Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1816-12-17

=
our government, viii be preserved, and
public opinion, emil ghtened by discussion,
expressing itself ar length decisiyely ON
the proposed measure, will either require
Its adoption, sanction Its rejection, or ac-
Quiesce III Its poStpOnement, until the
necessity becomes more obvious, or the
difficulties that opposeit can be more ca
silly removed.
Your committee, therefore, have ven
tured to suggest some OF the reasons
which recommend the present as favo-
iable time for Investigating, and perhaps
also for adopting, the plan they have pro-
posed.
Among these, the prosperous state of
our finances, leaving large unappropri-
ated surplus, the probability of long
continued peace, the flourishing condi-
ton Of our Capital, and the facility, with
which portion of the public property
within it might now be acknowledgements
disposed of, so as at once to increase the
convenience of the city, and support the
proposed institution, may furry be enu-
merated.
Besides, the information heretofore col
lected has enabled the committee to re-
port at an early period, and it is believed
that the present session, though inevita-s
bly, short one, will not present so many
objects of great difficulty or deep interest,
as entirely to exclude others of more
tranquil and less obtrusive character, to
which il is possible q portion OF time might
be protitabiy devoted.
The acquisition of a scientific and lite
rary reputation, not unworthy ottheir ma
val and military renown, can never be be-
Meath the ambition OF a people, since the
most durable OF all glory IS that OF eAa!i-
cd intnlect
The world is still willing captive to
the spells of ancient genius; and the III
valry OF modern empires viii be perpetual
ted by their arts and their learning, the
preservers of that fame which arms alone
may indeed win, but cannever keep.
Any measure which contributes, how
ever remotely, 10 give American literature
rank and name among mankind, cannot
therefore be regarded with indifference
by our citizens and every effort tow ards
that end must be Witnessed ct the present
moment with unusual satisfaction, since
IT will present the interesting spectacle
OF young nation, bending its whole
strength to the pursuit of true greatness,
and anxious TO emulate all that is ama-
bic in peace as well as all that is noble in
war.
That the institution contemplated will
of our country and the unity ofour nation
al character, has been often supposed.
and your committee feel inclined to anti
cpate effects no less happy from its ope-
ration on the genius Ofour people.
LII American invention, unasSisted as il
has been, already cxcites the astonish-
Inent OF Europe, what may not be expect
ed from ii when aided and encouraged
And why should not aid and encourage
ment be yielded by institutions like the
present, founded and endowed by the
munlficence of the state? In our own
day we have seen them work wonders
III physical science, even when direct
ed by stern, Jealous, and exacfing go
vernment, which, while training the mind
to be quick, deXtrous and daring, dark
ened It's vision and circumscribed its
flight Is it here alone they would be
lmpotent where no depth could be hidden
from IFS glance, no height forbidden to its
wing!
But your committee, fearful of exhaus-
ting your patience, forbear to extend this
report by arguments, which If is easier
to multiply than 10 Withhold: for the same
reason, they refrain from answeriDgobi
| tons which could not be stated wifhout
| injury, since, III replying 70 them. force
and persplculty must be sacrificed to con-
| cIseneSs. Nor, can such a course be re-
| CURED, where tits intended merely TO pre-
sent general result, not the particular
process of reasoning by which that result
has been obtained. Your committee. how
ever, desire it to understood. that thev
have not declined examining any obiecti-
on which occurred TO them, and thouqb
some have been found, which, If must be
| confessed, are not without difficulty. ali
are thought capable of satisfactory an
| swer.
Under conviction, therefore. that the
means are ample, the cid desirable. The
object fairly within the legislative mowers
of Congress and lie time a favorable one
| your committee recommend the establish
mcnt of a National University. and have
| directed their chairman to submit a bill
and estimates for that purpose"
Estimate ofhe Virtue Of Iofs anu .Sgnnyesbe-
longing to the United Suites. as furnished
by a communication fjo1l the lSrperintend-
ant Of tile city.
1000 building lots, Of 1865
square feet each, and about
1000 feet front, on the waters
| of the Potomac River, Eastern
| Branch--valued at 9 75O. 600
Squares TO s. proposed 10
be laid of into building lots,
containing, i'm thewhOle GIG. 600
square feet, or l5J standard
lots-vslued at 100000