The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1809-12-09

shall now take the liberty CT closing my
Communication with dilating on subject too
essential to the Lasting interest of our beloved
country to be longer delayed.
lhirty-three years have passed away.
since we have been ranked as a nation in the
sivilized world; and not one single COM
pieat seminary Of learning either civil or mi
litary. has been established in this great and
wealthy State, in addition to those which ex-
listed under auspises much less favorable
than the increased population and resources
OF our country afford; except what has be en-
affected by lotteries. and some small addi-
tional aids. not arising immediately from
I the funds of the state
It is true, that faint effort was made
some years past to establish schools in the
respective counties throughout the Common.
wealth; but, even in that solitary instance,
the courts had a discretionary power to ex
ecute the law or not, which completely de-
teated the object intended, for in no Instance
has that law been complied with; to the dis
grace Of the county courts, and to the great
disadvantage of the people, who might have
been enabled to have educated their children
upon much easier terms than can now be
. done: For in our present situation, he must
be wealthy citizen indeed, who can afford
the means Of educatng one son, SO as to place
him in a condition to serve his country, eli
Their in the field or in its councils. whatsoever
his services might be called fora truly
melancholy picture To reflect on Nor have
the representatives of the people hitherto
been clear ct blame, in so long negecting to
establish some other system, or 20 amend the
law before mentioned, so as to ensure it's eX-
ecution. There cannot be subject of more
Importance i'll free government than that
which we at present contemplate. This
seems to be admitted by every intelligent
man who wishes well to OUR country; and
yet SO fatal is that apathy which prevails,
or SO parsimonious policy has insisuated it.
self among US, that, year after year is per
United to pass away, without a single at
tempt to attain SO great and indispensable an
object. Neither ara those old scminaries,
which were established before the revolu
tion, supported in Il proper manner. either
rs to funds or discipline; they affsrding, of
Course, but superficial knowledge of the
various arts, which are so beneficial to socie.
ty. and ornamental to man. have for the
last twenty years of my life had an oppor-
tunity, in the discharge of my public duties
as a Judge, to see the Notifying picture
which have here drawn, and of which ex-
pefience has enabled me in every days ira
vel through the state, to prove the reality.
scarcely common Country school is to be
found, capable of teaching the mother tongue
grammaticaliy, and as much of writing and
arithmetic as Is absolutely necessary for the
In this situation OF our country, would not
nm enlightened stranger, if he were making
tour through the state, readily conclude,
that i'll the general passion for war. which
pervades almost the whole civilized world,
we had, for want of an enemy al our gates.
declared an discriminating war against the
arts and sciences!
Under whose wise and virtuous councils
was our government form,dl that fairest.
.,,,Il l. 81 x,,.~~
no distinction is known, or if known not re-
vered, except in that proportion which good
sense and virtue always create where eve
ry citizen is entitled by free suffrage. to
rlse,to importance in proportion to his wisdom
and Integrity, without the aid of family cen
nections. wealth, or fictitious GRANDEUR
II we look back to the commencement of our
fevolution, history will inform us who those
ilrstrious characters were for their names
are written III letters OF gold, and enrolled
IN the annals OF our couatry; the brightest
pages of fame and hDnor--Dames which can
not be forgotten, so long as virtue and the
love OF Country are revereS among men,
nose venerable sages had been wisely and
vi'taeusy educated, and knew full well how
to estimate their rights. Inspired with
hoiy zeal for their just rights and privileges
they transtused the glowing ardor through
all ranks of men. till one common sentiment
the offspring of truth, united every soul in
the sacred bonds of snion aud defence, and
they willed themselves forever free. Oh,
this sublime subject, /, like MANY others.
much delight to dwell, because, although AT
that memorable epoch was young, vet nv
feeble efforts were not wanting to give sue
Cess TO our measures-and do we owe no
ching to them, to ourselves & TO our poster;
~, TO cherish and defend our constitution,
and to hand it down to the latest period of
time! A proper d fusion of knowledge is
the only certain means of accomplishing so
glorious work; and I have hopes NV
country will no longer neglect % paw the
proper attention to subject so interesting
TO it.
TWAS saying of Isocrates and of manv
other sages ct antiquity, " that it was the
duty OF those, who we're entrusted with pub
Ac affairs, to teach the people by right e.
ducation, the love If justice AID a strict ODE
tience to the laws aud constitution" Here
the fruits OF virtue spring up and flourish
which lead to the paths OF hoaur and hspp,
ness Here the horn of Amalthea is exa,t-
ed; the horn of peace and plenty Surely
we who have so many examples before ms
o. past times, should not neglect to pref, by
them, nor suffer the genius Of Virginia.
which cnnsecrates whatsoever it touches. to
languish in.o apathy and cold neglect.
In a rude ard ignorant state of mankind
we see The gigantic strides of the pride and
arrogance OF the few, tramplins on the rights
vi the many usuiping all power to them.
selves tor centuries together, at the ex-
pence OF all tI,at is dear aud valuable in life
uncontrolpdby any principle of Justice, be
nevoleDCc, or fellow feeling without ~ve, q,