36

THE SOUTHERN CHAPTER, A. I. A. 33

Now, all this goes to prove that the architect, builder and public must
possess the necessary essential knowledge to be qualified for any under-
taking. Integrity must take a hand too, and must characterize the deal-
ings between architect and employer, and acknowledged skill and taste
must be recognized for the honorable fulfillment of the work. The pub-
lic opinion is respected in this, and must be in all matters. It is the
voice of the people, let us respect it in the higher arts and furnish sug-
gestions for a necessary course of instruction and acquiring such know-
ledge that will characterize the buildings of a nation.

It is proposed, therefore, that a National College shall be established
throughout the United States for the acquirement of architecture and
the rpactice regulating it, as follows :

That after an examination and the student is found to possess suffi-
cient grounding in common school education, a term of two or three
year's apprenticeship, during which term he shall study and qualify
himself in the principles of classic architecture and the styles of the
middle ages, and practically delineate and trace scaled drawings and
visit the various works in coure of construction, he shall, after prescribed
examination at the college, be acknowledged a member of the Architec-
tural Association with a certificate to such effect issued him by said col-
lege, which shall entitle him to accept a junior position in an architect's
office at a stipulated remuneration.

That after a further term of three years, with additional practice as a
junior, he shall pass an examination which shall qualify him as a senior
draughtsman. And after passing still a further examination in the
nature and strength of materials, hydrostatics, prices, economy of con-
struction and design and a higher knowledge of mathematics, construc-
tion, archaeology, ventilation and heating, he shall be entitles to prac-
tice as an architect.

By this means I think we should insure excellence as a whole and
avoide rudeness in design and premature decay and failure.

That every contractor, foreman or clerk of works shall be required to
shows his certificate of having passed the full course in his trade at one
of the acknowledged technological institutes of the country and exhibit
a practical knowledge of building in all its branches, and shall pass an
examination at said college testifying to his ability in managing all
classes of building, after which he shall be entitled to carry on and enter
into contracts for the execution of public and private works.

That our public schools and other places of learning the privilege shall
be granted to the student of a course in designing and color (as well as
music), that the general public by this means shall imbibe the spirit of
taste and skill.

That all persons who shall have their certificates of qualification shall