Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1839-08-15
POPULAR INSTRUCTION.

Asreeablv to previous notice, the citizens of Dan
| vile and it's vicinity convened in the Presbyterian
| Church, on the evening of July 4th, to consider the
! propriety of making some public expression OF their
| opinion in the State of Virginia.
General b. w. S. Cabell was appointed Chair
man, DIR. T. N. Green first and James Garland,
Esq, second Vice President, and MI. l.. Nj. Fitch,
Secretary. 3,
The object of the meeting was briefly explained
| by Col. George Townes, and the following presm-
| bic and resolutions offered by the Rey. b. M Smith,
(after full discussion by the mover, and by Col.
Townes and Whitmellp T.. Tunstall, ESQ., were unan-
imously adopted:
Whereas a well digested system of Public Instruc-
| ton is generally believed TO be highly important to
| the welfare of every State-snd whereas the stare
| Legislature. being the creature OF the people, Is
subject to the influence or public opinion; being DE,
| sirous to contribute our mite TO the formation ana
expression of such a public sentiment as shall insure
and sustain some proper legislative action ON the
subject of Public Instruction. therefore,,
Resolued, /. That in our opinion, the funds at
| the disposal Of the Legislature, together with the
amount furnished by private contributions, are
abundantly ample to sustain u system OF fubic In
| s,ruction, which shall afford the means OF procuring
| a good English education to every child in the Com
monwealth, and that it is incumbent on the Legs
Iature forthwith to provide such a system.
9. While we leave TO the Legislature the details
of a system OF Public Instruction., we must respect
| fully urge on its attention the importance OF making
a special provision for the education OF teachers,
and the erection of school-houses, we'll supplied with
suitable furniture.
3. That a Committee of twelve-hve OF whom
shall constitute a quorum, be forthwith appointed
| whose duty il shall be, l. To call a meeting OF the
reonle az tbis County, TO be held at the Court-House
some time previous 10 the meeting Of the next Cen
eral Assembly. 2. To prepare a concise address
10 our fellow-citizens, setting forth the importance
of the subject, whose interests we desire to promote,
and the great utility Of popular meetings for secu-
| ring legislative action. And 3. To send copies oil
| these proceedings TO gentlemen in various sections
of the State, who they may suppose VIII take an IN
terest in promoting their object. -
d, That the proceedings of this meeting, with
the address of the Committee, be published in the
DanyiIIe Reporter, and that their insertion in the
Richmond, Norfolk, Petersburg, and Lynchourg
papers be respectfully requested.
PesoLped. That the Chairman OF this meeting be
a member ofthe Committee. and that he be permit
ted to appoint the other members oithe same. Inc
meeting then adjourned.
l.. M. FITCH, Sec'y.
A Committee of twelve was appointed under the
Sd esolution-Gen Cabeli. (spPolnted oy the NEE
ting \ Rev. b. M. Smith, James Garland, w. M
Tredwsy, J. M. Terry, E.qs., and DR.. 1 i. At
k;n.on TO write the Address, and send copies Of the
proceedings to any gentlemen in the State whom
thew may select; and Col. George Townes, MAJ
ID. II. Clark, DIR. N. T. Green, DR.. W.. l.. orahsm'
]. M. Whittle, and G. H. Gilmer, Esqs., to call q
public meeting of the citizens OF this County,
ADDRESS TO THE PEOPLE OF VIRGINIA.
FELLow-CIrIzENs:--The object of this Address
is to secure your active cooperation in promoting
the design of those who appointed US, as presented
in the foregoing resolutions.
We do not presume, as you perceive. 10 suggest
to the Legislature, any definite plan OF procedure
in the matter to which we respectfully solicit ITS at
tention. We content ourselves with urging on that
body the ~propriety and necessity OF adopting as
soon as possible, some efficient system OF ruoiic In
s~truction.
We now invite you to unite with Us in this mea-