The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-01-27
A WORD ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY.


We print in another column an edito-
rial article .from the Lynchburg News
on the University appropriation. in which
our contemporary presents an unanswer-
able argument against cutting down the
state allowance TO that great institution
OF learning.
The article IN the News is along prao-
tical lines Naturally there is on the
part ofsthe alumni and friends of the
institution generally a sentimental regard
for the University. But that is not the
main question TO be considered with re-
ference to the matter Of appropriating
money. The Legislature of Virginia Is
not in the humor row to spend money for
mere sentiments sake and the University
appropriation must stand on its merit or
fall.
We submit. however, that this appro-
priation is entirely meritorious not mere
" as furnishing unique facilities for the
higher education TO the youth of Virginia,
but as an institution that is worth in doll
lars and cents far more to this Common
wealth than the amount of money appro-
priated yearly towards Its maintenance.
IL was founded by Thomas Jefferson,
who was not only statesman. but man
Of affairs and Of good business judg-
ment. lie took such pride in the fact
that he had established the University
that he considered only two others Of his
public acts worthy to rank with it, for he
knew that he had thus given 10 the State
priceless heritage.
The University OF Virginia is conceded
TO be, par excellence, the great University
of the South. 1t has enjoyed that repu-
tation from the beginning and TO lower the
standard. one whit is to impair its useful
ness and eventually TO break it down.
Young men go TO the University prefer
ably because of its reputation for thor
oushness. No man ever secured a di-
ploma from that institution except upon
his merit. There is no lodging. there is
no padding. there is no favoritism. We
p have seen one OF its honored professors
shed tears because a favorite pupil lost
his diploma by failing to stand an exams
nation on an lnpOi SNNNS 49,
course. But tears did not save him.
For these reasons a diploma from the
University is more valuable than diplo-
ma from some other institutions. such
q diploma is passport throughout the
literary world. The man who can show
such a diploma in his name needs no
other testimonial as 20 his thoroughness
in that branch of study.
As was said by DIR. Barringer in MS
address before the committee. the Uni
varsity can of course be run upon
cheap plan. but if so its standard must
inevitably be lowered, and once lower the
standard il is no longer the University
We say ii deliberately that the Univer-
slty of Virginia cannot possibly ne mann
tanned except upon the high plane o. ex-
cellence and thoroughness upon which 1t
has hitherto been conducted. Its repu-
t.tlon is it's very life and to impair It's
reputation Is 20 destroy 1t.
The whole question, therefore, resolves
itself into this. II the State OF Virginia
is willing to abandon this Institution, let
~ cut OF the dppiVP''"'' N"NHN'' 49,
icave II 10 its fate. II Is false economy
10 give 1t a meager appropriation and
lower It's standard II it Is worth hav-
ing. IL is worth maintaining, and nothing
short OF tho present appropriation and
with the utmost economy will maintain
II as It deserves.
Not long ago the buildings were de-
stroyed by fire and the very existence OF
the University. It seemed, was threaten
ed. But so highly was 1t esteemed and
beloved all over this land. that Its friends
rallied 70 It with loyalty and a lioerallty
rever surpassed. and In its physicai as
pect It is today grander and more beau
tiful and better equipped than ever. II
IS lust taking on new life and entering
upon a new career OF usefulness and dis
tinction and as our Lynchburg contem-
porary we'll says. Il would be no less than
cruel at this juncture 10 strike the insti-
tuition a blow that will paralyze its ener-
giss.
----------------------------
MR. VESTS PROTEST.