The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1842-03-30
WILLIAM AND MARY COLLEGE AND PRO
FESSOR BEVERLY TUCKER

We have received great number of letters
from students and alumni OF William and Mary
College, in Virginia, vindicating that institution,
and particularly Professor Beverly Tucker, from
the charge which has been made against him,
in recent publication, of intoxicating disallec-
lion 10 tn Union. We have not attached any
serious Importance TO the charge, considering il
asmade only incidentally, and evidently under
msapprehenson or lnisinformation. We have
not supposed that the character Of 50 ancient
and IL Nned College, which has educated
more 81 the truly great men Of the country than
any other institution in it, could be injured by a
mere passing blow, not aimed particularly at it
nor have we supposed that the well-earned and
established reputation of such man as Judge
Beverly Tucker, could possibly suffer, under a
general charge from whatever source it might
emanate, which, in the opinion OF those who
are correctly informed is so plainly contradicted
BY the whole course of his writings his actions
and his teachings. Hence we have considered
il altogether unnecessary TO publish all the tes-
timonials which have been sent to Us, touching
this subject. Nor shall 1--WE do it now, for they
would occupy much more space, in more than
one impression Of our paper. than we could
properly devote to them. 1t is due to the writers
of them, however that they should not be pass
ed BY, without some notice. We therefore Sc
lcct from among them, the following, with the
single remark that they all assert the same gen
eral fact aud breathe the same sentiments Of
respect and gratitude to Professor Tucker.
We have not the pleasure to know Professor
Tucker personally, but we have read many Of
his writings, aud heard much of his character,
a, jurlst aud politician. He lis decidedly among
the most iorciblc and polished writers of our
country. As a politician, we have been often
struck with the expansiyeness Of his views, and
with the deep philosophy on which his princi-
pies are founded. He evinces much more
thorough comprehension of the true nature of
our Government and institutions, than most
OF the other distinguished men who have made
them the subjects OF public discussion. He at
tachcs a high Importance 10 the federatire
character Of our system, which he regards as
the only conservative principle of our Unions
and this he illustrates Cf we may Judge from
such of his published addresses as we have
SEEM in manner peculiarly happy and lorclbe.
Apart from the evidence contained in the letters
now before US we have seen abundant proof
that lie is not only warm and sincere lover Of
the Union, but truly enlightened friend; one
who seeks 10 place II upon its true lounda-
tons, and 10 preSsrre u, by pointing out and
guarding against the dangers 10 which il is
exposed.
! We are led 10 make these remarks by the re.
spect for Judge Tucker, which the letters before
Us have inspired II requires high order of cha
racter and endowment, 10 be able, in discharg.
ing the difficult aud deicat, duties of public
instructor, To win the love and confidence OF the
pupil, without any sacrifice of the proper dig
nifty Of the professor. This he seems to have
accomplished in an eminent degree and we
have no doubt that il is true, as we have often
heard that TO this, aud to the other influences
Of his teachings and example, may he attributed
much Of the increased and increasing prosberi.
ty and popularity Of William and Mary College.
WnuIaMsBuRe, March 9Th, 1872
1 DEAR SR--llaving been student Of William aud
Mary College and member Of Professor fuckers
Law Glass deem it but act of Justice after the
charge Of political heresy which has been made
against him, TO place in your hands the follow ing
statement of the political doctrines nculcated by
Professor Tucker during the years attended his lee
lures. Every member of the class, during those
years, will | have no doubt confirm the CORRECTNESS
of the statement
During the sessions of ls35-36 and Is36-'3i
was regular member Of the law class Of William,
and Mary College and frequently attended the lee
lures IN ls37-3e, after had begun the practice ol
my profession Not only was | a member Of PROBES
sor fuckers class, but also daily visitor at ii.
house, where the subjects Of his lectures were the
most usual topics of nyersation between US Il ma,
be then presumed that was well acquainted with
Judge rs political sentiments, these sentiments
must necessarily be expressed in course OF lecture,
on constitutional law, 10 say nothing Of private con
versatoas on the same subject The text book,
used on constitutional law, were the letters Of MIR
Madison, MIR Jay and Mr.. Hamilton, addressed I,
the People of the United States prior 70 the adoption
u the FederaL Constitution. fanllIarly known ID.