_An Address delivered before the Students of William and Mary at the
opening of the College on Monday, October 10, 1836. By Thomas R. Dew,
President, and Professor of Moral and Political Philosophy. Published
by request of the Students. Richmond: T. W. White._
Of the talents and great acquirements of Professor Dew it is quite
unnecessary to speak. His accession to the Presidency of William and
Mary is a source of hearty congratulation with all the real friends of
the institution. Already we perceive the influence of his character,
and unusual energy, in an increasing attention on the part of the
public to the capabilities of this venerable academy—and in a
re-assured hope of her ultimate prosperity. Indeed she had never more
brilliant prospects than just now, and there can be little doubt that
at least as many students as have ever entered, will enter this year.
The number has at no time been very great it is true; and yet, in
proportion to her alumni, this institution has given to the world more
useful men than _any other_—more truly great statesmen. Perhaps the
scenery and recollection of the place, the hospitable population, the
political atmosphere, have all conspired to imbue the mind of the
student at Williamsburg with a tinge of utilitarianism. Her graduates
have always been distinguished by minds well adapted to _business_,
and for the greatest efficiency of character. Some colleges may have
equalled her in Physics and Mathematics—indeed we are aware of _one_
institution, at least, which far surpasses her in these studies—but
few can claim a rivalship with her in Moral and Political Science; and
it should not be denied that these latter are the subjects which give
the greatest finish to the mind, and exalt it to the loftiest
elevation. To William and Mary is especially due the high _political_
character of Virginia.
She is the oldest college in the Union save one, and even older than
that, if we may date back to the establishment of an academy (one of
some note) prior to the erection of the present buildings. Respect for
her long and great services, and veneration for her ancient walls,
will have weight among the people of Virginia. As efficient an
education can now be procured in her lecture-rooms as elsewhere in the
Union. Her discipline is rigid, but relies strongly on the chivalry
and honor of the Southern student. We will attempt to convey briefly
some idea of the several professorial departments.
The plan embraces a course of general study which may be pursued to
great advantage by all, without reference to the nature of the
profession contemplated. Besides this the subject of Law is included.
In the classical school is a preparatory department for elementary
instruction. In the higher branch the attention of the student is
confined to Horace, Cicero de Oratore, Terence, Juvenal, Livy and
Tacitus; Xenophon's Anabasis, Æschylus, Herodotus, Euripides,
Sophocles, Thucydides, and Homer. He will be required to read these
works with facility, to master portions of history which may be
referred to, and to acquire a thorough acquaintance with the whole
Philosophy of the Latin and Greek Grammars. For a degree in the
classical department it is necessary that the candidate should not
only be a proficient in the studies just mentioned, but that he should
obtain a certificate of qualification on the junior mathematical,
rhetorical and historical courses. The classical graduate therefore,
must be more than a mere Latin and Greek scholar. Besides this degree
there are three others—those of A.B., B.L. and A.M. The courses
necessary for the degree of A.B. embrace the four great departments of
physics, morals, and politics. The degree of B.L. is not conferred for
a mere knowledge of Laws. The candidate must have studied, besides the
municipal law, the subject of government and national law, together
with some exposition of our own system of {722} government. He must,
moreover, have obtained the Baccalaureate honor in this or some other
institution, or else have attended a full course of lectures in some
one of the scientific departments of William and Mary. The degree of
A.M. (the highest honor conferred by the college) requires generally
two years additional study after obtaining the bachelor's degree, and
in these two years all the studies pursued in the first portion of the
collegiate career are amplified—the principles of science are now
applied to facts. A school of civil engineering is most properly
attached to the institution.
Would our limits permit, we would be proud to make long extracts from
the excellent Address now before us. It is, as usual with every thing
from the same source, comprehensive and eloquent, and full of every
species of encouragement to the searcher after knowledge. We can well
imagine the enthusiasm enkindled in the student by sentences such as
these—
There is no privileged class here to rule by the right divine. Far
different is our case from the despotisms of the ancient world, or the
monarchies of the modern. Sovereignty resided formerly at Babylon, at
Thebes, at Persepolis. Now we find it at Paris, Vienna, and London.
But in our own more happy country, it pervades our territory like the
very air we breathe, reaching the farthest and binding the most
distant together. Politics here is the business of every man, no
matter how humble his condition may be. We have it in commission to
instruct the world in the science and the art of government. We must,
if we succeed, exhibit the extraordinary phenomenon of a well
educated, virtuous, intelligent people, “free without
licentiousness—religious without a religious establishment—obedient to
laws administered by citizen magistrates, without the show of official
lictors or fasces, and without the aid of mercenary legions or
janissaries.” As a nation, a glorious charge has devolved upon us. Our
condition prescribes to each one the salutary law of Solon, that there
shall be no neutrals here. Each one must play his part in the great
political drama; and you, gentlemen, who have assembled here for the
purpose of receiving a liberal education, must recollect that
fortunate circumstances have placed you among the privileged few.
Every motive of honor, of patriotism, and a laudable ambition, should
stimulate to the utmost exertion. Neglect not the precious opportunity
which is afforded you. The _fine talents_ are entrusted to your care;
beware lest you bury or throw them away. This is the most important
era of your life—the very seed-time of your existence; success now may
insure you success hereafter.
The age in which you live, and the circumstances by which you are
surrounded, as inhabitants of the south, create a special demand for
your utmost exertions. The times are indeed interesting and momentous.
We seem to have arrived at one of those great periods in the history
of man, when fearful and important changes are threatened in the
destiny of the world. In the prophetic language of the boldest of
philosophers, we may perhaps with truth affirm, that “the crisis of
revolutions is at hand.” Never were the opinions of the world more
unsettled and more clashing than at this moment. Monarchists and
democrats, conservatives and radicals, whigs and tories, agrarians and
aristocrats, slave-holders and non-slave-holders, are all now in the
great field of contention. What will be the result of this awful
conflict, none can say. England's most eloquent and learned divine
tells us, that there now sits an unnatural scowl on the aspect of the
population—a resolved sturdiness in their altitude and gait; and
whether we look to the profane recklessness of their habits, or to the
deep and sealed hatred which rankles in their hearts, we cannot but
read in these moral characteristics the omens of some great and
impending overthrow. The whole continent of Europe is agitated by the
conflicts of opinions and principles; and we are far, very far from
the calm and quiet condition which betokens the undoubted safety of
the republic.
When the times are so interesting and exciting; when clouds are
lowering above the political horizon, portending fearful storms; when
the lapse of time is every day disclosing great and startling events,
can you, gentlemen, fold your arms in inglorious indolence—throw away
the opportunity that is now offered you—fail to prepare for the
important part which should devolve on you, and add yourselves to the
great mass of the unaspiring?