Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1819-04-27
HYLORus.
PRIMARY Sl:l1no1.s.

=.
The following Report did not arrive IN
time toaccompany the other reports COM
municated by the President aud Directors
OF the Literary Fund 10 the General As
sembly. AS we are assured the important
law for the organization OF THE primary
schools Is III many respects oil doubtful
and difficult construction, we have deter
mined lay this Report before The public,
under an impression that the forms Of
proceeding therein detailed, might con-
tribute 10 furnish some useful hints 10
some of The other counties OF tlle COM
monwealth. We beg leave 10 add, that
the example il exhibits of rendering a
strict account Of this portion Of the pro-
ceeis Ofnearly million of dollars appro-
priated TO the education of the poor, may
serve to stimulate some Of the other eoun-
ties TO look to this part Of the subject with
an inqnisitive eye. During the last ses.
sion Of The British Parliament, the dis
bursements OF charitable institutions for
the purpose of education, became alcad-
ing topic of discussion. Mr.. BrOugham
distinguished himself as the advocate of
enqulry-and IN the course OF his argu-
menf, exhibited such striking examples
of abuse, which had gradually crept into
the management of these funds. as call
ell forth the lIvelIest astOnis sment and
Indignation. In some cases the trustee
had died, and the fund had been wasted.
la other cases, he had been careless, and
the fund had fallen into hands that gave
10 account of il. In others, The trustee
had been dishonest, ard he had been
guilty of the grossest frauds. In no one
case, perhaps had the fund been turned
10 tile best account tor the benefit of the
poor. Parliament acceded 10 the propos-
ed inquiry, and the committe had report
ed most gloomy picture OF The state OF
these funds. For our own parts, we have
70 idea that our commissioners will admit
oil comparison with the English trus-
tees; but is there not reason 10 fear that
The same care will not generally be ma
niiested IN the management Of these pub
lie, as 1t they had been private funds 3
It's too true a saying, that what is every
persons business is no persons business
We ask, for example, whether funds have
not been sometimes given by individuals
IN Virginia 10 the poor Whether these
funds have not been sometimes udsted ?
We earnestly wish that the use of these
private gifts would become matter OF
investigation by the literary board
by the ceart of each county, or by
some other commission, which the
legislature might direct. Ii WAS the idea
OF soaste which induced US to wish tina,
the experiment of the Primary Schools
could at firS be made upon a smaller
scale. The same idea should induce
the legislature 10 keep vigiIanf and con.
slant eye over the disbursements in eacl
county: 49,.
Report Of The School Commi ssioners of Nell
SON County.
The President and Directors of tile Lterar,
Fund
Nelson county, Mop % 1873
GENTLEMEN: As school commissions
CURED by the law entitled, /" An act an
proprlailng part of The Revenue of the
Literary Fund aud for other purposes. >
to address you on certain points touching
the education of tile poor. In fulfilmeni
OF fbis duty, we beg leave 10 submit to YOU
a copy ofonr proceedings under the law
A remaining part Of our duty is TO state
whether any, and if any, what additiona
will be necessary, TO furnish, the means 81
education 10 the INDECENT children il
this county.
" foi StuBicNJ tudt IL WAS no
in tue contemplation Of the General AS
sembly to defray the expenses Of main
tenance. but only 10 furnish tile mean.
of tuition 10 the poor, we are induced tc
believe, by the experiment now made If
this county, that the quota of the eur
rent year, together with the balance o
that Of the last year remaining in tI,
hands of our treasurer, will render I'M
necessary any further appropriation from
The Literary Fund.
We are, gentlemen, very respectfully
| your Obedicnt servants,
JOSEPH SHELTON,
ROBERT RIVES,
JAMES MONTGOMERY