The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-01-06
TIE TECHNICAL SCHOOL.
ANOTHER LETTER IN DEFENSE OF
THE INSTITUTE.
Useful Work the Might School OF Tech
uology Has ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Rivalry Between the Mechanics Issti-
tute and Richmond College.

tute and Richmond College.
DIR. Curry's article in THE TINES OF the
2sth ult., calling attention to the Rich-
mond College as the foundation Tor
a great school Of technology, points
out great many sources OF in
formation, and is an interesting paper.
II is, Of course, a temptation for Richmond
College to seek to establish chairs OF in
struction in industrial knowledge. IL 10 not
only probable, but it is certain, that it
would increase the number of students, not
only of Richmond College, but also Of all
our colleges. 10 combine more and more
the practical with the theoretical, and
the study OF arts and sciences,
the study Of the means and methocs
and possibilities OF production, be-
ING the study that men pursue in after
life would, Of course. awaken new interest
in the college. For there Is general feel
ing amongst men, and particularly
amongst the students. that they do not
know and are taught but 70 apply what
thew learn at college 10 life and the affairs
OF life. Like the old monastery, the mod
ern college piOusly protects learning. Inc
names and numbers Of the students are
very nearly the same year by year. But
let II not be imagined that the loss OF
| her college 10 not "A loss to state. FOriin
| these duiet places men Themselves mist
learn and then teach others that there 10
something more in life than material sue
cess. The tragedy and the com sdy OF life,
the history Of nation, the philosophy
| OF this and OF past ages are
viewed from the college as from
an observatory, removed from the
world. so that just and true proportions
NAV he seen. and it is the college man that
checks our lust OF power and wealth. II
| there were no men strong enough in mind
and heart TO be superior 10 toe unmannerly
scramble for wealth and position in society
| and for place in the fashion, there would be
| little hope for society. These college men
are the teachers Of modern society, and SC
| long as refinement is loved better than sud
| den and vulgar wealth; sOslOng as we adj
mire and love the warm-hearted professor
| that feasts our minds more than we do The
man that only knows how 10 make himself
agreeable by feeding people that are moi
| hungry, lust so long must we love anC
cherish our colleges.
wHLTTHE INSTITUTE HAS DONE.
We say that it is temptation to Rich
mond College to establish classes OF indus
trial SCIENCE The Virginia Mechanics
Institute, starting few years aSO VIII
nothing, has now over three hundred. stu
dents; and it could have over i've hundred
were there only room for them; and within
a few years, if proper support be given, Tue
Virginia Mechanics Institute will probably
number one thousand students. While the
other colleges are station Iy or nearly so
| the Mechanics Institute grows beyond The
efforts Of its projectors, and boys have to be
turned away. Yes, it is temptation Il
introduce into our colleges these studies
(which are popular because they speed mer
in the pursuit Of wealth.
But when our colleges turn their atten
ton to teaching how to pursue wealth
where shall men turn for philosophy
Where shall we get the reiinements OF learn
ing? What becomes of theology Will no
the students with one accord leave thos'
abstract studies that have in the pas
adorned men be given up forever? Wha
becomes of the men once 30 marked IT, The
south because they were trained in our col
leges not to fall down and worship wealth
and power ifthOse same colleges now teacl
them to pursue wealth and power! Ii mal
some day be done; but when It Is done thu
noble dignity fthe professor and the "ten
der grace" that the college sheds over life II
gone.