The New era. [volume] ([Portsmouth, Va.]) 1845-1847, 1845-10-04

bearing upon the subject, and to remove the i'm
preston. which seems to be prevalent, that there
are insurmouniable difficulties in the way, which
have hitherto prevented, and will still prevent.
the adoption of any general system.
The Meeting, in whose behalf we are acting.
have recommended the assembling of Conven-
ton, in the City of Richmond on the 10Th of De-
cember next, to devise and suggest some system
Tor the action of the Legislature at its approaching
session. We entertain the hope, that you will
contribute all In your power To make the Conven-
'ion worthy OF the subject; that you will recon-
memo the appointment of the wise and vrluous in
Your community, and endeavor to select those who
VIII give their presence, their time and their tai
ents To accomplish SD laudable an undertaking.
lhe Convention, when assembled, should he
worthy OF the respect which talents will ever com
mand' should be one. whose labors will rebound to
their own honor, and to the lasting advantage of
the State. We hope you will use every exerton
IN your power, to arouse lively feeling of interest
throughout the State. that all her sons may have
their minds employed, at the same time, in the
nooie purpose OF regeneratlng our old Common
wealth once the hrst. now the fourth in popula-
ton. Once the first, now the last in general in
telligence if the statistics of the census be cor
rect having greater number of persons. who
can neither read nor write, than any other State
IN the Union. Let not this burning shame be
tolerated. Let US, with united councils, wipe out
this stain from onr fair'reputaton.
1t is essential to prepare the public mind to sub
init to the imposition of an education tax The
present income of the literary fund is Inadequate
to the education even Of the INDECENT children of
the State, and we hope you will agree with us,
that the instruction of all the children of the State
should be the object of any system that it NAV be
adopted. If the people will cheerfully pay the
tax, their representatives. will not hesitate to i'm
pose it. With sufficient funds, proper system
can be speedily devised.
1t is important 10 adopt such measures as will
influence the next Legislature. We do not doubt
the willingness of the majority of the members of
that body to do all in their power, consistently
with the wishes of their constituents. 1t is ne
cessary, therefore, that the will of the people
should be ascertained. Ii meetings sufficiently
large to express that will cannot be obtained. we
recommend the circulation of petitions for sigma.
lures. few active persons deeply interested in
the cause, may, in this way, speedily and effectu-
ally obtain the expression of the views of the peo
pie, favorable TO the adoption of some more com
prehenslve and energetic system of education than
the present. The General Assembly will give to
those views efficiency and power.
If there be any other measures your Judgment
may dictate as necessary or expedient to promote
the object we have so deeply at heart, we earnest
ly hope that they may not be neglected, and that
you will communicate to us your plans and your
views. We will cheerfnlly afford you any infor-
nation in our power, and cooperate, with alacrity
in any active, efficient measures to stimulate the
people, and to bring into life a system which will
sheG light and blessing upon every section of the
Commonwealth.
George w. Munfnrd. VIM H. Macfarland,
Thomas Nelson, NJ. D., Charles F. Osborne,
Peter V. Daniel, Jr., Henry L. Brouke,
Raleigh II. Daniel. James E. Heath,
Thomas III. Ellis, Benjamin B. Minor,
Gusavus A Myers, Richard B. Gooch
lance A Corwardin