Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1889-10-20
NJ VIII HoId I,4OO.
The Mechanics Institute.


no longer an experiment, What was ten
tatiye and problematical has become an
assured success. The result proves more
than the attainment Of the immediate OBJ
iect of the institute. Those who have
studied the subject of popular education
in this country and in England during the
last twenty-five years know that a remark
able movement has been gradually as
Stunning defniteness. The demand for prac-
teal and technical education has so assert
ed itself as 10 modify courses of study and
produce what some might call a revolution
IN methods ana ends of instruction.
Besides this utilizing Of education,
giving it a brea1-and- butter aspect, there
IL among the people an increasing sense OF
the value Of higher education. Demo
cratic institutions are exploding the tallacy
that collegiate education or its equivalent
s useful and necessary only for those who
belong 20 the learned Professions A
man is more than his trade. His worldly
occupation is not the whole concern of his
life. There are relations apart from his
business which call for developed powers,
the exercise of all talents and virtues. De-
equations may create accidental differ
ences, but the points OF identity between
man and man are very numerous and make
of little importance these artificial and
temporary divergences.
Proofs are not wanting of the eager de-
sire of the multitude 10 avail themselves
of opportunities Of improving their know
ledge. What may be called the middle
class have shown an interest in literature,
in history, in science. aud laudable pur-
pose 20 receive cOllaterally with the work
of their lives an education rs liberal. as
systematic, as thorough as that of their
more fortunate fellow-countrymen."
Many towns in England, through CON-
petent lecturers provided 10y boards Of
control and societies. have become centres
Of intellectual activity, and systematic
academic education, at cost little
more than nominal, is becoming possible
throughout that country. A curriculum
of study extending over several years Is
prepared and provided, and by examina-
tons and certificates ambition 10 Stlnu-
lated. valuable results are secured, and the
demand for better education in connection
with the business of life has been greatly
increased. Statistics could easily be given
showing the multiplication OF centres and
students, the enlargement of subjects and
teachers, and how Cambridge. London,
and Oxford Iuiyer tiles are rendering
needed help. Venerable seats of learning
have thrown off the restraints OF pre- udice
and tradition, and put themselves in
haalthful contact with the people.
What has been so wisely and benehclally
done by the universities in England could
be done for our city by Richmond College.
Slowly but surely this excellent institution
Of learning has been bringing itself into in
tclligcnt sympathy with the city and con-
trlbutingtO our enjoyment and instruction.
The Thomas Museum lecture Endow-
ment - has opened 10 the public an annual
course of lectures by eminent mon on
science, art, and philosophy. The large
and interested audiences have shown their
appreciation of "a generous endowment, rs
real benefactiOn TO che city as so the col
lece. During the last session the public
lectures of Professor Harris, Thomas, and
Winston were alike instructive, and we are
pleased % learn that they and other pro-
fessors will continue To give Us the benefit
of their learning and capacity 70 teach.
Regular college lectures, by little adap-
tatiOn, may become peoples lectures and
convey much information through these
popular media.
Inc college should not be content with
IRREGULAR aud unsystematic lectures. There
should be q plan, system, a sequence,
having q more specific and better-detlned
end than pleasant but necessarily super
fetal instruction. The experience IN Eng
land shows that when the people cannot go
to the university the university may be
carried to the people. TheregUlar exercises
OF the college for the young men (wOmen
should have the same privileges are not TO
be interfcred with, rather @ be improved.
But it is possible it is feasible, 20 organize
courses of lectures, curricula Of studies, Tor
persons of leisure, tor those engaged in
mercantile or professional life, for me-
chanics and workingmen. This presup-
poses organization, perslstency, definite
scheme. lt would not be difficult 10 fOrmu-
late courses embracing English literature,
English and American history, political
economy, physical science, &c, and adopt
such basis Of permGnence az 20 insure
methOdical, systematic education, asCer-
tainaOle by competent examiners. The
scheme should be 90 devised and so adj
hered to as 90 maintain continuity OF study.
Richmond College might secure the CO.
operation Of the superintendent Of city
schools and Of Randolph-MacOn College,
with which it has cultivated most ami
cable relations. Richmond College, as an
institution in Richmond. should take and
have the leadership and the responsibility.
In sense it is our college and can more
readily than others because of its locality
and equipments take upon itselfthis grand
work. 70 draw closer the relationship be-
tween the college and the CITY Is obviously
desirable. To bridge over the unnecessa-
ry chasm between high learning and the
people is an imperative duty. While dis
charging its legitimate functions in
training and disciplining the minds
and morals of the youth who
gather in its walls, in eleva-
ting the scholarship of the land in fitting
for tho highest civil, professional, and
ecclesiastical positions. the college may
well have a nobler ambition, larger pur-
pose. In monarchical and aristocratic
countries tho classes might have an argu-
ment for neglecting the masses. With us
the colleges which put themselves in SYM
patty with the people-which seek by
broad and legitimate means 20 do what
learning and patriotism and Christianity
enjoin TO vindicate their right to existence
and to franchises by leyelling upwards oil
the ranks of the community-will be the
best benefactors and most nobly fulfil the
obligations which are always proportionate
to capabilities. l..
Hon. Il. W. Cardweli at Hewlett, Va.
fCorrespondepce OF tho Richmond Dlspatch.l