The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-11-07
Washington as an Educational Center

The establishment OF the Methodist Uni
versIty at the Federal capital is now assured.
The site for the buildings was purchased 10y
means Of contributions among the residents
of Washington aud IN snort time tho build
ings themselves will be COM leted. funds Tor
that purpose having been raised by 81 scrip
tions and voluntary contributions from Meth
odists everywhere. his will not he the only
university in Washington, OF course frlor
to the erection of the present Roman Catho-
Ito University. near the National Soldiers
Home, there existed two universities In the
city, the Georgetown and the Columbian not
to mention the deaf mute college at hendall
Green. Since the idea OF Methodist unlver-
sity has taken definite shape. the Lutheran
Theological Seminary near Gettysburg mas
considered the question or removing TO
Washington and will probably do 30 a. soon
Is suiii Gent money can lie raised to purchase
a site ii the older site can he advaniageVusly
sold. At the same time that the Methodists
are pushing on their university TO coupe
ton, the Protestant piscopal church Is con-
sdering a matter quite IN line with that un-
dertaking. Since Bphop Farets announce
ment OF the formation OF a nucleus Tor the
cathedral fund and the practical oner or "A
site. it has become the intention TO make the
cathedral the center of a system or schools.
The su gestion of ex-senator Edmunds to the
effect that q National university be established
at Washington, has already been considered
by the Advertiser. and will probably receive
attention on the part Of Congress betor
many years have elapsed. BY common con-
sent nearly all the National scientific assocla-
tions now hold their stated sessions at Wash
ington, and the recent Ecumenical Council
only sccentuates the tendency OF re-
iIgious and other associations TO follow their
example This is an age OF central cation end
il would seem that definite and decided
DRIFT has set toward the Federal capital tend,
ing to make il q center for certain educational
and religious as well as other movements.
IL is quite probable that the present decade
will see the establishment of several religious
universities at Washington. schools OF
thought which will not interfere with the
work of the older universities or the country.
What proportions the present movement Will
eventually reach it is yet Impossible 10 sal;
but the events of the past tew months IN this
connection are 30 markei that they should
not be ignored The advantages onered by
Washington as a site for educational institu-
tons are indlsputabe. Treasures OF the
literary world are now hidden away
under swathings OF brownish dust in the
present quarters Of the Congressional Library.
but will eventually be accessible IN the new
library building. The Government hot-house
and gardens furnish field Tor many kinds OF
scientific study. The National observatory,
the various complete chemical laboratories,
the services of learned judges eminent
sayants: the wonderful anthro biological col
lection OF the National Museum and the really
deseryinI geological collections. III fact. the
whole notebook of nature Is open tor stu
dents al the National capital to-day. II IS
not too much 10 say that no other city IL the
New World holds surh treasures OF literature,
ant and nature. collected and maintained at
Government eIpense-Boston Advertiser