Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1832-03-23
A STUDENT.
To the Editors AT the Whir.


Mcssrs. Edtors-lt has always appeared to me
4 piece of presumption, bordering on npcrtncncc
Tor any young man. except IN very particular cases
to attempt to advise and dictate the course of con-
duct to- be pursued by those who his elders and
rs is natura, to conclude, have had more
in the world and worldly things than he, and
therefore more competent to Judge for themselves
than he can bc To Judge for them. Not that
think any person, or order al persons, too consd-
cradle To he advised, for | am of opinion that vice
and folly ought to be attacked wherever they can
hi found, especially when they placed in
high and responsible stations in life, and l am
ready to acknowledge that there certain cases
IN which interiors may give sound and
wholesome advice to their supcrlors: but, sirS,
think that, before any person attcmptsto give il ,
he ought to inform himself of two facts-tirst
whether it be needed; and in the second place.
whether he he capable of giving it. In the case
To which allu,c, leave it to you Mcssrs. Editors
and the readers of your paper, to decide if the
person persons who have taken it upon him
her, themselves to orticisc and advise, have
taken these things into consideration.
have observed several pieces, of friendly coun-
sci, to the Visitors of the University of Virginia.
i'll your paper, written, said to be written by
Students quond.m Students, SC. In your paper
ct the last week, piece under the signature Of
Longinus, particularly attracted my notice; in
which he condemns several acts of the Visitors
In doing which, he says he is actuatcd by his con-
Germ for the prosperity of the institutions and by
way of demonstrating this great regard and con-
| from OF the Professors whom the Visitors
have thought proper to appoint. have already
expressed my entire dis appreciation of the system
of juniors debating To Seniors or would suggest
tn you the propricty of strongly recommending to
the Executive to add this Mr.. Longinus "a gentle.
man who has discovered such wonderful degree
of prudence, wisdom and sagacity,) as n member
tn the honorable Board of Vsitors-but till that
event shall take place, for will be disposed
to ask this profound youth .who made him Il ruler
and Judge over u.s." In the interim, however,
Mcssrs. Editors, l should like to hear your opin-
ion as to the validity and propricty of this gen
tiemnns sentiments, so entirely opposed to those
Of the Board of Visitors, body composed
of men who have been often i'll the coun-
ellis of the nation, some of whom, have been en-
trusted hy the people with their most important
and vital concerns, one Of whom has held the
highest office within the gift of the people of the
United States, and all OF whom, if they are not
men of more cruditon, (and that they are so, do
not think ut all predetermined question, must at
least, have had more experience than this Mr.. Lon
ginus. Do you think it probable sir, that any sin.
gle tyro at the University, or ut any other place
can he more capable of Judging of tho qualiiica-
tions of gentlemen to act Professors at this H.
stitution than the Board of Visitors. of whon
at least, have the reputation of being men of Ia
Tents, which by the bye, have never yet heard that
MIR. Longinus possessed, though far be it from me
to question the gentleman's genius and acquire
ments--for have no sort of doubt Judging from
the gentlcmans style, composition, &c. that
Future eyes, with delight shall scc
How B2con's, Newton's and Longinus' looks agree ~
But peace to the gcntlcman's talents and judg.
ment. Leaving these out of the question, would
only beg leave to remark, that if tho Visitors arc
disposed to let what Mr.. Longinus and the like
say, have any influence with them, they will, in Il
short time, find themselves somewhat in the pre-
dcament of the good man who had one wife, who
took dislike to his grey hairs, and another who
took dislike to his black, till by picking out
what each had an aversion to, the poor fellows
head was left bald and naked. CONANS