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


a political capacity, ~ consequence of tn,
want OF timely regard to the diffusion If
knowledge. Aud is it an argument whicl
ought to be respected, that any other form
o, government should he reserted to, be-
cause by its durability and Irresistible
tyranny, it shall be more capable of bend
ing the neck Of man to the yoke of in
science and power, until every sentiment, OF
honor and Independence is lost, and every
faculty Of tile soul destroyed, to the disgrace
OF his nature, and offence to his God; who
wills that all his creatures should be free
and happy, according to their deserts. Let
us therefore spurn from us. every idea in
consistent with the government, under which
we live and enjoy SD many blessings; and
Convince mankind of the fallacy of that doc
trine, ny constant attention to our true
and lasting interest, and by indicating th.
sacred truth, "thas so long as sound morals,
good manners and useful knowledge are
taught among the citizens, SO long will our
government last"
Let us figure to ourselves a country land
let that country be ours) growing .tedfast
and strong in the principles here recon
mended. (and am sure the idea is not chi
mericaD how delightful the contemplation
how happy would that country be! Then
would cease to rage all those detestabe pas
sions OF the heart, which deal in base de.
traction, and false represe ntations of vir,u.
GUS and exai ed characters, who have long
labored, and still labor, for their country's
honor and happiness. Then would cease
that envy OF the superior worth and talents,
by which the councils of our country have
been guided in safety and in peace & then
would succeed that laudable emulation of
great and noble actions; SO conducive to the
prosperity OF both public and private life.
1t may now be expected, that ] should
! exhibit a plan of education, which would be
most likely to accomplish the great end un-
der consideration. This might be deemed
arrogant in me, as have already, perhaps,
exceeded the bounds of my constitutional
duty, and those marked out by my predeces-
sors. shall therefore leave the subject in
its proper legitimate hands, with bu, few
more observations, and those confined to the
seminaries already established all of which
ought to be assisted and organised so as to
fulfil the expectations of the people among
which, the College of William and Mary
claims our peculiar notice. That seminary,
from which, in past times, sprang so many
ornaments to our country, who took SO ac-
tive part in laying the foundations of our
civil. religious and political rights. The
buildings of that seminary are large and
cosmodious. and we'll suited to their nten-
ded purposes; but the funds are insuffic .ent
tor the establishment of several other pro-
fessorships, viz. ot Physic, Anatomy ,Chymis
try, &c &c tor want OF which. many young
gentlemen quit their native state, and seek
in foreign countries, what our own denies
them; thereby carrying their wealth with
them, to the great loss of the Commonwealth
and its impoverishment IN that proportion.
and too often bring back in return, sentiments
and manners, not congenial with republican
simplicity.
his circumstance, moreover has ten
dency to wean them from a proper attach
ment to their own government, and very Of
ten renders them unfit for the various staff
ons which it aft rds for the exercise of eeni
us anu capacity Additional funds for these
purposes, ought to be afforded to this Uni
versity, as III other respects. it will be COM
petent for all the great objects of its despp
Tor many years to come (; but perhaps it will
be necessary to alter, amend, or do awav
the present charter, so as to place it under
| the controul of the Legislature, in some
shape or other. The visitors ought tn he
appointed by the Legislature. and vacancie,
supplied in way to prevent them from de-
generating into "a self created BODY. Per.
nap. every seventh year new election
should take place to prevent any possibility
OF improper combinations, i'm favor of one
class OF students above another on accom-,
Reports ought 10 be made to the Legislature
| through the Executive, of tile progress made
In the various branches of Science: as a,so
| just account OF all the expenditures Nor
Can there be doubt of the right of the 90
vernment IN this respect, although futile
argument is advanced to prove the Contrary.
on The ground of the charter by which il
was established. All charters of public ma
ture are for public benefit, S whensoe YER they
fan of their object, they should he altered or
amended, or newly organized No power
should exist IN our governmeat, but what ema
mates mediately OF immediateI. from the peo
pie. Why suffer fragment of ROYALTY to re
main among us, unless to create a longing af
ter the flesh pots of Egypt" Have not ali the
charters OF our once Inundated Colonies
beer done away, and those of better order
established and founded on the immutablo
principles OF justice and the'rights of man !,
But TO effect this great and necessary work
some additional funds must be sought for
from source, which flows, at thi, time in
100 narrow and contracted stream. The
name OF tax, seems to create disgust in
almost every mind aud of Course is unooou
pu'ar but all our taxes are more in name
than reality. So InCon ,idcrable have they
been, that even in the worst Of times no m.
stances OF oppression have ever occurred :.
Let US exdi'iine this subject in an unpreiu
diCed manner, and see what proportion our
taxes, at tnls time bear TO our wealth. I
VIII suppose citizen TO possess an estate
OF ten thousand pounds value in land and
slaves what will be the amount of his an
nuai tax! not more than thirty dollars. and
SO for greater or smaller estate and is
1T conceivable that any REASONABLE. p,on
mus informed, would oppose the payment NJ
SuCn D1ttaUCe, when he is aIso aonri,a IS