The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1912-06-30

tiles which constitute tho Virginia typo
of education. and may we not make a
tentative estimate OF the value Of this
type?
Virginia has been the home Of con-
servatism in America, and this fact
has been due to three elements of our
thought and civilization. Perhaps no
argument is necessary to prove that
three of the abiding qualities OF the
Virginia people have been loyalty,
courage and faith. From these three
characteristics OF Virginia civilization
have been naturally evolved three
qualities that characterize our edu-
cation. The Virginia spirit Of loyalty
is closely connected with the cduca-
tional system of classicism. The Nir-
Sinia spirit of courage has resulted in
optimism, and the spirit of faith has
tinGed all our education with ideal
ism.
Clnssicism.
sturdy belief in the established
methods and laws. a profound trust
in the value of tine long result of
time" and a stern demand for rigid
training in the established principles
of life and conduct. has been char
acter!stic of the Nirg!nians from the
early days. Their loyalty has been
given to tried principles, and as be-
tween two systems. they have been
logic of events made another choice
imperative.
Just as the Virginia Cavaliers be-
came rebels only when the principles
of right and justice overwhelmed the
principle of loyalty: just as the Vir-
ginians of later day took up arms
only when the principles of constitu-
tional rights and sanctity of the home
were invaded: so the Virginians of to-
rn1lV nd n
principles OF training and icals OF
education tested and proved by the
experience of two thousand years.
So the Virginia student was trained
in the lore of the ancients and in the
thought of the classic writer's. and he
! learned respect for authority and
| reverence for the content and outlook
of classic thought. In the past there
has been little straying off after
strange gods. but an insistence on n
thorough mastery of the recognized
leaders Of thought and expression
| Hence II is that Virginia education.
foun1cd on classic methods. has brought
little of original contribution as a
result of college training The effect
of this training has been shown rather
In higher type of life, higher ideal
OF personal conduct. and q higher range
| of sympathy and thought. Seldom
| have new ideas had their first or high
| est expression in Virginia. but no
| where have the noble principles of
thought and conduct found more ade-
| qnate expression in action and in life.
| Hence 1t is that Virginia. as part
of Cables silent South" has given
! expression 10 It's classic training
! through higher ideal of life and
| standard of conduct rather than in
! mere literature. If it has had no new
gospel to preach. 1t has furnished the
! finest example In. America of the APP
I rlicntion of the old Greek gospel of
| the right and the beautiful. or as Mat
thew Arnold has rephrased 1t, Of
Sweetness and light"
Optimism.
| The second quality of Virginia edu-
| cation has been its optimism. IA trust
In the power OF the ancient ideals and
! in the ultimate triumph of the higher
! good. The Virginians outlook upon
| life has not been one of despair or of
hesitation Assured OF the present
mindful Of the past, he has inherited
confident ard assured attitude to-
ward life. The failures of the past.
ne regarded merely as beacons to warn
flm Of dangels ana the allow but