Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1840-1842, 1841-06-08
To ruE EpIrcRs 90 rns Vine.

IL sa lsmentable fact, and although noticed mucl,
iatr' I" Is one To which our attention cannot be
ea'eI Too often, that Virgins, Formerly known As
no va Dominion, has ceased tn occupy the front
rank amongst the other Siates aud following as il
were, TIC course ut nature in all else, has become
me"p'ci,ated through age TO Keep pace With the
younger States Ia their rapid march OF improve
ment Ono great cause ct this state OF affairs
among MS may be traced to the deporabe indiGrer-
enes towards popular education manifested by those
VINO nave been entrusted with the care OF our pub-
lie interest. f
IL Is true, that more recently our Legislature ha.
sn""h some desire To awake from their lelhar.y
ana 10 enter upon the glorious and nhiI,n,hron,c
work OF enightenins the minds OF the rising yensra.
u"n' anu preparing them to Perform that duty
whch VIII shortly he theirs, Of ainla inn the die
ni.y anu honor of their native State. One stop
winch they have taken towards this end in The es
'abiishment of the Vircini, Military Institute, the
good effects OF which already visible This IN.
stitution, although humble IN its pretension, and
not having attracted much notice bids fair To hc
come the pride aud ornament OF our State. It's
iriends had nj hrst, great difficulty in GETTING the
pan INTO operation, on account of its novelty and
the lear which was expressed by many, that an IN
sutuon oil this kind would not suit the youth of hi.
section oi country. But they have been most agree
AMY disappointed, and the friends of the Institute
have been amply rewarded for their yicorou. eyer-
ions IN It's behalf by seeing all their hopes fulfilled
ana iheir expectations more than realized II now
presents the appearance of bein. in the most suc
Sessiu' operation, md the youth who are placed
mere, so Tar from thinking il unbecomirs Virsin,ns
70 act inc parts of common soldiers seem to glory in
oeiig able 10 boast of being all natives of IN, Oil
STATE and IN redeemins the which is given 10
them. Their minds are severely disciplined bv nm
extensive course OF Mathematics and Modern Ian.
Suases, whilst at the same time, the physical no,y
ers are exerciscdb by the military duty which thew
nave 10 periorm and they are enabled TO obtain an
education without paying the price of a broken con-
sttution, ass often the with the student in our
common Colleges. Ii should be mentioned too
that the Board OF Visitors have been most fortunate
IN Their choice of person TO whom TO cntrus, the
care OF training the youth. Major Smith, the prin
cpal OF the Institute, Is graduate of Yves, Point
where he was distinguished as n profound matbe
matclan and fine soldier. He possesses every
quahhcatlon OF a scholar and n gentleman and has
already justified the confidence which the Road
have rcPosed IN him, by fulfilling, in the most abIe
manner, the duties OF his office. lie has one trai,
oi character which 1t is absolutely necessary fur n
teacher 10 poSscss-ihat Of rendering himself asree
able to his scholars, whilst, at the same time he
supports the dignity ot his Offices for if report speaks
ruo he is universally beloved and respected bv tho
Cadets who look up In him as their pr.ceptor and
friend. Conducted, then, 10y such II guide, and on
such principles, this institution cannot fail 10 nro
duce the haPplest results, If properly encouraged
and tins, nothing else, vii! 60 far to win back for
virginia her former stand among the States and nc
quIe some day for her the enyiable fame of beinc
the birth place of Science. w