University of Virginia Library

INFLUENCE OF THE UNIVERSITY IN IMPROVING THE SYSTEM OF INSTRUCTION
AT ACADEMIES AND COMMON SCHOOLS.

Having thus shown satisfactorily, as we think, that the University
is in reality accomplishing the leading purpose for which it
was established, to wit, the institution of a high and thorough system
of literary and intellectual training worthy of our age and
state, let us briefly glance at the influences it has exerted upon the
methods and aims of academic and ordinary teaching in various
sections of the commonwealth. Bearing in mind the short period
to which its operations have been limited, and the unyielding hostility
with which new modes and objects of instruction are ever
greeted by the lovers of the old regime, we discover much matter
for rejoicing in the already signal advances which, through the
efforts of some of its alumni, it has effected in the system of academic
education in various quarters of the State. In the admirable
institutions which they have established, following the general
course of training by which their own powers were conducted to
honourable scholarship at the University, they have annually furnished
to their alma mater, in the pupils they have sent, the highest
evidence of the excellence of their instructions. Without intending
to draw invidious distinctions, where there is so much to commend
in all, we may be allowed to refer in proof of what we have said,
to the academies of Powers, Tutwiler, Maupin, Coleman, Harrison,
Davis, Bushnell, Barksdale, Galt, Slaughter, McKee, Turner,
Saunders, &c., as not only excelling in true scholarship any similar
institutions previously within the borders of Virginia, but as more
than vieing in extent and thoroughness of training, in the languages,
mathematics and general physics, with most of the highly reputed
colleges of the land.

From such centres of sound instruction there cannot fail to be
diffused better systems of mental culture not only among the other

academies but the inferior class of schools, and as they steadily
increase in number and influence, we may confidently anticipate a
general extension of these salutary effects.

Were special evidence required of the improvement thus effected
by the University in the education of the poorer class of our citizens,
numerous instances could be adduced, taken from various
quarters of the state, of teachers of the poor trained at the University
or in the schools of her alumni, carrying into their humbler
sphere all the precious benefits of the wisest methods of instruction.
We may thus regard each of the higher academies conducted by
the alumni as a normal school for an extensive neighbourhood,
destined by its example and by the teachers it sends forth, to
banish from the inferior schools the ignorant pretension which has
heretofore so generally occupied the chair of instruction, and to
supply its place by the clear and really profitable teachings of men
trained to accurate knowledge and enlightened methods.

Looking to those alumni who have attached themselves to the
learned professions, to agriculture or to public affairs, and many
of whom, though young, are already earning the substantial
honours due to genius disciplined and enriched by strenuous academic
toil, the friends of the university cannot doubt that they also,
shedding their useful light around, whether by quiet social influence,
or energetic efforts in the public councils, are giving their earnest
and efficient aid in the extension of sound education throughout
the commonwealth.