The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-06-12
SUNDAY, JUNE y, 1898
THE UNIVERSITY RESTORED,

To-day marks the beginning OF an III
.eresting season az the University Oh VIZ
ginla. 49,.
on Sunday. October 2S, 1895. those
grand old buildings which were erecteu
NV Thomas jefferson and which were
dear 10 the hearts Of the Southern peo-
nile by many a sacred association were
totally destroyed by fire. The news was
heard IN all parts OF the country with
nrofound sorrow. and as for Virginia
pail seemed TO settle upon the entire
State.
In their sorrow and despair many felt
chat the University was gone. that II
could never recover from this terrible
blow. But these had misJudged 'he
strength of the institution. They ala
not realize what a strong hold IL had
unon the hearts Of the people. Meetings
were called here. there and everywhere
ard before the cruel flames were fairy
extinguished, there were movements on
foot 10 raise funds with which to re-
build.
But this was no easy task. The coun-
try had not recovered from the financial
manic business was almost at a stand
still. and everybody was pressed for
means. Notwithstanding these facts
however. the good work went on ana u
was not long before sufficient funds were
raised or pledged TO begin the work OF
restoration.
II would make an interesting story to
tell how the money was secured and how
the work went on from time TO time.
but that cannot be In an article Ike
this. Suffice It is TO say that the Uni
versity buildings have been restored that
the rotunda has been reproduced. that
other magnificent buildings have been
ercted and that they are now ready for
occupancy.
This week the friends Of the institu-
ton from all parts of the country VIII
assemble on the classic grounds and take
part in the dedicatory exercises that viii
I'm many respects be the most interest
ing that the institution has ever known.
The University is itself again, more
beautiful. better equipped and greater
than ever before
II Is a most remarkable history. II IL
remarkable that the work OF the insii-
tuition has never been suspended sim
gle day because OF the disastrous fire.
II IS remarkable. that its patronage has
not fallen off because Of that disaster.
These things do but attest the splendid
10 F,f. ~ no 81
regard in which II is held as an insttu-
ton OF learning. 1t Is an institution
hight and noble and Of good fepute. in
dependently of its abiding place. II is
not dependent upon fine architecture,
but such an institution deserves paIa-
tial home and the best physical equip
ment that money can buy. The new
buildings are modern and especially
adapted 10 the advanced work Of the
Institution. In short the buildings are
now In keeping with the proverbiary
high standard OF the University.
There are those who say that the fire
was blessing in disguise. 1t seems 10
us almost "a sacrilege to refer to the de-
struction OF those precious old buildings
as a blessing but It can be said Of
truth that the ordeal through when The
University has passed has not only de-
monstrated its strength. but has added
10 it's strength ana II Is certainly better
than ever equipped for its work. cur
sorrow is yet too fresh 20 rejoice that
the IRE ACQUIRED. Let us rather Soy
Haec olim meminisse juvabit."