Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1841-02-02


to supply its place That all these mischIefs sprung
from overtrading, seems now sufficiently apparent.
Thus, in 1896, we imported srty millions more thai
our exports could pay for. This was effected through
the too liberal discounts of all the banks. The mer-
chants having thus run in debt abroad, beyond the
amount that all exports would pay, were forced TO
look about Tor specie to send abroad for payment But
as specie could only be had from the banks, they were
thus pressed and general curta produced general
distress sOur merchants covered themselves with
lastnr honor BY the heroic fidelity with which at vast
sacrifices they fulfilled their obligations. Things were
BROUGHT to rIrhts again. Specie flowed in with great
rapditv, and the banks resumed But strange to tell,
their recent lesson brought not wisdom. Inc same
routine again round and IN 1857 our nPorlatohs
were forty-one millions over our expectations. ne
quence has been second suspension with all the
evils attendant it. Happily the year ls4 was one
of prudence. Our exports have been nearly 80 NIL
lions less than exports, SO that the equilibrium may
be expected he restored and the channels oil
commerce will be filled once more with It's wonted cur
rency.
With the powerful motives, gentlemen, which urge
you Improvement it is not matter of surprise to see
you engaged in the establishment of of those assoc
cations which have been successful elsewhere The
march of intellect onward, and though The and
the curled lip of the seli-suiicicnt mark however
strongly their contempt Of all such efforts yet that
march | trust will never be arrested. noble
lord, indeed, whose profound Judicial knowledge has
been the object of general admatlon is said on some
OCCASION TO nave tnaI me never
the march of intellect without being reminded OF
The roguc's march" If it be true he expressed
himself, there could not be stronger evidence oil
the violent preiudces which are engendcred by the
pride of arisocracy. They smother the best feel
ngs of the heart, and throw mist around the finest
understanding; but they find congenia feelings
here. The extension Of the benefits of education,
through all the ranks of society," is desiderdtnm which
with us is universally acknowledged as the OBJ
stacles to its admitted and deplored.-
But there is much that NAV be done, and much that
has been done, not only by Legislative aid, but by
the voluntary efforts Of individuals. Among the
means which have been adopted for the Improvement
Of young men, and for The cultivation OF taste for Il
erature, and talent for composition and debate, there
is which more deserves encouragement than assoc
Citations for those landabc purposes He who writes
speaks must think, and he who thinks and aspes 10
excellence must read, that be may store his mind with
materials for thought, and enrich himself by The wise
and sagacous reflections of those who have gone before
him. OF the utility of those societies we have proof
in the opinions and history of DR.. franklin in whose
sound and practical wisdom we would confde far "a
tcr than in the naughty noble, who looks upon poor
man Only rogue, and thinks that III adding to his
knowledge you but increase his capacity for crime Dr.
franklin was of the humbest parentage. His ances.
tors had for several generations, been Smiths the edtst
son having the prrege, by right of primogenure, of
being brought to his fathers trade. His father, how
ever afterwards took to the business Of allow chand
Ter and boiler Disking that trade himself he be
Of club for mutual improvement, which was composed
Of scrvener surveyor, selltaug mt mathematician,
shoemaker, joiner and several merchants and ator-
neys clerks, which he became the best school in
the province of philosophy, morality and politics Sc
vcra Of the members became emncn, and respectable
but you would ask what was his success in life,
you will find an in the medallion that hangs
second TO but one in the lofty pillar Of American indie
pendcnce
present you then, this bright example, gentlemen,
m in
very respectfully the udcious remarks this sagacious
man of the world to the conduct Of snch club
Our debates says he were TO be conducted IN the sim
spirit of inquiry after TRUTH without fondncss for
dispute or desire of victory. disputatous turn is
apt become very bad habit, making people often
very dsagreeabe company, and thence besides sour
ing and spelling conversation, producing disgust and
perhaps cnmitcs with those for whose friendship we
may have occasion.
You aware, gentlemen, am that societies |
like yours have elsewhere been established, and with
great success. In Boston one has had existence for
nineteen years, and the contributions of the members
have already collected valuable library, 10 which a !
large addition has been recently made through the nu
nilicent bequcst of Mr. Lowell. had the pleasure Of
witnessing the celebration Of their eighteenth anniycr-
sarv, aud Of hearing the eloquent and beautiful and
able address which was delivered by Gov. Everett on
that OCCASION before audience of more than two thou
sand persons. 1t is from that have offered you in
terestng extracts In Phladc phia oo there various
associations before which occasional lectures are de-
liyered by the first men of that refined and polished
society. The learned and brilliant Hopknson, who
minglcs with the profound requirements OF the lu-
ris and civilian, the treasures OF elegant literature
and the elccGs poctcal c,sons Of his own graceful
muse does not dsdain TO pour out the abundant stores
Of his capacous mind before the assembled youth Of
the city The talented, and scientific and ardent Mitch
ell the maker of his own fortune, follows in his foot |
steps and steals from the labors of his profession, and
even from his vet favorie pursuits ofbencvoence
ard philanthropy, hour for the delight and lnstruc-
ton OF The viruous and aspiring youth around HIM
The eloquent Chapman, too, who daily sheds the light
Of science on his crowded schools doubt not still
find moments scatter among these merorious inslI
tutions his ample treasures where the sterling bullion
Of learning and good is set off by sparkling bril-
ants and the attractive beauties ola graceful elocutlon
And It's but recently that late Minister to Russia
returning from that abode Of iron rule to the happy peo
pie of the beautiful city of palaces, has delighted admir-
ing crowds with his interesting sketches of the man.
ners and customs and character of The Court and the
people of that distant land have not seen his address
but | well imagine, how with the iervld eloquencc
Of his race, he portrayed the gogon terrors OF despoc
sway and contrasted with this land of freedom, that
cherries region of the wreched ser till every bosom
Gowed with renovated love oilbcrty and our country
Every fortnight distinguished personage-distin-
gushed for his learning and his wisdom, not for his
garter and his star-draws together listening crowds
who drink in the streams of knowledge from his lips,
and leave the tronged assembly with hearts improved
and minds enlightened by the intellectual feast.
Why should not these things likewise be in the me-
tropolis of Virginia, Why should those among rs who
Weld To none in native talent in literary acquisition
DENY their countcnance and aid societies like this
why should we not have arrangements here by which
weekly lecture might be delivered by some one Of
those on whose lips have often hung, whether at
the or the Senate in the schools OF science or IN
the pulpit Let of these conceive that interesting
duty TO be beneath them Let pronounce the
gloomy prophecy, that "thc affair will be failure.
IT'S the usual prediction of those who would wther the
young and tender institution with and who are
ready to make good their sagaclty BY lending their
aid to the ulilment of their dolefu vaccinations. For
nv own part, cannot but hope better spirit will pre-
VAIL and il in this hope and this spirit that awaited
myself Of short relief from judicial duty 10 prepare,
at your request, this humble paper II asks no higher
place than TO be the precursor Of others which will
more satisfactorily accomplish the objects Of your insti-
tuition.