Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1825-09-20
Rae1aes oaaU S2I assg,
TUESDAY MORNING, SEPT. 90, 1895.
WILLIAM AND MARY COLLEGE.

the governors and visitors OF William and Mary Col
iege since e close OF tho last session. They such
as its interests have long demanded and in our opinion
well calculated TO resuscate this venerable nstu-
ton, and restore to its former spendour aud prospect
ty The of studies in The Seminary is al once IL
beral and extensive, and we feel little hesitation in saw
ing that much science is taught within its walls as in
any University in this country. The different DEPART
ments filled by able and experienced lecturers
and if the section of the in which it is located he
only true its best and real interest the Halls of Will
liam and Mary will again be crowded with youth.
The enlarged and enlightened views, the subject
government hitherto ncucated BY its professors, should
alone endear it TO the heart of every Virginau and
itwould have been entitled 10 the admraon and lasting
gratitude OF every patriot only OF the many dstn-
gushed Statesman, Legislators and Orators whose
names are now proudly enrolled the pages of our
history had received the ground work of his education
at this College.
IL can neither be concealed nor questioned that the
evil which one of the statutes passed by the governors
and visitors of William and Mary College at their last
meeting intended to reove,te high price of board
was one of the primary and efficient causes of its rapid
deciensioD 1t we'll known that for many wears the
majority of even the independent agrculturists in the
state the class which this institution must prncinalI
rely for patronage and support been utterly unable
to have their sons educated at this Seminary. They
preferred, and SO would any of ordinary prudence
and common sense, send them 10 the Northern Uni
Yersities where their studies could be completed at
little more than half the expense incurred at William
and Mary We ourselves were acquainted with young
men of respectable talent, but of moderate income
who, notwithstanding the desire they expressed
tn Oradn at oc
were from this obliged to abandon the College
forever, at the expiration of their first course The
exiravagant charges for board no doubt indirectly
TO be ascribed the negligence and inattenon of the
board of visitors. The price of board was subject
completely within their CONTROL and they should have
regulated it, Not that they had the right to eesIate
for the citizens of Williamsburg, but they had the right
ii the students not accommodated unreasonable
terms TO do what they have been compelled to do at
last, viz; to establish table in College
Another OF the present depressed and unpros
porous condition of William and Mary is to be found
IN the honest but misguided zeal of some of its warmes
and most devoted friends. They have accused the Pre-
sident and Of the other professors of incapacy-
they have noised it about that they have endeavoured
10 ins lrreigious principles into the minds of the stu
dents who attended their lectures. charge more
completely destitute of truth, even of tho slightest
foundation, never preferred against any man. Du-
ring the time that attended the course of lectures
moral philosophy, single remark disrespec-
full of the christian religion of any religious sect or
denomination whatever, uttered by DR.. Smith for
e the principal object ofattac aud any such sent
meDt bad been breahed by him. feel convinced that
It would not have escaped us, for the more at
tentye to every observation he made in consequence
Of the vague rumor We had heard that ne was a Deis
While DR.. Keith professor of humanity he also
attended the of lectures and the testimony
furnished in his letter Dr. Smith, which was read be-
fore tue Legislature last winter conclsirely disproves
this groundess and odous imputation.
or the capacity of President Smith to discharge tho
arduous duties of the Chair assigned to him. we pre-
tend not to be competent judges. To the important
subjects Which he lectures Bellies Letrcs Political
Economy Government, and the Philosophy of the HUI
Mind he has constantly and Closely since his ap-
pontment, directed all the powers of acute search
ing, vigorous, and comprehensve intellect, The beau.
tuI and peculiarly striking manner in which he illus
trates those principles in The textbooks used in the
College, which either dark, obscure and absruse,
sufficiently deyelopcd;-he clearness and pers
picuy, and strength of his reasoning when detecting
every unparalleled mind, that his KNOWLEDGE if moi
very profound, is at least very extensive. Tie opn-
ION which formed of DR.. Smith, is that few men
can be found in this country who could more ably Gil
bis station. The Lectures of the Professor of Law,
WHO is Judge ofhe General Court have as far as we
have been able 10 ascertain given universal satisfaction
DR.. Rodgers has, we have always understood been
considered eminent theoretical and experimental
Chemist and F. S. Campbell, Esq who has been pro.
fessor Of Mathematics for many years. has, throughout
Virginia. been celebrated for his attachments in that
Science.
Under these circumstances. We cannot but fondy
cherish the hope that William Mary College will
again receive from the public that generous encourage
nent which the purity& orthodoxy ftbe political creed
there taught the LIBERAL manly aud cbigaIrous senti-
nents Of which has always been the nursing mother
and the extensive and enlightened course of its studies