Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1896-08-13


nished by our seminaries for all our young pee
pie; for anything beyond that, am not en-
thusiastic. These were the words of maj
whose sonhas recently graduated from college
as he stood, few days ago, looking out on tn
spacious and beautiful campus Of the Montpe
lier Seminary. Probably he was feeling hi
sons heavy bills too deeply just then TO esti
mate fairly his college education. A few year
from now, when his son has made his mark in
the world, the higher education will be NOR,
highly valued.
above quoted. The seminary education is NOR
generally useful, and it is thin the easy reaci
Of nearly all. A recent investigation revealed
the fact that very large proportion Of Yer
mont's distinguished men were academy boyi
and never went farther than the academy
There is a reason for this. OF course college
education was not so common few years agt
as it is now, and the common schools were moi
so efficient; but the seminary occupies most
important middle ground between the two. Its
value as educator is due not merely to Its
courses Of study, but equally TO ITS broar.
wholesome, inspiring tone, SO well calculated
to produce independence, ambition and moral
responsibility. Manly men and womanly wom-
en- are the result. Any one who is familiar
with the seminary atmosphere will testify to
its stimulating character. The seminary is an
excellent place for even the high school grad
nate TO spend year or two.
The time was when secluded places were
sought for the location Of Institutions of learn
ing. That time has gone by, and the uniyer-
sity IL now located at the metropolis. The
scholar was then regarded as reclnse, book
worm. hermit, whose time was to be spent
in profound meditation and study. The world
was nothing to him and. consequently, he was
nothing TO the world. All that is no more.
The scholar is to live among men, to mingle in
political affairs, to use his knowledge for the
good Of hi, fellowmen. He ought, therefore.
to be educated among men. at or near the
great centers of civilization.
For this reason the state capital is an excel-
lent place for a secondary school. Here the
student has an opportunity TO observe the
ways Of the chief gathering of the state, to at
tend its legislative sessions. many of its polite
receptions and social occasions, and TO learn
much Of the ways of society and of state. He
can also attend the ssions of the county and
supreme courts and become familiar with legal
The conventions of political parties,
the frequent gatherings Of the great religious
bodies, the public libraries and reading rooms,
lectures and sermons by the ablest talent. mu-
steal conventions and concerts, and the innu
merable occurrences of note at such a center
are all educators of no mean value.
And yet Seminary Hill is as quiet as a coun.
try village; indeed, more SO than the most Of
such villages. and more free from contaminat-
ing influences.
Every school is, in one respect, "a business en-
lerprise, and therefore efficient supervision, by
men of business ability, is essential. A glance
enough to show that it is in the hands of an
competent body Of men. At the
head Of the trustees stands the name Of Hon.
W. P. Dillingham;, one Of the ex-governors of
he state. Among those which follow are Sem
ator Redfield Proctor, Hon. N. w. Fisk and
Hon. DIN Merrill. with others Of equal ability.
he clergy are represented by such men as
Revs. P. n. Granger, j. 0. Sherbum and w.
Z. Davenport The board is well balanced,
,onta ming variety Of talent, which secures
attention to all the varied interests of the
shool.
In addition to the above, there is also
Board Of Conference Visitors and College
Examining Committee. Ibis committee con-
listed last year of representatives Of three Of
ur best New England colleges-W Wesleyan,
Dartmouth and the University of Vermont.
After thoroughly examining the work Of the
chool during two days. they made the fol.
owing report for the benefit Of the public:
MONTPELIER. W., Mag 20, 1896.
To the Principal and Trustees of the
Seminary: AS Examining Com
nittee Of the Seminary, we wish to express to
GU our great satisfaction at the present con-
ition Of the institution. The school seems to
e composed Of students who are faithful, |
ealous and earnest to make the most of them |
elves physically. mentallyand morally. The |
curses Of study are admirably arranged and |
he instruction seems very efficient and thor
ugh. The whole tone of the school is such as |
, impress the committee that this institution |
ffersa thorough education in preparing Tor
ollege, for business or for the duties of life.
PROF. ELMER TRUEsDELL MERRILL,
Wesleyan University.
PROF. FRED PARKER EMERY,
Dartmouth College.
PROF. NJ. H. BUCKHAM,
University Of Vermont.
A detailed report to the Board Of Trustees
as equally commendatory.
In estimating schools, the courses Of study
nd the makeup Of the faculty should be care
lily scrutinized. 1t makes asgreat difference
neither course of study is short and meager
/ liberal and full. The minimum length for
high school, as now prescribed by the state
/ Vermont,is four years. Anything less than
lis is below the lowest standard, and this is
le least amount which ought to be regarded
, sufficient basis for normal training or for
1mission to college. Again, it makes great