J.T.L Preston's Civis revisited – Part I

Commencing in August 1835 and continuing through a series of three articles in The Gazette (now the Lexington Gazette], COL John Thomas Lewis Preston put forth his vision for the Lexington Arsenal that became the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) in 1839 in three articles under the anonymous pen name Civis. With assistance from the Virginia Library, The Lexington Gazette, and especially the VMI archives, The Cadet obtained all three original Civis articles. Beginning with this Founder's Day 2024 edition, we will present these to our readers in a three part series. Each will provide J.T.L Preston's vision for VMI in his own words followed by The Cadet's comparison and contrast with what VMI has become. Unique insight into the mind of J.T.L Preston comes from the man himself through History of the Virginia Military Institute by VMI's first Superintendent Francis H. Smith, LL.D. In the first chapter, writing as "the only survivor of the original Board [of Visitors] and, with the Superintendent, one of the two original professors at VMI, Preston described how the idea for VMI was born in the local Lexington Community: By an Act of the Legislature of Virginia, February, 1816, the Lexington Arsenal was established for the storing and safe keeping of about 30.000 stand of arms. An independent company of twenty-eight regularly enlisted men under the command of a captain, was organized for its occupation and defense. Their sole and exclusive function was guard duty and drill, just as is the case with every post garrison in the regular service. The discipline was strict, but could not prevent them from making use of their leisure in ways that made them a very undesirable element in the population of a small town, containing, at that time, not more than a thousand or fifteen hundred inhabitants. The Franklin Society, an incorporated Literary and Debating body, still in existence, was then one of the important institutions of the town. It was composed of its most influential citizens, lawyers, physicians, merchants and mechanics. It owned then, as it still does, valuable real estate, on which was erected a commodious brick building. At its weekly meetings were discussed, with ability, questions literary, scientific, moral, local, and political. In politics, its influence was felt throughout the country, and no practical matter of interest to the town or community escaped its inquiry. Among these discussions, perhaps no one was productive of larger, or more enduring, results than that which took place December, 1834— 'Would it be politic for the State to establish a military school, at the arsenal, near Lexington, in connection with Washington College, on the plan of the West Point Academy?' Of those present at this important debate, I alone am left to report its proceedings. This question was twice introduced, and the vote on the last night was unanimous in favor of making the change. So earnest was the sentiment, that before the members left the Hall, it was agreed to give the matter a practical shape. From these beginnings, Preston set forth to propose the vision for what became VMI with the first Civis article published in the [Lexington] GAZETTE on August 28, 1835 and entitled simply, Lexington Arsenal No. I. The following is an exact reprint of that article: The public institutions of every government kept up by funds of the government, are in fact supported by taxes drawn from the people, as there is in general, no other source of revenue; and the character of these institutions, is to some extent a fair index of the character of the government, as despotic or free. Where the people are looked upon merely as hewers of wood, and drawers of water for their ruler, the revenues of the public are lavishly expended for the gratification of the ambition, the luxury, or the vanity of the despot and his favorites. The pyramids of Egypt could never have been built, but by a master exacting labor from a nation of slaves, and the vast standing armies which support the thrones of tyrants, are paid for by the people, to keep themselves in subjection. But in a free country, where the people are the acknowledged sovereigns, and the government an institution erected by them, for their benefit; no appropriation of the public revenue will be permitted, which will not be again returned to the people, in the shape of benefits produced by it. Hence results the right to enquire at all times, into the character and operation of all public institutions, and to demand not only that they shall be beneficial, but that the benefits derived, shall be as great as possible. These remarks are designed to introduce, upon this principle, the discussion of a question which we consider of much importance, and great interest to this community. Without preface it is, whether it is practicable, so to organize the Lexington Arsenal, that it shall preserve its present character and uses a military establishment, and be at the same time, a Literary Institution for the education of youths. That we may bespeak the attention of your readers, we frankly avow it to be the purpose of more than one, if the affirmative of this question can be fairly maintained, to endeavor to effect a change in the present organization, by all proper means, and that it is the object of this No. and one or two others that may succeed, to present the subject to the public for its decision. If we can convince our fellow citizens that the change we propose, is as desirable as it seems to us to be, will they not unite their efforts with ours? – and if as we hope to be able to show, the objects of the State will be effectively secured, certainly we may expect that the Legislature will favorably regard, the wishes of the community, in whose bosom this institution is located, who are best acquainted with its condition, most affected by its character, and most interested in its improvement. No political, nor party, nor personal feeling has inducted this discussion; we have been actuated solely by a sincere desire, to bring about what we believe would be beneficial to the State, to this community and to the cause of education. We make this remark in order that nothing which we may be able to advance, may lose anything of the weight to which it is justly entitled, from the suspicion that it proceeds to interested motives; and further to show to those who may think differently from us, that there is nothing to prevent us from yielding our opinions if we can be convinced that they are erroneous. This project of a literary institution, instead of one of a purely military character, is not new, nor are we by any means, the first to suggest it; and we are glad that we are not; for we willingly forego the merit of