University of Virginia Library

State Funds

Mr. Jefferson, who was aware of the
importance of state government in financing his
new university, as well as of the problems
which could result, was again quoted: "My
hopes, however, are kept in check by. . . our
state legislature, the members of which do not
generally . . . perceive the important truths that
knowledge is power, that knowledge is safety,
and that knowledge is happiness."

To preserve the University's early standards
of architectural excellence Mr. Whitebread
proposed "adequate future planning," "fuller
participation of the community as a whole in

building plans and decisions" and the "closing
of the grounds to automobile traffic."

Mr. Whitebread drew loud applause after
deploring the University's use of its Greek
Amphitheatre as a parking lot.

Concerning teaching excellence Mr.
Whitebread again referred to Mr. Jefferson, 'We
concluded to employ no professor who is not
of the first order of the science he professes."

The law professor proposed the diminution
or replacement of the "publish or perish"
measurement of professorial standing. Mr.
Whitebread called this a "false dichotomy" and
added "The University as a model of excellence
should expect both good teaching and first rate
research of those it hires."

Mr. Whitebread emphasized his belief that
students would rather be in a large class with an
outstanding professor than in a small class with
a poor professor.

Stating that the present library was
"inadequate to support a growing community
of scholars," he suggested that "even if new
money cannot be found we must rearrange
priorities to accommodate a first rate library."

Residential areas are of prime concern in
planning the University and are "especially
important in a growing University," Mr.
Whitebread stated. He commented that Mr.
Jefferson's plan was to have an "academical
village" with professors and students living
within the same small community. He remarked
that a residential college plan could serve as a
modern version of the lawn, the embodiment of
Mr. Jefferson's dream.

The proposal for high rise apartments for
the housing of students was deplored as not in
keeping with the country town character of
Charlottesville.