Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1818-02-07

Extracts from Goue,1or DE WIZ Ciimons
Speech, to tie Legislature Of NeO York.
Delivered OH the 2Tth Instant.
'''rhe immense capital expended in
turnpike roads, has been very conducive
To the promotion of inland trade But
The statutes prescribing the mode Of con-
siruciiDg them, OF inspecting them before
the proprictors are authorised 10 receive
toll, and of coercIng their repair, are not
sufficiently cirom,nspect in Interpretations
nor energetic III their endorsements. The
inspectors appointed 10 pronounce on the
completion efroads are sometimes select
cu with an imperfect knowledge of their
qualifications, and without any intorma
ton as tn their connexion with the propri-
ctorS Of The roads 10 be examined; and
their proceedings are conducted without
tile sanction OF an oath, and are not re-
strained by any declared penalties. The
statutes providing for Keeping these roads
lis good order, have been i'll state of in
execution IN most of the counties, in con
sequence of The nonappoiniment OF com
missioners. And it is mol made the spc-
clal duty of The ministerial officers ofjus-
lice TO complain when these communica-
cations arc not maintained in good state.
Owing 10 this combination Of unpropiti-
Gus circumstances, the condition ofihese
roads is a subject of general and we'll
founded complaint, and calls loudly for
the application of efficacious correciivcs.
L congratulate you upon the auspici-
Gus commencement and successful pro-
gress of the contemplated water commu-
nicatIonS between the great weSie..i and
northern lakes aud the atlantic ocean.
Near 60 miles of the western canal has
been contracted for, 10 be finished within
the present year, and il is probable that
the whole of The northern canal uill be
disposed of in the same manner before the
ensuing spring.
Notwithstanding the unfavorable
season, the ineXperience of the contract
ors, and the late commencement Of ope-
rations, ii is understood that work TO the
extent OF Is miles has already been done
OIL the western canal. And tits confident
ly believed that the aggregate expenee
Will be within the estimate of the COM
missIoners. The enhancement oftbe pro-
fits of agricultme, the excitement of ma
nufacturing industry, the activity of in
terual trade, the benefits of lucrative traf-
fic, the interchange ofvaluable commodi-
ties, the commerce of fertile, remote and
widespread regions, and the approxima-
ton ofthe most distant parts of the union
by tie facility and iapidity of comment
catlon that Will result from the compile
ton OF these siupendous works, will spread
The blessings OF plenty and opulence 10
an unreasonable extent. The resources
OF the state are fully adequate, without
extraneous aid /; and when we consider
that every portion of the nation will feel
the animating spirit and vivifying infiu-
ence of these great works that they will
receive the benedictions of posierify and
command the appreciation of the civilized
world, we are required 10 persevere BY e.
very dictate OF interest, by every senti-
ment of honor, by every Injunction OF
patriotism, and by every consideration
which ought 10 Influence the councils,
and govern the conduct of a free, high
minded, enlightened and magnanmous
people.
"The fund appropriated to common
schools, consists OF about 81 200, 900, and
80. 600 acres of land. The income for dis
tribution this year is 10000. Having
participated in the first establishment Of
the Lancasterian system in this country.
having carefully observed It's progress and
witnessed IFS benefits, can confidently
recommend it as an invaluable improve
meDt, which, by "a wonderful combination
OF economy IN expence and rapidity ofin-
stTuctlon, has created new era In educa-
tlon-and am DESTROYS that all our COM
mon schools should be supplied with
teachers ofthis description AS this sys-
tenn operates with the same efficacy in ed
ucallon thatlabor- saving machinery does
i'll the useful arts, it will be readily per
celved that il is peculiarly adapted 10
this country. For, if, by It's means, one
teacher can perform the functions Of ten,
and if "a pupil can learn in one week as
much as he would i'll one month ia tie
common way, II is evident that more
wealth, more labor, more time and more
industry can be devoted TO the ordinary
occupations of life without e:Gerng with
the dispensation acknowledge. Wherev-
er II has been attempted, il has succeed
ed, and several parts of The state have ex-
perienced its benefits. Competent teach
ers can he educated for this express pur-
pose, and in sufficient number TO supply
all our common schools, by sending i'm
teiligenf young men to the Laucasierian
semIndries I'D New York, where they will
be instructed gratuiiousiy, and where, in
the course of few months, they will ac-
quirc q sufficient knowledge ofthe system.
appropriations for this purpose by the
several common schools out Of their por-
fen Ct The general fund, under lie dlrec-
ton Of the superintendent, will iriray the
small expence attending tlIcaitain,nent of
tlDs important object.
THE fioGrisling condiiion ofour high.
or semiuarles of education, is a pleasing
demonstration Of lie increasing progress
OF meDial Improvement, and a pow erful
incentive to liberal dispensaiions of pub
lie patronage. Under tie auspices OF
learned and cHligiiened instructors, our
colleges are cOnsiapily increasing in stu
dents, and extending IN usefulness aud
the lnicrmcdlaie s@minarics bplween the