The New era. [volume] ([Portsmouth, Va.]) 1845-1847, 1845-11-25
THE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE.

AT meeting (whereof due notice. had been
glven,) of the people of Northampton county, for
the purpose of considering the subject of more
efficient system of education throughout VIRGINIA
held in Eastville. on Monday, the 10Th instant.
1t being the first day of the courts quarterly term.
DIR. Jesse j. Simkins was called to the Chair.
and Henry p c. Wilson appointed Secretary.
Tie President, on taking the Chair, addressed
the meeting, at large, on the interesting nature
and vast Importance of the subject. and on the,ap-
titude OF the present time for the accomplishment
of work so full of blessing to Virginias succeed
ing generations
The meeting was also favored with addresses
from several other gentlemen, all concurrinu in
the propriety of the popular movements now being
made on this great measure of public utility. and
the following preamble and resolutions submitted
and enforced by Hamilton S. Neal, Esq, were
unanimously adopted:
PREAMBLE
Whereas time has honured the custom. that
when any great question, involving the we'll heinz
OF mankind, is brought to bear upon their imme-
dtaie interests, that expression of opinion should
be formally made In primary meetings; and view
ing, as we do, the present agitation of the ques-
ton OF Education In Virginia as one of the yery
greatest importance To our Commonwealth we
feel ii duty which we owe to ourselves individ
ually, and to the public, that we should give ex-
preston To our sentiments upon the subject, by
nearby yielding our assent To the proceedings of
sister counties in relation To this matter as well
as by resolution TO cooperate with them in all ex
pedlent ways, in procuring change in the pre-
sent school system, and establishing in its stead
healthy and intellectual cause of Educa tion-be-
levlng, as we do, that lis successful appliances
VIII be the means OF removing vice and misery 10
their own proper limits, and making good, useful
and virtuous citizens of those who may become
the recipients of its benefits
Therefore, ReSolred That we hail with plea
sure the almost Simultaneous movements, on The
subject OF Education, throughout Virginia, as the
ddwnlng OF an suspicious era upon our beloved
Old Commonwealth, and trust that these harbin-
ger lights of moral and intellectual freedom will
Ind many friends, true and rusy, to aid their en-.
tightening Influences, until our State shall become
as famous for the suundness of its system OF Edu-
cation as she has been ever celebrated for patriot
ism and chvalry.
RESOLVED, That we cheerlully, both by mea
sures and means cooperate with our sister coun-
ties OF the State IN their crusade against popular
ignorance, believing, we do, that if ignorance
be the mother of blind superstition she is no less
the parent of misery and crime
ResOlced, That our efficient Representative
"e, ana ne is heTeDy MISUNDERSTANDING as we
well do his hearty cooperation with his fellow
citizens on the subect-to his influence in that
branch of the Legislature of which he is a mem
Der. for the establishment of a school system, hav
ing none of the Objectionable features of the present
one, and designed in its application to make use
tn and valuable citizens of those who NAV avail
themselves of its benefits, as well as by lis opera
tons To reflect credit upon the Commonwealth
On motion, it was
ReSotoed, That the following gentlemen, viz ::
DR.. Jesse j. Simkins, w L. SAVAGE. DIR VIM
Thorn, DIR. G. II. VERIFY, NJ w. Fisher. and
Henry Z. G. Wilson, be delegates appointed by
this meeting TO attend the EDUCATION Convention.
which will take place in the City of Richmond
on the 10Th day of December next, and that the
foregoing proceedings be published in The Norfolk
and Richmond papers.
JESSE j. SIMKINS, Chairman.
HENRY p. G. WILSON, Secretary.