Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1841-12-16

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tioh, which l communicate herewith, presents
| fa'tering view of its beneficial results The or
por'unity 1t affords for the requirement and diilu
sion OF military science, and the protection
gives to the public property at the Lexington Ar
sena!, render 1t peculiarly valuable. Its gradu
ates, if selected as officers OF the militia, as in
structors in tactics and discipline, NAV be of cs
sential service to the State. Through their aeon
cy, a proper spirit may be infused among the Off
GERS, and new vigor impaired to our military sys
tenn. For these and other considerations, the
Military Institute is emnently entitled to the pat
ronage and liberal endowment of the Legislature
ny the act OF the Slh Of March last, the Presi-
dent and Directors of the Literary Fund were in.
structed to report to the Legislature a School
system to secure the benefits of education to the
people OF this Commonwealth The Renort has
not yet been prepared, but will DO a.ticit,ed 10
your consideration at an early day. No subject
which may occupy the attention Of the General AS
sembly can be gilmore vital importance to the best
interests of the State. Ifit be desirable to lessen
crime and purify the public morals, to advance
the cause OF religion and perpetuate the blessings
OF our free institutions. tho surest means is to
enighten the great body of the people. To res
cue from ignorance and vico thousands, who, for
want OF timely instruction may be lost to society,
and to render them useful to themselves and their
country is the dictate alike of humanity and
sound policy. it is gratifying to perceive,
throughout various sections of the Common
wealth, recent manifestations of public interest
on thus important subject. Happily great una
nimity prevails as to the expediency of alfording
every facility for the general diffusion of educa-
tion. The only question about which there can
be diversity OF opinion, is as to the mode of ac-
comprising this desirable end. Virginia has al
ready effected much by her liberal policy, and
her failure to realize all the benefits anticipated
from her present system, is attributable perhaps
az much to lis inefficient execution as 20 its de-
fects. To extend, however, to all classes &c 40.
ciety the inesti;nabio blessings of education, re-
CURES an augmentation ofthe fund devoted 10 this
object. In what manner it should be increased,
whether by appropriations from the treasury, by
a specific tax imposed by the Legislature, or by
the voluntary act OF the counties are all oues-
tions for consideration. In nv estimation. il will
be most advisable to authorize each county with
the consent OF the people previously obtained, TO
raise such sum as with the present allowances
from the literary fund and voluntary contribu-
lions, VIII be sufficient for the object in view
ms power would enable every portion of the
commonwealth TO adapt its policy to its peculiar
position and circumstances The operation If
various causes IN territory so extensive and d.
Verslhed as ours, may render that appropriate in
ono county, which would be inexpedient in a.
mother. The sparse population, the distance to
'raVe'' the local difficulties to encounter the pc
cuhiary resources of the people in some sections
OF the State, would not Justify the imposi,ion of
any additonal tax and the appropriation already
maae might be sufficient In othor sections a
different condition wnnld warrant a more extan-
sive Pian' and "A much larger expenditure. The
people OF each county would judpe of their own
wants, and the fact that the amount to be raised
would be expended for the benefit of the county.
would cause 1t to be more cheerfuIy paid, and in
duce strict supervision of its administrations
1t would be further advisable to authorize the ap-
pication OF The amount thus raised, either to the
primary schools, or TO any Academy within the
Mt
expedient by the School Commissioners.
-, whether the present system be continued, and
these or other notifications be made, or a new
system be thought most advisable, it should be
cardinal object, that while by adequate remune-
ration competent Teachers are secured the cost
vi tuition siiai, be so reduced as to bring tho ad-
Vahtages OF education within the reach of the
most INDECENT. While ample provision should
DC made for the primary Schools, our COLLEGES
ana Academies, especially the latter, should not
be neglected. The University has received a
Hneral endowment from the State, and we now
ENJOY the fruits of the enlightened policy of it's
founder The primary schools have Obtained a
portion of the same bounty and it is desirable to
advance them by further assistance, to equal i'm
portance and utility. The Colleges and Acade-
mics have not yet received that PATRONAGE from
.ne State 10 which they arc entitled. Some of
tie former, 1t is true, are in fourishinp condi-
tlon, and have widely dispensed their blessings
and private patronage; but most of the latter re-
auire assistance. One of the causes of the fail
ure OIL our present School system is the want of
properly educated teachers. We have been here
toiore almost entirely dependent upon other States
Tor instructors of our youth. But five foster in
stitutions OF our own State, at which the higher
branches of learning are obtained. we NAV Sn,.
ply our schools with suitable teachers imbued
with our own principles and feelinos. accustomed
10 our habits, and qualified to enlighien our chill
dren III the mode We approve. Should this nat
rohage De EXTENDED to these Institutions would
suggest that they be required to instruct free OF
charge, a limited number Of such Indecent chill.
dren as may have been distinguished in the pri.
mary schools Tor their proficiency and good con.
| Duct. ms would operate as double incentive
encouraging parents and stimulating the pupils
| ana at The same time afTording a class from a.
| mong whom might be selected competent instruc
tors ,or :he primary schools. 1t is essential tc
| the iuil development of our system that each de
| scrlptIon OF schools should be made subseryien
| to the dissemination of liberal education VIII
this view, deem it proper to cali your attention
to the Medical College at the scat of Govern
ment. AT present 1t is branch o: the College o
HamPden Sidney, located here on account Of tn
peculiar facilities afor led By a city to such q,
institution. Established by individual cntcrpris
alone, at great sacrifice, it has necessarily en-
councrcd many difficulties. But il ia pro0res
slvely attracting deserved attention. and with III
favorable notice Of the Legislature, it is believe
that all the yonth Of the State who now receiv
medical instruction beyond its limits, invovin
an immense expenditure Of money, NAV be re
tanned within car own borders and be enabled I
acquire alta less expense, thorough medical cd
ucation.
The internal improvement. Of the State rror
ITS intrinsic importance, will no doubt occupy
prominent place in yOIr deliberations Nciihf