-06
WOman's University in Russia,

IIusslan women appear TO De
following closely in the footsteps OF
ther English and American sisters in
their attempts to acquire o practical
education. Soon after the proclama-
ton for the abolition of serfdom in
Russia, the women Of the country petit
toned for permission to attend the
examinations for admission into higher
institutions of learning in the empire.
but it was not until about seven years
ago that permission was finally
granted, and not Their without certain
retrictions. During these seven years
no less than $4,000 women have been
studying in the higher schools and
universities of the country. A con-
siderable number vent abroad to persue
branches interdicted in Russia, es-
pecially in Switzerland, a circumstance
severely condemned by the govern.
ment, as it was feared from the radical
tendencies OF the feminine mind that
these women students might bring
from Republican Switzerland ideas
which, if too freely instllled into the
minds of the rising generation. would
become dangerous to an autocratic
form OF government. Accordingly,
the ladies were prohibited from further
attendance in foreign universities. But
finding itself unable to repress this de.
sire OF the Russian women for the
means OF pursuing a higher education,
the government finally decided 10 al.
low q university to be erected and kept
under her W supervision. The new
institution was recently dedicated at
st. Petersburg. The building, which
cost $3.50, 000-the amount having been
raised by subscription, Siberia con-
tributing : S,0O0-is built and finished
in the best style of modern architec.
ture and art. Accommodation is pro-
videi for 300 students. A large din
ing-hall and other commodious rooms
for the study OF the various arts is one
OF the best Textures of the building.
Twenty professors have been engaged,
some of renowned scholarship. A
museum of seven distinct branches of
study, a laboratory, a library, two large
halls for lectures and other instructive
meetings and amuseInents. and special
apartments for the president, physi-
clan, and professors are to be foun in
tho large building. The curriculum of
study will embrace literature, the
and modern languages,
anatomy. physiology, mathematics,
astronomy, and philosophy. Physics
is a special study, many Russian
having been admitted to the
practice OF medicine within the last tea
years. No provision has been made in
the new university for the study of
theology and Jurisprudence. Seven
hundred applicants knocked for adj
m ssioa at the portals Of this institution
for the higher education of women in
400 of whom were turned away
Tor want of room.
The very circumstance that a char
ter for such a university could be pro-
cured III autocratic Russia is a favor
able sign of tie times. When it is
considered that women are the prin.
'ipal educators of the youth and that
he germ OF liberalism gained through
inowledged may be implanted in the
susceptible mind of the Russian child, !
expand with age. one cannot esti-
nate the extent of influence this uni
may WELD, Notwithstanding the
act that tho government reserves to
tself the right of supervision and police
control, as we'll rs the selection OF its
president and professors. But what
,ver tue nature of the restrictions the
government may impose upon its. in
Itructors. it can not be doubted but
hat some light will he found to have
ever to the darkest corner
IT Siberia before the end OF the present
CENTURY through the establishment of
his institution of learning.