The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-10-30

Vireinia's loss by the fire which yes
terday destroyed the rotunQa and pub
lie hall of the state University, al Cnar-
lottesville is a serious one. The imam
cial sacrifice some S30O.DO-whl pfopd-
bly, be easily and quickly recovered by
the efforts Of the students and the sub
scriptions of alumni But the treasures
consumed can never be replaced The uni
vcrsity was founded by Thomas JEFFERSON
and was the pride OF his latter
years. Jeffersons epitaph written by
himself. omitted TO state that he was
twice President Of the United States.
but it proudly recorded the fact that he
was the father Of the University OF
Virginia" He planned the old rotunda,
which has TODD as monument 10 ms
patriotism, enterprise, and munihcence,
and it sheltered priceless works OF art
and literature. only a portion OF whlch
could be saved. While dynamite was
used. in a vain endeavor TO stay the
flames at the entrance 10 the rotunda'
IL could not throw down the massive
marble pillars placed there by the I'M
mortal jefferson himself. As firm as
his Declaration of Independence they
stood. giving token and hope 70 Nir-
einia III. the University founded by
him canno. fall. 1t viii rise from its
ashes.-New York Mail and Express.
we hone that In the rebuilding there
will be no departure from the plans OF
the old structure. The effort should be
10 duplicate II as far as possible IN all
essential particulars, and we suppose
that is the intention Of those with Whom
the decision rests Everyone who goes
through the University grounds IS struck
by the incongrmty arising from the mis-
take OF erecting the new Brooks Museum
according 10 modern designs, ana this
should be a lesson by which 10 proht
In all future additions. To construct
upon the site OF the old roturda
building modern in architecture would
be like erecting a hotel upon the ruins
Of the Coliseum. This disaster TO the
University is a practical illustration OF
the great benefit that institution would
derive from a reasonable endowment,
and il is a sad commentary that such
famous seat OF learning is constantly
hampertd by the meagrenoss or tho funds
at its disposal. while thousands Of little
colleges al over the country arc hne.aiiy
provided with steady revenues. --No'fo!k
Landmark.
Thousands Of men whose alma mater
is the University Of Virginia Will learn
with profound regret of the destruction
by fire OF the rOtulud anu puN'i' Iel4.
The feeling will be shared generally
over the country, as the institution,
founded by Jefferson. was rich III MIS-
torica! relics and associations. and many
articles which possessed an almost price
less value apart from their intrinsic
worth. and which cannot he replaced,
we're consumed or rendered worthless.
The loss Of the old rotunda itself is
national misfortune. II had stood for
many years. q monument to the founder
of the institution.
Among the graduates Of the institution
are men OF wealth. VINO now have an
opportunity TO acknowledge In q sub
stantial way the debt which they owe
TO the institution which has helped them
on to uccess.-Baltimore Herald.
The University OF Virginia Is the mead
of the public free schools of Nirslnii,'
and was established by Thomas Jefferson
primarily TO create teachers Tor the
common schools. II has grown more
and more popular and nearer the people
as il has gown I'm years. and universal
regret has followed the intelligence or
this injury .-Alexandria Times.