The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1905-11-18
State Cadets at the ". M. I.

State Cadets at the ". M. L.
Tie Inquiry made in these columns sev.
erai days ago concerning the standing OF
T, State cadets at the Virginia Military
| Institute has brought forth several re.
plies. Ono of our correspondents says
that the State cadets have a hard road
10 travel and are not treated with the
same consideration that pay cadets re.
ceive. Two other correspondents, who
are eX-cadets, say that no distinctions
are made, From the best source OF infor-
nation at our command We learn that
few officers at the Institute really know
who are State cadets and who are pay
cadets, and as a rule the cadets them-
selves do not know. Not that any attempt
ut enncealmen, is made, but there is no
occasion TO bring up the subject. We are
further assured that no sort OF official
distinction between tho two classes of
cadets Is made and that no DISADVANTAGES
attaches In any way to cadet beca use
he has roceivedn State appointment. There
Is much composition for tho position OF
State cadet, and in Individual dealings
with cadets who are subject to discipline,
their increased obligation by reason OF
the fact that they have been honored
with State appointment may DO brought,
to their attention. III the same q general
order might direct attention to the fact
that the institution has right to expect
more OF this class OF cadets because they
have beer singled out By appointment
over others
There is nothing unreasonable In this.
1t is an honor and an advantage for
young man to receive such an appoint
merit and peculiar obligation rests upon
him TO improve his opportunities and to
conduct himself in such way as to
reflect credit upon the institution and
imply that he ohligates himself to sub
nit to injustice or that he forfeits his
right to petition for redress of grew
ances. His obligations TO the institution
are greater, but MS standing and priNi-
leges are the same as pay cadets enjoy.
AT least such assurance comes TO US
from high authority and If that Is not
the condition ii should be.
We have no adverse criticism TO make
In this connection hut there is one obii-
cation imposed upon State cadets alone TO
which we have alluded in days past, and
to which we again call public attention.
We refer to the provision requiring State
cadets to teach for two years after they
have left the institution. This is very.
old regulation and dates back to the
very beginning OF the institute. In the
code Of 1919 the following clause is TO be
found in the chapter relating TO the Vir-
ginia Military Institute:
Every cadet who, since the Sth day
of March. 1s42, has been, or hereafter
shall be received. on State account, and
shall have remained in the institution for
two years or more shall act in the ca
pacity OF tencher in some school within
the State for two years after leaving the
institution, unless excused by the board
of visitors but this section shall not be
construed SO as to deprive such cadet d
the compensation which he may be able
to obtain for teaching"
The regulation is the same to-day and
there has been very little change in the
phraseoldgy. 1t was made at time
when there was a scarcity OF teachers
and It was altogether reasonable under
those conditions, that the State in edu-
eating young mon at the public expense
should require them after graduation to
employ their accomplishments for the
good OF others. But conditions have en-
tirely changed and the regulation Is
out Of date We have schools for the
special training of teachers and those
who attend such schools intend to make
teaching their occupation. They are es-
pecally prepared for work in the pub
lie schools, and when they have grad
uated they are quite willing to go to
their places. But the graduate OF the Y.
M. T., is not especially trained to be a
teacher and his education Is no,
peculiarly such ms to fit him for work In
the public schools. 1t Is q great hard
ship, therefore, that this requirement
should be made OF every State cadet.
we understand that every such cadet Is
required to give bond TO pay back TO
the state the sum OF $500 n year for cacn
years attendance, unless he complies
with this requirement. 1t viii be noted
that while the regulation requires that
every such cadet shall teach, neither the
State nor tho Institute oblisates itself
TO find place for the teacher. cadet
may use his best endeavors to find a
position In which to teach and still fail.
but the State Will insist upon compliance
or forfeiture Of bond.
The regulation, IN our opinion. Is
wrong In principle and contrary to pub
lie policy. No man ought TO be made
TO teach school whether he wishes to do so
or not and IL forced into such work
against his viii he cannot make sur
cessful teacher There Is no longer any
suf!cent reason or occasion for this
harsh regulation md II should be re-
lad IS