Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1844-02-06
TO THE EDITORS OF TIE ENC UIRER.
VIRGIsIA MILITARY INSTITUTE,


| Gentlemen The communication OF " Howard,
which appeared in last Saturdays Enquirer, vlndcst
ing the Preshy terans from the insnnation of the Edi
tors of the Wing, that seciar'an Influences were cou
Piled with the scheme to convert the Richmond armo
~ into military school, contains the following para
graph:
sDo not these Editors know, th4t cry may bt
raised against the Lexington school BY Presbyerans
{" Baptsts, MethodIsts, &c &c. because Of EpisrOpa
&C influences there exercised Indeed may moi almos
Z" any seat OF learning in this any ether State be
4" charged upon for similar influences, with IS much
" nay, far ground of truth than be alleged
(" against Presby ernn influences in the establishment
! &" Of this military SCHOOL,
have nothing 10 do with the matter in controvers;
between the Editors of the Wing and the Presbyteri
ans; bu, feel il to be my duty the s,a,emen
OF your Correspondent that episcopal influences
exercised at this Institution. So far is this from
being the case the whole system of discipline ond 60
mt is arranged produce result directly oppo
site t, that Of sectarunism; and for manifest
This is aitog Ier State Institution II is supported
by the State, and nat by Its visitors appoint
ed by The Executive of the State The State then and
not sect, controls lis government Ths is mol the
case with the Colleges to which your Correspondent
refers Most of these under denomino'ionat gov
ernmen and Md resist any Interference The par,
Of The State IN their control
Thus organized, the Virginia Military Institute was
designe. = confer lie benefits and privileges equally
upon all olsses Of the community, and hence the
most canton has been observed frame its laws and
control It's overnsient, so that, while moral and re-
gous principles nculcated here, nothing sbnl! be
done, which could in the remotes, degree offend the pc
culiar views of any denomination of christians. On
this account when circumstances will permit the
diets marched alternately 10 all of the churches in
lexington special privilege being allowed TO those
who professors of religion, 10 attend at all times the
churhes to which they respectively beong-and minis
ters Of oil denominations have b" invited 10 address
the cadets, and interest themselves in their spiritual
wefare-end the Bible classes have, until very recent
been under the instructions Of three of the officers
Of the Institution who belonged 10 hrec different d,no
| Mutations.
have been led into these remarks in justice TO The
Institution which have been placed, and without
amember Of the Episcopal Church. cannot doubt tina,
they will be fully satisfactory TO every candid mind
will only say, in conclusion that when the unsocit-
ed appointment which now hold conferred upon
me- majority of the members Of the Board of Visitors
belonged to the Presbyterian Church. and that was
made without the slightest regard to denomlnatonal
bias From the organization of the Institution TO the
present day, the visitors have proceeded upon the
liberal principle; and is in consequence Of their rigid
adherence TO it, that the Institution Inns enjoyed, ard
continues to enjoy, the confidence Of all denomina
Of Christians
am, gentlemen, your obi servant,
FRANCIS II. SMITH,