Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1806-12-09

! Before conclude this communication beg,
leave most respectfully to call the attention of the
Legislature to the importance OF schools for the
more general diffusion acknowledge. shall not
speak of the influence of education on Individual
happiness, by enlarging the mind, extending OR
views and desires, opening new sources OF enjoy
mrnt, and multiplying the means OF gratihcation.
| speak of its influence on tbs national character;
and in this .viewit is, l humbly conceive, an OBJ
ject of great national concern The history OF
other nations, the wisdom of whose policy has
been directed to this important subject, bears the
most indisputablc evidence. OF its vast influence
/ in promoting a spirit of industry, adventure and
enterprise; in earlvimplsnting the principles of
virtue, and more eHectually preventing the COM
mission of crimes than any other expedient that
has ever been resorted to in any country. The
liberal and humane policy the Legislature of
! Virginia has erected at expense of $4,000
dollars a Jail and Penitehtar, house for the
! hnement and punishment of criminals, and it is
! supported At annual expense of about 6,567
dollars, exclusive of the OF % III dollars and
| 81 cents, paid for criminal prosecutions, and the
sum of 5000 dollars and 2+ cents, paid for remov
ing criminals to the Fenitcntiary.
| The object of this policy is the prevention Of
crimes by the reformation Of offenders, and by
de- errirg others from their commission by the
influence Of example. Shall we expend SO mue h
money in the uncertain hope of preventing crimes
by system of punishment, and shall we give no.
thing to the establishment or support OF system
| of education, which would prevent them more Ell
fectually by inspiring love of virtue and giving
an early strength to its prirciPles? Shall We ex-
pend much in the efforts to reform maletac-
tors, and shall we give nothing to encrease, to the
virtuous poor, the faciiitvof education; to draw
forth, from oscurity and Indulgence, the 'cxertion
OF the Intellectual powers OF those who might be
useful, BUT are now lost to the community
~, IT.
that 6 their lot" fortis, might become ornaments
to their countr, and tread their history in natl
on's eyes" hope it will not be inferred from
these observations that am nmical to the Pc
lniteRtiary establishment. | admire it ex-
cellent system for the ret5y matisn OF Offenders.
| But more admire stem for the general DIFF
! fusion of knowledge. because it viii more efsctu-
ally prevent crimes, and produce other most sub
stantal benefits. That it is essential to the pre-
servaton of a republican government, is remark
not less true than common. people, once free,
can never be enslaved, long they remain
enlightened. With arms in the hands Of well
regulated militia, they may defy invasion and
elevated by virtue, and inspired with the know
ledge Of their own rights and Of the duties OF their
Representatives, they will have nothing to fear
from the intrigues of faction or the designs of
ambition; for &c the vote ofthe people" will then
lbe heard as st the voice of God" Our present
situation is favorable, in the.extreme, the in
PRODUCTION of great and useful improvem :uts. Hy
the most happy organic ti3n, our foreign relati-
ons are entrusted to the Federal Government ;
and they now under the guidance Of an al
ministration whose wisdom, virtue and unceas-
ing solicitude for the public welfare, COR mand Ill
our confidence, and leave 1T leisure to devote
our attention to internal and domestic improve
! ments.
The observations which have thought it my
duty make, have been dictated by regard to
the interests Of our country, and / BEG leave 70
assure you that they are submitted with the pro-
.oundest respect for the General Assembl, :.
There are several other subjects, which it will be
| my duty 20 lay before the Legislature, and which
shall be embraced by subsequent but easly COM
municaton.
have the honor to be,
With great respect,
/ Sir, your most obcd't ssrvsnt,
WILLIAM II. CABELL.
A. The Auditors statements.
Is. Report Of the Keeper ofthe Penitentiary.
c. Report OF the Executive COMMITTEES.
ID. List of Slaves condemned, and sold FOR
transportation.