14

tent corps of professors, to purchase a library, chemical and phi-
losophical apparatus, and a cabinet of geological and minerological
specimens, would subject the State to such an outlay of money,
as would not for a moment be contemplated, in the present condi-
tion of our finances, or within the current estimate of the results
to be accomplished.

With my knowledge of the high character and resources of St.
John's college, Annapolis, since its late reorganization, I do not
hesitate to express the opinion that this institution will soon rank
with the first colleges of our country, and is better adapted to
the purpose than any other within the State. Its locality in a
healthy position, and at the seat of government, indicates its direct
advantages; while the large and commodious buildings and
grounds, the accomplished corps of professors, its extensive cam-
pus, its library, cabinet, and scientific apparatus are sufficient to
assure you of the highest eligibility.

On the necessity and propriety of the institution proposed, I
need hardly enlarge. Your experience and intelligence will an-
ticipate argument or suggestion. It has its analogy in almost
every calling. Professional men do not emerge at once from
academic halls. Before they can exercise their profession with a
conscientious regard for the interests confided to them, they must
have devoted years to the study of the great principles which be-
long especially to their profession. At this day, a man is not
deemed fully competent (without long practical experience,) to
till the earth, until he has acquired some knowledge of the nature
of soils, the best means for their improvement, and a general
acquaintance with the philosophy of agriculture. Beyond ques-
tion then, the man to whom the culture of the human intellect is
submitted, should be prepared by a special course of training for
his work.

In a Normal School, provided as I have intimated it would be,
at St. John's College, the purpose defined by the term would be
effectually matured. There the student would learn to teach
according to rule, and ultimately that, rule would become uniform,
throughout the State, from rudimemtal to the most elaborate tui-
tion. The material to be furnished for normal school institution
should consist of a selection of the best and most promising boys
in the primary schools, not otherwise determined in their future
prospects. The choice might be left to the Orphans Court for the
respective counties, or some competent board of Examination ;
one youth being selected by each county and one or more from Bal-
timore city; these youths to be sent to College where they may be
trained for a term of years, carefully and diligently at the expense
of the State, and with especial reference to the purposes of tuition
in the common schools. It is well understood, that the State could
exercise no obligatory control over youths thus educated; but the
opportunity to secure their services at a remunerative salary, and the