Jkffehsoh as a Statesman,
131
'if
their utility in this respect. We liuvc
taken mathematics simply as an example,
for tlit! principle is equally true in other
branches. The devotion of so much time
to the sliuly of the classics is meeting
with much opposition, and not without
reason, for they have proved to be of
small utility in many cases
The lives of eminent men disprove the
theory of a symmetrical education. Such
men as Lord Byron, Hugh Miller and Dr.
Kane, were restive when compelled to
study what they cared little for, but, by
themselves, cultivated to success the natu
ral gifts in which they became distin
guished. Agassi, was unable to master
the principles of algebra, even with the
assistance of an accomplished teacher;
yet who will deny that Agassiz was one
of the greatest schohus of anj- age?
This false notion has been so persistent,
ly defended that it has been often regard
ed as true, even when its effects have been
plainly bad. A great need of our educa
tional systems is to discard this idea, and
to permit the talents of individuals to de
velop as tuitu le intends them; and not to
obstruct them by unprofitable labor. Our
colleges need to carry out still fuither tho
plan recently introduced, ot placing a
considerable number of optional studies
in their courses, and thus providing, as
far as practicable, for the wants of indi
viduals. 31.
JEFFE11S0N AS A STATESMAN.
Wise statesmen have ever been praised
by humanity. They alone have received
the greatest honor that a nation could
confer. For ages their deeds have
been cherished by civilized people.
Modern nations have changed but in few
respects. Wo still honor the true states
man. His memory is over dear to us.
Ills glory is the nation's pride.
As Phthia was this birthplace of heroes,
trained by her athletic schools, so Amer
ica has been the birthplace of statesmen,
protected by her free institutions.
Our beginning as a nation gave stim
ulus to our leaders. Revolutionary times
inspired the body as well as tho mind.
Men prepared themselves for the great
undertaking. Those who prepared most,
arose to the gieatest eminence. Some, by
their inspired energy, found themselves at
the head of State, only to reel and fall;
others, by slow and accurate steps, grad
ually reached the summit, not to be
hurled into the abyss below.
Jell'orson w as of the latter class. A man
who did not exert himself for his promo
tion, but one whose zeal and fidelity bore
him along, as it were, upon the tide of
popular opinion. His abilities were ever
too well known, his character too well
tested, for the least doubt as to his qualiti
cations for any trust. Having as thorough
an education as the early days of his na
tive state could afford, he enleied upon
tho study of his profession. With an ex
cellcnl knowledge of history and the poli
tics of the day, besides his familiarity
with the colonial laws of Virginia, he was
a icady master of what ho undertook.
As a member of the House of Burgesses
he first displaced his talents as a lcgisla.
tor. It was here that he flist acquired the
name of an elegant writer, which led to
his draft of tho Declaration of Indepen.
dunce. As governor of Virginia, in tho
darkest days of the Revolution, it is sur
prising to see with what skill and energy
every act was executed. At all times ho
understood the responsibility of his posi
tion. Ho worked for his country and its
people. It was through his energy more
than that of any other man that tho war
was for so long a time kept out of the
state.
As a minister to France, he was the
first suggested to fill the vacancy n.ado by
the resignation of Dr. Franklin. His acts
there show with what profound judgment
every ofllcial duty was executed. Being
left mostly to his own discretion as to
what course he should pursue, he quickly
gained the friendship of the French peo
ple. By establishing a friendly alliance,
he was of inestimable value to his gov-