The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-01-27
The Universii, Appropriation

z An unpleasant rumor comes from
Richmond that some members OF the
Legislature. in the effort to economic,
are suggesting a reduction Of the annual
appropriation 10 the University Of Nir-
ginia. To do so at this particular time
would. We fear. be false economy. The
University is a state institution OF which
every Virginian is proud, and which
has done well it's part in elevating her
people and maintaining the true charac-
teristics OF her civilization.
wise legislation some years ago made
the University the keystone of the free
school system Of the State. and threw
open its lecture rooms, free Of charge. 20
every Nirginfan who desires a collegiate
education. Nothing should now be done,
IL possible to avoid It. TO impede the pro-
gress of higher education for the people
which that step SO accelerated. or 10 de-
prve the State Of so great q blessing.
We should foster in a prudent way the
capacities of this great school. No wise
individual who desires TO reduce his ex-
penses begins by taking his children from
school, unless in the dire extremity OF
iusolvency-a condition not 10 be con-
tcmplated I'm connection with the finances
OF the State. We fully recognize the
imperative necessity for a wise economy
in state expenditures just now: but moth
ing can be gained by striking at the legi-
innate requirements of our school sys-
TEN. IL there is waste or maladministra-
tion i'm any quarter tho proper remedy
should be fearlessly applied. but the Leg
islature should proceed with the idea
that it is its solemn duty TO build up the
educational interests Of the people. for
i'm the absence OF wealth--wealth that Is
represented by material investments
education becomes % fortune to its pos
SCISSOR, which neither the thief can steal
nor moth nor rust corrupt.
The city of Lynchburg has been an OBJ
iect lesson this line Many excellent
citizens from time TO time, in tho interest
of municipal economy. have demanded
that the standard OF the schools be re-
duced and that our excellent High
school be abolished. The better opinion
Of the people prevailed, and education
was fostered and the High School en-
larged and now the most tremendous
taxpayer recognizes this expenditure as
the best investment Of public funds which
can be made. and as a constant aggran-
dizement TO the public wealth.
What Is true Of a municipality IS true
OF a Commonwealth, and legislators who
take a different view will md that the
people are better informed and are more
keonly alive TO this subject than 10 any
other which affects their interests. and
arc sure to hold their representatives re-
spousible for any act which may close the
door 10 their children 10 high education
and this is so. even though the !ndiyid-
ual may not deem It wise 10 avail himself
Of the opportunity. His State pride nd
his common sense tell him that TO econO-
mize I'm that direction is to dry up the
fountains OF a wealth which his child
may acquire without stocks, without
bonds and without money.
What has been said IS true, and Is true
year BY year. but there is an especial
reason at this time why there Should be-
no diminution in tho appropriation u
the University. Two years ago. a. is vel
| known. It suffered an immense loss by
| fire. Its alumni have rallied TO its sup
port and the Legislature came forward
| and obligated itself 10 certain annual pay
ments necessary TO enable the college q
borrow enough money TO replace its de
s.royed buildings. That work has beer
done 10 a very large extent, but th'
| funds. wc understand. are exhausted
| and IL would be cruel just at this juno
| ture, to strike the institution a blow
| which will paralyZe its energies.
| As we have said, IL there is any truth
I'm the report that there has been negli
| genoa and improvIdence in the expendi
ture OF state funds the remedy is Z
stop that sort OF thing. but not to Grip
| pie tho MISUNDERSTANDING News.