The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1903-10-06
THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA.

The University Of Virginia is a
popular institution OF learning and
draws students from all the States
Of the Union. The number of its
students is increasing every year and
its faculty is one OF the strongest and
ablest anywhere to be found this side
OF the waters. This being the case
the surprise is expressed that it has
not been the recipient OF donations
from the wealthy friends OF educa-
ton.
OF this venerable and popular in
stitution the Washington Post says:
Zone often wonders why those wealthy
Americans who bestow munihcent en-
dowments upon institutions of learning
invariably pass over the University OF
Virginia. one OF the oldest and most meri-
torious OF them all. Not a year passes
in which scores OF colleges without q
fraction of it's claims do not receive dona-
tons of hundreds o. thousands OF dol.
lars, even millions, yet the great acad
envy founded by Thomas Jefferson is left
to struggle alone unaided. Originally
there were some requests and gifts, the
investment OF which, together with the
100000 repl esenting the first cost OF
the buildings, has resulted in property
now estimated at 81 100000. For
many years past, however, the rich pat
rons OF American culture have neglected
the university. Even the 100000 re-
ouired to restore the buildings destroyed
by fire ia 1895 still remains debt upon
the institution. Virginia annually appro-
PIRATES $4,000 for it's support, but OF
this sum $4,000 is given on condition
that all academic schools shall be iree to
Virginia students, while the remaining
$4,000 goes to meet the interest on the
bonded debt above referred to.
"The university lives and improves,
nevertheless. Last year there were 200
students, OF which number nearly 300
came from outside OF the State. This
year the attendance has largely increas-
ed. Moreover, the institution is able to
turn out as fine a grade OF educated
well-bred honorable gentlemen as any
in the country. Ia letters, law, science,
medicine, and engineering the teaching
is thorough, up to date, substantial.
The standing of the university alumni
with the various examining boards
State, army, navy, and Marine Hospital
furnishes abundant evide ice on this
point. From their ranks within recent
wears have come two members rom the
Cabinet, two justices OF the Supreme
Court. aud reat numbers distinguished
in every walk of life Virginia has moth
to fear ON comparison with Massa
chusetts, New Jersey, CopuCcticut, or
Pennsylvania 10 the matter OF produc-
ing gentlemen and scholars. 1t will be
so IL the millionaire patrons OF learning
should continue 10 overlook the uniyer-
sity throughout the future. The veneer
able alma mater, with it's historic site,
it's beautiful aud gracious buildings, it's
atmosphere of honorable traditions and
ideals, and it's loi6y standard OF conduct,
viii prosper, viii perpetuats it's splendid
usefulness In an ever widening field. IL
is not beggar. Its importunes no man
for his aims. But the wonder remaius
that some great and powerful patron
has not arisen-some one wise enough to
realize that his wealth will bear rich
harvest through such a medium and his
name and memory derive lustsr from
such an illustrious association"