The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1914-06-28
Occupied by Washington
and Lee Among South S Schools
Possessed of Unique Location and Enabling Associations
Independence and Unrestricted Opportunity Ii
Has Outgrown Sectonalism and Be
come National Institution.

There are 2os colleges and univer-
stiles in tho fourteen Southern States,
according to the Last report of the
United States department of educa-
ton. Among these Washington and
Lee occupies position entirely its
own OF the unshared possessions
which thus set IL apart three are es-
pecially worthy of mention.
l. Its unique location and ennohling
associations.
The institution, as Is we'll known,
was practically founded by gift OF
$4,000 from George Washington. and
was by hin. formally authorized to
bear his name. II was his chosen
institution. and as Washington college
trained a long succession Of men
whose eminent services 10 Virginia
and the nation bore witness TO the
abiding inspiration of his character
and example.
In the wreck which followed the
Civ!i war, the sliustrious leader Of the
Southern armies, seeking whore and
how he could best serve his devastated
and .mpoy ertshed land, rejected Of
fers of wealth and ease for his SER
vices in other directions and chose
Washtngton's college as the most
fruitful opportunity for his own IN
vastment Having no money. he gave
himself 10 the institution With ur-
murmuring faith. and resignation, with
unremitting diligence and keenest In
terest with pedagogic wisdom and
magnetic leadership. he refunded and
rebuilt Washington college. gathered
friends students. buildings and en-
dowfrents on Washirgton's FONDA
ton. and then. worn out with his
!neesRant lahors, heaueathed 20 II his
sacred dust and his incoul parable
name
Here. toe. in the little town of Lex
trtz.or. ssStau ewall'' Jackson lived and
lahored. and here his ashes rest. NOT
far from those Of his great comman-
der.
AZ one end OF Lexington, In the
very center of her city of the dead,
and at the other. on the parade
ground Of the Virginia Military insti-
futo. bronze figures of the great cap
tain lonk out over the historic Val
le~ Of Virginia" where his armies
marched and fought From the.
cupoia Of the OLD Washington building
the statue of the Father Of his Coun~
try" looks down on the campus of the
university which he endowed not only
with his money but with his immortal
name: and In the chapel inst opposite
sacred dust of Lee. and the marvellous
recun bent statue which so impressive
Is emhodies in marble the simple
majesty Of his character.
Truly "the heart Of the South beats
at Lexington" shington. Lee. Jack
sor' II Is no wonder that Rockhrlege
county has sent forth such an in
credible number Of men reared With
la her borders who have been dfstin =
guished for their public service and
leadership: No wonder that the New
York Evening Post. In an elaborate
editorial marvels at the remarkable
prominence OF the Washington and
Lee alumni in the service Of tbs
nation: for the young man whose
character takes shape amid such In
fiences and associations must from
the very air ne hreathes. grow to-
wards the stature of greatness and
learn the nobility of service
9 The second unshared possession
of the university is its unique sndepen-
dence,
Practically all of the colleges and
universities of the South are under the