The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1891-04-07
EDUCATIONAL.
THE FRENCH D

only institution In France which has
come down to us unchanged from the
olden days. At the time of its fOunda-
ton, two centuries and a half ago, the
feudal system was still in vigOr in
France; the old race governed and the
old laws prevailed. Since then a great
Revolution swept like a hurricane
across the land, burying beneath the
ruins which it caused, not only the an
Gent royal line and aristOcracy, but
the very ideas and modes of thought
which had existed until then. The
French Academy alOne-althOugh
obliged for a moment to bow before
the storm-remained unhurt, retaining
all its pristine vigor; and it still con
tinues the same as at it's foundation,
having the same constitution, the same
statutes and laws, even the same num-
Der of members which has v been
increased-the forty InpmOrtGtS.
Although from the very beginning
the society has been frequently at
tacked-although it's enemies have
often been numerou and viOlent-yet
never have somany dangers threatened
it as at the present moment. Truly,
as the century draws to it's close the
democratic spirit wake stronger, and
the prominent idea seems to be to de-
StrOy. This is especially the case In
France, where an Incredible rage seems
to exist to sweep away every vestige Of
old things. The French Academy has
not escaped, but it is attacked on every
side; even several literary men, who
ought to be amongst it's defenders. are
to be found in the enemies camp, dis
daining, as they say, it's favOrs-Orper-
haps, as the other side %pretends, not
having been considered worthy to re
ceive them. Is the Academy destined
to disappear2-Or will it, as Macaulay
says of a still more venerable institu-
tiOn, rise like NOah's Ark above the
waters Of the deluge; and as it has re
manned mistaken amid all the political
changes of the last century, is it de
stined still to triumph, and to hold, as
it has ever done, the foremost place in
the history of French literature?
In any case it's present position is in
teresting; for although it's authority is
disputed and it's p~retentions ridiculed
by many, yet neverhav the Academy's
prizes been so eagerly sought, and
never have so many competitors come
forward to strive for the vacant chair,
which will give them a place beneath
the celebrated dome.
Although the French Academy was
established by royal charter in 1886, it's
origin may be placed some years earlier,
when the literary men of Paris were
accustomed to meet in the humble lit
tie room of Malherbe, the only furni-
ture of which was "a few straw-bOt-
toned chairs. In 1929, after the death
of Malherbe, the members of the little
cOterie agreed to assemble once a week
at the house Of one of their number, a
N. Courart, who lived in a central pO-
SitiOn.
For some years they continued their
meetings without attracting much at
tention, when one day they were
had offered them his protection. To
have the great and terrible Cardinal
mixed up with their affairs was some
thing they did not cOvet, but the offer
of protection it was not thought pru-
dent to refuse. The Cardinal, in re-
turn, promised that letters patent for
the society should be prepared, and adj
vised the members, among other
things, to add to their number and
choose a name. Many high-sounding
titles were suggested, but the society
had the g~OOd-sense to reject them, and
to choose the simple one of The
French Academy. Letters patent
were given by the King, Louis Kill,
and the institution founded by Richie
lieu was established under the name it
has even since borne, the number of
members being limited to forty, which
number has never been exceeded.
The Academy, whose beginnings
were sc humble, the members being,
for the most part, poor and of modest
position, is now not only a learned, but
also a rich and important body. Many
donations have been left, and the
Academy has many prizes to bestOw,
which are eagerly sought after. And
a place beneath it's dome is the high
est literary glory to which a French
man a aspire.
Has the Academy accomplished the
object for which it was founded? Is it
still worthy of its ancient fame? Has
it rendered, and can it still render use
full service In spite of the attacks of
its enemies, | think all these questions
may be answered in the affirmative.
Soon after the foundation of the Acad-
envy the French language received an
immense development, and became, as
it now is, one of the finest of modern
languages-clear, brilliant, precise,
N0PoOL0 0API0oSn1S SI6dG thoughts
with eloquence and lucidity.
Also, the Academy raised literature
and literary men, held in but little con-
sideration until then, to the highest
place and honor; and still more, by it's
influence diffused a love and respect
for learning through all the higher
classes. Its protection and aid were
accorded to those whose talents were
yet unknown, and who, without such
help, must have struggled in vain, or
have sought a protector among the
powerful of the land.
On the other hand, it cannot be de-
MED that the attacks of it's enemies
have sometimes been justified, and that
at certain periods a spirit of minute
Criticism has nYiStnd Hithin The 1rnllr