The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-12-25

last summer we read: M. A.-A degree
for advanced University work, open 10
such students as shall have first attended
the b. A. degree, either in this University
or at some other chartered Institution or
learning, provided. in the latter case that
the faculty shall deem said degree the full
equivalent OF the d. A. degree granted
here, and further provided, that the can
didate shall, in all cases. be q graduate
In the Il. A. courses in this University OF
such schools as he elects for his dynnced
work"
All the great, universities. at home and
abroad, allow much weight to the de-
grees which students. DESTROYS of pursu-
ing advanced courses in these universe
ties. bring with them from reputable in
situations of learning. In all Of them.
In England, in America and in Germany,
discretionary power is given to their
faculties to accept or reject these degrees,
by examination or otherwise, as seems good
to ZACH faculty. But, while admitting the
principle as sound. the visitors of the
University have, in their conservatism,
| expressly provided that even IL the b.
A. degree from other chartered institu-
tons of learning be accepted as OF
weight, representing two or three years
Of preliminary work elsewhere. all candi-
dates for NJ. A. shall (the faculty having
approved of their election Of the four
schools" for advanced work pur-
sue and graduate in the b. A.
courses at the University in Zach Of the
four schools elected in addition to grad
uation in the M. A. courses.
In most Of the academic schools Of the
University the work in the B. A. courses
is about a year ahead of the usual re-
quiremets in the great majority of m
rican colleges, so that a b. A. from other
Institutions on coming TO the University
to apply for his NJ. A. will find that he
has first to be a graduate of the Univer-
sity in all the b. A.. courses of such
schools as he elects for his masters
degree.
Surely. conservatism can go no farther
without becoming 'fossilism."
1t may. indeed, be the case that a
bright u. A. from some minor college
may be prepared to go on at once with
the advanced work" In such a case
the fact could be easily established by a
preliminary examination, and the canhi-
date shall be allowed to pursue both
courses (B. A.. and NJ. A. at the same
time. Blu the regulation of the board is
positive that 'in all cases" he must be a
graduate in the b. A. course as we'll as
In the NJ. A. course.
AS regards the B. A. course, 1T is now
known that the board. in accordance with
the purpose announced nearly a year ago
page So of the "Reply") has extended
the number of options. but keeping in
view the underlying principle that mo one
OF the great departments OF m learn
ing may be altogether neglected" Fur
Their comment seems to be unnecessary.
The rector and visitors have shown in
fIofr go apItr'B that thotr Ennuf fhaf fhalr
own minds have the courage of their
convictions. They are abundantly able to
take care of themselves and are not apt to
be greatly moved by hysterical rhetoric.
Presumably Mr.. George w. Miles, Jr.,
is a young man. and after his " 'fren-
~" becomes somewhat cooled by the in
formation that this is no new thing, but
hat il was published TO the world months
ago, n elected the unqualified indorse-
ment from the most distinguished mas
ters of arts of the university, he may
feel somewhat. ashamed of having so
gratuitously impugned the. motieys of the
visitors by declaring that FOR the sake
Of increased numbers they are willing to
sacrifice the name OF the University, It's
requirements and prestige"
1t is an open secret" that a majority
Of the faculty OF the University approve
Of the charges made, and it is Just pos
sible (while it may not, Of course, be
true) that these gentlemen. the aembers
of the board, may be as jealous Of the
name. requirements and prestige" or the
University as Mr.. George W. Miles, Jr.,
himself.
L venture, in conclusion, to make one
suggestion. Let the visitors, in continual
ton Of their good work, insist upon an
entrance examination for all students de-
string 10 matriculate at the University,
and when this shall have been done, then,
TO employ the fine old Roman phrase, |
think that trey may justly consider
themselves to have deserved well OF the
State"
| am sure that Professor Dabney, whose
trenchant pen proves him the brightest
of advocates in n good cause, will par
don this seeming 'poaching on his pre-
serves" by an
OLD ALUMNUS.
December q. 1892.
OIr. Miles is an "A. NJ" and head mas
ter of a classical school at Radford.-
Eds.)