Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1810-12-07


/ I Whilst It is universally admitted. tbs a
well instructed people alone can be perma :
nently a free people and whilst it is evi,
dent that the means Of dffusiug and improve
Ing useful KNOWLEDGE form so small pro-
portion Of the expenditures for national pur-
poses, cannot presume il to be unseasona-
bic, to ipyite your. attention to the advae !.
tages Of seperadding, to the means of edu ).
lcation provided by the several states, a Sc
minary 1T learning, instituted by the natl
onal legislature, within the limits Of their
exclusive jurisdiction the expenceFo of which
might be betrayed, or reimbursed, out of
the vacant grounds which have accrued to
the nation within those limits. .,.<.
| Such an institution. though local.in its legal
character. would ne universal in its beneficial
effects. BY eflightening the opiuons by ex-
panding the patriotism; and by assimi.ating
the principles, the sentiments and the man
pers OF those who might resort to this temple
! OF sciences to be re distributed, in due time,
through every part of the community, sources
OF Jealousy ndprejudce would be diminish
| ed, the features OF national character would
be multiplied, and grester extent given TO so.
cial harmony But above all, well constitut-
ed seminary, in the centre of the nation, is re-
commended by the consideration that the adj
ditional instruction emanating from it, would
contribute not less to strengthen the founda.
NtOhJ W auOTittue STRUCTURES, Oh our Tree
and happy system of government.
Among the commercial abuses still commit
ted under the American Gag, and leaving in
force my former reference to that subject it
appears that American citizens are instrumen.
tai IN carrying on trrfic in ensaved Africans,
equally IN violation of the laws of humanity, 4
in defiance of those of their own country The
same ust u benevolent motives which produ
ced the Introduction in fierce against this criminal
conduct, will doubtless be felt by Congress in
deyising further means of supervising the evil
In the midst of uncertainties nece ssarily con.
nected with the great interests of the u. States,
pr udence requires a continuance of our defen.
sive and precautionary arrangements. The
secretary OF war and secretary of the navy will
submit the statements and estimates which
may aid Congress in their ensuing provisions
fos the land and naval forces. The statements
OF the latter Will include view of the trans
iers OF appropriations in the naval expenditures
and the grounds on which they were made.
The Notifications FOR the defence of our ma
time frontier have been prosecuted accord !.
ing to the plan laid down in 1903 The works,
with some exceptions, are complicated, and
furnished with ordnance. Those for the secu.
sity ofthe City of New-York, though far adj
vanced towards completion. will require a fur
ther, time and appropriation. This is the case
with.a few others, either not complicated, or
in need of repairs.
The improvements, in quality and quantity,
made in the mandatory of. cannon and Of
small arms, both at the public armories. ard
private factories, warrant additional confidence
in the competency Of these resources, for sup
plying the public ex gencies.
These preparations for, arming the mill
tia having thus far provided for one of the
objects contemplated by the power vested
IN Congress, with respect to that xeat bull
wark OF the public safety; II is for their
consideration, whether further provisions
are not requisite. for the other contempla..
ted objects, of organization and discipline.
TO give to this great mass Of physical and
moral force, tine efficiency which it merits,
and is capable OF receiving il is indlsptn-
sible that they should be instructed and
prsctised in the rules by which they are
to be governed. Towards an accomplish,
ment of this important worn, recon end
for the consideration of Congress the expe-
diency OF instituting system, which shall,
IN the hrst instance, call into the field, at
the public expense, and for given time
certain portions OF the commissioned and
non commissioned officers. The instruction
and discipline thus acquired would gradu.
ally difiuse through the entire body of the
! militia that practical knowledge & promp.
titude for actve service, which are the
great ends to be pursued. Experience has
Ieft no doubt, either OF the necessity. or o
the efficacy, of competent military skill, IL
those portions of an army, in fitting IL foI
the final duties, which 1t may have to per.
form.
The corps of Engineers, with the Militia
Try Academy, are emitted to the early at
Itention of Congress. The buildings at tn.
seat, fxt by law, for the present Acade
1 my, are so far in decay, as not to afford th,
necessary accommodation. But a revisit
ON of the law Is recommended, principal
Iy with view to more enlarged cultiva
ton and diffusion of the advantages of sue
institutions, by providing professorships 70
all the necessary branches of miiifsry in
stroction, aud 10y the establishment Of
additional Academy, at the Seat of Go
, vesnmsnt, OF elsewhere. The means n
. which war, as well for defence, as for OF
ience, are now carried on, render thes
schools OF the more scientific operations a
Indispensable part OF every adequate sys
tenn. Even among nations whose larg
standing armies and frequent wars affor
! ieyery other opportunity OF instruction, tbes
4 establishments are found to be indisps nss
BILE for the due attainment Of the branch,
: of military science, which require req
u lar course Of study and experiment. la
!. government, happily without the other OF
/ poTtuDities, seniuaries, where the eIemel
: saIy principles Of the art 1T war can
ltxes ht without actual war and without "A
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