Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-02-11
Letters must give the name aud ad.
dress OF the writer. Name will mot 10
published II writer so requests.


Save the University.
To the Editor Of Tho Times dispatch:
Sir-Sureiy the mothers OF the boys
students OF the Gniversity Of virginia Virginia
nave the right TO be heard on tho
question OF coordinate education. or
eeIed 10 o or whatever T. may be
learning. Most Of these mothers are
old enough TO have known practical
eXneT LEI and to have had oppor-
their own families and househo dis
abundant occupation for their time.
and employment for what means and
energies they POSSESS. they arc not
given TO fads. Accustomed to dealing
with realities. they are not governed
by fancies or whims or fine imaginings.
education Of the sexes and all that suE-
scsts 1t. or is like IL. or may lead TO
ii, At the university.
They oppose /, because they love
and revere the university and its ira
di,ions and spirit. and because they
long, above all things else. 10 SEQ their
and illustrate in their lives the quail
tics of the highest and clcanes, strain
Am crico nism. They dream and hope
for their own children. not for fam
nIcnts.
Looking back on the past and con-
the university. We mothers Of sons nnd
cause for reasonable satisfaction with
our product OF men and OF women
under our old civilization and habits.
we hope for Improvement. OF course.
We are fearfully doubtful whether 81
can be secured and whether we Will
not fall into re;rosression by under
taking TO borrow and import methods
the results OF which else where are cx-
trcmcly doubtful and to us frequently
distastcful. and which. in any case. are
out OF harmony with our customs and
ideals.
The alumni. the board OF visitors
and tho preaent students who Will be
the alumni of the future oppose the
proposed innovation. II the war Is
pro;ractcd, the students returning from
INC army TO compiet" their education
gardcd. ~ coeducation or the co-ordi
nate institution. with its inevitable re-
suit OF coeducation. Is established.
,a,n Ssy h hare Been s'u2HET' n
arrayed loyalty for the university ana
rs future. II Is proposed 10 provoke
the hostility OF these influences. The
III effects OF that hostility could hardly
be counterbalanced by the affections
OF a few highly cultivated young
women-dest!ned 10 disappear from
learning and the professions in matri-
mory and motherhood.
The mothers OF sons look forward.
They understand that Ni.s mia needs
;hc expenditure OF vast sums OF money
essentials. IN immediate connection
with them Is the necessity OF giving
the a:d Q! tNe state 20 tIt develop
mont OF our agricultural resources.
The sons educated "a; the university
vii! pc dependent on AL these for their
prosperity and progress. II they are TO
remain citizens and residents of the
state and TO marry and bring UP their
children near thei- mo:hers-as all
mothers or sons most ardcntiy wish
ConHiG ari1o the cos. OF better roads
better public schools nd more OF them.
md OF ssricuitursi education and the
burdena of the var mothers OF SONS
7rc given cause. and figures. 10 fear
discourage and drive away young. an
bilious and hopeful sons. educated ard
loofiue With eaon- EhrewdncSs for op-
poriuui;y II tho University OF Vl--
gina become. coednca'ional. We NAV
look "a the dismal prospect Of sending
OVER sons away FROM us TO Princeton
where President Wilson once presided
and whore coedTcation Is not in
tashina-o- 10 some larger institution
whore women do no, AFFECT rs lte
see: oprortuni:y elsewhere
We are told that this plan 20 tax
our educational funds heavily To-
building. provision and equipment for
lies. squirting and scorr!ns our four
rnrmai schoois and several h!rh-ciass
girls senara'N institutions. IS a war
measure Tha, is the plea quickly
adopted 20 meet the tiHls---the argu-
men: OF the ready and faclle oppor-
The destruction or L.rge also waa
q war measure" Possibly NO have
eager advocates who arc willing 10 risk
destruction OF our university because
they believe th"v cannot he wrong.
and ma, any ruin caused BY prostcJ-
'ion c rthclr p"oEran? and tho success
o, ttc'- purpo=es &c justified prest-
} dent Wi)son. our own Governor and