Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1819-01-05
To the Editor Of lie Enquirer.

The biilfor establishing an University fingers
itwould seem, in the House of Delegates n OF
withstand'ng the great Importance of the sub.
lect TO which 1t relates, notwithstanding the
high character of those by whom the plan was
recommended, this delay is not to be COM
planned of. The Importance of the bill is vast.
and the institution is Intended TO he permanent
"A measure which is OF great importance shonId
not he lightly adopted, and that which is to be
done but once. ought TO be duly considered.
1t is not in Virginia, Mr.. Editor that need
eXpatiate OIL the advantages OF EDUCATION 1t
is not 10 Vbginid legislature that inducements
are TO be held out, 10 act upon this important
subject. Former legislatures have laid the
foundation OF an impershable monument, to
themselves. by their measures upon this sub.
ject: but the honor of laying the keystone of
ihe arch to that fabric is reserved for the pre-.
sent legislature.
Ishall say nothing, therefore, Sir, as to the
general Importance of educatioh. shall only
assert. that II Is all important to the youth of
Virginia, that they should be educated in their
own country. ...In proof of this, il will be
recollected, that most of our citizens who had
been educated in England, adhered to the enc
my, in our memorable contest for Independence
1t is also notorious, that the college of Yale
communicates the political, and that of Princeton
the religious, principles of most of the Young
men sent thther And all those educated any
where in Europe, or in the Eastern States.
imbibe principles and habits, Chose in relation
TO our slave population, for example,) which
greatly affect their utility and happiness, in
future life. Nothing is more true than that
early habits and opinions have AN overriding
influence, in all the future stages of existence
Compared TO these objections the paltry
saving of two or three hundred thousand dol
lars, spent annually, in the education of orr
youth, in other countries, sinks into insigniti.
canoe. Yet even that consideration is not un.
worthy OF the attention of the legislature. The
above sum retained in Virginia, with as much
more brought hitler by the youths of the ada.
ef.atnu .lfrIf hat IL a
give spur TO industry, in every department,
and essentially conduce to the lasting improve
mcnt of tile commonwealth.
With respect to the plan of the university
MIR. Editor. u is already before the public. Ii
seems calculated 10 round the system of edn.
cation, and to comprehend The whole circle OF
| the sciences. As amended, il received the
| cordial and unanimous assent OF every commits
siouer. 1t isnot believed to be, IN any material
degree, defective but If il is il can he here.
after. amended. Its founded upon the most
| liberal principles, and stands in high contrast
| in this respect, with most of the northern col
lcges While il inculcates the general principle,
ot morality and religion, 1t steers clear of the
! dOgmasol any particular sect. Mo- one religious
sect is to have its tenets taught, in preference
| tC those Of others. This could not have been
| otherwise, without eXpunging from our Statutc
hook, the 10Th article Of The hill of rights, and
| The sublime act establishing religious free
! dom Vel while the commissioners were te
| favored the free exercise of religious worship
| The plan has provided d suitable apatinipnt Goi
| ibe purposes of religious worship without dis
| tnction otsect There Is no trav ellinemiuisier
| of amy denomination, who will not be cordially
| received, in administering hIs holy functions
in tire hall OF the university. IN addressing tie
throne of grace all seCts, at least all Christians
/ will be received as friends ard brethren
| Another feature Ia tie plan commands my
| highest admiration. The school is TO be an
| economical one. BY placing the hotels, will
this injunction, under the care Of the visitors
| The price feducatioD Will be within tie reach
OF even the poorer classes of society. IL will
! not bt permitted a South Carolina or Virginia
uabob, 20 squander his hundreds and his thou
sands. at the university, 10 his own dcttiment,
and the evil example OF Others. IL will he no
place tor luxury or extTavagance ....it is not
my intention, Dir. Editor. 10 goiRto detail spon
The plan OF this university There is, however,
siill another feature which commands my
appreciation. The students arc to be permitted