Clarksville weekly chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1873-1890, 1886-08-21
COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY DISCIPLINE
Joint Government ofFaculty and Students,
Military Discipline.
No. 3.

A theory somewhat novel is begin
ming to prevail in some Of our institu-
tions Of the higher learning, based upon
the idea that the student-body should
participate largely in the government.
The experiment of this sort of dual
control in the administration of affairs
is one OF recent origin as it has been
advocated; and while according to the
statement by some there has occurred
some friction already, and by others
that the machinery has worked smooth
ly; yet one remark at least may be ha-
zarded, and that is, that it is altogether
too early in the history Of the expert
ment to pronounce an opinion OF its
merits, and its feasibility as a method
of discipline. When lapse of time
shall have worn away its novelty; when
use and familiarity may have wrought
the usual effect OF impairing the inter-
est it has excited, we may find ourselves
in more favorable condition to Judge
Of its propriety and wisdom. While
we readily admit that our fayorite posi-
ton that the faculty and student should
be brought into closer relations, seems
to pervade this system, yet word OF
caution is called for just at this point.
1t is possible that the bonds of proper
restraint may become SO relaxed by
placing the body of students, or their
representatives on the same general
platform with the faculty that the realm
Of just authority may be invaded. For
example: We will suppose a college
where this system prevails, and as is very
natural, that the students, having been
allowed, and accustomed, and even en-
couraged to express their judgment in
conference with the faculty, should find
that the two parties in the government
disagree in their views of the course to
be pursued in certain concrete case
presented f)radjudication. Naturally the
faculty must endeavor to enforce their
views or the result will be the loss OF
their authority. In such case as this
would there not arise danger of dissat-
isfaction on the part OF the student-ele-
ment OF the administration, and of a
spirit of resistance, or, at best, of sullen
and enforced submission. This will
not be denied or doubted by any expe-
rienced educator. The advocates OF
this system appear to have lost sight OF
the fundamental maxim, that all ra-
tional liberty is the offspring of law.
Where law is disregarded, license is the
result, and anarchy the fatal issue.
Upon all the departments Of Gods Uni
verse Law is stamped, and violations OF
its requirements would be destructive
OF that peace and good order which we
learn is Heavens first law" and the
ruin of the offender may follow. At
tllc SdtlO tlulO ~ 10 u 5hl6 IuhAlul dllu
one that is in full accord with our
views, that the largest liberty should be
allowed, consistent with the well-under-
stood and settled principles of proprie-
ty and the instructive recognition OF
authority. The elevation OF the stu
dent-body to quasi equality with the
authorized ruling powers may, on some
unforeseen occasion, be accompanied
by trespsss upon the legitimate pre-.
rogative OF the latter and a'conflict may
ensue. Thus that spirit of antagonism
so much to be dreaded, may revive
: and become intensified. Whereas the
lodging OF authority in safe. hands to bt
exercised just when and where mos
expedient, holding the reins of govern
ment, (not for the purpose of reinnit
up and checking the natural exuber
, ance of youthful impulse and mer'
wantonness of power) to be relaxed oc
} casionally-yet never to be thrown up
on the necks OF your fiery spirits--thi
is, as near as / can conceive it, tn
most. effective form OF college discipline
+ "The perfection OF art, }" it is said, 81
to conceal the art" so he who rule
without seeming to rule, is the best c
rulers
g AS the very opposite of the joint an
y associate or coordinate government b
e faculty and student, we may brief
consider the much-lauded system {
o military discipline. This prevails e,
d tensively and has been strongly advt
. Gated by high authority, and by tho'
y . who are supposed to have given th
l. important subject thorough investig
a ton.
n Nov there is very little in commo
U between what might be called the P
10 triarchal, or Parental system, and Il
n, military plan. The original end
n view of the latter was to train Il
& young men Of the country to be 81
S diers. To be sure there issascertain