originality, to escape the objections and difficulties which must be met by those who assume to be wiser than their fathers. Ever since the erection of the Arsenal, it has been a favorite plan with some of our most intelligent citizens, to whom none would impute the character ot visionary theorists. Various plans may have been thought of, though we do not suppose that consideration enough has been bestowed upon the subject to mature any, or to determine which was best. We will, however, sketch out one, not as that which ought to be adopted, but merely as a basis to discuss the practicability of the scheme in general. The object is to supply the place of the present Guard, by another, composed of young men from sixteen to twenty-four years of age, engaged for four years to preform the necessary duties, who would receive no pay, but in lieu, have afforded to them the opportunities of a liberal education. For instructors, let there be – 1. – a tutor to teach the classics, and the higher branches of an English education --- 2. --- a Professor to teach the sciences generally and 3. --- the Captain to discharge his present duties as an officer, and in addition, those of an instructor in the military art. For the first four years, all these instructors might not find classes ready for them, but, they might be fully occupied to advantage, in assisting in the inferior departments, and in maturing their system of instruction and discipline, and in preparing themselves more thoroughly for their respective duties. After that, however, there would be a succession of classes, and the modus operandi might be something like --- The 1st Class would be principally engaged in military exercises, and upon them, with the 2nd, would the duties of the Guard mainly devolve -- the 3rd. Class would be more devoted to study, and the 4th as far as possible be released from military duty, and under the present liberal provisions of the Trustees of Washington College, might attend the lectures in College. A plan of study might be digested and arranged in conformity with the classifications, something like the following, for example: For the first year, let the higher branches of English be attended to, and the Latin language, (or whatever may be substituted for it,) be commenced. In the second, Latin continued and Mathematics commenced. In the third, Mathematics continued, and Natural Philosophy commenced and in the fourth year, Natural Philosophy, Chemistry and the Military Art. This does not compromise the drill of a complete education, but it is sufficiently liberal to enable a young man to prosecute it further, unassisted, or creditably to enter upon the study of any of the learned professions. We would have the whole Guard or school under military discipline, not only to secure the objects of the state in establishing this military post, but likewise that industry, regularity and health might be promoted. Let us say that the number of the young men, should be that of our Senatorial districts, and that each Senator should have the privilege of nominating a candidate for admission, subject of course, to the decision of the faculty, when he should present himself. A Board of examination should likewise be appointed, whose duty it should be to visit and examine the institution and to report annually upon its conditions to the Governor. We repeat that these details do not pretend to accuracy or maturity, but are brought forward merely to exhibit in a tangible shape the object at which we are aiming, and though they may be found faulty and incomplete, that is not an objection to the plan, if better ones can be suggested. Having sketched out these outlines we will conclude this number with the single request to your readers to observe that this is not an eleemosynary or a religious project to assist the indigent, or those of any religious denomination at the expense of the State, but as to reorganize the Arsenal, that young men may be enabled to earn an education there; or in other words that the services rendered by the present Guard for money, may be rendered by those who will be willing to receive their wages in an education. We hope to lay before your readers, two subsequent numbers, one exhibiting the advantages which we think would result from the proposed change – the other answering some objections which may be urged against it. – Civis Has VMI's evolution, especially in recent years under political, societal, and other pressures weathered and in some cases acquiesced to, been for the better or for the worse? As Col. Preston observed in his writing, not all will agree with the objectivity of recounting this history and the comparisons drawn here. They are the result of writing by a staff of cadets who live the current VMI experience and whose opinions of it now compared to the staff's knowledge of the past and interactions with VMI's honored alumni cannot but influence a view. But as a wise Jesuit priest once observed, "In the end true, objective history only exists in the mind of God." Today VMI's future is being shaped through a Strategic Plan grounded in the "One Corps, One VMI - A Unifying Action Plan." The focus of the "One Corps, One VMI Plan" is to fundamentally change the VMI experience to fit current societal norms, "The Virginia Military Institute recasts the VMI experience, traditions, and culture, to be inclusive and honorable for all VMI Cadets, faculty, staff, alumni, parents and friends. Should the Institute fail to change, it risks altering or eliminating the pillars of its proven unique educational model." In Preston's time even the very design of VMI was to be developed in an open, transparent process using a publically inclusive process moving from discussion through debate to dialogue culminating in consensus. As he wrote, "That we may bespeak the attention of your readers, we frankly avow it to be the purpose of more than one, if the affirmative of this question can be fairly maintained, to endeavor to effect a change in the present organization, by all proper means, and that it is the object of this No. and one or two others that may succeed, to present the subject to the public for its decision." The Strategic Plan and other guiding documents are developed by the Institute leadership with little external input, no rigorous meaningful debate, and without complete transparency. In previous articles The Cadet called for inclusion of the Corps writ large in developing the Strategic Plan and associated changes. Alumni requested the same. Plans are approved by a Board of Visitors whose members are selected by the Richmond political party in power based on recommendations from the administration in power and "Corps input" that, in many cases, are drawn from representatives chosen by the