Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1829-01-17

LGOTSe ~. summers,
James e. Nc Fariand
James II. Fry.
FOR THE ENQUIRER.
The UNIVERSITY OF VIRoINIA.-This no.
BILE Institution of which Virginia has every rea-
son to he proud, promises the benefits anticipated
by its illustrious Founder and the enlightened
Legislators, whose patriotism sustained il against
the prejudices OF ignorance and the hostility OF its
rivals. In its commencement, its police regula-
lions were based upon too favorable estimate of
the moral virtues and studious habits Of Southern
Youth. Consequently there occurred some ire
guiarities which were lat the time greatly eXagge
rated throughout the country. But the sagacity
and energy Of the distinguished Board Of Visitors,
soon applied the appropriate remedy. When the
new code OF laws was promulgated, the severity
OF many OF its regulations considered by some,
so great as TO endanger the of the lnstitu
ton. 1t was natural that sudden change, dppa-
rcntly from one extreme to the other, should ex.
cite apprehension in the minds of its friends. The
experiment. however, has succeeded. The wri-
ter oil this article was among those who doubted
the success ofso sudden revolution. But recent
personal observation has satisfied him. that, to the
energy OF the VISITORS the perseverance and talents
OF the Professors, the State is much indebted
The University is now in a fair way to become the
proud ornament Of our State.-The patriot in read
ing the brief inscription the tomb Of Jefferson,
Will look down from the height of his favorite
Monticello, Oh this Institution, the founding of
i0hieh, he himself, considered worthy Of being
announced in the same brief Epitaph, that pro-
claims him the Author of the Declaration of In
dependence and of the act for the establishment of
Religious Freedom" Identified as is the glitter
ing spectacle with the glories OF such man, it is
gratifying to reflect, that there is something TO adj
mre in the Institution besides its Majestic Rotun-
da, its beautiful Pavilions, and its extended ar
cades and d + .toIes Its neral worth and useful
ness are not less Imposing than its splendid ap-
pearance. 1t is true, at the number of students is
not so greet as i'll the commencement l am dis
posed to attribute this circumstance to the new re.
gul1ions by which idleness and dissipation have
been almost entirely driven away The exclusion
from such an institution, of young men, who RELY
more upon their fortune and family for distinction
than upon intellectual aud moral worth; and who
Will neither study themselves nor permit others to
do so, is not to be neglected. They too often pre-
vent others from deriving the benefits anticipated
by their PARENTS and in instances decoy their
comrades into idieness and dissipation. The pre-
sent condition of things at the University is credit
able both TO the professors and students. The lat
ter orderly and studous; and seem deter
mined to avail themselves Of the advantages with
IN their reach. The severity of some of the regu-
latons Is little complained of as nconvenicnt;
but acquesced in by the young men from a sense
OF their advantage. The law which requires OF
each student, the surrender of all his available
funds into the hands OF the Proctor, to be paid
oiii upon orders or drafts, operates as powerful:
check upon the extravaganza and indiscretion of
youth. If parents will only &C. operate with the
spirit anu intention Oh the regulation, Its advan-
tages will be great The intelligent mind must see
at once, how this must happen.
Inc young gentlemen now at the University
have distinguished themselves for their exempla-
ry conduct and studious habits and enjoy not only
the respect and confidence of the Professors but
OF the Inhabitants of the neighboring village and
surrounding country The ability and general as
sidaty of the Professors entii,e them to public
confidence and support. And the Institutions in
whatever point of view regard it, claims our
admiration Its extensive Library of rare and va
liable books; its apparatus; the number of talented
teachers; its admirable location and The guardian
ship OF It's able, Il Jealous Visitors, s other ad yanta-
ges, must soon extend its reputation and the sphere
OF It's usefulness. The Visitors have Justly consi
dered that all will depend upon its police and dis
cipne, and have laboured 10 make them as peri ct
as possible The institution has already sent forth
INTO the world promising young men and able
teachers Tor inferior schoos-and its lights will
continue. annually, TO be diffnsed more extensive
ly over our country. One of its own graduates
now fills an important chair among the professors
Ii IS yet young. Time enough has not elapsed for
its Alumni to display the depth of their researches
With so many able teachers; with such an exten
siye library, repeat, that the ambitious YOUTH or
even the studious one, may make himself an orna-
ment to his Countrywide expense has been great
~ reduced; so much, in fact, TO amount to but
little, II any more than the expense of the good
common schools in the country do not despair
OF completing the education of my own boys in this
Institution, aliho' il has been often denounced as
aris'ocrac, and as beyond the reach of the son OF
plhin PLEBEIAN
Dec. Is, 1928.