Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1843-03-25
FOR TIE ENQUIRER.
LETTERS or EDUCATION IN v1nGIyIA-lSo VII

LETTERS on EDUCATION ~ VIRGINIA. Nc. VII
To ti0reTRDr lie D0,rCU:
Sit IL part OF my intention, 10 enter so fully
into wha; may appear something savourina more Of
politics, than becoming this topic; but found II
Impossible, in a brief manner 10 eucidaie what is
very important point, connected with "Education in
Ftrginia may be wrong The views Of colonial
policy may be erroneous. Believing them true, they
furnish the plausible for the neglect Of the
Interests OF Popular Education, which distinguished
that policy neglect, the glazing, when contrast
Ell with the erinced by other colonial establish
menis. Nor do these views imply, might
suppose, less ineres,in behalf Of political rights,
thu part Of ancestry There appears Ell the period
%! Revolution, 10 have been jealous spir, for
Liberty, existing III The House Of Burgesses Of VII.
amsbrrg, as IN Fanenil Hall in Baston. The differ
was tha, 10 the one, The contest for political
liberty, for iHdependen; Government: in The other,
.vr personal rights. Both sough: and both obtained,
The establishment of the prnc'Ple lhat Taxation and
Representation must stand or fall together. The one
sought IT, because without il, personal rights IN
iringed: the other, because political existence
danrered ''Ihe Yankee would not be taxed by aDo
t1er-!e had left his home 10 be Free to govern HIM
sell. "Ihe 'irg,nian' would not be taxed By another
TOR he would not yield the b:thrght of an En.ishman
rue 10 their origin, the Puritan would acknowledge
supremacy, but that of The people: and the Vrginian
would tear down the throne he had defended, sooner
than yield the principles, which the stability of that
throne depended.
Thus much, by way of explanation. resume the
ssthe state Of Education amongus.
= We have seen that the colonial Government be-
quea;hed US nothing, pertaining directly TO popular
Improvement. True college had been founded,
after the English Revolution, whose very name bears
evidence, uf the existence of principles, more favor
able tho interests Of the people, than had usually
governed the actions of in authority. But, that
the work 81! cndownE college was all that was done,
evinces the state of feeling to have been, at least,
df+ren, on popular improvement IN It's usual sense.
Nv her position in the ConfeGeracy, the emlnence Of
her sons her territorial extent, her chivarc SPIRIT her
sacrifices for the common veal, Virginia held, al the
period of forming the Federal Constitution, and has
continued 10 hold degree of influence in the National
Councils iar superior that propcIiionale share which
might ne regulated by constitutional provisions, o.
oosaPa.od by numbers. As IN private lie, a public
IS greatly exposed 10 personal injury, in proper
ton his activity and yea! for the general good
:ood mother has los, greatly in State interests, by
ne. absorbing engagement in Federal politics Now,
that her equal and Younger sisters have gained wisdom
~ experience maturity n az, she may afford TO
retire from the prominent position Of leader md per-
mil them, nj least trial Of their capacity for self.
\ Government.
IL easy 10 see, the history of this State that the
facts Jus, stated have accounted for her back wardness
III internal interests To the perseverance of one and
the eloqucnce OF another c,,izen neither of whom
necessary 10 NAME especially with the address, under
which your poiieness permits re 10 write, do
the rapid and suspicious change in her principles and
plans of Internal Improvement May we not hope
that neither the perseverance the eloouence shall
long be wanting, TO ;ufuse into our State Councils
ike wise zeal for The neglected concerns of popular
] improvement:
J. In connection with these considerations, may be
mentioned state OF public opinion, which has been
very adverse TO Legislative action, behalf of
schemes of general instruction. To whatever cause II
,uay be owing, there has former years existed
! among many of our prominent citizens decided re
pugoInce The adoption OF Northern motions" Had
1 wis, discrimination regulated this repugnaacc i
.i .al have greaiy eEu.ed 10 Gus benefit Bat, amor
iunaels for U.s. We hare rejected real improvement
while our citizens have often been subjected to Tie re
suits Of Northcrn Guackgiy. That ihr people Of Con
ncc,icu imposed on u braken merchants, IN the name
OF pedars with detective wares, p"saleatle goods
aad wooden n":megs isnfpcsiag popular complaints &c
be true was that should refuse 10 adop,
from her legislators whatever might prove worthy :
That is sound sdc hich, selecting from various
sources, with discriminating judgment, whatever Is
good arpropriacs y 10 lis own purposes. But those
among ue who have condemned schemes of pubic
instruction, derived from tie North. have sometime:
argued for their rejection, ;ie sfcc:d Of unsuitable
ness Il is no: necessary here discuss the question
but deserves serious considerations whether TIE reec
ton Of the details involves rejection Of the principle
| a. There has aways existed among US 4 class of po.
l,cai economists who deny the ccasttuionatity Of all
eiIcien, legislation This subject. |, is not among
the exploded opinions of The 18th century, bu, one Of
The most iusuPerable obstacles il the way of adopting
system of instruction a:she prcsentd day The Legs-