administration, not the Corps. These and other actions by various administrations in recent years, culminating with the current may not always, as Preston wrote, "show to those who may think differently from us, that there is nothing to prevent us from yielding our opinions if we can be convinced that they are erroneous." VMI's alumni lost rights within their own Alumni Association except to cast votes, only for the organization's Board of Directors chosen to be on the slate by the sitting "nominating committee." If they are not "elected" the incumbents remain. Preston highlighted "Hence results the right to enquire at all times, into the character and operation of all public institutions, and to demand not only that they shall be beneficial, but that the benefits derived, shall be as great as possible." Administrations repressed freedom of speech to include previously closing The Cadet and moving The Bomb under control of the Commandant's staff, then actively engaging with outside media to discredit cadets, alumni, and The Cadet itself with false and misleading information as it gave voices to the voiceless and spoke truth to power after re-starting in 2019. Today senior VMI administrators call VMI alumni who disagree with them racists in social media posts and those who challenge are labeled "a small group of disgruntled alumni" or "a small group that do not reflect the majority of the Corps that fully supports the changes." Alumni and the Corps are viewed, in some ways, as what Preston described as "…hewers of wood, and drawers of water" for the Institute as opposed to valued stakeholders and beneficiaries of the VMI experience. The stated purpose of the VMI alumni Association is to "organize the alumni of the Virginia Military Institute ("VMI") in one general body, so as to better keep alive the memories of VMI life, and by their united efforts to more efficiently aid in the promotion of the welfare of VMI, and the successful prosecution of its educational purposes in the future." [emphasis added] According to its by laws, The V.M.I. Alumni Association, and VMI Keydet Club, Incorporated (hereinafter referred to individually as a "V.M.I. Alumni Agency" or collectively as the "V.M.I. Alumni Agencies"), each of which exists to promote the advancement and further the aims and purposes of Virginia Military Institute ("V.M.I.") as an institution of higher education and training by the development and application of financial resources to the progress of V.M.I." [emphasis added]. The traditional emphasis on supporting alumni is replaced by supporting the administration. Perhaps Preston's more profound observation and vision for VMI is in one of his concluding statements, Having sketched out these outlines we will conclude this number with the single request to your readers to observe that this is not an eleemosynary or a religious project to assist the indigent, or those of any religious denomination at the expense of the State, but as to reorganize the Arsenal, that young men may be enabled to earn an education there… No political, nor party, nor personal feeling has inducted this discussion; we have been actuated solely by a sincere desire, to bring about what we believe would be beneficial to the State, to this community and to the cause of education. This project of a literary institution, instead of one of a purely military character, is not new, nor are we by any means, the first to suggest it; and we are glad that we are not; for we willingly forego the merit of originality, to escape the objections and difficulties which must be met by those who assume to be wiser than their fathers. The object is to supply the place of the present Guard, by another, composed of young men from sixteen to twenty-four years of age, engaged for four years to preform the necessary duties, who would receive no pay, but in lieu, have afforded to them the opportunities of a liberal education. The most significant element in Preston's objective for VMI is that it first, and foremost would be an education institution and that its most significant enabler to deliver that education would be through the application of military discipline. It was never designed to be a sports-focused school nor was it to be for everyone. Class would be principally engaged in military exercises, and upon them, with the 2nd, would the duties of the Guard mainly devolve -- the 3rd. Class would be more devoted to study, and the 4th as far as possible be released from military duty, and under the present liberal provisions of the Trustees of Washington College, might attend the lectures in College. A plan of study might be digested and arranged in conformity with the classifications, something like the following, for example: For the first year, let the higher branches of English be attended to, and the Latin language, (or whatever may be substituted for it,) be commenced. In the second, Latin continued and Mathematics commenced. In the third, Mathematics continued, and Natural Philosophy commenced and in the fourth year, Natural Philosophy, Chemistry and the Military Art. This does not compromise the drill of a complete education, but it is sufficiently liberal to enable a young man to prosecute it further, unassisted, or creditably to enter upon the study of any of the learned profession We would have the whole Guard or school under military discipline, not only to secure the objects of the state in establishing this military post, but likewise that industry, regularity and health might be promoted. The principles of the Strategic Plan based on the focus of "One Corps – One VMI" has VMI's new focus on "retention" as the mission with metrics tied to funds needed to support winning NCAA sports teams, increasing the number of Pell grant recipients, and a focus on including anyone who wishes to attend VMI rather than those who deserve and desire to attend VMI. The Corps today contains cadets who have never and will never pass a physical fitness test during their cadetships. A number of cadets have weight and physical issues or other limitations such that they cannot participate in the ratline or other activities, with some cadets wearing health monitors. Rather than challenge and help them meet the standards and achieve the self-improvement Preston wrote of, they are "accommodated" in the interest of retention and tuition income. These limit not only the Corps leading the Corps, but also those on Commandant's staff, in seeking to establish and maintain high standards. The next in the series will publish the second Civis article covering what Preston and the founders envisioned as the objectives and advantages for the state, the community, and what manner of cadets would attend VMI and the advantages they would derive from the experience.